Tours Archives - Boulevards & Byways

Where to Snorkel, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddle Board – Puerto Rico

Sandy Ruyack — Mon, 15 May 2017 13:26:22 +0000

Discover the Best Snorkel, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddle Board – Puerto Rico

You’ll find the beach front sign in front of Seven Seas Beach

Where to Snorkel, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddle Board in Puerto Rico. When spending time in Puerto Rico, many people who decide to visit this amazing island will spend their time lounging on the picturesque white sand beaches, playing in the clear blue water, and soaking up the sunshine. However, renting a paddle board or a kayak and snorkeling the crystal clear water should be on your list! Where to Snorkel, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddle Board in Puerto Rico.

Where Should You Go for the Best Snorkeling and Rentals?

Pirate Snorkeling Shack in Fajardo, on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico at Seven Seas Bay is the best for many reasons.

Visit Pirate Snorkeling Shack For Snorkeling Tours, Kayak and Stand-Up Paddle Board Rentals, and More!

The area is filled with many varieties of fish and sea life.

Along with an awesome equipment, Pirate Snorkeling Shack offers great value, and the owners Hector and Coralis are passionate about their job. They will set you up with a stand-up paddle board or a kayak, life jacket, water, a bag to hold your stuff, snorkel equipment, and an anchor.

They Provide Excellent Service

They’ll make sure you’re steady on your feet and holding the paddle correctly before you go off on your own. In addition, they will give you a handy water proof card with a map to the snorkeling areas and a chart of the different types of fish you will most likely see. When you get tired of paddle boarding or kayaking you just jump in the water, cool off, and snorkel over the reefs, and get back on your board or kayak and snorkel in another spot. It was one of the best days I had snorkeling in Puerto Rico.

A fish identification card is displayed so you can name the fish you’ve seen.

They give you everything you need

Pirate Snorkeling Shack also provides guided kayaking & snorkeling tours. They’ll take you out to the best snorkeling destinations in Seven Seas Bay and provide you with an informative tour both above and below the water. The tours have an ecological focus and their enthusiasm for sharing their knowledge about the environment and undersea life is key of every Pirate Snorkeling shack experience. You will be guided through the coral reef and will learn about all the different types of marine life you see below the surface. All the equipment is included as you explore the magnificent Seven Seas Bay.

There’s abundant sea life in Seven Seas Bay

The Best Snorkel, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddle Board in Puerto Rico

This was definitely the highlight of my trip to Puerto Rico and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Pirate snorkeling provides you with great value and gives you everything you need when booking a kayak or paddle board tour; mask lesson, water, lunch, and informative eco tour.

Pirate Snorkeling Shack is my top choice for personalized attention, for receiving the best service, and for getting an awesome experience in ways they never thought possible.

Pirate Snorkeling Shack offers:

Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Snorkeling Gear rentals, including Full Face Snorkeling gear.
Snorkeling Lessons
Day and Night Snorkeling & Kayak tours
Go Pro Rentals – with FREE SD Card

Contact:

Address: Cabezas de San Juan Fajardo Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-556-0104
Website: Piratesnorkelingshack.com
Email: Piratesnorkelingshack@gmail.com

I am in no way affiliated with Pirate Snorkeling Shack. This rental was paid for by my family and I had such a great time I wanted to share it with you all!

Travel Tip: I recommend purchasing this snorkel mask. It’s the only mask I use and it’s the best purchase I’ve ever made. There are no leaks, no fogging, and it’s easy to use. You can buy it here:

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates, LLC program, an advertising program allowing us to receive fees when you purchase the product above. It does not in anyway add to your cost but it helps support our blog costs.

For more things to to in Puerto Rico read about 7 Amazing Things to do in Old San Juan Puerto Rico.

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Sail the Amazing Grace in San Juan Bay – Puerto Rico

Sandy Ruyack — Sat, 13 May 2017 17:59:44 +0000

A Relaxing, Fun, and Informative Tour Not to be Missed

This beauty is the 83 foot top sail schooner, the Amazing Grace.

On Puerto Rico’s northern coast, an 83 foot topsail schooner, the Amazing Grace, sails in San Juan Bay It lures its passengers into the beauty, history and culture of Old San Juan. Sailing the Amazing Grace in San Juan Bay – Puerto Rico provides visitors a relaxing respite and a different perspective of the city.

