Pico Isabel de Torres stands some 2,600 feet (792.5 metres) tall, towering over the city of Puerto Plata below. Take the cable car up to the plateaued peak for unrivaled views over the city below and the chance to explore the modest but pleasant, botanical gardens.
Plan your trip for early morning for the best chance of unimpeded views. From late morning onward, the mountain becomes shrouded in cloud and there will be little to see from the summit.
Board the Puerto Plata Cable Car, also known as the teleférico, and steel yourself for a vertiginous trip upward. As the carriage moves slowly up the steep wire, more and more of the city, as well as the surrounding coastline, will be revealed to you below.
After disembarking from the cable car, explore the summit. Look for the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer, a smaller-scale version of the iconic monument that overlooks Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. This is a good spot for photo opportunities and many tourists get photos of themselves standing in front of the massive statue, highlighting its epic scale.
Stroll through the lush botanical gardens and inspect endemic plant species, before browsing the wares for sales at the various stalls.
Allow yourself plenty of time to revel in the panoramic views. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the tropical forest surrounding the summit as well as the city buildings and the coastline below. Walk around the gardens and the summit to see the views from different angles.
The cable car leading to Pico Isabel de Torres is open Monday to Sunday and runs regularly. There is a fee to ride it. The mountain can also be climbed, however, it’s worth bearing in mind that should only be attempted by fit and well-prepared travellers and you’ll need a guide to assist. Guides can be found in the car park near the base of the cable car.
