Browsing Humacao
This beach, located west of the village of Luquillo, is popular with locals for its cleanliness, amenities, and fun atmosphere. Visitors can camp at the nearby campground, purchase delicious snacks from beachside food and drink vendors, and feel safe swimming in the water as there are patrolling lifeguards on duty during daylight hours. The beach is accessible and can be enjoyed by all; there is even an area set aside especially so those with special needs can enjoy the sand and surf. This is a "blue flag" beach, which means that the waters are designated as monitored and clean (and that it has certain amenities such as public restrooms.)
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This public beach is located near Humacao and is a popular overnight beach as it offers seaside cabins and villas for rent. It is a wide, clean stretch of white sand and offers great swimming coupled with a variety of available amenities and shade-giving palm trees. One of the most famous attractions at Punta Santiago is the off-shore island of Cayo Santiago, where populations of rhesus monkeys live, safely protected by animal researchers. Also known as Monkey Island, Cayo Santiago is off-limits for visitors, but boat tours are available that circle the grounds so spectators can watch the monkey's antics from a distance. Or, you can snorkel, swim, or dive around the perimeter to get a good view of the primates.
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This beach is a great family site, as it is clean, offers amenities (such as bathrooms, lifeguards, food kiosks, etc.), and has great snorkeling right off shore. Seven Seas underwent a major renovation in 2003 (to the tune of about $1 million), so the facilities are pretty new, clean, and nice. It is a good beach for trying water sports, especially kayaking, as the bay is usually fairly calm. There is also a campground on site that's a popular place to stay as it is very close to the beach and amenities--there's even a restaurant nearby. The balneario can be crowded on weekends, due to its nice powdery sand and calm seas, but it's worth a visit.
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What may look like a shanty small village, is really a cluster of restaurants and food kiosks situated beyond the runway of the Aeropuerto Internacional Luis Munoz Marin in San Juan. The shacks that comprise Boca de Cangrejos feature some of the best (and cheapest) food around. You can feast on tasty delights such as "alcapurrias" (seasoned meat wrapped in a yuca root dough and fried); it's never a bad idea to sample a variety of the delicious vittles available here. There is also a nice sandy beach lined with palm trees in town, so in addition to heavenly activities like eating, there's always good lounging, swimming, and surfing.
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In the northeast corner of Puerto Rico is the Bosque Estatal de Piñones, a natural reserve that harbors dozens of species of birds including herons and pelicans. The forest is mostly mangrove and palms and lies adjacent to the coast. Visitors can explore the sandy dunes and natural beauty of this several mile stretch of land. Nearby are kiosks containing food and drinks so you can take a break for lunch and continue the rest of the day exploring the natural surroundings.
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Stretching for nearly three miles of beautiful sandy beaches and calm blue-green waters, Candelero Beach is a peaceful stretch of paradise at the Palmas del Mar resort on the coast south of Humacao and east of Candelero Abajo. The palm cluttered beach provides a little bit of shade as it stretches nearly to the calm water lapping on the shore. Sheltered by coral reefs and outlaying islets, the beach is calm and relaxing.
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Located at the Palmas del Mar resort, is the Casino Real operated by Four Points Hotels. When the gambling bug bites, be sure to head down to the casino which is open until the wee hours of the morning. The 7,000-foot casino primarily has slot games to play, but also has Blackjack, a Roulette table, and a Texas Hold-'em table. Afterwards, cozy on up to the Casino Bar, which serves drinks and snacks until 3am after the casino closes for the night.
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This uninhabited island off the coast of Humacao is home to about 1,000 free-ranging rhesus macaques (monkeys). Thanks to the work of hundreds of scientists from Harvard University, the University of Puerto Rico, and the National Institutes of Health, these monkeys are some of the most well-studied animals in the world. On a daily basis, there are about 10-15 researchers on the island studying the monkeys; the researchers catch a boat ride back to Humacao at night and don't have overnight accommodations set up on the island. Some of the areas of study are (or have been in the past) social relationships, animal communication, kinships, and punishment. The island is not open to visitors. However, the public can view the monkeys from the water--by boat, snorkeling, or diving--surrounding the area.