The beautiful vessel flies seven sails, used in different combinations based on the wind. The ship, represents the ones used by the British in the War of Independence and again in 1812. The pirates in these seas captured many of the privateer vessels.

Today, pirates don’t sail in the waters of San Juan Bay, but, as a reminder, a pirate flag flutters from its stern, reminding us of gnarly tales associated with the schooner’s history.

A pirate flag flutters in the breeze.

Sail the Amazing Grace in San Juan Bay – Puerto Rico

I boarded the vessel for a sunset cruise and the crew hoisted the sails amidst a ceremonious cheer. We passed candy-colored centuries old buildings that peeked from behind an imposing stone wall. The wall, 42 feet tall, is in some places 45 feet thick at the base. It was built to protect the city from pirates and invaders.

We lazily sailed upon the bay. A historical narrative was given by the charismatic crew and our cocktail order was taken. I leaned back, sipping a refreshing mojito, reflecting on what life must have been like back in that time.

Fort Morro stands majestically with it’s high walls and imposing structure.

La Muralla, the wall, is an imposing structure that surrounds the city of Old San Juan. It’s only from the water’s view do you realize how it ‘s size dissuaded invaders and pirates from entering the city.

The red gate guards the entrance to the city of Old San Juan.

A red gate, built in 1520, came into view. It provided access to the city and was shut at night. It’s the only remaining gate left standing.

Sail the Amazing Grace in San Juan Bay – Puerto Rico

The sun began to set, shadows illuminated the vibrant Fort Morro prominently standing guard to the entrance to the San Juan Bay. We got to fire a small cannon towards the fort. The echo of the blast rang in our ears, a subtler version of the real cannons fired many years ago.

The attentive crew passed around delicious tapas. Cheese, sliders, and empanadas quelled our hunger as we headed back to shore.

The sails come down at we head back to shore.

This has been one of my top travel highlights of Puerto Rico. It’s a relaxing and fun opportunity to immerse oneself in the history and culture of the city of Old San Juan in a very unique way.

The Amazing Grace can be chartered for your next special event; small weddings & rehearsals, themed birthday parties, anniversaries, family reunions, or even memorials.

Contact:

East Island Excursions

eastislandpr.com

787-860-3434

Disclosure details: Boulevards and Byways attended the tour as a guest of East Island Excursions. All opinions are my own.

More things to do in Puerto Rico

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Where to go for Puerto Rican Rum History

Sandy Ruyack — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 19:26:57 +0000

A Taste of Puerto Rican Rum History

There’s nothing better than rum punch on the beach.

As a by-product of the sugar making process, for rum production in Puerto Rico became a major industry in the 16^th century. Sugar cane juice (guarapo) is extracted and boiled at a high temperature. The process yields a syrup called molasses, which when mixed with water and is fermented, produces the distilled spirit rum. This is just a taste of Puerto Rican rum history and here are two places you can visit to learn more.

Don Q Rum & the Serralles Castle in Ponce

A Taste of Puerto Rican Rum History

A refreshing mojito is my favorite rum drink.

If you’re interested in the history of rum production in Puerto Rico, the Serralles Castle museum in Ponce is an interesting place to start. This elaborate summer home of the family of Juan Serralles, the founder of the Serralles Rum Distillery, is the producer of the very popular Don Q Rum which is known for its distinctive flavor. Build in the 1930’s, the mansion sits high on a hill with stunning views of Ponce and the Caribbean Ocean from its elaborate gardens and terraces. Tours are offered of the mansion, which contain many of the family’s antiques, and includes information about the history of sugar cane production and rum distillation. You unfortunately do not get any rum samples to taste here, this is strictly Puerto Rican rum history. The rum is produced at the Serralles distillery in town, but they do not give tours.

You can purchase a ticket to just visit the castle or you can buy a combination ticket which will also include the Cruceta del Bigia and the Japanese Gardens which are across the street. The Cruceta del Vigía or the Watchman’s Cross is a 100-foot-tall cross used by early Spanish settlers in the 1800s as a look-out for invaders and pirates. This ten-story vertical tower with a horizontal sky bridge provides amazing views of the city of Ponce and the Caribbean Sea. A Japanese garden was built on the grounds near the cross with the purpose of encouraging spiritual peace and harmony by the means of nature and Zen music. The garden features small lakes, rivers, bonsais, and bridges.

