Balneario de Luquillo, Luquillo /Frazier Nivens
East October-2004, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Do It All... Go East
Juncos, Luquillo, Naguabo
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). For more information on Juncos, Luquillo and Naguabo, read on.
Juncos
The city is known as the “Ciudad del Valenciano” because of the river surrounding the town. At the entrance of the town is El Obelisco, a monument created to welcome visitors. The Paseo Escuté, one of Juncos’ most beautiful streets, is home to the City Hall and the Dr. José M. Gallardo Library. The Teatro Junqueño, formerly the Cine Arcelay, was built in 1912 to show silent movies. It is now used for cultural events featuring plays and folkloric presentations. The Teatro Junqueño has been declared a historic monument by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (the Puerto Rican Culture Institute). For more information, you should stop by the tourism office, which is also located in the Teatro Junqueño.
Attractions & Sights
Paseo Escuté: This historic district includes the City Hall, the José M. Gallardo Public Library, Centro Renacer (all of which were formerly public schools) and the Old Hospital, which is now the Municipality Emergency Management Center. Escuté St.
Plaza de Recreo de Juncos: Recently reconstructed. Will reopen to the public in 2004. Algarín St.
Teatro Junqueño: Historic theater that was recently restored. Theater and folkloric dance classes are offered free of charge. Plays and other attractions and events are held year-round. Plaza de Recreo de Juncos. Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm.
Luquillo
Whether Luquillo derived its name from “Loukuo,” a Taíno divinity, or the famous Taíno chief Luquilla, is a matter of some contention. However, there is no argument that Luquillo offers one of the most stunning beaches and outstanding Balnearios in all of Puerto Rico. The Balneario de Luquillo is a mile-long stretch of sculpted sand set against a backdrop of massive palm trees. For travelers with special needs, the Sea Without Barriers complex at the east end of the beach is designed to provide all the facilities necessary to make the waters of Puerto Rico as accessible as possible. This includes specially trained full-time staff working with equipment custom-designed for this facility. For a quick local snack, try one of the food kiosks just outside the entrance to the Balneario. Surfers and water sports enthusiasts might want to stop at Playa La Pared, east of the Balneario.
Attractions & Sights
Centro Caribeño de las Artes: Caribbean Center for the Arts offers dance,
yoga, art and martial art classes for children
and adults. Host of the international dance festival DANZ´AQUI that takes place in May every year. 5 Playa Azul Center, Rt 193 Km 1.1.
Mon-Thu & Sat.
Centro de Arte y Cultura
Plaza Rosendo Matienzo Cintrón: Central plaza for Luquillo. Rosendo Matienza Cintrón St.
Salón de los Alcaldes: Exhibition about the previous mayors of Luquillo. 14 de Julio. Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm.
Beaches
Balneario de Luquillo: One of the major beaches in Puerto Rico. Camping available. Part of this beach, the Sea Without Barriers, is a facility for those with special needs and for seniors. Rt 3, east of San Juan. Daily 8am-5:30pm.
Mar Sin Barreras (Sea Without Barriers): A unique wheelchair-accessible facility on the east side of Balneario de Luquillo. The dedicated staff is trained to assist those with special needs in the use of the unique equipment & systems designed to make the Puerto Rican waters as accessible as possible. Balneario de Luquillo. Daily 8:30am-5pm.
Playa Azul and Costa Azul: Playa Azul is known for its good snorkeling. Rt 193 Km 1.1.
Playa La Pared: This beach is near, but separate from, Luquillo Beach. Herminio Díaz Navarro St. Daily.
Naguabo
In Taíno, the word “naguabo” means “here is the land, rich in water, where the mountain starts.” Good description. Starting at the new boardwalk area, crossing one or more of the 6 rivers and streams and going up into the mountains (the south side of El Yunque), you will see it as the Taínos did: as a vibrant, beautiful area. Naguabo is also home to Pedro Flores (the musician and composer) and Ramón Ortiz del Rivero “Diplo” (a famous actor). At the most important event, the “Festival del Chapín,” more than 60 local families prepare a famous fish dish made of flour and the white meat of the chapín.
Attractions & Sights
Cayo Santiago & Cayo de los Algodones: Univ. of PR Medical School’s Caribbean Primate Research Center. A 39-acre island just off the coast. The monkeys’ pathology, behavior and biology are studied. You cannot land on the island; however, you can get a tour boat from the dock that will take you snorkeling to the wreck just offshore. Dock, Húcares Beach.
Historic Municipal Theater: This building (c. 1920) has been named a historic monument; it was the first theater built in this town. Front of the main Plaza.
Nuestra Señora del Rosario: This church originally built in 1856 has been through several hurricanes and earthquakes, yet still stands after several renovations. Main Plaza.
Paseo de las Artesanías
Plaza Pública de Naguabo: The 2nd largest square in the Island. Monuments to Pedro Flores, a music composer, and Ramón del Rivero, a famous local entertainer known throughout PR and Latin America. All set in 16 beautiful gardens. Goyco St. at Muñoz Rivera.
Villa Pesquera: This villa includes a restaurant, scenic views and small fishing boats. Húcares Beach.
Beaches
Playa Húcares: This beach is located just outside of Naguabo. You will find a new boardwalk, a number of restaurants and the Naguabo Information Center. Rt 3.
Playa Tropical: Small and cozy beach with white sand. Rt 3 to Humacao.
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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
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