VILLA 303
Puerto Plata Tourist Attractions
Home to more than 100 kms (62 miles) of pristine beaches, the largest collection of preserved 19th century Victorian-style buildings in the Caribbean and a jaw-dropping mountain range hugged by a glimmering coastline
Amber Museum
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The Amber Museum of Puerto Plata is a window to our prehistoric past, for the past 40 million years.
Dominican Amber is considered among the most valuable in the world. This semi-precious gem formed during the Tertiary and Mesozoic periods, 25-40 millions of years ago. Ancient Conifer trees produced a sap that oozed out of its branches, in many cases trapping leaves, birds, insects and small animals like geckos.
Once fossilized, it became a time capsule, preserving the trapped species for millions of years. This sticky resin hardened into a warm golden gem later to be known as amber. It has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since the Neolithic times. There are five classes of amber, and when it contains animal or plants inside, its called inclusions.
The Amber museum has several display rooms, with an impressive collection of pieces of many sizes, containing plants, insects and other fossilized small animals ( a highlight is a 20 million year old gecko, completely preserved ).
Fort San Felipe
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Fort San Felipe is Puerto Plata's only remaining colonial structure and one of the first European forts constructed in the Americas. It was built between 1564 and 1577 to defend against colonists from other European countries, as well as pirates looking for silver and gold.
Its primary use throughout the centuries has been as a prison. Inside its eight-foot-thick walls, visitors will find some interesting wartime historical artifacts as well as a small museum.
The fort is ringed by a moat and outlined in lights at night, and the park below the fort is an ideal spot to view the sunset; there are excellent views from the fort as well.
Damajagua Waterfalls
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Hidden in a lush Dominican Republic jungle, Damajagua Falls—otherwise known as the 27 Waterfalls of Rio Damajagua or 27 Charcos—are a series of 27 cascading waterfalls that were discovered in the 1990s. Located in the midst of sugarcane fields in the Northern Corridor mountain range, the hidden falls are a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
First church of the Americas
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Built over the ruins of the original 16th century church built by Christopher Columbus at La Isabela–considered the first Catholic Church of the New World–Templo de Las Américas’ brick and stone colonial building. Its interior is replete with images of the Virgin Mary. Stroll inside and feel the constant breeze from the nearby Atlantic flowing through this spiritual site.
La Isabela in Puerto Plata Province, Dominican Republic was the first Spanish town in the Americas. The site is 42 km west of the city of Puerto Plata, adjacent to the village of El Castillo. The area now forms a National Historic Park.
La Isabela was founded by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage in December 1493, and named after Queen Isabella I of Castile
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Mount Isabel de Torres
Overlooking Puerto Plata, the 2,600-foot Mount Isabel de Torres affords stunning panoramic views of the city, beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The majority of tourists choose to travel up the mountain using a cable vehicle and enjoy the views as well as airborne photos, but more active visitors can walk up to the summit.
The summit houses an image of the Christ Redeemer that presides across the town below, reminiscent of the famous landmark located in Rio de Janeiro.
Damajagua Waterfalls
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Hidden in a lush Dominican Republic jungle, Damajagua Falls—otherwise known as the 27 Waterfalls of Rio Damajagua or 27 Charcos—are a series of 27 cascading waterfalls that were discovered in the 1990s. Located in the midst of sugarcane fields in the Northern Corridor mountain range, the hidden falls are a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
Day Trip to
Cayo Arena
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Cayo Arena is a rare, small coral island in front of the Northwestern coast of the Dominican Republic.
A tiny sandbar used as a base for snorkeling & diving excursions in the surrounding coral reefs.
