Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camuy, Camuy /Dean
North June-2004, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Experience the North Shore
Barceloneta, Toa Baja, Manatí
In the North, just outside of San Juan, are the towns of Dorado (a golfer’s mecca), Toa Alta (home of the musician Tomás “Masso” Rivera), Toa Baja (Balneario Punta Salinas), Vega Alta (Vega Alta Forest), Vega Baja (Reserva Natural Laguna Tortuguero), Manatí (the Athens of Puerto Rico) and Barceloneta (with the Cambalache Forest mountain bike trails). Farther away, the northwestern towns of Quebradillas, Camuy, Hatillo and Arecibo offer prime tourist attractions, such as the family-friendly Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camuy, the largest radio telescope in the world in Arecibo, Hatillo (the masks festival) and the legendary Panadería bakery in Quebradillas. Also to choose from in the North is a wide variety of Puerto Rico’s famous events.
Barceloneta, founded in 1881, is known as La Ciudad de las Piñas, or Pineapple City, referring to its extensive pineapple production. In addition, the town hosts one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical complexes. The town’s patron saint festival (Virgen del Carmen) is held in July. During the festival, famed orchestras and popular singers perform for an enthusiastic public. Sports competitions such as volleyball, basketball, and fishing tournaments compete with exhibitions of Paso Fino horses.
Another patron saint festival is celebrated in Toa Baja the end of June. The town honors San Pedro with traditional activities such as church events and processions and cultural festivities, folk art, music events and typical food. In town make sure you go to the Isla de Cabras, a small isthmus with a beach, a great view of the Bahía de San Juan and the Fortín El Cañuelo, a fort overlooking the entrance to the bay. A guided walking tour of Toa Baja starting at the mayor’s office on weekends is a great way to get to know the towns historic sites.
Manatí, named after the abundance of manatees in its coastal waters, holds its Festival Playero on the July 4th weekend, a tradition for the past 20 years. This major event with music, sports, artisan fair, dancing and sun starts around noon and continues until dawn. The town is also referred to as the Athens of Puerto Rico because of its contribution to the literature and art of the Island. Visit the library Biblioteca Municipal Fransisco McKinley and the Salon de los Poetas to learn about this aspect of Manatí’s history. The most important historic monument is the church Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, a national monument since 1729.
For golf lovers, Dorado offers the Honda Classic, a major event in June. In the Junior amateur championship, players compete for the Coquí cup and for the chance to represent Puerto Rico in international tournaments.
For the gourmet in you, stop by Vega Alta for the Festival del Panapén cooking contest in July.
You will also find patron saint festivals in Camuy, Hatillo and Dorado. Check the Events listings below.
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North Article Archive
2007-04 Expore the North
2005-08 Dorado
2005-06 Toa Baja, Manatí, Barceloneta
2005-04 Arecibo, Dorado
2005-02 Camuy, Toa Alta
2004-12 Vega Alta, Hatillo
2004-10 Arecibo, Vega Baja
2004-08 Dorado
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2004-04 Dorado,
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Accommodations
Hatillo
Hotel Rosa Del Mar 787-262-1515
Car Rental
Toa Baja
Bella International Car Rental - Bayamón 787-620-5860
Diving & Snorkeling
Arecibo
Aquatica Dive, Bike & Surf Adventures 787-890-6071
Camuy
Aquatica Dive, Bike & Surf Adventures 787-890-6071
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Camuy
Potreros Brisas del Mar 787-262-2229
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Arecibo
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
PR 4Less Tours 787-627-5214
Camuy
Acampa Nature Adventure 787-706-0695
Potrero Las Brisas del Mar 787-262-2229
Dorado
PR 4Less Tours 787-627-5214
Manatí
Pure Adventure 787-314-4347
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Toa Baja
Campomar 787-784-7295
Sightseeing
Arecibo
Castillo Tours & Travel Services 787-791-6195
Countryside Tours 787-593-9014
Eco Action Tours 787-791-7509
PR 4Less Tours 787-627-5214
Camuy
Castillo Tours & Travel Services 787-791-6195
Countryside Tours 787-593-9014
Eco Action Tours 787-791-7509
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