A Light to Guide You to Rincon: Where the Atlantic Meets the Caribbean

 Punta Higuero Light, or Faro de Punta Higuero, is an historic lighthouse located in Rincón. It was originally built in 1892 by the Spanish, but was rebuilt in 1922 by the U.S Coast Guard.  This post is about Rincon, but if you are a lighthouse seeker, then you are in luck!  There are eleven more lighthouses in Puerto Rico - 

   

      Here's a couple of  links to information on all the lighthouses in Puerto Rico.  Each has a unique story and it would be an adventure just to visit these pieces of history: http://www.lighthousesrus.org/showSql.php?page=Gulf/PuertoRico,   http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/lighthouse/pr.

     Rincon translates to 'Corner' or 'Niche' and although that's a perfect description of this northwest corner of Puerto Rico the name originates from Don Gonzalo Rincon, a 16th century landowner.  Considered part of the 'Undiscovered Caribbean' Rincon has been one of Puerto Rico's favorite vacation destination for years.

    Paradise - for you surfers- Winter is high season for surfers, boarders and whale-watching and escaping the cold northern winter - it's at peak from October till April. The north side of Rincon has some of the best surfing waves in the world. In fact, back in 1968, surfing made Rincon famous - it was the site of the World Surfing Championship held at Domes Beach. Since then surfers from around the world have been visiting Rincon in search of the perfect wave. Now Rincon is a major resort destination year-round.  You'll want to consider, of course, Domes, but there's also Marias, Tres Palmas, Sandy Beach, and Pools Beach.

   Paradise but you don't surf?  For those of us with fainter hearts - or those just wanting a fantastic summer vacation spot - then the south side of Rincon has some of the best swimming beaches with calm, clear blue water.  Rincon's calm water beaches on its south Caribbean side offer the perfect spot for swimming or standup paddleboarding (one of the fastest growing sports in the world).   There's always something to do: SCUBA diving off nearby Desecheo Island, snorkeling, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, sailing, mountain biking, swimming, and maybe best of all those long walks on the beach and those unforgettable sunsets over the Caribbean.

 Let Rinco's lighthouse guide you to a perfect beach getaway!

Did you know that………

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       Puerto Rico has over 270 miles of beaches.    That’s a LOT of sand!   But, it's not just the number of beaches that make Puerto Rico a favorite vacation destination, it’s the quality and variety.  Puerto Rico has beaches with black sand and  beaches with rusted military tanks left as a memorial.  Whether it’s a surfing haven or tranquil waters, Puerto Rico has everything from the secluded and idyllic to glitzy resorts – in other words, just what you’re looking for!!   Your most difficult decision when you think of a Puerto Rico beach destination is how you’re going to decide which beach to go to! 

     We’ve already talked about some of the best beaches, but, there’s a lot more you might not know about Puerto Rico – for example –

       Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of Bacardi Rum ... France has its wine. Germany has its beer. And Puerto Rico has its rum.   Puerto Rico may be an island, but it’s the rum capital of the world. 70% of the rum sold in the United States is made in Puerto Rico.  In fact, it’s the island's chief export. Puerto Rico and rum go way back ... about 400 years, give or take a decade. Ponce de Leon first brought Creole sugar cane rootstocks from La Española (Dominican Republic) in 1506. The first sugar mill was established in Añasco in 1517. Rum production began in the 1650's, a byproduct of the sugar cane industry. Bacardi and Don Q are the largest producers on the island and Puerto Rico is the only rum-producer in the world that maintains a minimum aging law for its rum.   There are three main categories of rum: light, dark, and añejo, or aged.

      Puerto Rico has a long history - According to archaeologists, the island's first inhabitants were the Ortoiroid people, dating to around 2000 BC. They were followed by the Igneri people from South America around 120 AD.   The pre-Columbian Taino culture began to develop on the island in the late 7th century. It is thought that the seafaring Taínos are relatives of the Arawak people of South America.  During the mid-17th century the Spanish successfully fought off numerous attempts by the Dutch, English and French to take control of their (now prized) colony.

