Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
75-acre tract of greenery is the site of the Estación Experimental Agrícola de Puerto Rico,
but is open to the public. Hiking trails lead to a lotus lagoon, an orchid garden with more
than 30,000 flowers, and a plantation of more than 120 species of palm. The air smells of
heliconia blossoms, as well as of nutmeg and cinnamon trees.
Its small
Museum of Entomology and Tropical Biodiversity ( 787-767-9705, ext
2025;
http://museo.eea.uprm.edu
;
Agronomy bldg, 2nd fl; tour by appt)
contains
three rooms of pinned butterflies, pickled pupae and other creepy-crawlies native to the re-
gion.
One of the reasons the garden is so serene is that it's difficult to find. The entrance is
nearly hidden on the south side of the intersection of Hwy 1 and Hwy 847, a walk of about
a mile from the center of the UPR campus. Call ahead to book a tour; it can be difficult to
get the phone answered.
Museo de Antropología, Historia y Arte
MUSEUM
( 787-764-0000, ext 2452;
www.uprrp.edu
;
9am-4:30pm Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri,
9am-8:30pm Wed, 11:30am-4:30pm Sat)
This small but quite engaging museum of an-
thropology, history and art is worth a stop to see examples of the trove of Taíno artifacts
unearthed by university scholars in recent digs. In addition, this museum features revolving
art shows and offers scholarly perspectives on island history. Finally, visiting the museum
gives travelers a legitimate reason to be snooping around the university campus and opens
opportunities for connecting with the students and faculty. The opening hours vary, so call
ahead. It lies just inside the entrance to the UPR campus, next to the Biblioteca Lazaro.
Casa-Finca de Don Luis Muñoz Marín
HOUSE MUSEUM
( 787-755-7979;
www.flmm.org/casa.htm
; Hwy 181 Km 1.3; adult/child & senior
$6/3; 8am-2pmMon-Fri,10am-3pmSat&Sun,tours10am&2pm)
This house and
farm were once home to the godfather of the Partido Popular Democrático (PPD) and the
man who shepherded Puerto Rico into commonwealth status - as well as a 20th-century
industrialized market economy in the 1950s and '60s. Today it is a museum honoring the
memory of this legendary Puerto Rican figure, and it also serves as a venue for concerts
and experimental theater. Call for events, and visit if you want to find out more about the
pretty astounding political career of Luis Muñoz Marín. Also take a minute to check out the
great vegetation and expansive grounds. Look for the house on the east side of Río Piedras.
