Cayo Icacos /Dean
East February-2004, By:Janeth Vilariño
Do It All... Go East
Fajardo, Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Icacos, Palomino, Palominitos, Diablo, International Regatta, Nagu
Truth is, Puerto Rico’s eastern region offers so much to see and do it’s hard to choose. So don’t choose; do it all! Bathe in a refreshing tropical waterfall in El Yunque Rain Forest,
located in Río Grande. Put your money on one of the horses at Hipódromo El Comandante, the only horseracing track in Puerto Rico. Stroll along Las Piedras’ Paseo Artesanal (artisan drive) and buy yourself a local handicraft like a güiro(a gourd that is played with a rasp)or hone your golf skills at one of Palmas del Mar’s challenging courses in Humacao.
Still going to do it all? Then head to Fajardo to embark for the offshore islands of Culebra and Vieques. Bask in the sun at Culebra’s famous Flamenco Beach, recognized as one of the best beaches in America by the Travel Channel. Follow up with a nocturnal expedition to visit Vieques’ Bioluminescent Bay. This waterborne light show is produced by thousands of one-celled microorganisms called dinoflagellates that glow when the waters are disrupted.
Back on the mainland in Fajardo, this must-see coastal town on your eastern tour is also known as the Metropolis of the East. Visit Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve to see Fajardo’s neo-classic lighthouse, in continuous operation since 1882. Las Cabezas also features its own bioluminescent phenomenon and mangroves. The Nature Reserve is administered by the Conservation Trust; reservations are required, (787) 722-5882.
From Fajardo you also embark for various nearby cays (tiny islands) such as Icacos, Palomino, Palominitos and Diablo. When you escape with the catamaran operators who offer day-sailing trips to these cays, you’ll discover pristine beaches surrounded by calm, clear water, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
As you might have guessed, Fajardo is Puerto Rico’s boating capital. In fact, state-of-the-art Puerto del Rey Marina moors over 1,000 boats, making it among the largest marinas of the entire Caribbean. Plan your Fajardo visit to include April 9-11. That’s when the Puerto del Rey Marina hosts the 28th Puerto Rico International Regatta. This year more than 75 boats from all over the Caribbean, the United States, and even Europe and South America will compete in the prestigious event.
The regatta has something for everyone. Spectators get to soak up the impressionistic panorama of colorful sails speckling the waters surrounding Fajardo and later rub elbows with the competitors themselves. Three days of various social events, including parties, a beach fashion show, children’s activities, food festival and live music, ensure some lasting memories.
Farther south along Puerto Rico’s east coast lies Naguabo. Its Plaza de Recreo, among the largest and most beautiful of all Puerto Rico, plays host to a statue that honors comedian Ramón del Rivero and a bust of prominent composer Pedro Flores. Also in the plaza is the Nuestra Señora Del Rosario Church, one of the town’s oldest structures.
Naguabo’s Húcares Beach charms locals and tourists alike. Stroll along the boardwalk that overlooks the ocean and see firsthand the fishing boats bringing in the daily catch to be served in many of the local restaurants. Seafood doesn’t get any fresher than this!
If you’re lucky enough to be in Naguabo on Valentine’s weekend, head to the El Morrillo Sector of Húcares Beach and indulge in the town’s unique and most important event, the Festival del Chapín. The tasty chapín (trunkfish) is found along much of Puerto Rico’s coastline. But only in Naguabo can you find more than 60 families that prepare thedelicious dish, Pastelillo del Chapín.
A town tradition since 1986, this beach festival pays tribute to the area fishermen. From far and wide people flock to Húcares to savor the various delicacies prepared with the chapín white meat. The three-day fest also features music, competitions, and activities for all.
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