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Balneario Tres Hermanos, Añasco /Dean

West October-2004, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Go Porta Del Sol
Añasco, Guánica

When you take a trip out west to the area known as Porta del Sol, make sure you discover its major attractions: The legendary Panadería bakery in Quebradillas. Isabela, Aguadilla, Rincón (with its lighthouse park) and Añasco offer some of the world’s great surfing areas and beaches. The small towns of Moca, Aguada and Hormigueros are known for their beautiful handicrafts. San Sebastian, Las Marías and Maricao represent fascinating examples of the mountainous towns dedicated to agriculture. In the port city of Mayagüez, you can enjoy a first-rate zoo, historic theater and beautiful city plaza. The Cabo Rojo area (Joyuda, Boquerón, El Combate and Mona) entices visitors with its beautiful beaches, excellent seafood and the Boquerón Wildlife refuge, a paradise for bird-watchers. Unique architecture helps to define San German; its neighbor Sabana Grande is considered the gateway to the Luis Muñoz Marín Panoramic Route. La Parguera attracts divers and water sports fans. And Guánica offers nature trails in the Guánica Dry Forest (a World Biosphere Reserve) and the clear waters of Gilligan’s Island. Throughout the area, you will find a good supply of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s approved small inns and restaurants—the Paradores and Mesones Gastronómicos.

Añasco

The city “Where the Gods Died.” Taíno Indians drowned a Spanish soldier to prove the Spaniards were not gods. With proof in hand, this led to the Indian rebellion of 1511. Today Añasco is known for its “hojaldre cake” (filled with brandy and spices), the “chipe” clam and the second largest plaza on the Island. A little farther on is the Balneario Tres Hermanos. This facility completes the chain of surfing beaches and areas that start in Isabela.

Attractions & Sights
El Mirador de la Bahía: A 3-story lookout tower on a small cliff overlooking the Añasco Bay. Rt 115, just south of Rt 109. 24/7.
El Salto de la Encantada: A boardwalk with a waterfall & picnic area. Rt 402 Km 1.8. Daily 9am-5pm.
Parque de Diversiones El Castillo: An amusement park with the largest wave pool in the Caribbean, a medieval castle, antique museum, haunted house and other attractions for kids. Rd 109 Km 1.7, Bo Añasco Arriba. Wed.-Sun, 9:30am-4:30pm.
Parroquia San Antonio Abad: The original church, built around 1765, was replaced by the current structure in 1801. It has a beautiful 8-foot stained glass window above the front door. The bell tower includes 800- and 500-pound bells along with a number of smaller bells from the original church. If closed, stop at Rectory.
Plaza Jose Adolfo Pesante: In the center of this tree-lined plaza you will find a sculpture depicting the famous drowning of the Spanish soldier. Barceló St. 24/7.

Beaches
Balneario Tres Hermanos: Public beach with camping areas, areas for recreational vehicles, cafeteria, basketball court and emergency services. Rt 401 Km 1.0 off Rt 115. Daily 8am-5pm.

Guánica

Guánica, with one of the most spectacular bays in Puerto Rico, offers beautiful beaches, hiking, diving, snorkeling and forest areas. A unique dry forest, the Guánica Forest is an important international asset, having been designated a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations. On your right as you drive into town on Rt 116 (from Rt 2) turn left onto Rt 334, which takes you to the ranger station where you can pick up a hiking map to the 1,600-acre forest. Here you will find 700 types of plants and trees including a “lygnum vitae” that is over 1,000 years old. This is a great spot for birding (with over 135 types of birds). For history buffs, there is a dramatic overlook at the ruins of a Spanish lookout. There are 14 hiking trails. Some of the hikes take you right to the water’s edge. However, to enjoy this dry forest, make sure you pack in water for your hike.