Hours for the Castle: Thursday through Sunday 9:30-5:50. Admission can include the museum only, the museum and gardens, or the museum, gardens, and crucifix.
Address: #17 Sector El Vigia, Pso De La Cruceta, Ponce
Phone: 787.259.1774
Web: Museo Castillo Serrallés or castilloserralles.org

The Bacardi Factory in San Juan

At the Bacardi factory you will learn how to make delicious rum drinks.

The Bacardi Visitors tour in San Juan is a popular tourist destination devoted to the history of Bacardi Rum. The company actually began in Cuba and moved over to Puerto Rico in 1936 before Fidel Castro took power. The Bacardi brand’s fermentation process gives Bacardi rum its clear color and distinctive taste.

There are three tours:

$15 History Tour Includes: Learning about the past, present, and future of the Bacardi brand and how it evolved from being a small rum manufacturer in Santiago de Cuba to becoming one of the largest rum producers today. This informative tour takes you through the history of sugar production and rum making and includes a movie about the Bacardi family and their rum production business. You receive: A commemorative Bacardi cup, a Bacardi special “welcome” cocktail for adults, and refreshments for children.
$45 Rum Tasting Tour includes: All of the above and PLUS guests will learn how to prepare a cocktail and learn about the attributes of the finest rums within the Bacardi portfolio. A Distillery Tour and access to the Cathedral of Rum with an assigned Brand Specialist is also included .You receive all of the above, plus an Honorary Certificate of Completion.
$45 Mixology Tour Includes: All of the above PLUS a class on how to prepare three legendary cocktails: Cuba Libre, Mojito and Daiquiri.

Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 4:30pm
Sunday from 10:00am to 4:30pm

Address: Carretera 165, Catano, 00949, Puerto Rico

Phone: +1 787-788-8400

Website: casabacardi.org

Ron del Barrilito Rum

Ron Barrilito rum is a local favorite.

I would be remiss if I didn’t write about Ron del Barrilito, Puerto Rico’s oldest rum brand, and one highly esteemed, it is often called a “cult rum”. Lauded for its deep, almost whiskey-like complexity, the two-star rum rests for three years, and the three-star is a blend of six- to ten-year-aged rums. Barrilito only exports to Spain and a few states.

As the story goes, in 1871, Pedro Fernández took over the property where his father was running a sugarcane plantation. He had been producing small amounts of rum for guests. Fernández developed the secret rum formula, aged in Spanish sherry barrels that his family still uses today, and produced a smooth and mellow rum. The small family run factory in Bayamon is not seeking endless growth. They only want to make excellent rum.

It’s 5:00!

Time for a Pina Colada.

It’s 5:00 somewhere, so it’s time for a taste of Puerto Rican rum history. Cuba Libre, Mojito, Pina Colada, and coconut rum are some of my favorite rum drinks. Which one should I have today? Which one is your favorite? The history of rum and its long-standing relationship with Puerto Rico must be tasted to truly understand The culture.

Where to go for Snorkeling Tours in Puerto Rico (by boat)

Sandy Ruyack — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 19:25:55 +0000

Best Snorkeling Tours in Puerto Rico

Where to go for the Best Snorkeling in Puerto Rico.

Many visitors flock to Puerto Rico’s beaches but never explore the vibrant undersea life. Colorful snapper, angel-like palometa, and blue tang swim in abundance around bright yellow coral and purple fans. Turtles pop their heads above water and then gracefully float back down to eat their dinner among the sea grass. There are many tour operators who offer an assortment of excursions to various snorkeling sites providing an educational and safe experience. Come on, step out of your comfort zone and into an underwater adventure. Here are two best snorkeling trips in Puerto Rico which will take you to some of the area’s best spots to see a myriad of fish and turtles. By the way, I tried out my NEW full face snorkel mask and loved it. See below for where you can get one too!

Tobias Tours via a High Speed Power Boat

Why is this the Best Snorkeling Tour in Puerto Rico?

