Luquillo is one of the most historical locations in Puerto Rico. "La Capital del Sol" (sun capital) is the name Luquillo has known since 1797 when Luquillo was founded by Cristóbal Guzmán. With a small population, approximately 19,573, the people in this vibrant center of history and culture are very friendly and offer a real presence. Luquillo has amazing beaches right off of the coastal highway 93. The beautiful Luquillo Beach is brimming with magnificent coconut palms for shade and more than a mile in fine sand of shimmering white. The visitors can enjoy Luquillo Beach with it's warm and clear blue water lapping on the shores rhythmically. Luquillo, Puerto Rico is the ideal location for getting away by surfing, hiking, and fishing off of the coast for some authentic meals and culture.History in Luquillo
At certain times of the year in the evenings Leather Backed Turtles can be found migrating off of the shores where they make an appearance in various times of the season. If lucky, the “luquillenses” or local residents, along with the tourist population, can enjoy this majestic creature known as the Leather backed turtles. The local wildlife societies will post or advertise when there will be a seasonal migration for viewing.
One well known luquillenses is sculptor Tomas Batista who is famous for his many sculptures of local farmers and historical Puerto Rican monuments. Tomas Batista unveiled the monument of the Cacique Loquilla, one of the famous Taíno chiefs of the island, which is located in his hometown of Luquillo. There are many cities in Puerto Rico that tourists can visit where they will find these beautiful Tomas Bastista renditions from agricultural and historical times.
Historical Attractions and Locations
There is a quaint square in the center of Luquillo a walking distance from the beach and the main highway. The square has every amenity to offer such as a small market, bakery, post office, fishmonger, city hall, police station, and a beautiful church. The church has an English and Spanish service, but what is amazing is the entire church is filled with hand-carved woodwork, furniture, and sculpted statues. The carved artwork and furniture tell a story of the culture and history of the city of Luquillo. The many pieces of work are ornately covered with seascapes and creatures indigenous to the waters, pelicans and tropical scenes of the forest with many coconut and palm trees as well as the surrounding beaches.
Luquillo is too far away to take a bus from the airport so the tourist will need to rent a vehicle for ease of travel. City bus-lines are available in some areas, but it is better to have a vehicle as it is beneficial to travel freely from the different locations available to tour. If the tourist drives East on the Coastal Highway from the San Juan Airport, they will soon reach El Yunque National Forest. This Caribbean National Forest has a total area of 28,000 acres with multiple types of trees such as Coconut Palms, Bamboo, Giant Ferns, Trumpet Trees, and Wild Orchids. The forest offers hiking trails and delectable treats from many food vendors located conveniently along the road. El Portal Tropical Forest Visitor’s center has historical exhibits and films to display interactive and cultural events.
Luquillo is too far away to take a bus from the airport so the tourist will need to rent a vehicle for ease of travel. City bus-lines are available in some areas, but it is better to have a vehicle as it is beneficial to travel freely from the different locations available to tour. If the tourist drives East on the Coastal Highway from the San Juan Airport, they will soon reach El Yunque National Forest. This Caribbean National Forest has a total area of 28,000 acres with multiple types of trees such as Coconut Palms, Bamboo, Giant Ferns, Trumpet Trees, and Wild Orchids. The forest offers hiking trails and delectable treats from many food vendors located conveniently along the road. El Portal Tropical Forest Visitor’s center has historical exhibits and films to display interactive and cultural events.
Luquillo, Puerto Rico is one of the hidden treasures of the island. The city is a perfect location for visitors who are interested in visiting the beach and historical areas without the high cost of the popular cities. It is very easy to research Vacation Rentals that can accommodate the visitors needs in Luquillo. Luquillo is one hour away from El Morro Fortress in San Juan, two hours away from Porta Coeli in San German, and three hours away from the famous Plazas and Parque de Bombas or Painted Firehouse in Ponce. Whatever the attraction is for the visitor, they cannot go wrong by visiting Luquillo, Puerto Rico’s secluded vacation spot.
The tourist can visit the Hacienda Carabalí, a 600 acre ranch located at the foothills of El Yungue, by mounting a Paso Fino Horse and ride into the rainforest in this two-hour scenic tour. The elegant Fino horses are well trained and know the road, but a guide will always join the tour. The tourist can ask for an English or Spanish tour, and the tour will end in a refreshing swim in the Mameyes River. The hacienda offers different kinds of tours to enjoy, including an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or a Mountain bike tour for those that enjoy the Caribbean sunshine and the peaceful scenery of the lush rain forest.
One such attraction is the history of the Amazona Vittata, the Puerto Rican Green Parrot. The Puerto Rican Green Parrot is a species in danger of extinction as they number less than 100 in population because of Hurricanes Hugo in 1989 and Luis in 1995. The species, which is common to Puerto Rico, was at one time widely distributed geographically throughout Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican Green Parrot is limited to El Yungue National Forest and there are honoring sculptures of these beautiful parrots throughout the city of Luquillo.
Patrick Tremblay
No comments:
Post a Comment