Attractions & Sights
Biblioteca Pública de Ensenada: Tours by appointment only. Call City Hall. Lajas Rd. 6:30am-6:30pm.
El Faro Ruins: Ruins of a Spanish lighthouse. The walls and core to the light are still standing, but the immediate area is fenced off. Part of the Guánica Dry Forest. Rt 333 Km 3.9.
Fuerte Caprón: This fort was built in 1898 by the U.S. Armed forces. It was named in honor of the first North American soldier killed in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. South of town along Rt 333, in the Guánica Dry Forest.
Guayacán Tree Hike: Take this hike to the 400-year-old Guayacán Tree in the Guánica Dry Forest. About 2 km east of Copamarina look for green gates on both sides of the road. Follow the path through the north gate; the path to the tree is clearly marked. Rt 334.
Hacienda Igualdad, 787-821-5016: The old chimney and sugar mill areas. On private property. Tours can be arranged (call the Guánica Tourism Office). Rt 116 & Rt 332, Barrio Santa Rita.
Hacienda Santa Rita: Religious Museum of the Congregation of Fátima, Madre Dominga. Historic building with beautiful gardens. Rt 116 & Rt 1116, Bo. Santa Rita. Daily 8am-4pm.
Iglesia San Antonio Abad
La Pared: A 20-mile-long coral reef wall that runs parallel to the coast from Guánica to Cabo Rojo. A perfect spot for divers.
La Piedra Histórica: This stone, found when building Rt.333 in 1955, was a marker painted by the U.S. Armed Forces (3rd Battalion, Engineers) when they entered Puerto Rico from the beaches in Guánica in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. 25 de Julio St.
Malecón: The La Piedra Conmemorativa and the harbor with a small fleet of fishing boats. Esperanza Idrách Ave.
Plaza Manuel Jiménez
Tour Guides: Tours available from City Hall for groups of 15 or more. Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, by reservation.

Beaches
Ballena Cay: Administered by the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. Access by Ferry to Offshore Islands. Daily, ferry service starts at 8:30am.
Balneario de Caña Gorda: Just west of Guánica, one in a string of five beaches adjacent to the Guánica Dry Forest. Rt 333 Km 5.8.
Gilligan’s Island: Part of the Dry Forest Reserve, a few hundred meters offshore. Very popular, especially on the weekends. Access by Ferry to Offshore Islands. Tue-Sun, ferry service starts at 8:30am.
Playa Jaboncillo: The clearly marked turnoff leads to a small cove and beach area. Rt 333 Km 3.1.
Playa Manglillo Pequeño: Part of the Guánica Dry Forest. There is a small admission charge at the gate. Rt 325 to the end, then east to the end of the shoreline road.
Playa Santa: Very popular beach area. Rt 325 to the end, then west to the end of the shoreline road.
Sector Atolladora: Cove on the road. Clearly marked. Rt 333, east of Copamarina 2.7 Km.
Sector Tamarindo: Large beach and recreation area. End of Rt 333.

Forests
Guánica Dry Forest: A World Biosphere Reserve. Cactus, 400-year-old Guayacán tree, bird-watching, beaches, picnic area & visitors center. For biking, get permission from the visitors center. You can also visit the Fuerte Caprón and Cuevas de Cal. Rt 333 to Rt 334 & follow signs. Mon-Sun 8am-5pm.

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West Article Archive
2007-04 Explore the West, Porta del Sol
2005-08 Lajas: La Parguera, Rincón, San Germán
2005-06 San Sebastián, Moca, Mayagüez
2005-04 Isabela, Aguadilla, Hormigueros
2005-02 Cabo Rojo, Las Marías, Maricao, Mona
2004-12 Rincón, Sabana Grande, Lajas
2004-10 Añasco, Guánica
2004-08 Lajas, Lajas: La Parguera, San German
2004-06 Moca, San Sebastian, Rincón, Desecheo, Mayagüez
2004-04 Aguadilla, Hormigueros, Isabela
2004-02 Mayagüez, Maricao, Las Marías, Cabo Rojo, Joyuda
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