Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DC, from 1900 to 1904, this must have been a truly sublime place in its day, with views
of the mountains, the Atlantic and the Caribbean. On a clear evening you can actually see
cruise ships leaving San Juan more than 20 miles to the north and the lights of Ponce be-
ginning to glow to the south.
Sadly, the natural beauty of the site has been marred by a lookout tower that dwarfs the
actual rocks, which huddle like small pebbles to the side. Myriad picnic shelters, a play-
ground and a paved parking lot further hinder the lyrical ruminations of potential poets. It's
still an awe-inspiring view but one can't help feeling that Degetau must be turning in his
grave.
Festivals & Events
Festival de Flores
FLOWER FESTIVAL
The Festival de Flores (Flower Festival) at Aibonito has grown into a major rite of summer
during the last 30 years. Today it draws hundreds of commercial growers and amateur hor-
ticulturists and tens of thousands of flower-lovers to see the town and surrounding coun-
tryside ablaze with roses, carnations, lilies and begonias. Of course, along with the flowers
there are food and craft stalls. There's also the requisite beauty pageant. This event takes
place at the end of June and often runs into the July 4 holiday (US Independence Day),
so you had better plan to get here before the crowds or expect to spend your holiday in a
traffic jam. Remember to check the regulations of the Department of Agriculture if you're
planning to bring back plants to the United States.
Sleeping & Eating
El Coquí Posada Familiar
MOTEL $$
( 735-3150;Rte722Km7.3;r$80-90)
Not the first place in the world you'd expect to
find an American-style motel but, there it is, perched over one of those ubiquitous Puerto
Rican fast-food joints in the improbable mountain town of Aibonito. The thing is, El Coquí
is actually rather good, with amiable service, well-equipped rooms (fridges, microwaves
and cable TV), huge beds, and facilities so clean you could safely perform brain surgery
in the bathroom. Get takeout from the adjacent mall and nestle down in bed with the Food
channel on the tube. It's a good idea to call ahead to let staff know you are coming. El
Coquí can be hard to find and the reception is not always staffed.