     Puerto Rico has its own "Galapagos Island."  Off the eastern shore of mainland Puerto Rico, (roughly 50 miles away from Mayagüez) lies Mona Island, which has been compared to the Galapagos island for its unspoiled-by-man natural beauty and its colony of iguanas, which practically overrun the place. The Mona Iguana, found nowhere else on the planet, is the star of the show here.

     Are you an architecture buff?  Well, two of the oldest churches in the Americas are located in Old San Juan.  Built in the 1530s, the Iglesia de San José (or "Church of San José") in Old San Juan is the second oldest church in the western hemisphere, and a wonderful example of Spanish gothic architecture. More famous (and beautiful) is the Catedral de San Juan (or "San Juan Cathedral"), which is merely steps away on Cristo Street. The most important religious landmark in Puerto Rico, the cathedral was originally built in the 1520s but fell victim to two hurricanes, attacks, and lootings. The Cathedral also has an interesting tour which includes the remains of Ponce de León (which were removed from the Iglesia de San José in 1908 and relocated here) and a wax-covered, glass-encased mummy of a saint.

     San Juan is the second largest cruise port.  Just how popular is San Juan among cruise lovers? It's the largest hub in the Caribbean, and a major port of call for almost every cruise ship heading this way.

     Bond, James Bond….  Nestled in the forested hills of Arecibo is the Arecibo Radio Telescope The dish measures a thousand feet in diameter (the Eifel Tower is only 986 feet tall so you could lay it across the dish with room to spare!!!), takes up about 20 acres, and it’s the most sensitive radio telescope in the world.  In  the James Bond movie Goldeneye, the showdown between 007 and 006 (the bad guy) takes place there and it was used in the movie Contact (with Jodie Foster but that’s not nearly as cool as Bond, James Bond!).

The Best Snorkeling in Puerto Rico - Try Fajardo!

 Puerto Rico                                Snorkeling!!

Face it, do you want to be here?  (Nooooo!)  

Where you want to be is HERE!!!

Ok, so worst case scenario - there maybe there is a little freshwater run-off from tropical outbursts feeding into the sea that can momentarily cloud the ocean's waters - but that can happen anywhere! The most important thing is - in most places, visibility extends from 50 to 75 feet (15-23m) - that's like a 5-story building!

One of the best ways to experience this wonderful sport, even if you are staying in San Juan, is to take one of the day trips on one of the several luxury catamarans plying the waters off the coast of Fajardo, which make for some of the finest snorkeling in the Caribbean. They usually anchor on the beach of a small cay for lunch and some sunbathing and swimming. Transportation from San Juan area hotels is often provided. It's worth the trip even if you don't want to snorkel.  Not the one for you?  Then try:

Mona Island: This remote island off the west coast of Puerto Rico also offers the best snorkeling possibilities. The reefs here, the most pristine in Puerto Rico, are home to a wide variety of rainbow-hued fish, turtles, octopuses, moray eels, rays, puffers, and clownfish: the single largest concentration of reef fish life in Puerto Rico. You must bring your snorkeling equipment to the island, however, as there are no rentals available.   OR ...

Caja de Muertos: The best snorkeling off the coast of Ponce is on the uninhabited coast island of Caja de Muertos (Coffin Island). This island got its name from an 18th-century French writer who noted that the island's shape resembled a cadaver in a coffin. Over the years there have been fanciful legends about the island, including tales of necrophilia, star-crossed lovers, and, of course, piracy. Several outfits will take you to this remote spot for a full day's outing, with plenty of snorkeling.  OR..

La Paguera: The reefs surrounding the offshore cays just off La Paguera in southwest Puerto Rico are another fine spot for snorkeling. Several boat operators right in town will either rent you a boat with a guide or drop you off on one of the islands and return at a prearranged timed.