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This forest stretches north from the town of Ceiba to Fajardo, on Puerto Rico's eastern coast. It was designated as a nature reserve in 1979 because of its biodiversity and potential for environmental studies. The forest is home to many varieties of plants and animals, including mangrove trees, which make up about 95% of the forest. Wildlife you can spot here includes tropical birds (playero picocorvo, ladybird, paloma cabeciblanca, etc.), tortoises, and manatees. The reserve is vital for the protection of endangered and rare species in the area, such as the yerba tortoise and manatee, as regional coastal habitats are easily destroyed by development and erosion.
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This cultural institution is located in downtown Humacao and is open to the public. On display are rotating art exhibitions by both local and international artists. The center also offers various art workshops in which both locals and visitors can sign up for these informative classes. If you're interested in browsing some good art--and don't want to pay museum prices to do so--the Centro de Arte is the place to go.
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This island paradise is located about 19 miles east of Puerto Rico and is one of the area's most unspoiled tropical secrets. It is home to less than 3,000 permanent residents, beautiful crystal-clear waters (visibility averages about 60 feet on any given day), and luscious white-sand beaches. Visitors to the island are usually looking for peace and quiet, and that's what you'll find here (if you're out to find the bumpin' nightlife in the area, this is not the island for you). There is great snorkeling and diving around the hard and soft coral reefs off the shores of Culebra, so make sure to bring your mask and snorkel when visiting.
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This 10,000 square foot casino, located on the grounds of the El Conquistador Resort, features a wide variety of games and machines, and provides constant gaming entertainment. It recently underwent a $1.4 million renovation, which included adding more games and coinless slot machines. The casino is known for having a casual and fun atmosphere. Try your hand at Caribbean poker, blackjack, or roulette--whatever is your game of choice--then head over to the lounge to watch a favorite sports team on one of the flat-screen TVs. The casino offers a unique change of pace from lounging on the beach.
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This challenging golf course was designed by legendary landscape architect Arthur Hills and sits on a bluff overlooking the blue sea. The fairways are known for being narrow and the course goes through multiple elevation changes, requiring golfers to use strategy, and not just brute force, when hitting the ball. The course is an 18-hole, par-72 challenge that's good for anyone who's looking for a unique, elevated course--different from many of the flatter courses that dot the island.
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This magnificent cross section of beautiful plants and animals is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System. It spreads over 28,000 acres throughout the Luquillo Mountains of eastern Puerto Rico and is home to thousands of plant and animal species. Over 600,000 people visit the forest each year to experience the warm tropical environment. The park averages a near constant temperature of 73 degrees F, with almost no seasonal changes. The park is also a great place to get an ecological lesson about this amazingly bio-diverse forest. One of the best ways to explore the park is hiking; there are many trails to choose from, and all of them wind through different areas of the park and offer great scenery, waterfalls, and mountaintop vistas.
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This small, eastern Puerto Rican town houses the largest marina in the Caribbean, home to about 750 boats, making it a popular destination for sea-going travelers. It is located close to popular outlying islands--Palomino, Icaco, Culebra, and Vieques, among others--and is the port of call for many of the ferries and shuttles that make daily trips to these islands. In addition to visiting the town to dock a boat or embark on a day trip to a nearby island, many people go to Fajardo for sports and recreational activities. A wide variety of water sports rentals are available here, from surfing to diving to sailing. Another popular draw for visitors is taking a kayak tour out into the area's bioluminescent lagoon, Laguna Grande, in the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, where visitors can have the amazing experience of kayaking among the glowing, blue-green microorganisms at night.
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This beautiful beacon of light sits on a cliff overlooking the southern Caribbean sea. It was constructed in 1892 by Spanish conquistadors and is still in operation, managed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Although it is closed to the public, visitors can get a great view of of the lighthouse from the Playa Punta Tuna below or via a drive on Ctra 760. The lighthouse's surrounding grounds are beautiful and offer a great scenic vantage point for those looking for good photo opportunities.
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This 25,000-square-foot spa features not only traditional spa treatments and massages, but also a tea lounge, fitness center, and cafe. Although you can sign up for well-known treatments such as the usual facials and body wraps, why not try something different here? The spa offers such regional specials as "Intense Sun Recovery Facial", using Stone Crop--a local plant renowned for its healing abilities, or the "Roasted Coffee Scrub", which utilizes local Puerto Rican coffee grains to polish skin and improve circulation. The Golden Door Spa is known as one of the best on the island, thanks to its beautiful and relaxing ambiance, professional staff, and unique treatments. If you're looking to luxuriously pamper yourself--Caribbean style--the Golden Door is the place to go.
