Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
gica de Santiago, aka UTESA). A motoconcho (motorcycle taxi) here costs RD$75, a taxi
RD$150. The ride is notorious for opening late or closing early. Officially licensed guides
will no doubt try to coax any independent travelers to use their services, though they
really aren't necessary.
In theory, you can also walk up (or down) the mountain, paying only a one-way fare to
return (the trail begins under the cable car). However, this can't really be recommended,
in part because it's a strenuous two- to three-hour walk (about 7km) and certainly impos-
sible to do without a guide (in part because of safety issues). It is, however, a good warm-
up for Pico Duarte. On weekends, local guides (RD$1000) hang out in the ticket office
parking lot. Alternatively, Iguana Mama offers this tour.
Casa Museo General Gregorio Luperón
( 809-261-8661; museogregorioluperon@claro.net.do ; Calle 12 de Julio 54; adult/child RD$200/100;
8:30am-6:30pm Tue-Sun) The life and times of native-born son and independence leader,
Gregorio Luperón are impressively fleshed out inside this beautifully restored pale-green
Victorian-era building. Photographs and period artifacts trace Luperón's life, from humble
beginnings to his role as provisional president during the 'Restoration', as well as tell
Puerto Plata's story during the late 19th century.
Dominicans and Spanish speakers are charged only RD$100/50 per adult/child. The
charming cafe, which serves pastries, tapas and sandwiches (RD$175), is open until
10:30pm.
MUSEUM
Museo del Ambar Dominicano
( 809-586-3910; www.ambermuseum.com ; Calle Duarte 61; admission RD$50; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat)
The colonial-era building houses a collection of amber exhibits. These exhibits include
valuable pieces with such rare inclusions as a small lizard and a 30cm-long feather (the
longest one found to date). Tours are offered in English and Spanish. A gift shop on the
ground floor has a large selection of jewelry, rum, cigars, handicrafts and souvenirs.
MUSEUM, SHOP
Galería de Ambar
MAP
MUSEUM, SHOP
GOOGLE MAP
( 809-586-6467; www.ambercollection.itgo.com ; Calle 12 de Julio; admission RD$25; 8:30am-6pm
Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm Sat) Despite its unfortunate location, housed in a rundown office-like
building, there are museum-quality exhibits on the history of amber mining in the DR as
well as on rum, sugar, tobacco and coffee. Multilingual guides are on hand to answer
 
 
 
 
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