Tobias Tours does everything possible to make your snorkeling adventure safe and comfortable. Upon departing Villa Marina in Fajardo, on their comfortable 46 foot power boat, we head out to the island of Culebra. After about a 45 minute ride, we first arrive at a secluded cove in the Luis Pena Channel and anchor while we snorkel the crystal clear warm waters. We were not disappointed. Schools of brightly colored fish, sea turtles, and stingrays were seen. Snorkeling is incredibly fun, relaxing, and a wonderful way to explore the ocean. You can just drift through the water, relax, and enjoy the underwater scenery.

We then headed over to another snorkeling spot. Different snorkeling sites have vastly different marine life to see and experience. Some shallow areas can be filled with incredible life forms such as sponges, corals, and fish. Other spots, such as coral reefs, can be very rich with colorful and vibrant sea life.

Because of weather conditions we were not able to snorkel off of Flamenco Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but the captains always have a few other places on hand. Carlos Rosario, Tamarindo, and Punta Soldado were some of the options, they however took us to Playa Tortuga off of Culebrita island. We were able to easily snorkel off shore, explore the beach for a bit, and return to the boat for lunch. After enjoying a tasty lunch of tuna and chicken salads, pasta, bread, local fruits, snacks, and unlimited refreshments, we still had time to head back out for another round of snorkeling. We returned to the marina at around 3:45- 4:00pm.

Prices are $95 per person plus tax, children 6-12 are $73, children under 6 are not permitted. This is a day trip lasting from around 9:30-4. Included is all snorkeling gear, flotation devices, snorkeling instruction, and sea ladders for easy water access.The price also includes lunch and unlimited beverages.

Address: Villa Marina, Fajardo

Phone: +1 787-567-4495

Web: Tobias Snorkel and Beach Tours

Kayaking Puerto Rico Snorkeling & Adventure Tours

Try a Mini Boat Adventure – Where you’re the Captain

Why is this the Best Snorkeling Tour in Puerto Rico?

What a blast we had piloting our own 13′ inflatable mini boat through the uninhabited cays and to the stunning beach of the cay of Icacos! After a thorough lesson by a certified instructor on piloting the boat, we began our adventure. The seas were a bit rough that morning, and even though I was hanging on the side handles of the boat, I was still bouncing up and out of my seat. It was all good fun and added to the many great experiences we had throughout the day. The guides lead the way as each of the mini boats in the tour followed one another through the crystal clear waters toward the crystal clear waters of Icacos. As the waves splashed up onto our boat, they provided a cool and refreshing reprise from the sun.

The first snorkeling destination was quite a ways off-shore and as as we disembarked from our boats the eco-guide lead the way through spectacular coral reef formations as we swam among schools of colorful tropical fish, and learned about the wonders of the underwater world. We even saw a lobster and a puffer fish! I was impressed that the guide took the time to interpret the natural history of the reserve as he guided us through an amazing snorkeling trail.

We then headed to Icacos Cay. Icacos is one of a string of cays which form the Cordillera Cays Nature Reserve. The beach here was amazingly beautiful but we didn’t see much as we snorkeled around the crystal clear waters. The water, beach, and view were amazingly beautiful and we were content to take a short hike on the beach and relax in the warm water. After a swim, snacks, and refreshments, which are in the coolers provided in each Mini Boat, we headed back to Fajardo.

Depending on the weather, the guides will lead you where conditions and snorkeling are best at the time. We were supposed to go to Palominito Island, which is surrounded by coral reefs and was seen in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean 4, but the water was a bit too choppy for a visit.

Overall, driving in the mini boat was a unique way to visit the snorkeling sites of this area. It added another dimension to the overall snorkeling adventure and the guides did an excellent job leading our group both over and under the water. It was an excellent half day trip and can’t wait to do it again.

Life jackets, snorkeling equipment and snacks and refreshments are all included.

Check the website for prices.

