Another reports that the name is based on the geographical resemblance of the region to Spain's Altamira Caves.

In its earliest days, Altamira functioned as a set of large agricultural ranches, populated by families transferred there from nearby conucos (small farms).

For this reason, some still call Altamira's signature tobacco plantations the "Ranches of Puerto Plata."

At the time of the Devastations of Ozoria, the community helped maintain communication between the Valley of the Cibao and Port Silver.

When Altamira was declared a municipality, its first communal leader was General Don José Hilario Francisco.

It is the Dominican Republic's fifth largest municipality in area and is divided into eight regions: Río Grande, Pescado Bobo, El Mamey, Palmar Grande, Los Llanos, Higüero, Quebrada Honda y Escalera.