How much does the cable car cost?

The round-trip cable car fare is approximately RD$350 (about US$6), which includes park admission and access to the botanical garden and summit facilities. Children under 5 ride free. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes each way and offers spectacular aerial views of Puerto Plata, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains. Tickets are purchased at the base station.

Can I hike to the summit instead of taking the cable car?

A hiking trail to the summit exists but it is steep, poorly maintained, and not well marked. The hike takes 2-3 hours up and 1.5-2 hours down. It passes through dense forest with muddy sections. The cable car is recommended for most visitors, but fit hikers who enjoy a challenge can attempt the trail. Start early in the morning to avoid the heat and allow time for the climb. Bring plenty of water.

🏞️

🏞️ National Park

Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres

Cable car to a mountaintop botanical garden

Easy📏 20 km²⏱️ 2-3 hours📍 North Coast

Quick Facts

🏞️

Type

National Park

🎟️

Entry Fee

RD$350 cable car round-trip (approximately US$6); park entrance included

📊

Difficulty

Easy

⏱️

Duration

2-3 hours

🧭

Guide

Self-Guided OK

📐

Area

20 km²

📅

Established

1973

☀️

Best Time

Morning for clearest views; December through April for best weather

🕐

Hours

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Thursday through Sunday (cable car hours)

⛰️

Elevation

200-793m

📶

Cell Coverage

Good coverage at base station and summit

⛺

Camping

Not Allowed

🏗️ Facilities:Cable Car StationGift ShopSnack Bar At SummitRestroomsViewing Platforms

🦎 Key Species:Hispaniolan woodpeckerHispaniolan lizard-cuckooTree fernsBromeliadsWild orchids

🌄 Key Features:Caribbean's only cable car (teleferico)Christ the Redeemer statueBotanical gardenPanoramic north coast viewsCloud forest

🎒 What to Bring:CameraLight sweater or jacket (cooler at summit)SunscreenWaterCash for cable car ticket and snack bar

⚠️ Warnings:Cable car only operates Thursday through Sunday — plan accordinglyClouds often roll in by early afternoon, obscuring viewsThe hiking trail to the summit is steep and poorly maintained — cable car recommendedSummit paths can be slippery when wet — wear proper footwear

🥾 Trails:Summit botanical garden loop (1 km)Cloud forest nature trail (0.5 km)

Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres crowns the flat-topped Loma Isabel de Torres, a 793-meter mountain that dominates the skyline above the city of Puerto Plata on the north coast. What makes this park unique is its teleferico — the only aerial cable car in the Caribbean — which whisks visitors from the bustling city below to the cool, misty mountain summit in just 10 minutes, offering sweeping panoramic views along the way.

At the summit, visitors find a carefully maintained botanical garden showcasing native and tropical plant species, walking paths through subtropical humid forest, and a Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue modeled after the famous monument in Rio de Janeiro. The park protects the mountain's cloud forest ecosystem, which captures moisture from passing trade wind clouds and feeds springs that are an important water source for Puerto Plata. On clear days, the views extend across the entire north coast.

The summit area offers several enjoyable experiences:

Botanical Garden: A well-maintained garden loop trail (approximately 1 km) featuring labeled native plants, tropical flowers, medicinal plants, and ornamental species. Benches along the path offer shaded rest stops with views.
Cristo Redentor Statue: The Christ the Redeemer statue at the summit is a popular photo spot, especially with the north coast panorama as a backdrop.
Cloud Forest Trail: A short nature trail (0.5 km) through the mountain's natural cloud forest habitat, where trees are draped in mosses and ferns. Look for birds including the Hispaniolan woodpecker and lizard-cuckoo.
Viewing Platforms: Multiple observation points around the summit offer views of Puerto Plata, the coastline, and on clear days, the mountains of the Cordillera Septentrional.

The summit temperature is notably cooler than at sea level — typically 5-10 degrees Celsius lower — making it a refreshing escape from the coastal heat.

