Mayra’s guidebook
Sightseeing
About 30-35 minutes from Aquatika via PR-Route 3. El Yunque National Rain Forest is the only tropical rainforest that is part of the U.S. National Forest System. Home to more than 240 types of trees, unique birds, native species like the coquí frog, and beautiful scenery, the forest spans 28,000 acres of land that includes 25 waterfalls, several rivers, and ancient petroglyphs of Taíno deities. You can either navigate it on your own or take a guided tour to get to the most popular locations.
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El Yunque
About 30-35 minutes from Aquatika via PR-Route 3. El Yunque National Rain Forest is the only tropical rainforest that is part of the U.S. National Forest System. Home to more than 240 types of trees, unique birds, native species like the coquí frog, and beautiful scenery, the forest spans 28,000 acres of land that includes 25 waterfalls, several rivers, and ancient petroglyphs of Taíno deities. You can either navigate it on your own or take a guided tour to get to the most popular locations.
Old San Juan (about 40 minutes away): Old San Juan is home to the San Juan National Historic Site, with buildings dating from the 16th century, including the San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal fortresses and the old city walls. The Bautista Cathedral houses the tomb of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León. Brightly colored houses line cobbled streets and shady plazas, alongside cool cocktail bars and renowned Caribbean fusion restaurants. In 1983, the walled city of Old San Juan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Viejo San Juan
Old San Juan (about 40 minutes away): Old San Juan is home to the San Juan National Historic Site, with buildings dating from the 16th century, including the San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal fortresses and the old city walls. The Bautista Cathedral houses the tomb of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León. Brightly colored houses line cobbled streets and shady plazas, alongside cool cocktail bars and renowned Caribbean fusion restaurants. In 1983, the walled city of Old San Juan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Paseo del Morro is a boardwalk that borders the outer edge of Old San Juan's imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro. One one side, you'll be flanked by the fort's massive outer walls and on the other side, you'll walk next to the Bay of San Juan. Once you reach the famous Gate of San Juan, a giant doorway that gives access to the inside of the city walls, the Paseo del Morro becomes one with the Paseo de la Princesa.
Paseo del Morro
Paseo del MorroPaseo del Morro is a boardwalk that borders the outer edge of Old San Juan's imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro. One one side, you'll be flanked by the fort's massive outer walls and on the other side, you'll walk next to the Bay of San Juan. Once you reach the famous Gate of San Juan, a giant doorway that gives access to the inside of the city walls, the Paseo del Morro becomes one with the Paseo de la Princesa.
The Castillo San Felipe del Morro, or El Morro for short, was the second fort built on the islet of what is now Old San Juan and Puerta de Tierra. El Morro's construction commenced in 1539 and finished in 1790; during those 250 years, El Morro went from a promontory mounted with a cannon to a six-level fortress designed to unnerve attackers approaching from the sea. 1983, El Morro and the walled city of Old San Juan were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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Castillo San Felipe del Morro
501 Bulevar del ValleThe Castillo San Felipe del Morro, or El Morro for short, was the second fort built on the islet of what is now Old San Juan and Puerta de Tierra. El Morro's construction commenced in 1539 and finished in 1790; during those 250 years, El Morro went from a promontory mounted with a cannon to a six-level fortress designed to unnerve attackers approaching from the sea. 1983, El Morro and the walled city of Old San Juan were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Vieques Island, one of the offshore island municipalities of Puerto Rico, is located just 7 miles off the east coast.
Vieques is home to Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, and with dozens of undeveloped beach coves, one can experience the true meaning of tropical bliss. This small Puerto Rican treasure is also home to the largest natural wildlife refuge in the Caribbean. Vieques can be accessed via ferry boat.
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Vieques
Vieques Island, one of the offshore island municipalities of Puerto Rico, is located just 7 miles off the east coast.
Vieques is home to Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, and with dozens of undeveloped beach coves, one can experience the true meaning of tropical bliss. This small Puerto Rican treasure is also home to the largest natural wildlife refuge in the Caribbean. Vieques can be accessed via ferry boat.
La Placita de Santurce is a must stop for anyone visiting Puerto Rico. The location was founded more than 100 years ago as a two-tiered market square. Nowadays, during the day it functions as a market place with some open restaurants. In the evening, beginning around 6:00 pm, the famous Placita de Santurce fully comes to life. You'll find recognized restaurants and local kiosks that sell fried foods like empanadillas, alcapurrias, and bacalaítos. The atmosphere is livelier from Thursday through Sunday, when locals flock here to hang out, have drinks, and dance salsa.
