Culebrita Island and Lighthouse, Culebra /Dean
East February-2005, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Experience the Eastern Side
Culebra, Naguabo, Río Grande
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).
Culebra
Originally called Passage Island, this 7-mile by 4-mile island was first inhabited by the Taíno and Caribe Indians. They gave way to the pirates that used these waters as a refuge. The Spaniards ousted the pirates when the land was colonized in 1879. This is the last portion of Puerto Rico colonized by the Spaniards. Culebra is still a refuge, but instead of protecting pirates, it is now part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses most of Culebra and 23 adjacent islands (like Isla Culebrita and Cayo Luis Peña). The refuge, one of the oldest under the US Fish and Wildlife Service, is well known as a nesting site for a variety of seabirds, and preserves important habitat for endangered sea turtles and the Culebra anole. Two last words about Culebra: Flamenco Beach. One of the best beaches in the world.
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.
Río Grande
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.
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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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Accommodations
Río Grande
Wyndham Río Mar Resort & Spa 800-4-RIOMAR
Yabucoa
Lucía Beach Villas 787-266-1111
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Río Mar Casino 800-4-RIOMAR
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Pure Adventure 787-314-4347
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Pure Adventure 787-314-4347
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Ecoquest 787-616-7543
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Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
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Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
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Pure Adventure 787-314-4347
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Grille Room, The 800-4-RIOMAR
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Jim Boat Trips 787-383-4663
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Jim Boat Trips 787-383-4663
Traveler Catamaran / Fajardo Tours 787-863-2821
Luquillo
Castillo Tours & Watersports 787-791-6195
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East Island Excursions 877-937-4386
Erin Go Bragh Sailing & Snorkeling Charters 787-860-4401
Island Flyer 787-860-3434
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Yabucoa
Jim Boat Trips 787-383-4663
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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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Río Grande
Mandara Spa at Río Mar 800-4-RIOMAR
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