The Puerto Plata skylift up to the botanical gardens at Isabel de Torres Mountain in the city of Puerto Plata is unlikely to happen soon, at least for summer travel.
Former Puerto Plata senator Francis Vargas of the Fuerza del Pueblo opposition party recently complained that the authorities, namely the Ministry of Tourism, has delayed in taking action to put the iconic attraction back into service.
The skylift was one of the most popular excursions for maritime visitors. Puerto Plata is the country’s leading cruise ship city, with two ports – Amber Cove and Taino Bay.
Now tourists who want to visit the botanical gardens have to go by road along a winding road up by the back side or hike up the mountain on the northside. The experience on top is worth it, but the skylift was a spectacular and easy way to get there.
The sky lift has been out of operation for two years. Francis Vargas feels there has been “neglect” on behalf of the authorities. He especially mentioned the lack of attention from the Ministry of Tourism that has a fund for infrastructure works, when interviewed on Matinal (Telemicro, Channel 5).
Vargas said the skylift has been to Puerto Plata what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris or the Statue of Liberty is to New York and demanded action from the authorities.
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Matinal
Listin Diario
17 March 2026