Fajardo: On the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, the clear waters along the beachfront are the best on mainland Puerto Rico for snorkeling. The best beaches here for snorkeling are walking distance from the Seven Seas public beach: Playa Escondido and Playa Convento. The snorkeling at Las Cabezas de San Juan nature refuge is also spectacular

Where ever you decide to go, you'll enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the world!  So grab those fins and grab that snorkel - what are you waiting for!!!   Come to Puerto Rico and enjoy the "wild life"!

Splish Splashing in Playa de Ponce

The beaches in Puerto Rico aren't usually known for their peace and quiet, but Playa de Ponce is a little bit further from the crowds, making it an ideal spot for travelers seeking a beach away from the tourist crowds. Playa de Ponce is a beautiful beach to visit if you are looking for a place to swim because of its calm waters and easy tides or you can just relax on the warm sandy beaches. If you get hungry while at the beach, no worries, they are many food vendors that set up shop near the beach. When it gets dark or if you just get tired of the beach for the day they are also museums, theatres, parks and many other attractions local close to Playa de Ponce.

 

Also, you can’t go to the beach without getting a bite to eat. Playa de Ponce has many regional favorites from American, Asian to international Spanish. One of the closest restaurants is Cold Stone Creamery Ponce which is just about .6 mi from Playa de Ponce. Here is just a few facts and interest about Playa de Ponce.

 

 

   With a population of 194,636, Ponce is Puerto Rico's second largest city (San juan is the first and Mayaguez is the third). Ponce is commonly known by several names: "La Perla del Sur" (Pearl of the South), "La Ciudad de los Leones" (City of Lions), or "La Ciudad de las Quenepas" (Genip City). Ponce is also known as the "Ciudad Señorial" (Majestic or Noble City), because of its many beautiful neoclassical buildings and facades.

Ponce was founded in 1692 by Juan Ponce de León's great-grandson - Loíza Ponce de León. Ponce was Spain's capital of the southern region until it fell to the U.S. in 1898. The annual precipitation is approximately 36 inches on the coast and 48 inches in the interior and the average temperature is 75°F.

   Flag
The flag consist of a rectangular cloth divided by a diagonal line, creating two equal isosceles triangles, starting from the top left hand corner and ending on the lower right hand corner. The top triangle is red; the bottom triangle is black. In the center of the flag sits the shield of the municipality. Under this shield is the number 1877, the year of the founding of the city, and above the shield is the word Ponce

 Coat of arms

The coat of arms of the municipality is based on the design of the official mayoral seal that was adopted in 1844 under the administration of mayor Salvador de Vives.^[218]

Coat of arms of Ponce.

The coat of arms of Ponce consists of an escutcheon (shield) in the Spanish tradition. This shield has a field with a party per bend division. The division runs from top left to bottom right. The field is red and black, bordered with a fine golden line. In the center of the shield is the figure of an erect lion standing on a bridge. The top of the bridge is a golden, the middle is red bricks, and the base foundation is gray rocks. Under the bridge there are gray wavy lines. Over the shield rests a five-tower golden stone wall with openings in the form of red windows. To the left of the shield is a coffee tree branch with its fruit, and to the right of the shield is a sugar cane stalk. The symbols of the shield are as follows: The field represents the flag of the municipality of Ponce, divided diagonally in the traditional city colors: red and black. The lion over the bridge alludes to the last name of the conqueror and first governor of Puerto Rico, Juan Ponce de Leon. The waves under the bridge allude to the Rio Portugues, on the banks of which the city was born. The coronet in the form of a five-tower mural crown above the shield allude to the Spanish crown, through which the settlement obtained its city charter. The coffee tree branch and the sugar cane stalk represent the main agricultural basis of the economy of the young municipality.

Luquillo Beach (and a Really HOT and Steamy Puerto Rico secret!!!! )

     Luquillo...Puerto Rico's most photographed beach….