605 personas locales recomiendan
La Placita
300 C. dos HermanosLa Placita de Santurce is a must stop for anyone visiting Puerto Rico. The location was founded more than 100 years ago as a two-tiered market square. Nowadays, during the day it functions as a market place with some open restaurants. In the evening, beginning around 6:00 pm, the famous Placita de Santurce fully comes to life. You'll find recognized restaurants and local kiosks that sell fried foods like empanadillas, alcapurrias, and bacalaítos. The atmosphere is livelier from Thursday through Sunday, when locals flock here to hang out, have drinks, and dance salsa.
Evidence of pre-Columbian cultures was discovered in Maria de la Cruz cave (Cueva Maria de la Cruz), a cave close to the center of Loiza. Following the completion of the archaeological studies of the cave, the cave and surrounding land were turned into a community area for everyone to enjoy. It has become an Historical Park, where you learn a little about the area’s cultural history. It’s not a big park, but it is worth a quick stop if you happen to be in the area (say, on your way to or from Piñones). In 2018, they have made this area more of a destination- with guides and artisans, music and educational information about the history/culture. Now called Parque Histórico Cueva María de la Cruz.
16 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Historico Cueva Maria de la Cruz
Calle San PatricioEvidence of pre-Columbian cultures was discovered in Maria de la Cruz cave (Cueva Maria de la Cruz), a cave close to the center of Loiza. Following the completion of the archaeological studies of the cave, the cave and surrounding land were turned into a community area for everyone to enjoy. It has become an Historical Park, where you learn a little about the area’s cultural history. It’s not a big park, but it is worth a quick stop if you happen to be in the area (say, on your way to or from Piñones). In 2018, they have made this area more of a destination- with guides and artisans, music and educational information about the history/culture. Now called Parque Histórico Cueva María de la Cruz.
Puente Herrera is located about an 8 minute drive from the apartment. This is a cute spot for pictures. Beach is also located in this area along with a restaurant and some cultural points such as the Taller de Bomba N”Zambi. There’s usually traditional Bomba dance in this area on Saturday’s between 12pm-1pm.
Puente Herrera
Puente Herrera is located about an 8 minute drive from the apartment. This is a cute spot for pictures. Beach is also located in this area along with a restaurant and some cultural points such as the Taller de Bomba N”Zambi. There’s usually traditional Bomba dance in this area on Saturday’s between 12pm-1pm.
Adventure/Activities
About 30 minutes from Aquatika via PR-Route 3. Carabali Rain Forest Park in Luquillo offers ATV tours, Horse Back Riding, Free Parking on premises, Outdoor Go-Karts, Dining area / Bar.
305 personas locales recomiendan
Carabali Rainforest Park
Puerto Rico 992About 30 minutes from Aquatika via PR-Route 3. Carabali Rain Forest Park in Luquillo offers ATV tours, Horse Back Riding, Free Parking on premises, Outdoor Go-Karts, Dining area / Bar.
Located in Arecibo PR (almost 2 hrs from Loiza). Río Tanamá extends through three towns, and it's known as the ultimate outdoor adventure destination. Various tour operators such as Tanama River Adventures offer tours through the river that include cave tubing, swimming, hiking, and more.
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Rio Tanama
Located in Arecibo PR (almost 2 hrs from Loiza). Río Tanamá extends through three towns, and it's known as the ultimate outdoor adventure destination. Various tour operators such as Tanama River Adventures offer tours through the river that include cave tubing, swimming, hiking, and more.
The Las Paylas Natural Rock Water Slide (or chorreras, in Spanish). This area is beautiful to look at. It’s a fun place to picnic and spend some time watching the people slide, or just to play in the water pools.
You are responsible for your own safety. There are no lifeguards and the rocks are slippery and some areas can be muddy so you need to be careful when walking around on them.
There is no charge to get in. Parking is available via the local residents that have houses along the road. You will usually see a house with a chain link fence around the yard and the words Las Paylas on a sign and mailbox and “Finca Privada” sign on the fence. This is what you’re looking for. The owner of the house has 2 gated areas for parking in his yard. There is a path down to the river at this house. You can pull in and park in this lot (he usually charges $5 per car and $1 per person to use his path). Fee’s are subject to change. We recommend bringing cash to pay the parking/path fee when visit Las Payla’s in Luquillo.
137 personas locales recomiendan
Las Paylas
Puerto Rico 983The Las Paylas Natural Rock Water Slide (or chorreras, in Spanish). This area is beautiful to look at. It’s a fun place to picnic and spend some time watching the people slide, or just to play in the water pools.
