Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHALE-WATCHING
From late January to late March, migrating humpback whales can be seen off west-coast
shores. Snorkeling and dive boats double as whale-watching operators, but you may also
be able to spot the mammals from the lighthouses at Cabo Rojo and Rincón.
February
Though the mountains are coolest during this time of year, temperatures stay fairly
consistent along the coast. It is also one of the driest times of year, with rare, brief af-
ternoon showers.
MARICAO COFFEE FESTIVAL
Held mid month, the annual Maricao Coffee Festival has demonstrations of traditional
coffee-making and local crafting. The rugged mountain setting is sublime, and the fresh air
fills with the scent of roasting beans.
SAN BLÁS DE ILLESCAS HALF MARATHON
Puerto Rico's biggest footrace, the San Blás de Illescas Half Marathon
(
www.maratonsanblas.com
)
, unfolds in the hills near Coamo. The race has lots of casual
runners, but enough notoriety to attract elite runners as well.
CARNAVAL
During the days preceding Lent, Ponce parties
hard
before giving up vices. While this
event is not as wild as Rio de Janeiro's Carnival or New Orleans' Mardi Gras, it's a riot to
see parading
vejigantes
(traditional horned masks) and beauty pageants.
March
Snowbirdtouristsreturnnorth,butPuertoRico'sweatherremainsremarkablybeau-
tiful,withwarmtemperaturesandlittlerain.Thismightbetheslowestmonthoftour-
ism all year, leaving parks virtually empty.
