Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left
Playa Vacia Talega
Center
A family hiking through El Yunque
Right
The ferry jetty at Vieques
Best of the Rest
!
Loíza Aldea
&
Culebrita
This coastal town began life
as a slave settlement and remains
a center for Afro-Caribbean
culture. The Iglesia Espíritu Santo
stands on the town plaza and is
the oldest church in continuous
use on the island.
d
Map M2
@
Carnival in Loíza Aldea
Relax on Playa Tortuga or
snorkel in the warm shallows,
known as The Baths, at this tiny
coral cay
(see p19)
.
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Map R3
• Culebrita Adventure Eco-Tour: Ferry
Dock, Culebra; 787 930 2111
*
Sport Fishing
The north coast of Puerto
Rico is a prime ground for catching
marlin and other gamefish, and
the shallows around Vieques and
Culebra are good for bonefishing
(see p110)
.
(
Hiking
Loíza Aldea bursts into color-
ful life in late July for the week-
long Festival de Santiago Apóstol,
a vibrant celebration of the
island's African heritage.
£
Bosque Estatal Piñones
This preserve protects a
huge mangrove forest and has
hiking trails. Kayaks can be rented
to explore the lagoons.
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Map L2
• Piñones Ecotours: 787 253 0005
El Yunque National Forest
(see pp14-15)
has hiking trails
that run through various rain
forest habitats. For a contrast,
hike the subtropical dry forests of
Vieques Wildlife Refuge
(see p16)
.
)
Ferry Journey
$
Crab Festival, Maunabo
In late August or early
September each year, the town of
Maunabo hosts a festival, with
live music, street fairs, and stalls
selling crab dishes.
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Map L5
%
Kayaking
The 1-hour journey between
Fajardo and Vieques or Culebra is
magnificently scenic, offering
views of El Yunque and the
islands of Vieques Sound.
Reserve your tickets in advance.
d
Ferry terminals: Fajardo: 787 863 3360;
Vieques & Culebra: 787 801 0251
Opportunities for kayaking
abound at Bahía de Fosforescente
on Vieques
(see p110)
, Bosque
Estatal Piñones, and Reserva
Natural La Cordillera
(see p96)
.
^
Playa Vacia Talega
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This beach has ancient sand
dunes that were sculpted into
fascinating formations by wind
and surf and “cemented” in
place over eons.
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Map L2
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