You are responsible for your own safety. There are no lifeguards and the rocks are slippery and some areas can be muddy so you need to be careful when walking around on them.
There is no charge to get in. Parking is available via the local residents that have houses along the road. You will usually see a house with a chain link fence around the yard and the words Las Paylas on a sign and mailbox and “Finca Privada” sign on the fence. This is what you’re looking for. The owner of the house has 2 gated areas for parking in his yard. There is a path down to the river at this house. You can pull in and park in this lot (he usually charges $5 per car and $1 per person to use his path). Fee’s are subject to change. We recommend bringing cash to pay the parking/path fee when visit Las Payla’s in Luquillo.
About an 8 minute drive from the apartment. Located near Puente Herrera. There’s usually traditional Bomba dance in this area on Saturday’s between 12pm-1pm. Great area for local culture/history, local Artesian crafts for sale and activities.
Taller de Bomba N"Zambi
About an 8 minute drive from the apartment. Located near Puente Herrera. There’s usually traditional Bomba dance in this area on Saturday’s between 12pm-1pm. Great area for local culture/history, local Artesian crafts for sale and activities.
Shopping / Activities
The Outlet Mall at Route 66 (about 20 minutes away from Aquatika). If you are looking to get some shopping done or a day/night out with the kids then this is a fun place to check-out. There are many stores such as Adidas, Aeropostale, Guess, Journeys, etc... located here. In addition there is an Arcade (Arcade Mania) with over 160 machines that range from Bumper Cars, Virtual Simulators, Basket Ball, Air Hockey, and classics such as Pac-Man. All of the games are accessible via a re-loadable fun card that can be purchased at the arcade. In addition to the arcade there is also an in door Go-Kart course (K1 Speed). After all the shopping and games, families can stop for a bite to eat at the on-site food court.
221 personas locales recomiendan
The Outlet At Route 66
18400 Autop. Roberto Sánchez VilellaThe Outlet Mall at Route 66 (about 20 minutes away from Aquatika). If you are looking to get some shopping done or a day/night out with the kids then this is a fun place to check-out. There are many stores such as Adidas, Aeropostale, Guess, Journeys, etc... located here. In addition there is an Arcade (Arcade Mania) with over 160 machines that range from Bumper Cars, Virtual Simulators, Basket Ball, Air Hockey, and classics such as Pac-Man. All of the games are accessible via a re-loadable fun card that can be purchased at the arcade. In addition to the arcade there is also an in door Go-Kart course (K1 Speed). After all the shopping and games, families can stop for a bite to eat at the on-site food court.
Plaza Canovanas (about 15 minutes away from Aquatika). Here you will find a Walmart Supercenter, Marshalls, Always 99, Sally Beauty, Rainbows, Walgreens, Baskin Robbins, KFC, Burger King, T Mobile, Little Caesars, and a few other stores.
7 personas locales recomiendan
Plaza Canóvanas
17000 PR-3Plaza Canovanas (about 15 minutes away from Aquatika). Here you will find a Walmart Supercenter, Marshalls, Always 99, Sally Beauty, Rainbows, Walgreens, Baskin Robbins, KFC, Burger King, T Mobile, Little Caesars, and a few other stores.
Los Colobos Shopping Center (about 20-25 minutes from Aquatika). There is a Starbucks, Planet Fitness, McDonalds, IHOP, Burger King, Chilies, Econo Supermarket, Pepboys, and many other stores.
19 personas locales recomiendan
Los Colobos Shopping Center
Carr Canovanillas Industrial ParkLos Colobos Shopping Center (about 20-25 minutes from Aquatika). There is a Starbucks, Planet Fitness, McDonalds, IHOP, Burger King, Chilies, Econo Supermarket, Pepboys, and many other stores.
About 35-40 minutes from Loiza. This mall has a lot of shops and eateries. If you’re looking to get some shopping done while in P.R. I’m sure you’ll find what you need here.
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Plaza Las Américas
525 Av. Franklin Delano RooseveltAbout 35-40 minutes from Loiza. This mall has a lot of shops and eateries. If you’re looking to get some shopping done while in P.R. I’m sure you’ll find what you need here.
Shopping mall located about a 30-35 minute drive from the apartment.
105 personas locales recomiendan
Plaza Carolina
Avenue Jesus M FragosoShopping mall located about a 30-35 minute drive from the apartment.