     Located just 31 miles East of San Juan, Luquillo Beach is the island's best and most popular public stretch of sand.   When you find yourself almost falling asleep lazing on the gentle blue waves of this paradise, you know you're on vacation!   Luquillo Beach does not disappoint! Soft sand, clean blue tropic water, no huge waves to knock you down, a long row of palm trees, and lovely views of the greenery of El Yunque- (rainforest) what more could you ask for?  Some consider this the best beach on the main island. The waters are calm, the wind isn't crazy like it is on Playa Azul, it's safe to swim out. The sand is nice. There are facilities - little places to eat, restrooms, showers. There are amazing natural fruit ice creams being sold from little carts.   Passion fruit flavor! is very yummy and refreshing.  The sign to Luqillo beach is not as prominent as some,  so you be on the look-out or you may miss it. Look for the brown signs with "Balneario La Monserrate."    

     Here’s our “insider’s tip”:  If you want the place to yourself, go early on a weekday--and snag a spot under a palm tree. Luqillo is government maintained and has restroom access, convenient parking, food/drink vendors, and lifeguards on duty. Walk to the eastern part of the beach if it's not closed off. There's a sign that says "Puerto Rico" under a palm tree which makes for some great photo ops.  If you still have time left in the day, make sure you hit the Luqillo kiosks/ food stands as well.   Luqillo's not too far from Fajardo, so if you have time, you can squeeze that in as well. On the way back to San Juan, take the scenic route through Loiza and Pinones on PR-187. 

     OK, .. If you've spent too much time at the beach and used too little sunscreen and need a break (sunburn - ouch!) - or if you want to see more of what Puerto Rico has to offer (and there's a LOT!!!)... then here's an idea..what we like to call ..

Puerto Rico's HOT STEAMY SECRET!!!

                 Coffee!

      Did you know that Puerto Rico and Hawaii  are the only places in the United States or its territories that coffee if grown, processed, and sold for local and international consumption.

     Before there was a Starbucks or Keurigs, coffee produced in Puerto Rico's cool mountain region was internationally beloved -- so much that Puerto Rico, was among the world's largest coffee exporters. All of Europe fell in love with Puerto Rican coffee in the 19th century - it was served to the elite everywhere - even at the Vatican.

    Puerto Rican coffee comes from ripe beans grown high in the cool, moist mountain regions of the Toro Negro mountain range.  There are a number of coffee Haciendas in the towns of Jayuya, San Sebastian, Ponce, Adjuntas, Las Marias and Lares. It takes over 2 hours to drive to many of these places from the San Juan area, on some twisting, curving roads. So take your time, and plan on it being a full-day trip, or maybe even plan on an overnight stay in the area.  Tip:  the best time to go on a coffee tour is during harvesting/processing time (which is October to December). During that time, you can see the whole production process from field to roaster.

     Here’s a YouTube site that features a short story of Coffee in Puerto Rico…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLnJF66KhB0

Coffee Tours

     In 2008, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company started promoting a Coffee Zone, where a number of the small gourmet Haciendas open their places to the public.  The PRTC provides information and you can call each of the Haciendas on their list to get current information about tours. Some are free, some are low-priced, most offer coffee tastings, and all of them really hope you buy some of their coffee!  You need to call first for reservations and to ensure an English-speaking guide if your Spanish is more Spanglish than fluent. You can drive yourselves, or if you don’t want to brave the roads, there are some tour companies that can make the arrangements and provide transportation.   Note: Allow at least 2 hours for the drive from the San Juan area and, remember, it is cooler up in the mountains so you might want to take a sweater.

Hacienda Pomarrosa in Ponce — Tours are by appointment only. $15/person. Allow 2 hours for the tour. They also have 2 cottages on the plantation for nightly rentals. Phone: 787-844-3541 or 787-460-8934 or 787-461-8493. Web: www.cafepomarrosa.com.

 Hacienda Buena Vista in Ponce — This restored mid-19th century coffee plantation is owned by the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust. Guided tours are offered in Spanish and English. It’s more of a musuem tour than a "plantation". We visited here years ago, and recommend it. You can read our review for more details and contact info.

