See Puerto Rico Archives - Boulevards & Byways

12 Awesome Adventures in Northeast Puerto Rico

Sandy Ruyack — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 20:31:25 +0000

Northeast Puerto Rico’s Top 12 Adventures

There’s so much to love about Puerto Rico, so I picked my favorite 12 awesome adventures in Northeast Puerto Rico. Towns like Rio Grande, Palmer, Luquillo, Fajardo, and Ceiba are all found in the northeast corridor and are all approximately 35-45 minutes from San Juan airport. They just keep getting better and better with awesome things to do, see, and eat.

1) ENCOUNTER Turtles, Sting Rays, and Lobsters

Come face-to-face with turtles and hover past sting rays as blue tang, and colorful snapper swim by. In Las Croabas or Marina Del Rey in Fajardo tour operators will take you out on a catamaran or you can rent a “mini boat” to the best snorkeling spots, some near deserted islands. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend the day on and under the water. The tour operators supply everything you need for a fun day.

2) WITNESS a Glowing Blue Bay at Night

Learn the science as to why this is one of the most unique experiences in Puerto Rico. In Las Croabas Fajardo and Vieques there are numerous tour operators who guide you via kayak through the mangrove forest into a vast bio bay. Here you will witness bioluminescent plankton glowing blue. It’s a very unique tour everyone should experience.

3) PADDLE to Underwater Sea Life

Near Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo is where you’ll find vendors who will set you up with stand up paddle boards or kayaks. If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry, they’ll give you a lesson. Pirate Snorkeling Shack is one of my favorite. They give you a map to the reefs or they’ll give you a private tour. The water is calm and clear. You can hop off your kayak or paddle board and spend time snorkeling. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll see underwater very close to shore.

4) COOL YOUR JETS from the Summer Heat

On Luquillo and Seven Seas Beaches you can rent jet skis. They’re a great way to experience the beach from another perspective while getting your adrenaline rush.

5) TAKE A DIP

In the heat of the Puerto Rican sun, you need to cool yourself off! After a hike to La Mina Falls enjoy a cold dip in the water while the waterfall cascades down the rocks and over your head. El Yunque National Forest in Rio Grande, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, is where you’ll find great hiking trails, refreshing waterfalls, and breathtaking views.

6) INDULGE YOUR INNER FOODIE

You’ll truly be entertained at the Kiosks in Luquillo. Over 70 beach front vendors offer local Puerto Rican food such as mofongo, tostones, and pinchos. You can also find that hamburger or pizza, but why? When in Puerto Rico eat like a local. The food is delicious. In the evening, many venues have entertainment such as Charlie Sepuvelda, a famous Puerto Rican Jazz artist.

7) EARN BRAGGING RIGHTS

You’ve always wanted to surf, now’s the time. Catch a wave at La Pared in Luquillo. There are several surf schools who would be happy to give you a lesson. With a sandy bottom it’s a perfect place to learn to surf. You’ll never forget catching your first wave.

8) ZIP THROUGH THE AIR

Your friends will be jealous when you tell them about the incredible adventures you had in Puerto Rico. Zip line tours are available at the base of El Yunque Rain Forest in Rio Grande. You’ll be outfitted with everything you need to fly over the treetops.

9) GO ON A WILD RIDE

ATV adventures, Horseback Riding, and Go Carts are available at the foothills of El Yunque National Rainforest, Rio Grande. This area is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and trails which make it perfect terrain for these activities. Puerto Rico’s spectacular scenery will amaze you.

10) SPEND TIME SHOPPING

The little town of Palmer, which you go through to get to El Yunque, is a quaint place to stop for a cool drink or a tasty lunch. The town also offers shops featuring hand-made products, artisanal goods, t-shirts, and specialty foods such as hot sauces. Caribbean Trading is my favorite.

11) GET HANDS ON with Nature

Get hands-on and hold phytoplankton or stroke a sea cucumber. Find out which mango trees make the water red and climb to the top of a 19^th century lighthouse for spectacular views of the surrounding islands. La Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo will provide you with an interesting and informative tour as you explore the sensitive eco-systems with trained guides. Tours can be booked through the nonprofit organization Para La Naturaleza.

12) FLY OR FERRY to the Spanish Virgin Islands

Take a short flight from Ceiba or a ferry from Fajardo to the islands of Culebra or Vieques. Both islands have beautiful beaches, but Culebra has one of the world’s famous – Flamenco Beach. Soft sand and crystal clear water make it a favorite for many. Tamarindo beach is the best for snorkeling with turtles. On the island of Vieques is where you’ll find one of the two bio bays located on the northeast. Exploring either island is a great way to spend an action packed day of snorkeling, swimming, and exploring.

There’s no denying Puerto Rico has plenty things to do and see. The island has numerous coconut trees, too. If you need a break from snorkeling or zip lining, crack open a coconut and sit on one of the many beautiful beaches with the warm crystal blue water lapping at your feet.

