Government starts Puerto Plata Cable Car works on 3 October
Published on 10/04/2026 at 01:21 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
The Puerto Plata Cable Car (Teleférico de Puerto Plata) entered a new modernisation phase in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on 3 October 2026. The project changes a closed tourist transport system into a construction site, while preserving its historic route towards Loma Isabel de Torres.
The authorities expect the renewed system to enter operation in the first quarter of 2028, after installation, technical testing and the procedures required for opening.
Puerto Plata Cable Car modernisation began on 3 October
José Ignacio Paliza, the Dominican minister of the Presidency, led the start of the works on 3 October 2026. The intervention is being carried out by the Unit for the Redevelopment of Neighbourhoods and Environments, known as URBE, together with the DOMA consortium.
The consortium includes Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH and the Dominican company Grupo Malespín. The plan replaces the current system with a bicable reversible aerial tramway, two panoramic cabins for 55 passengers each, and new drive, control, monitoring and safety systems. The official project announcement places the expected return to service in the first quarter of 2028.
The work also covers the cables, electrical infrastructure and stations. The Dominican authorities have not announced a new opening day, so the first quarter of 2028 remains a planning target rather than a confirmed travel date.
New cabins will keep the historic mountain route
The system has operated since 1975 and connects Puerto Plata with Loma Isabel de Torres. That route will remain part of the renewed installation, linking the city with the mountain attraction rather than creating a different visitor destination.
Current cabins carry approximately 18 to 20 passengers. The replacement vehicles will carry 55 people each, while the system is planned to move up to 430 passengers per hour in each direction. This relationship between the 3 October works and the retained mountain route means the project concerns both the transport infrastructure and access to the established attraction.
The intervention follows the cable car's closure after the existing system could not obtain the safety certification required for operation. The new scheme therefore concerns access as well as capacity: visitors cannot currently take the cable car, and the announced future service depends on completed construction, testing and approval. Independent project details confirm the retained route and the planned technical renewal.
Visiting Puerto Plata Cable Car: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The modernisation works began on 3 October 2026 at the Puerto Plata Cable Car site in Puerto Plata.
- The cable car is not currently available for rides. The renewed system is planned to return in the first quarter of 2028, subject to construction, testing and the required procedures.
- The attraction's established route runs from Puerto Plata towards Loma Isabel de Torres. The route is being retained as part of the modernisation.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Puerto Plata Cable Car
What has changed at Puerto Plata Cable Car?
Modernisation works began on 3 October 2026. The plan replaces the cabins, cables, stations, electrical infrastructure and safety systems.
When will Puerto Plata Cable Car reopen?
The renewed system is planned to enter operation in the first quarter of 2028, after construction, installation and technical testing.
Where is Puerto Plata Cable Car and what route does it serve?
It is in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and its historic route connects the city with Loma Isabel de Torres.