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This horse race track located in the town of Canovanas is a popular entertainment venue for local Puertorriqueños. The track operates an all-island betting network where locals and visitors can bet on their favorite horses on any of the race days--Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There are various restaurants at the track too, so you can enjoy both the race and delicious Puerto Rican food. Flat-screen televisions appear throughout the track, so you're never too far from catching the action on the track.
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Although there's not much to see inside this old building, it may be worth a walk-by as the building is one of the best examples of neoclassical architecture on the island. It was constructed in 1925 and originally used as the first district courthouse in the area. Today, the landmark serves as Humacao's City Hall, and is home to mostly municipal offices such as the Mayor's office.
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In the heart of downtown Humacao in the town square is the Iglesia Dulce Nombre de Jesús. Dating back to 1793, the church bears typical Puerto Rican architectural styles originating from the Spanish conquistadors and missions. Outside, the intricate detailing of the fascia and window frames highlight the prominent bell-tower in the front of the building. Inside, the spectacular sweeping arches and stain-glass windows create a myriad of shapes, shadows, colors, and light. Take a walk around the courtyard and fountains, which will make you feel like you're in a little oasis within the city.
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This 85-foot waterfall in El Yunque Caribbean National Forest is situated very close to the road that winds through the park, so it's easily accessible. Because the falls are one of the first sights park visitors will see as they drive through, it's a popular stop on bus tours and there are usually crowds of people here taking photos of the beautiful cascade. The water tumbles off the cliff above, dramatically splashing off of the rocks below, so it makes for a good rainforest photo-op.
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Check out the marvels of nature at this amazing lake in the northeast corner of Puerto Rico. By day, Laguna Grande is a beautiful place to go hiking through the precipitous peninsula nestled between the ocean and beautiful beaches. By night, the lake is a glowing example of the wonders of nature. Bioluminescent organisms living in the water detect movement and emit a glowing light which is only visible at night--the darker the night the better. The absolute best time to go is on a new moon. One of only 10 such bioluminescent places in the world, this is an adventure like no other. Try booking a guided tour via kayak to glide through the water and watch the organisms light up around you.
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This 315-acre reserve sits in the very northeastern tip of Puerto Rico and showcases the biodiversity of the island. It's owned by the Conservation Trust--a local group dedicated to preserving the natural ecology of the island; they provide guided tours of the preserve for visitors wanting to get a view of the seven different ecosystems in the area. Some of the highlighted systems of the tour include beaches, forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and cliffs, among others; all are unique and important to Puerto Rico's ecology in their own ways. The preserve also is home to a variety of endangered species such as the leatherback sea turtle and the osprey.
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"Lechon"--pig slow-roasted on a spit over an open fire--is the specialty of these lechoneras located near the village of Guavate in southeastern Puerto Rico. Although the succulent, fall-off-the-bone roast pork is the main dish at these lively restaurants, they also serve up tasty local sides such as "tembleque" (Puerto Rican coconut pudding) and "guineos en escabeche" (pickled green bananas). The restaurants that line Ctra 184 are usually busy every day, but on weekends they're downright crowded. Many of them provide free entertainment with live band performances alongside their tasty food. A drive up to Guavate on the weekends to enjoy a day of food and dancing is a popular local activity.
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Loiza is known as the "town of the cacique" because of the native tribespeople the Spanish conquistadors found settled here when they arrived on the island. It was founded in the 1500s by freed slaves of the Yoruba tribe from Nigeria (mixed in with local Taino natives) and therefore has a rich history and colorful Afro-Caribbean culture. This town is a great place to visit if you're looking for a somewhat off-the-beaten-path place to stay on the island. It isn't overrun by all-inclusive resorts or tourists--you'll find mostly locals and curious visitors here. The town is famous for its multi-day festivals held in February, March, and July. These events are fun to attend as they are filled with music, dancing, and other activities with lively energy.
