Hands and Art at La Loma de los Reyes
Driving on Highway PR-52 near Cayey, you can’t miss the large statue of the Three Kings (Three Wise Men) perched up on a hill. This is La Loma de los Reyes in Guavate, and the artist has added something unexpected – two giant hands jutting out from the hillside. We decided to check out the hands and statue at La Loma de los Reyes, and of course, it made for the perfect excuse to stop for lechon for lunch in Guavate.
Located in the town of Cayey, it’s a quick 40-minute highway drive south from the San Juan area. At the entrance, there’s a large sign calling it Monte Sagrado de los Tres Santos Reyes, but everyone (and Google Maps) knows it as Loma de los Reyes or simply the Big Hands. The owner, Juan Santos Torres, is a sculptor who works with carved rock. He created the large Three Kings statue along with several other beautiful sculptures you can see throughout the property.
To visit, drive up Road 184 (affectionately known as “the pork highway”). The driveway entrance comes right after a sharp curve to the right – just past the first lechoneras as you exit the highway. You’ll need to make a sharp right turn into a steep driveway that leads to a small parking area on top of the hill. Once you’re up there, it feels like walking into someone’s backyard – but with an incredible view! Mr. Santos Torres has made the space super welcoming with tables and chairs, a tent for shade, hammocks, and plenty of photo-worthy spots. He’s friendly and encourages you to relax and stay as long as you like.
You can see the Tres Reyes statue up close, and he’s painted a beautiful Puerto Rican flag mural below it that makes for great photos. Since everything sits on top of a hill, the views are fantastic. Mr. Santos Torres created two large hands (painted with Puerto Rican flags) that extend out over the hillside. There’s a narrow walkway up the arm, and the hand area is big enough for you to stand, sit, or even bring another person up for photos. It looks like you’re really high up, but it’s not as extreme as it seems – though it does take a little courage to walk out onto the hands! Once you’re out there, you’ll get some amazing photos of the sweeping views below.
Just a heads up – he prefers that kids don’t go out on the hands, and he asks everyone to be careful since things can get slippery.
Details
They recommend a donation of $5 per person, kids are free – payable via ATH Móvil, PayPal, or cash. He also has some small carved items for sale.
They are open daily from 10am until 5pm or 6pm.
Allow maybe 1 hour.
You can call 787-671-5260 for more info.
You can visit their Facebook page for more info.
La Loma de los Reyes is located on Road 184, just off of Highway 52 in Cayey. Follow the signs for Guavate.
Click on a placename below to view the location on Google Maps ...
Puerto Rico Day Trips LLC assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it!
