This Major Dominican Republic Attraction Has Reopened After Safety Scare

Last Updated 5 months ago

Puerto Plata’s iconic cable car has reopened after being temporarily closed due to security concerns last week.

A view of the cable car in Puerto Plata with mountain in the back

The famous attraction was shut down on June 30 after officials uncovered issues with the cable car’s mechanical systems. After conducting vigorous safety checks, travelers and locals are once again able to hop on board one of the most scenic experiences on the tropical island.

With Puerto Plata soaring in popularity thanks to its quaint beaches and breathtaking mountain views, here’s all the latest on the city’s must-see attraction.

A white-sand beach in Puerto Plata with tropical palm trees

Puerto Plata Cable Car Reopens To Tourists

After officially launching in 1975, Puerto Plata’s cable car has become one of the most popular attractions in the coastal city and the entirety of the Dominican Republic.

With thousands of monthly riders, the security and safety of travelers and locals is of utmost importance for local officials, who conduct regular checks to make sure the cable car remains in working condition.

And after detecting a minor mechanical fault in one of the ride’s systems on Friday, June 30, officials immediately closed down the attraction to further investigate the issue.

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In a media interview, Jean Abbott, the director of the cable car, told reporters that a local engineering firm was summoned to carefully inspect the attraction’s mechanical systems in accordance with standardized procedures.

An additional 40 test rides were carried out – without passengers – to ensure the safety of the attraction, and after days of waiting, Puerto Plata’s thrilling cable car is once again operational.

ambulance on a busy street in the Dominican Republic

While officials have yet to reveal the exact cause of the mechanical fault, it is believed that the cable car’s electric motors malfunctioned. Local businesses, including taxi companies and tour guides, expressed concern over unclear communication regarding the duration of the checks.

But with millions of travelers setting foot in the Dominican Republic each year, safety is taken seriously in a country that wants to become the most popular Caribbean hotspot in the future, and Puerto Plata is no exception.

Why Travelers Are Crazy About Puerto Plata’s Cable Car

With resort hotspots like Punta Cana and Samaná increasingly packed with tourists, a growing number of travelers are venturing to new destinations.

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And many are opting for Puerto Plata. Not only does the coastal city have much of what makes Punta Cana so popular – white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and excellent connectivity – but it’s also home to some of the country’s most impressive scenery.

Lush mountains and expansive valleys create a lasting impression in Puerto Plata, and there’s no better way to experience the city’s natural beauty than by riding the Teleferico Puerto Plata (Puerto Plata Cable Car).

impressive view of the cable car in Puerto plata

The renowned attraction is a stone’s throw away from Puerto Plata’s bustling downtown. Easily reached by public transport – or better yet, Uber – this top-rated attraction has an average rating of 4.7 on Google Reviews.

The cable car is open every day from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM, and a ride costs just $6 per person – a bargain hard to find elsewhere in the country.

Along the way to the mountaintop, travelers can enjoy panoramic views of stunning rainforests and increasingly dramatic scenery as the cable car approaches the peak of Isabel de Torres Mountain.

A large vessel floating on the sea during sunset

After the 10-minute ride, travelers can go for a stroll around the peak of the mountain and grab a bite at Restaurante El Teleferico or admire the 16-meter-tall statue of Christ, which stands overlooking the city.

Whether traveling alone or with family, Puerto Plata’s cable car is a worthy addition to any Dominican Republic itinerary.