Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Information
Dangers & Annoyances
Avoid walking along deserted strips of beach after nightfall, and be aware that some drug
activity takes place on the beaches toward the west side of town. Don't venture onto the
beach in that area at night. Watch your speed while driving; transit cops love to patrol scen-
ic Rte 187.
Getting There & Away
The C45 bus picks passengers up in front of the Cockfight Arena on Isla Verde (connect
with T5 for the rest of San Juan) and runs all the way to the settlement at the west end of
the beach at Piñones. Walk a mile to the east for some decent swimming beaches. You can
also cycle to Piñones from San Juan.
Loíza Aldea
Take Hwy 187 east from San Juan to catch some fresh air and rural scenery (and escape the
commerce and traffic jams on Hwy 3). The road eventually breaks out of the Piñones forest.
When you cross a bridge spanning the island's largest river, the Río Grande de Loíza, the
road brings you to the center of Loíza Aldea, commonly called Loíza. This town is a largely
rural municipality in the coastal lowlands east of LMM airport, and it includes Piñones as
well as three other districts.
Loíza dates from 1719 and has a rich Taíno heritage. Sadly, there's little infrastructure
to support tourism, and none of the settlements here are scenic. Most of the 30,000 resid-
ents are poor. There are only two reasons for a traveler to visit: a church and a fiesta. You
will find some kiosks set up along the roads in Loíza that sell the usual snacks, but there's
nowhere to sleep at night. Stay in nearby Piñones, San Juan or at any number of places
around Luquillo, El Yunque or Fajardo.
Sights
At the northern end of the plaza,
LaIglesiadelEspírituSantoySanPatricio
(Church of
the Holy Ghost and St Patrick) appears every bit as proud and colonial as the cathedral in
Old San Juan, and stands out from the humble collection of surrounding modern buildings.