Beaches
Beautiful beach/views along PR-Route 187 (about 25 minutes from Aquatika). It's right on PR-187, and one of its distinctive attributes is that a long breakwater hinders the intense Atlantic waves from crashing into "La Posita," which translates as the pool, or the puddle. Its waters are similar to those of a pool: calm and cool, perfect for bathing without having to struggle with the waves' intensity.
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La pocita azul
Beautiful beach/views along PR-Route 187 (about 25 minutes from Aquatika). It's right on PR-187, and one of its distinctive attributes is that a long breakwater hinders the intense Atlantic waves from crashing into "La Posita," which translates as the pool, or the puddle. Its waters are similar to those of a pool: calm and cool, perfect for bathing without having to struggle with the waves' intensity.
La Pared Beach
Isla Verde beach (about 30 minutes away). The beautiful Isla Verde Beach is located here. The beach offers activities such as Jet Skiing and Para Sailing. There is a reasonably priced parking lot in this area across from the Continental Hotel. The Isla Verde area is home to many hotels, eateries, and Casino.
239 personas locales recomiendan
Isla Verde Beach
Isla Verde beach (about 30 minutes away). The beautiful Isla Verde Beach is located here. The beach offers activities such as Jet Skiing and Para Sailing. There is a reasonably priced parking lot in this area across from the Continental Hotel. The Isla Verde area is home to many hotels, eateries, and Casino.
Food scene
Piñones is about 25 minutes away from Aquatika via PR-Route 187. In Piñones you will find many locally owned chinchorros (food kiosks to hang out and eat different native fried delicacies also known as frituras). You will also find many incredible beaches. Drive/stop through here to grab some awesome food/frituras such as Alcapurrias, Empanadas, Pionono's, Pincho's, etc... at the chinchorros/roadside eateries. In addition to the great food that you'll find here, you will also also have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Playa La Pocita.
287 personas locales recomiendan
Campamento Piñones
Piñones is about 25 minutes away from Aquatika via PR-Route 187. In Piñones you will find many locally owned chinchorros (food kiosks to hang out and eat different native fried delicacies also known as frituras). You will also find many incredible beaches. Drive/stop through here to grab some awesome food/frituras such as Alcapurrias, Empanadas, Pionono's, Pincho's, etc... at the chinchorros/roadside eateries. In addition to the great food that you'll find here, you will also also have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Playa La Pocita.
El Verde BBQ
Calle 3Good food. About a 12-15 minute drive from Aquatika.
Super close to SJU airport. Good place to catch a bite to eat after you land, before or take-off, or anywhere in between.
54 personas locales recomiendan
Bebo's BBQ
2352 Calle CelestialSuper close to SJU airport. Good place to catch a bite to eat after you land, before or take-off, or anywhere in between.
El Rincón De Carmín
Calle 29Not to far from the apartment. Good food and drinks.
About 8 minutes away from the apartment. Restaurant is located next to the beach and also near to a nice photo spot/cultural area.
Villa Pesquera Herrera
About 8 minutes away from the apartment. Restaurant is located next to the beach and also near to a nice photo spot/cultural area.
Located in Los Colobos, Carolina. About 20 minutes from the apartment.
Hijole Cocina Mexicana Colobos
Located in Los Colobos, Carolina. About 20 minutes from the apartment.
Sal & Pimienta by the sea
Located in Luquillo, PR. Local strip with food/drinks/bars. There’s also a beach behind the kiosko’s w Jet Skiing here.
Kioskos de Luquillo
Located in Luquillo, PR. Local strip with food/drinks/bars. There’s also a beach behind the kiosko’s w Jet Skiing here.
Grocery Shopping
2 minute drive and or 13 min walk from the condominium complex. Located on PR Route 187. They sell groceries, beer, snacks, medicine, and basic essential supplies.
13 personas locales recomiendan
Farmacia Medianía
2 minute drive and or 13 min walk from the condominium complex. Located on PR Route 187. They sell groceries, beer, snacks, medicine, and basic essential supplies.
La Conveniencia Market
Walking distance. Located on the corner/same side of street next to the entrance of the condominium complex. If you are facing the entrance of the condominium complex the store is located on the right hand side. They sell grocery items and some basic essential supplies. Depending on the time of day they also have coffee and breakfast sandwiches at times.
Colmado La Conveniencia
La Conveniencia Market
Walking distance. Located on the corner/same side of street next to the entrance of the condominium complex. If you are facing the entrance of the condominium complex the store is located on the right hand side. They sell grocery items and some basic essential supplies. Depending on the time of day they also have coffee and breakfast sandwiches at times.