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In the northeast at Luquillo beach, come hungry for a pit stop at the Luquillo Kiosks. Around 80 to 90 kiosks line the road featuring everything from local foods to dancing. Here you'll find oil drum stoves with frying pans cooking hearty meals of pork, plantains, peas, seafood, rice, and cheeses in various forms such as empanadas, pinchos, barcazas, and mofongo. The kiosks are an explosion of local culture and fun--and beats anything a restaurant has to offer. Don't forget to grab a primo piña colada or margarita. After a stop at the kiosks, chances are you'll leave happy and full to the brim with delicious local food.
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This museum of cultural artifacts is located in the beautiful home of Antonio Roig, which was designed by architect Antonin Nechodoma. The house itself is a unique building of contemporary design influenced by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and built in 1919. Nechodoma was very popular through the Caribbean and built many other homes for the wealthy in the Dominican Republic, but the Roig house is one of the last remaining structures that survived. The museum is part of the University of Puerto Rico and houses a number of twentieth century art collections.
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This small town is made up of colorful pastel buildings and friendly people. Located near the eastern coast of the island about two miles from the beach, Naguabo is said to be the birthplace of a favorite local delicacy, "pastelillo de chapín", or trunkfish wrapped in dough and fried--you can find it at almost any puertorriqueño restaurant. Near the ocean, take a walk along the sea-side wall and walkway; it makes for a nice sunset stroll, and there are many bars, restaurants, and shops nearby to provide good shopping and eating options.
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A popular pastime for locals interested in astronomy is heading to the Observatorio at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao to check out the starry sky. The facility is operated by the faculty and staff in the Department of Physics and Electronics to perform studies and research in optical astronomy (analyzing binary stars) and in radio astronomy (studying the warping of the Milky Way galaxy). During the academic year, visitors are welcome to stop by the observatory for a free look at the night sky in the evenings and the sun and sunspots during the day.
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This newest addition to the Palmas del Mar Golf Club features not only great golf, but also breathtaking views of the sea and lush tropical landscaping. The 7,117-yard course opened in 1999 and was designed by renowned course designer Rees Jones. Flamboyán is consistently ranked among the best courses to play not only on the island of Puerto Rico, but throughout all of the Caribbean islands. The course has plenty of obstacles, including a lake, Candelero River crossing, moundings, and deep bunkers--making it a fun challenge for all. As with the other Palmas del Mar course (the "Palm"), the Flamboyán is anchored by the luxurious clubhouse, which is a great place to grab a meal and relax after a game.
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This lush course meanders through wetlands and trees on the Palmas del Mar resort complex. It is a challenging par five course that was designed by golf champion, Gary Player, and is a favorite among guests of the resort. The course has been rated among the top courses in the world for both its gorgeous ocean views and its challenging nature. The greens tend to be on the small side and the fairways are narrow, so if you're playing this course, make sure to bring your best game. After an exciting 18, stop by the 40,000 square-foot clubhouse. Complete with a golf shop, fine and casual dining establishments, card room, and massage room, the clubhouse serves as a nice stop for lounging--for golfers and spectators alike.
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This small park sits in the fishing village of Las Croabas on the northeastern tip of the island. Housing picnic tables and shelters, a playground, and a boat launch, this park makes for a popular jumping off point to explore the area's off-shore islands. Las Croabas is located near a few must-see sights in Puerto Rico, including the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve, the Fajardo Lighthouse, and Laguna Grande, which is known for its bioluminescent organisms that sparkle and glow blue-green--a mystical sight when it's dark outside.
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This popular white-sand stretch of beach, located near Playa Punta Tuna, is a great place for lounging and swimming while taking in beautiful views of the Punta Tuna lighthouse to the south. Many visitors frequent this beach not only for the good swimming, but also because it has various amenities, such as barbecue pits and freshwater facilities to rinse off the salt water. It's also close to the town of Maunabo, making it a convenient place to lounge in the sun for a few hours and still be close to a few restaurants and small hotels.
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Also called Playa Escondida, or the "Hidden Beach" by locals, Playa Punta Tuna is one of three prominent beaches that grace the area of Maunabo. Surfers and tourists alike have to find the beach on foot, as its easily hidden behind a grove of grape trees and a natural rise in the landscape. One one side, the Punta Tuna Lighthouse stands like a sentinel on the coast next to the wild and warm waves of the ocean. The lighthouse was built by the Spanish at the end of the nineteenth century, and has remained in use to this day.