Address: Carr 987, Km 5.4, Las Croabas, Fajardo 00738

Phone: 787.245-4545

Web: Miniboat Adventures

Here’s where you can get your Full Face Snorkel Mask:

I bought this Full Face Snorkel Mask from Amazon and loved it! Finally a mask that does not leak. I have always had a problem with water getting into my mask because of my hair bunching up and compromising the seal. I did not have this problem at all with this mask. It also doesn’t fog (no more spitting in your mask). It’s been the best mask I’ve had for snorkeling, which I do quite often. You can purchase from the link below:

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates, LLC program, an advertising program allowing us to receive fees when you purchase the product above. It does not in any way add to your cost.

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2 Caves to Explore in Puerto Rico (Things to do in Puerto Rico)

Sandy Ruyack — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 19:09:50 +0000

Caves, Cracks and Crevices

Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy

This park was severely damaged during Hurricane Maria. Cleanup and restoration efforts continue. Call (787) 898-3136 before visiting for information on the re-opening date.

A spectacular view from inside Camuy Cave.

Largest Cave in Puerto Rico

Located in northwest Puerto Rico in Arecibo, there’s a cave system called The Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy or Rio Camuy Caves. In the 1950s researchers discovered this large network of natural limestone caves and underground waterways carved out by the third-largest underground river in the world, the Río Camuy.

The canopy of trees and lush vegetation is dense, it’s hard to believe such an extensive cave system hides below the thick forest. Today there are more than 10 miles of mapped trails leading to 17 entrances and 220 caves. Only a small part of the cave system, a 268-acre park, however, is open to the public. It is home to 3 sinkholes through which an underground river runs, and 2 awe-inspiring caves which visitors can explore.

Spiral Cave and Sinkhole

A tour guide leads you through the caves system.

Tours are given five days a week and start with a short tram ride down through lush forest toward the opening of the cave. The walking audio tour begins with a 205-step stairway into the chilly, dark cave. Soft lights and railings help navigate the sometimes slippery path. The route leads past stalactites, stalagmites, and many unique and beautiful formations of the cave walls. The audio tour is accompanied by a tour guide who leads the way, provides additional information, and answers any questions you may have.

The cavern opens into an area where the Camuy River runs into the subterranean waterway. A sinkhole from above gives view to the vegetation hanging into the cave-like long thin fingers hanging down from a hand. The gentle tweets of birds, as they fly between the opening, gives a peaceful connection between light and life above, to the darkness below.

Clara Cave and Sinkhole

This sinkhole is the highlight of the trip.

The Clara Cave chamber is immense, and it could fit a 20-story building inside. Towering boulders, vast openness, and the height of the ceiling evoke silence – only broken by the gentle splash water droplets and the echoes of the visitor’s hushed voices. The huge sinkhole above produces eerie shadows as beams of light enter the cave, creating a surreal dichotomy of light and dark. In another area of the cave, the Camuy River can be seen below as multiple bat species fly between the crevices of the walls of the cave.

This is a spectacular and informative tour. It’s best to get there when it first opens as the park will close when filled to capacity. Also, if you suspect rain the day you plan to go, call ahead as the park will close when it rains due to flooding. There are picnic and gift shop areas.

Parque Cavernas del Río Camuy

Cueva Ventana

Stunning views at the cliff’s edge.

Set at the side of a cliff, Cueva Ventana means “Window Cave.” Unlike the Camuy caves which are underground, Cueva Ventana is stunningly located on the side of a cliff in Arecibo.

With admission, you get a helmet, flashlight, and a guide to walk you through the cave. During the 45 minute walk, trained biologists deliver insight into how the caves formed and the many creatures which call it home, such as insects, snakes, and bats. They also discuss the plants on-site, some of which are near extinction and provide the history of the original Taino Indians who were the original inhabitants of this area.

The cave offers impressive stalagmites and stalactites, however, the real highlight is when the passage finishes dramatically and the open face of the cliff frames the lush Río Grande de Arecibo valley far below. The scenic vistas from this vantage point have attracted visitors for decades, providing views across the entire valley and down to the ground below.

Cueva Ventana

Tours to Cueva Ventana and other sites in Arecibo

Travel Easier & Purchase the Best Carry-On Suitcase Here:

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Other things to do in Arecibo

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Requiem for the Arecibo Observatory

Sandy Ruyack — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 19:04:55 +0000

Puerto Rico

PLEASE NOTE:
The Arecibo Observatory is closed.