 Hacienda San Pedro in Jayuya — They offer 2-4 tours/day, on Saturday and Sunday only. They have a long tour for $20/person that includes the fields and the production areas. They also may have a shorter tour that only goes through the production areas (its about $10-15). Tours are usually every 2 hours from 10am until 4pm. Reservations are required, especially if you need an English-speaking guide or if you want a tour at a specific time. They also have a small museum and coffee shop that are open Friday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Phone: 787-828-2083

Hacienda Palma Escrita — Open for tours Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. $5/person. 45-minute tour with tasting. They also have a gift shop/store and a cafe (but you need a reservation for lunch). Phone: 787-210-8252

Hacienda Monte Alto in Adjuntas — Offers a free tour from field to machinery and tastings. Phone: 787-829-5353

Sandra Farms in Adjuntas — Trip to Origin Coffee Tour – From Planation to Cup, $15 per adult, kids 12 and under free. Reservation required. Tour lasts approx 1½ hours. Phone: 787- 409-8083. Web: www.SandraFarms.com.

Some other ideas for coffee lovers …

Museo del Cafe in Ciales — Located at 42 Palmer Street, this coffee museum roasts and sells fresh coffee. The tour and all the information is only in Spanish, but you can call and see if they have a bi-lingual guide available 787-871-3439. Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm, Saturday/Sunday 8am-5pm.

 Museo del Cafe, Don Ruiz – Roastery, Museum & Cafe in Old San Juan — Located at the Cuartel de Ballaja, (the large building across from El Morro), this museum opens in March 2013. 787-410-9444. They have a store and museum about the history and evolution of coffee, tobacco and rum of Puerto Rico. They also have a cafe where they serve Don Ruiz coffee and other food items. 

Aarrrgggg – Beware of the Pirates Maties!

 

Flamenco Beach/ CULEBRA ISLAND

          

 

Here’s something that makes Culebra so unique!    Culebra is an old pirate hideout.   Not to mention that in 1493 Christopher Columbus dropped by during his second voyage, and in 1909 Theodore Roosevelt declared Culebra one of America's first wildlife refuges. 

When World War II erupted, the US Navy turned Culebra and the 23 other islands in the archipelago into the primary site for gunnery and bombing practice. This island remained a target until 1975, which turned out to be a good thing - the reefs and surrounding waters remained unscathed by boaters and divers and the beaches were unspoiled by large-scale tourism development.

Today Culebra is appealing for what it lacks. There are no luxury resorts, elegant restaurants, discos, movie theaters, casinos, museums or boutiques. There's also no crime, hardly any traffic and few crowds.  Because the water  is calm and blue, the sand hot and white, and the horizon framed by bright green hills Flamenco Beach is a regular on critics' short-lists for the most beautiful beach in the world. . A great place to swim, snorkel, and bring the kids, this Puerto Rico beach even has some campground space should you want to take a day and soak one of up Puerto Rico's most celebrated beaches. 

Culebra offers  an unsullied and under-populated beach along with pristine waters filled with beautiful fish. There is also plenty of wildlife. The disconnected tracts of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, which total more than one-third of the islands' area, are populated with terns, gulls, pelicans, boobies and several species of endangered turtle. And the natives - or Culebrenses as they are known - provide plenty of the signature laid-back attitude that is so familiar in the Caribbean.

To get to Culebra, you need to take a plane from San Juan or Fajardo Airports or the ferry boat from Fajardo.

Our insiders tip for the week – For the Best Local Seafood try Club Seabourne (Web: www.clubseabourne.com).

 Club Seabourne is a secluded hotel with a casual restaurant serving American-Caribbean style seafood in a 35-seat screened-in porch overlooking Fulladosa Bay. Menu highlights include tuna and kingfish in various Caribbean sauces. The menu offers a variety of items such as the New York strip steak, but nods to the surroundings with Puerto Rican dishes including pastelon, lasagna made with fresh plantain. Arrive early and grab a drink at the popular outdoor bar.

Next week the Beach Bums will be telling you all about Playa de Ponce - Puerto Rico's Best Beach for Swimming!  So put on your suit and grab those fins.....

