Deputy Minister of Tourism for Puerto Plata, César José de los Santos announced that the Italian company that was paid a reportedly additional US$25,000 to install a new motor in the Puerto Plata skylift has promised to have this in place this month. He said the skylift to the top of Isabel de Torres Mt. could be operational by the end of this month. The skylift was closed due to mechanical failures in August 1996. The government invested reportedly RD$16 million in its repair. After President Fernández himself inaugurated it on a trip to Puerto Plata in July, it was not until November that it entered into operation, to last two days until it had to be shut down again. The visit to the top of the mountain is well worth it. At the top, visitors can enjoy the lovely Botanical Gardens park as well as breath-taking panoramic views of the North Coast. At present, a visit to the top can still be made, but a four-wheel vehicle is necessary given the bad road. The trip should also be avoided on a rainy day. To get there, turn South at the Brugal Motocross sign (about 10 minutes East of Puerto Plata city) and drive past Cupey town up to the Botanical Gardens. A guard at the entrance will charge RD$20 per adult for admission. (3 February 2000)