Make the most of your Isabel de Torres visit:

Weather timing: Mornings generally offer the clearest views. Clouds often roll in by early afternoon, obscuring the panorama. Aim to ride the cable car up before 11 AM.
Cable car schedule: The teleferico operates Thursday through Sunday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Monday through Wednesday for maintenance. Check for holiday schedules.
Rainy season: The mountain receives more rain than the city below. Bring a light rain jacket even if it looks sunny at sea level.
Photography: The cable car ride itself offers fantastic aerial photos. Sit on the left side going up for the best views of the coastline.
Bring a sweater: The summit can feel surprisingly cool, especially when clouds move in. A light layer is appreciated.
Crowds: Weekends and holidays attract the most visitors. Thursday and Friday mornings are the quietest times.
Hiking alternative: The adventurous can hike to the summit via a trail from the base, but it is steep, poorly marked, and takes 2-3 hours. The cable car is recommended for most visitors.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

The teleferico (cable car) at Isabel de Torres operates Thursday through Sunday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed Monday through Wednesday for maintenance. During peak holiday periods (Christmas, Semana Santa) it may operate additional days. The last car up departs around 4:00 PM to allow time for visitors to enjoy the summit and return. Check locally for any schedule changes.

🌿 Nearby National Parks

Saltos de Damajagua (27 Waterfalls)

🗿 Natural Monument

2-4 hours (depending on route)

6 km²

Park Information

🎫

Entry Fee

RD$350 cable car round-trip (approximately US$6); park entrance included

🕒

Opening Hours

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Thursday through Sunday (cable car hours)

📊

Difficulty

Easy

🧭

Guide Required

⏱️

Recommended Duration

2-3 hours

📅

Best Time to Visit

Morning for clearest views; December through April for best weather

⛰️

Elevation

200-793m

📏

Area

20 km²

🏘️

Nearest Town

Puerto Plata

Get Directions →

This park is in

Puerto Plata →

Discovering Paradise

Quick Facts

🏞️

Type

National Park

🎟️

Entry Fee

RD$350 cable car round-trip (approximately US$6); park entrance included

📊

Difficulty

Easy

⏱️

Duration

2-3 hours

🧭

Guide

Self-Guided OK

📐

Area

20 km²

📅

Established

1973

☀️

Best Time

Morning for clearest views; December through April for best weather

🕐

Hours

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Thursday through Sunday (cable car hours)

⛰️

Elevation

200-793m

📶

Cell Coverage

Good coverage at base station and summit

⛺

Camping

Not Allowed

🏗️ Facilities:Cable Car StationGift ShopSnack Bar At SummitRestroomsViewing Platforms

🦎 Key Species:Hispaniolan woodpeckerHispaniolan lizard-cuckooTree fernsBromeliadsWild orchids

🌄 Key Features:Caribbean's only cable car (teleferico)Christ the Redeemer statueBotanical gardenPanoramic north coast viewsCloud forest

🎒 What to Bring:CameraLight sweater or jacket (cooler at summit)SunscreenWaterCash for cable car ticket and snack bar

🥾 Trails:Summit botanical garden loop (1 km)Cloud forest nature trail (0.5 km)

Make the most of your Isabel de Torres visit:

Weather timing: Mornings generally offer the clearest views. Clouds often roll in by early afternoon, obscuring the panorama. Aim to ride the cable car up before 11 AM.
Cable car schedule: The teleferico operates Thursday through Sunday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Monday through Wednesday for maintenance. Check for holiday schedules.
Rainy season: The mountain receives more rain than the city below. Bring a light rain jacket even if it looks sunny at sea level.
Photography: The cable car ride itself offers fantastic aerial photos. Sit on the left side going up for the best views of the coastline.
Bring a sweater: The summit can feel surprisingly cool, especially when clouds move in. A light layer is appreciated.
Crowds: Weekends and holidays attract the most visitors. Thursday and Friday mornings are the quietest times.
Hiking alternative: The adventurous can hike to the summit via a trail from the base, but it is steep, poorly marked, and takes 2-3 hours. The cable car is recommended for most visitors.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres

Quick Facts

About Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres

Summit Attractions

Visitor Tips

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🌿 Nearby National Parks

Saltos de Damajagua (27 Waterfalls)

Park Information

Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres

Quick Facts

About Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres

Summit Attractions

Visitor Tips

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🌿 Nearby National Parks

Saltos de Damajagua (27 Waterfalls)

Park Information