 

How “Sweet” It Is to visit Puerto Rico’s Beaches

         Where to start!  So many beaches – each with its own unique flavor and style!  We’ll start our journey with one of the most popular – San Juan’s Isla Verde.  Isla Verde Beach is actually a series of beaches  that stretches for miles and miles in front of posh resorts and luxury high rise residential apartments, guest houses, restaurants, night clubs, and private mansions.

Isla Verde Beach caters to everyone and is an ideal place to enjoy an extravagant tropical day at the beach. Isla Verde is a place where people meet with family and friends to picnic, read their favorite book, or just soak up the sun. Visitors looking to relax can take a tranquil sea side stroll; the more adventurous people go parasailing, waterskiing, surfing, body boarding and jet skiing or participate in one of the many beach and water sports offered by the hotels and seaside shops. Like all of the really great beaches (because everyone wants to be there!), Isla Verde Beach  can become very busy and sometimes crowded on weekends and during the summer.

There  are lots of places to eat and enjoy live entertainment in and around Isla Verde Beach. Numerous hotels, restaurants, seaside shops and take-out shops provide the perfect opportunity to satisfy your appetite while local bars and night clubs offer superb cocktails  - including the best Pina Coladas in the world!  [Spoiler alert if you only want to explore on your own!]  Here’s an Insider’s Tip:  When you’re hungry, you’ll find Isla Verde Avenue full of restaurants, but do yourself a favor and take a break from the fast food. Order some delicious take-out Cuban sandwiches or their awesome shrimp mofongo from the local Mi Casita which is in the Plazoleta de Isla Verde. Take the sandwiches to the beach – and sit on tables oceanfront, or simply in the sand and watch the action.

When you combine the idyllic beach setting of Isla Verde Beach with the sounds of laughter and friends and family, you will discover that San Juan’s Isla Verde Beach is the perfect place to visit for singles and families!

And to help prove how “Sweet” it is to visit Puerto Rico’s beaches, we’re including a recipe for a great Puerto Rican dessert.  Puerto Rico has some of the most scrumptious desserts among the different cuisines of the world.  Puerto Rican desserts are usually some form of custard or nisperos de batata which is sweet potato balls with coconut, cloves and cinnamon. Guava jelly with queso blanco (white cheese) is an extremely popular traditional Puerto Rican dessert.  Lots of the desserts that you will find in Puerto Rican cuisine are made from delicious local fruits such as orange layer cake, banana cupcakes or guava cupcakes, and coconut is a also a very common dessert ingredient.   One of the most delicious and popular Puerto Rican desserts is Flan  so here’s a simple recipe for you to make your own  "Sweet Taste of Puerto Rico".

Cream Cheese Flan

Ingredients

3 whole eggs plus 3 egg whites

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

1 can of evaporated milk

1 can of condensed milk

1 teaspoon of vanilla

3/4 cup of sugar

 

           Procedure

Take the sugar and caramelize it in a small sauce pan. Do not let the sugar burn. It should be a golden caramel color. Pour this caramel into an 8" round dish. Make sure to coat the bottom and the sides of the pan. Place all other ingredients in a blender and mix till it has a smooth consistency. Pour into the pan filled with caramel. Place pan in "bano de Maria". Bano de maria is a larger pan that has an been filled with an inch of water. This will help cook the flan. Place the larger pan with flan pan in it in the oven at 350 degrees. (25-30 minutes) You can check the flan by poking it center with a knife. If the knife comes out clean then the flan is done. 

Don't want to wait for more?  Then here’s a link to get you to more information on what  Puerto Rico has to offer http://welcome.topuertorico.org.  And, here’s an  800 # that you can  call to get free tourist information from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company: 800-866-7827. They publish the official tourism guide  - Que Pasa! Magazine - which includes information on accommodations, restaurants, shopping centers, casinos, transportation services, special events and fiestas. 

           But, don’t forget,  the Beach Bums update once a week  - we’ll be including some more “personal experiences” from friends and family who have lived or visited there.  You won’t want to miss them so be sure to come back!