Loíza /Laura Magruder
East June-2005, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Experience the Eastern Side
Loíza, Río Grande, Ceiba
There is always lots going on in the East. Here is the short list: Loíza (bomba y plena), Canóvanas (the racetrack), Río Grande (fabulous golf courses and El Yunque, the Caribbean National Forest), Luquillo (the best-known beach on the Island, Balneario de Luquillo), Fajardo (day sailing to the cays of Icacos, Palominos and Palominitos), Culebra and Vieques (exquisite beaches), Ceiba (the Ceiba Forest), Naguabo (the seaside boardwalk), Humacao (a strip of excellent seafood restaurants), Juncos and Las Piedras (local artisans), Yabucoa (Lucía Beach) and Maunabo (the start of the Luis Muñoz Marín Route).
Loíza
 (Photo: Artist/Frazier Nivens.)
The town's name is rooted in romance. Cacica Yuisa was baptized Luisa (hence the name of the town) so that she could marry her true love, Pedro Mejías. If she were here today, she would invite you to the famous "Fiestas Tradicionales de Santiago Apóstol" (St. Jaimes Carnaval). This annual event features traditional coconut shell masks such as the Caballeros (associated with Santiago Apóstol - symbolizing good), the "viejos" (old men), the "locas" (crazy women and music) and "vejigantes" (representing pure evil). Into this mix you throw in colorful costumes, great music tracing back to the African heritage of the Island, and traditional cuisine. This makes for a fascinating mixture of culture, history and modern-day Puerto Rico. On the plaza, the Iglesia San Patricio (also known as Espíritu Santo) dates to 1670 and is the oldest church in continuous use on the Island.
Río Grande
 (Photo: El Yunque/Dean.)
Originally, Río Grande developed as a sugarcane and coffee plantation area. Today it is known as "Ciudad de El Yunque" since 45% of the Caribbean National Forest (El Yunque) is within the municipal boundary. With over 120" of annual rainfall, El Yunque is the wettest area of Puerto Rico. There are two entrances to the forest: Rt 186 and Rt 191 (the main entrance). Coming in Rt 191, you first encounter the El Portal Rain Forest Center. This is a dramatic open-air structure featuring three pavilions with detail on the ecology, environment and history of El Yunque. Deeper into the forest you will find visitor centers, lookout towers, waterfalls and hiking trails. The La Coca Falls are right on the road. The Mina Falls are a fairly easy 30- to 45-minute trek (each way). The trails in El Yunque run from family friendly to serious hiking and are well marked. All the tour operators offer tours of El Yunque. This much rain also makes for great golf courses, and this area offers outstanding courses, some of which run right on the ocean.
Ceiba
 (Photo: Plaza de Recreo/Frazier Nivens.)
Also known as the "Ciudad del Marlin" (Marlin City - after the game fish), Ceiba is the birthplace of one of the most remarkable women in Puerto Rican politics: Felisa Rincón de Gautier, first woman mayor of San Juan. Doña Felisa is also known as "La Mujer de las Américas" (Woman of the Americas). For many years, sugarcane plantations formed the economic backbone of the area. Today, these historic relics may be visited by arrangement with City Hall. A good example of the plantations is the Hacienda Santa María where a 150-year-old chimney still stands.
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East Article Archive
2007-04 Expore the East
2007-02 Driving to Fajardo
2005-08 Las Piedras, Maunabo, Vieques
2005-06 Loíza, Río Grande, Ceiba
2005-04 Luquillo, Fajardo, Vieques
2005-02 Culebra, Naguabo, Río Grande
2004-12 Canóvanas, Fajardo, Humacao
2004-10 Juncos, Luquillo, Naguabo
2004-08 Las Piedras, Maunabo, Yabucoa
2004-06 Loíza, Río Grande , Fajardo, Ceiba
2004-04 El Yunque, Vieques, Humacao, Canóvanas
2004-02 Fajardo, Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Icacos, Palomino, Palominitos, Diablo, International Regatta, Nagu
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 EAST - Sponsors & Marketplace
Accommodations
Culebra
Mamacitas Guest House 787-550-9071
Vieques
Inn on the Blue Horizon 787-741-3318
Diving & Snorkeling
Culebra
Casa del Mar PADI 5 Stars Dive Center 787-860-3483
Fajardo
Casa del Mar PADI 5 Stars Dive Center 787-860-3483
Pure Adventure 787-314-4347
Vieques
Casa del Mar PADI 5 Stars Dive Center 787-860-3483
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Fajardo
Castillo Tours, Fishing & Watersports 787-791-6195
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Culebra
Pure Adventure 787-314-4347
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Ecoquest 787-616-7543
Pure Adventure 787-314-4347
Humacao
Pure Adventure 787-314-4347
Naguabo
Acampa Nature Adventures 787-706-0695
Río Grande
Acampa Nature Adventures 787-706-0695
Vieques
Pure Adventure 787-314-4347
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Vieques
Carambola 787-741-3318
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Culebra
Casa del Mar Luxury Charters 787-860-3483
East Island Excursions 877-937-4386
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Fajardo
Casa del Mar Luxury Charters 787-860-3483
Castillo Tours & Watersports 787-791-6195
East Island Excursions 877-937-4386
Island Flyer 787-860-3434
Traveler Catamaran / Fajardo Tours 787-863-2821
Luquillo
Castillo Tours & Watersports 787-791-6195
Vieques
Casa del Mar Luxury Charters 787-860-3483
East Island Excursions 877-937-4386
Island Flyer 787-860-3434
Sightseeing
Fajardo
Castillo Tours & Travel Services 787-791-6195
Luquillo
Castillo Tours & Travel Services 787-791-6195
Río Grande
Castillo Tours & Travel Services 787-791-6195
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