Sandy Ruyack is the owner and writer of the popular and award-winning adventure travel blog, Boulevards and Byways. Her stories and photographs reflect her love of travel to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean – providing travel guides, destination tips, and vacation inspiration. Through transformative travel experiences, she encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and take the road less traveled. Boulevards and Byways has provided content for an array of hotels, tour companies, and travel publications. A native New Yorker, she and her husband split their time between Brewster, NY and Luquillo, Puerto Rico

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Why you should Visit Puerto Rico’s Sugar Plantation (Hacienda La Esperanza)

Sandy Ruyack — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 17:49:04 +0000

Explore the Bitter Taste of History at a Sugar Plantation

Hacienda La Esperanza

In the town of Manati, Puerto Rico, I was fortunate to be able to take a tour of the restored structures of one of the most important sugar plantations of the 19th century, Hacienda La Esperanza. The legacy of this hacienda owes its homage to both the lives of the 170 slaves who worked the land, as well as to a new invention of that time, the steam mill. We’ll explore Puerto Rican history at this sugar plantation.

The rich soils of Hacienda La Esperanza were perfect for sugar cane production and in 1830 Fernando Fernández, a Spanish officer, was able to grow a profitable business due to the demand for sugar by the United States. Slaves at that time, unfortunately filled the need for this labor-intensive industry, which is why there is the bitter taste of history at this sugar plantation.

Puerto Rican History at a Sugar Plantation

Hacienda La Esperanza

The hacienda sits on the estate of the plantation.

Fernando’s eldest son inherited the estate, and in 1861 installed a West Point Foundry Steam engine. This highly efficient new machine increased sugar production and he was able to expand to 2,000 acres of planted sugar cane. This also increased his need for additional slave labor.

The Bitterness at a Sugar Plantation

Hacienda La Esperanza

A mundillo is on display which lists the complaints of the slaves.

At the hacienda, complaints from the slaves are poignantly preserved and encased in a large glass case. The grievances are crafted on what’s called a Mundillo, which is handmade bobbin lace. The lace is created using wooden bobbins about the diameter of a pencil. The bobbin is wound with thread, twisted, and crossed to form a design. Depending on the pattern, as few as two dozen or as many as several hundred bobbins may be used. The pattern formed the words of the complaints.

The grievances were about the horrible treatment, the abuse, and the lack of any possible help from authorities. It is very moving to see something so beautifully and intricately woven and at the same time read the vile, heartbreaking and painstaking abuses endured by the slaves.

Impressive Collection of Machetes at

Hacienda La Esperanza

The collection of machetes is an unusual in interesting display.

There is also an impressive collection of machetes on display. The machetes used by the slaves were shorter and blunt, making it useless as a weapon, an extremely poor tool and since sugarcane needs to be cut low to the ground, the short blade required the slaves to bend over all day resulting in life-long pain and disfigurement for many.

Steam & Progression at the Plantation

Hacienda La Esperanza

The steam engine at work is a fascinating piece of engineering.

In what are the remains of the sugar mill building is the infamous steam engine which was used to crush the sugar cane in order to release the liquid. Before the steam engine, the sugar cane had to be crushed by hand, a time consuming and labor intensive process. The highly embellished engine was built in 1861 in Cold Spring, New York by the West Point Foundry, not far from my home.

View this short movie of the sugar mill in action:

Sugar Plantation

The Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico fully restored the steam mill and today it is an amazing site to see in action. In 1979, it was even named a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. It is quite mesmerizing to watch all the intricate wheels and pistons turn and rise creating the steam needed to power this immense machine. This lavishly decorated steam engine is the only West Point Foundry steam engine known to survive.

The Blood Mill and Puerto Rican History

Hacienda La Esperanza

Tour the grounds for other amazing artifacts.

We also toured additional ruins of the sugar mill where the sugar cane juice was boiled. The original “blood mill,” is also on display. This manual press was used before the onset of the steam engine to extract the juice out of the sugar cane, oftentimes resulting in crushed hands or arms, thus the name, blood mill.

After the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico in 1873, the sugar industry in Puerto Rico crumbled. However, the bitterness still remains as we are reminded of slaves who worked long and hard at this plantation. The hacienda went bankrupt, and in 1879 the land was sold. Thanks to the Conservation Trust and their mission to conserve natural spaces and educate the public about important historical places, we are able to experience this piece of bitter history at such a sweet location. I recommend a visit to learn about Puerto Rican History at a Sugar Plantation (Hacienda La Esperanza).

Go to Para la Naturaleza.org to make a reservation (required). Tours are available for a small fee in Spanish and English. Hacienda la Esperanza is at 616 Cll La Esperanza, Manatí, 00674, Puerto Rico

The Best Way to Explore Puerto Rico is with a GPS. I use this one:

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For more information on Puerto Rico Tourism Visit: http://www.seepuertorico.com/

For more information about Puerto Rico History visit:

Where to go for Puerto Rican Rum History

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What to do in Puerto Rico in 15 Photos

Sandy Ruyack — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 18:01:29 +0000

Explore Puerto Rico with 15 Photos

Things to do in Puerto Rico

Colorful architecture of Old San Juan!

Walking the streets of Old San Juan will make you question whether you’re in Europe or the Caribbean. Dazzling colors and roads lined with blue cobblestones, give this historical city beauty and charm. Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Beaches in Puerto Rico!

Swimming in the warm waters of Puerto Rico’s beaches will make you never want to leave. If calm waters are your desire, go to Luquillo Beach on the east side of the island. If it’s waves you want, go to the west side to Sandy Beach in Rincon. The island is surrounded by unique beaches that are the most beautiful in the world.