Puerto Plata

    Named Puerto Plata in 1493 by Columbus because of the way the sun shone  on the water, creating the illusion of a mass of silver coins, this port was used as a stopover for ships carrying loads of silver on their way to Spain from Mexico.  The town remained a trading port until the buildup of the tourist industry.  An international airport provides easy access to the north coast at Puerto Plata. 

    Fuerte San Felipe is the only remaining structure from the colonial days.  Built in 1564 and 1577 as a line of defense from invasion from the sea, it has spent much of its life as a prison.

    Rising nearly 2400 feet above Puerto Plata, is Isabel de Torres Peak, which Christopher Columbus named after the Queen who funded his expeditions.  You can ride to the top via the Teleferico (cable car) which you board at the base of the mountain.  At the top of the mountain is the Christ the Redeemer statue and the botanical garden and its multiple trails.