A 1,000-foot diameter dish used to keep us safe from asteroids, beamed a three-minute pictorial message 23,000 light-years away to the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy, and has assisted in numerous notable discoveries. It’s just three of the reasons why the loss of the Arecib o Observatory in Puerto Rico is such a great loss. When it comes to telescopes, there are few as awe-inspiring as this one.

Where was the Arecibo Radio Telescope

Arecibo is in the Northern Coastal Valley region of Puerto Rico. The area is marked by stark contrasts. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the north and numerous caves, sinkholes, and wooded hills to the south. Built into a natural limestone sinkhole in 1964, the telescope was made of nearly 40,000 perforated aluminum panels covering an area of about twenty acres.

Arecibo Observatory Facts

The Arecibo Observatory was the brainchild of Cornell University professor William E. Gordon. This was an extraordinary site, at 167 feet deep, the Arecibo telescope was the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world.

The Location of the Arecibo Observatory

Arecibo Radio Telescope was located approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from San Juan. As you get closer to the site, navigating through narrow one-lane roads, twisting and turning up and around bends, is just part of the adventure of visiting the area.

Arecibo Observatory Visitor Center -Closed

A welcoming visitor’s center ushers visitors into a world of interactive exhibits and friendly and informative guides are on-hand to answer all questions. There’s a 20-minute video and then the anticipated opportunity to visit the observation deck to view the breathtaking radio telescope.

Many people will recognize the Arecibo Telescope for its roles in Hollywood movies. The giant telescope was featured prominently in the final scene of the James Bond film Goldeneye and was also the antenna used by Jody Foster in her search for alien signals in the movie Contact.

Arecibo Observatory Message

Astronomers Frank Drake and Carl Sagan put together a binary communication known as the Arecibo message. It was sent from the Arecibo Observatory in 1974.

At the visitor’s center, visitors see a graphic showing the Arecibo message. It was directed to the star cluster known as M13. If eventually decoded by an intelligent race, the extraterrestrial recipients will be greeted with a 23 by 73-pixel bitmap image depicting a stick figure of a human being, a human DNA strand, chemical formulas, our solar system, and even an image of the telescope itself.

Arecibo Observatory Tour – Closed

Those who are interested in an in-depth look at the reflector and what goes on behind the scenes, an Arecibo Observatory VIP tour is available during certain times of the day. A 30 minute guided tour takes visitors to the engineering offices, the control room, and to the edge of the 1,000 feet (305 meters) reflector.

Arecibo Observatory Discoveries

As one might expect with such a large telescope, some big findings have been made at Arecibo. Most notably, the observatory is known for discovering the first planets outside our solar system and measuring the rotation rate of the planet Mercury. It was also used by Russell Hulse and Joseph Taylor, of Princeton University, New Jersey, to pinpoint a pair of neutron stars or pulsars. The discovery, the first of a pulsar binary, was of immense importance in understanding the gravitational theory and earned the pair the 1993 Nobel Prize for Physics.

The Arecibo telescope has also played a key role in studying celestial events known as fast radio bursts which are split-second blasts of radio waves that appear in the sky and have traveled billions of light-years across the cosmos.

Arecibo Telescope Loss

The Arecibo Telescope provided an important role of guarding our planet against the threat of asteroids. Seeking answers to the unknown, the telescope can no longer help protect our planet from threats or decipher a message the day an intelligent race contacts us.

This was is a place that fosters and inspires scientific interest in everyone, not only astronomers and scientists.

Route 625, Bo. Esperanza, Arecibo, PR 00612

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Arecibo+Observatory/@18.3464019,-66.7550083,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8c02db84dca94fc1:0x1ce481f2793da255!8m2!3d18.3464019!4d-66.7528196

(787) 878-2612
Arecibo Observatory

Interested in Exploring the Universe? Begin Your Astronomical Journey With this Special Deal!

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates, LLC program, an advertising program allowing us to receive fees when you purchase the product above. It does not in any way add to your cost.

For more adventures in Puerto Rico:

2 Caves to Explore in Puerto Rico (Things to do in 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

The post Why you should Visit Puerto Rico’s Sugar Plantation (Hacienda La Esperanza) appeared first on Boulevards & Byways.

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.