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Articles in the Nature Category

Meet the Original Puerto Ricans at Caguana

Jun 6th, 2010 • By • Category: History, Museum, Nature, Porta Cordillera (Central)

If you take a trip to the Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park, you can learn about the people who lived in Puerto Rico (or Boriken as they called it) prior to the arrival of the Spanish. In this a small area, archaeologists have uncovered many artifacts, petroglyphs and a number of stone-lined areas. Many years later, after further excavations, research and preservation, this area is said to be one of the most important Taino-culture archaeological sites in the Antilles today.


Cool Off at Charco Frio or Get Crazy at Las Tinajas

May 23rd, 2010 • By • Category: Nature, Porta Antillas (East), Rain Forest

Here is another fun adventure made possible by the rivers that flow down from El Yunque. The Río Fajardo in Ceiba offers two types of fun — mild or rugged. For the mild type of nature lovers, there is Charco Frio, which is a series of pools in the river that you can enjoy cooling off in on a hot day. The rugged part is Las Tinajas, which, after a hike in, has a rope swing, a little rock water slide, pretty waterfalls, river views and some nice pools to enjoy.


Hiking in Toro Negro Forest

May 16th, 2010 • By • Category: Hiking, Nature, Porta Caribe (South), Porta Cordillera (Central), Rain Forest

Almost everyone that visits Puerto Rico makes the trip to El Yunque National Forest to see some waterfalls and get some great views. But there are other forests in Puerto Rico that offer all that, too. We had hiked in the Toro Negro Forest a number of years ago. I remembered it was very nice and parts of the forest looked very much like El Yunque. So we decided to go back again recently to take notes and write about it for anyone who wants an alternative to hiking in El Yunque.


Sailing & Snorkeling with Erin Go Bragh

May 6th, 2010 • By • Category: Nature, Porta Antillas (East), Snorkeling, Tour, Water Sports

We recently had the pleasure to spend another day sailing and snorkeling on the Erin Go Bragh III in the waters around Icacos and Lobos. It was a lovely day weather-wise, the food was delicious (of course), and the day was relaxing and fun. We even shot some nice underwater video while we were snorkeling.


Discover Petroglyphs at El Hippie and La Canoa Falls

May 2nd, 2010 • By • Category: History, Nature, Porta Antillas (East)

We live on the north side of El Yunque National Forest, and I am pretty familiar with most of the trails and things to see in the rain forest in our area. But I have been on a quest to get to see the petroglyphs located in Rio Blanco on the south side of El Yunque for a long time. We were finally able to find them, along with swimming holes and a water fall.


Las Paylas or Las Pailas – A Natural Water Slide in Luquillo

Apr 29th, 2010 • By • Category: Nature, Porta Antillas (East), Porta Atlantico (North), Rain Forest

Being a rain forest, there are plenty of rivers that come down from El Yunque. Over many years, the rushing waters have made some of these river rocks into natural playgrounds, complete with pools and water slides. There is a place in Luquillo called Las Paylas (or Las Pailas) were the rocks in this river are real smooth and make for some really fun slides.


Los Prieto Falls on El Yunque’s South Side

Apr 18th, 2010 • By • Category: Hiking, Nature, Porta Antillas (East), Rain Forest

The El Yunque National Forest covers 28000 acres, and much of it is protected as wilderness areas. Ray and I are always looking for new trails to hike and, of course, elusive waterfalls. We recently went to the south side of the rain forest in search of Los Prieto Falls. We found a great hike and beautiful set of waterfalls, too!


Beaches & Views in Isabela

Apr 15th, 2010 • By • Category: Beach, Nature, Porta Atlantico (North), Porta del Sol (West), Snorkeling

Isabela, the western-most town on the north coast, offers visitors great views and beaches. If you are like me, you will be in heaven watching the beauty of the ocean crashing onto the shore or over rocks. Though best-known for its beaches and surfing, Isabela also has a forest reserve, caves, lakes, rivers and historical sites all waiting to be explored.


Take a Boat Ride to Lunch at Lago Dos Bocas

Apr 11th, 2010 • By • Category: En español, Food & Lodging, Nature, Porta Atlantico (North), Porta Cordillera (Central)

Looking for a nice off the beaten path way to spend a weekend afternoon? You can hop in the car and head to Lago Dos Bocas toward the center of the island, where you can enjoy a free boat ride around the lake or, to make a longer day out of it, go to one of the lakeside restaurants and enjoy drinks or a meal while admiring the views.


Rio Espiritu Santo Waterfall in El Yunque

Apr 8th, 2010 • By • Category: Nature, Porta Antillas (East), Porta Atlantico (North), Rain Forest

El Yunque National Forest has a lot more to explore besides the forest along Road 191. If you have a little extra time and want to get a little more rain forest immersion, you can take a short drive up Road 186, above the El Verde area in Rio Grande, and find a hidden waterfall just steps from the road.


Saddle Up for a Tropical Trail Ride Close to San Juan

Apr 4th, 2010 • By • Category: Nature, Porta Antillas (East), Porta Atlantico (North), San Juan Metro, Tour

Tropical Trail Rides recently opened a new horseback riding excursion in Hacienda Campo Rico, just outside of San Juan. We recently had the opportunity to go on a horseback outing with them in their new location and we had a lot of fun.


Cueva Ventana: A View Like No Other

Apr 1st, 2010 • By • Category: En español, Hiking, Nature, Porta Atlantico (North), Porta Cordillera (Central)

We like to discover and write about little-known places to visit and things to do here in Puerto Rico. Cueva Ventana is one of those places. The information available about it was scarce, but once we figured it out, it turns out to be very easy to get to. And the view is fantastic!


Get Away to Culebra with East Island Excursions

Mar 28th, 2010 • By • Category: Beach, Culebra, Nature, Porta Antillas (East), Snorkeling, Tour, Water Sports

Culebra is a little island that is a nice day-trip away from the main island of Puerto Rico. We have been to a few beaches there and have never been disappointed. When we were invited by East Island Excursions to check out their Culebra Get-away trip, we were excited to go.


Beach Hopping in Luquillo

Mar 18th, 2010 • By • Category: Beach, Nature, Porta Antillas (East), Porta Atlantico (North)

There are a number of beaches in the Luquillo that will suit most people — a protected cove, some snorkeling, boogie boarding and surfing beaches. Take your beach blanket, beach chairs and cooler, and have a great day in the sun.


Geocaching – Hunt for Hidden "Treasure"

Mar 14th, 2010 • By • Category: Beach, Culebra, Hiking, Nature, Old San Juan, Porta Antillas (East), Porta Atlantico (North), Porta Caribe (South), Porta Cordillera (Central), Porta del Sol (West), Rain Forest, Rainy Day Ideas, Vieques

What do you get when you cross scavenger hunts with GPS technology? The "sport" called Geocaching. You can grab your GPS unit and try to find one of the 350 treasures hidden around Puerto Rico. You may be pleasantly surprised by what else you discover about the island during your hunt.