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This quaint plaza in downtown Humacao is lined with shade-giving trees and park benches--perfect for an afternoon rest when walking around town. The square's main attraction is the large, light-pink Cathedral Dulce Nombre de Jesús that sits on the eastern end and dominates the space. There are four fountains in the plaza that provide cool mist on hot days and a relaxing backdrop of the sound of running water. On any given day, you'll see kids running around enjoying the open space, locals feeding the pigeons, and others relaxing on the scattered benches--it's a nice and relaxing scene in the middle of downtown Humacao.
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This 440,000+ square-foot shopping plaza sits in the city of Humacao and houses a variety of shops and restaurants. In addition to large anchor stores, such as Wal-Mart and JCPenny, there are also other national chain and local boutique stores in the plaza. The large CineVista movie theater complex provides a good place for entertainment for those who aren't so keen on shopping. The mall is also home to an indoor food court, offering both national and local favorite restaurants.
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These equestrian stables are located in the Hacienda Candelero at the Palmas del Mar resort and offer various riding options for both beginner and expert riders. The rides include beach trails along the shores of the Caribbean and guests have an amazing experience of riding atop beautiful gaited Paso Fino horses. This center is the largest in the Caribbean and houses over 72 stalls, offering rides, instruction, and a brand new facility for international competition. All of the guides are fully bilingual and professional, so guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and gentle gait of the ride, even if it's their first time on a horse.
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This green eco-reserve is home to acres of undisturbed wildland and a variety of bird and other animal species. Bird watchers love this reserve because it's relatively secluded and not very crowded. The refuge protects such species as sea turtles, flocks of migratory waterfowl, and mangrove forests. It's one of the main nesting sites for two types of sea turtles, the Carey and the Tinglar--many scientific research projects and studies are centered around these turtles throughout the year. Kayak rentals are available at the reserve and friendly staff members can give advice about what trails are best to hike and the what kayak routes are the best to explore. There are interpretive signs along the waterways that explain the history, ecology, and wildlife of the reserve and lagoon, making a kayak tour both scenic and educational.
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This string of small islands, cays, and reefs off the coast of northeastern Puerto Rico is home to a variety of protected plant and animal life, and is a famous turtle nesting site. The islands are quiet and secluded, and present amazing snorkeling, diving, and sailing opportunities as there are beautiful coral reefs in the area and the waters are generally calm and very clear. Sign up for a snorkeling or diving excursion from Fajardo on the mainland for a great day on the water filled with spectacular and colorful displays of underwater life.
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The Wyndham Grand Resort is home to two of the best world-class golf courses in Puerto Rico, the Ocean course and the River course. The Ocean course was designed by Tom and George Fazio (nephew and uncle) and features 6,782 yards of playable grounds and the famous 16th hole set right on the beach. The other course at the resort is the River course; designed by Greg Norman, it wanders along the Mameyes River and is engineered around the natural terrain of the area. One of the most unique features of the courses are the GPS-outfitted golf carts. The GPS system shows golfers yard and hole information, weather alerts, tournament leader board, and (arguably the best feature) you can even order food and drinks directly from the golf cart!
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This renowned championship golf course was designed by PGA golfer Tom Kite and opened to the public in 2004. It boasts two 18-hole courses--the Championship and the International--and features over 1,000 acres of oceanfront property. These courses bathe golfers in luxury as they play, with amenities such as lush tropical landscaping, on-course food and drink services, and an elegant 46,000-square-foot clubhouse. Take in the jungle and ocean views from every hole as you enjoy two of the most challenging courses on the island--they've even been designated to host PGA Tour's 2008 Puerto Rican Open tournament.
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The small island of Vieques is located off the east coast of Puerto Rico, and is a short ferry ride from Fajardo. Approximately 21 miles long, this island is virtually untouched and undeveloped, due in large part to the fact that the island was formerly under the Navy's control. Though this island is rather quiet, there is plenty to do. Snorkeling is at its best here, as is diving. The well known Bioluminescent Bay is also located here, which happens to be one of the most luminescent bays in the world. A trip to Vieques makes a great escape from the hustle and bustle of busy San Juan or other island cities.
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