Serralles Castle Ponce Puerto Rico

A highlight of any visit to Puerto Rico is a trip to Serralles Castle (Spanish: Castillo Serralles), a historic mansion located in the city of Ponce. Built in the 1930s, this stunning mansion has become one of the top attractions of the city. Today, it operates as a museum dedicated to the agricultural history of Puerto Rico.

The Castle was built on the south side of Del Vigia hill two miles (3.2km) north of the center of Ponce Puerto Rico. Its location makes it visible from nearly every part of the city and gives visitors to the mansion a beautiful view overlooking Ponce. It was built in the Spanish Moroccan architectural style in a “Y” shape to provide breathtaking views from its eastern, southern, and western sides.

The mansion was built by architect Pedro Adolfo de Castro to be the exclusive residence of Don Juan Eugenio Serralles, son of the founder of Destileria Serralles, which still makes many brands of rums, including the popular Don Q brand. The Castle was bought by the city from the Serralles heirs in the 1980s with the intentions to turn it into a museum of Puerto Rican music. The property has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1980.

The museum formally opened on February 20, 1991. It encompasses all four floors of the mansion with an entrance through the side patio on the southern end of the building. Today, the museum is operated by a private non-profit civic organization called Patronato de Ponce and sees roughly 100,000 visitors a year. Visitors interested in seeing the museum can take a guided group tour and visit its gift shop, wine cellar, and snack bar.

Each floor of the museum has something different to offer. The ground floor, which used to house the garage and basement, is now the home of all of the museum’s displays related to the area’s rum and sugar industries. The garage has been turned into the museum’s gift shop and the main center area has been remodeled into a restaurant and a 50-person auditorium. The entrance to the museum is also located on this floor.

The second floor holds the living room, dining room, kitchen, and a library. The walls are decorated with historical photographs showcasing the development of the rum and sugar businesses of Ponce Puerto Rico. The third floor is dedicated to the personal and family lives of the Serralles clan. The former sleeping quarters on this floor are decorated with the furniture and personal accessories of the past occupants.

The fourth floor holds the terrace, which was originally used as a relaxed entertainment space. It has both covered and uncovered areas for visitors to view the city below. The Castle also has an outdoor area used for private social events, like weddings and quinceanera celebrations, and an outdoor square used to showcase the work of local artists and photographers.

The Castle is part of a large complex that includes a Japanese garden, a butterfly garden, and the Cruceta El Vigia, a 100-foot tall cross comprised of a tourist center, a ten-story vertical tower, and a horizontal sky bridge offering panoramic views of the city. Tours of the museum are offered in Spanish and English from 9:30am to 5:00pm Thursday through Sunday, with the last tour beginning at 4:30pm. Tickets for access to the Serralles Castle, the Gardens, and the Butterfly House are $9.00 for adults and $4.50 for children or seniors as of the time of this writing.

Rincon Puerto Rico

 There is a surfer’s paradise on the northwest corner of Puerto Rico where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean collide. There lies the city of Rincon, famous for its stunning beaches, surfable waves, and laid-back ambiance. While the area is a popular vacation destination throughout the year, the city really comes to life during the November – April surfing season when surfers from all over the world converge on its beaches.

Rincon Puerto Rico, named after 16th century landowner Don Gonzalo Rincon, gained global attention in 1968 when the World Surfing Championship was held there for the first time. Since then, the city been a part of the international surfing scene and has grown its surfing industry to include surf camps and surf lessons for all skill levels. Visitors to the city will quickly find themselves immersed in the unique culture of surfing Puerto Rico.

From the downtown waterfront, Rincon’s beaches stretch north along eight miles of the beautiful Caribbean coastline. The best beaches for surfing are located along the North Coast, where the deep offshore trenches and strong trade winds create swells that can be as high as six feet tall. The most challenging conditions are at Tres Palmas, which is recommended for experienced surfers. Domes Beach is known for smooth rides and consistent waves, while Maria’s Beach has gentle waves perfect for beginners.

Beginners to the sport have plenty of options for surf lessons in Rincon. There are companies that provide group lessons and solo private lessons, while some resorts in the city offer lessons as part of their all-inclusive packages. There are also many places that rent surfing equipment to tourists and their employees will help you pick the right equipment for your needs.

Surfing is not the only thing Rincon Puerto Rico is known for. The area is also one of the best spots in the world for whale-watching. From December to mid-April, humpback whales migrate to the Caribbean’s warm waters through the Mona Passage, located just off the coast of Rincon. The Punta Higuero Light House, set above Domes Beach, offers a spectacular view of the coast to watch for these majestic animals. The best time to see the whales is around dawn and dusk.

For those interested in swimming and sun-bathing, the South Coast of Rincon offers pristine beaches with calm, clear waters. Rincon is also a great place for year-round sport fishing, with fishing charter companies offering deep-sea, bottom, live bait, trolling, and kite fishing options. Scuba diving enthusiasts can find one of the region’s best dive sites 12 miles off the coast of Rincon at the uninhabited Desecheo Island.

Rincon Downtown Plaza Central is the place for most activities in the town. Here you will find unique bars, restaurants, and museums showcasing the local culture. The Galeria del Surfing, a museum dedicated to surfing, can be found nearby, featuring vintage surfboards and other surfing paraphernalia. Accommodation options in the city include resorts, hotels, villa-style apartments, guest houses, and vacation rentals.

Rums of Puerto Rico

 

Puerto Rico is called the “rum capital of the world” because of the long history of rum production on the island. Its rum distilleries produce large amounts of spirits for local consumption and export all over the world. This Caribbean island is responsible for more than 70% of the rum sold in the United States, which is consumed straight, over ice, or in mixed drinks like mojitos and pina coladas. So what makes the rums of Puerto Rico so special?

Rum has been an integral part of the Puerto Rican economy since the mid-1600s. Rum production began as a way for sugarcane plantation owners to use molasses waste. Throughout the 17th century, the rum industry grew and became a business of great tradition. Today, rum is a big part of the island’s history.

The process of creating Puerto Rican rum is fairly straightforward. Molasses is mixed with water and allowed to ferment. The fermented mixture is distilled using a continuous process to separate the alcohol from the rest of the concoction. The fresh distillate is aged for a minimum of one year in a white-oak barrel before it is bottled and sold to the masses.

Rum is so important to the economy of Puerto Rico that the island’s government created an organization to enforce laws to ensure that all rums under its umbrella meet high quality standards. This organization, founded in 1948 and aptly called Rums of Puerto Rico, issues a seal of quality to rums that meet its qualifications for high quality molasses, a continuous distillation process, and proper aging in a white-oak barrel. These standards ensure that the flavor and quality of the final product is superior to that of many other spirits.

Rum can be created in a variety of strengths and flavors. The most popular type is Light Rum, also known as Silver or White Rum, which is the preferred rum for cocktails and mixed drinks because of its subtle flavor. Gold or Amber Rum has a brown hue and a stronger flavor. Dark Rum is aged for years in barrels that are heavily charred, giving it a much stronger flavor and a strong molasses overtone.

There are five primary brands of rums overseen by Rums of Puerto Rico: Bacardi, Ron del Barrilito, Don Q, Palo Viejo, and Ron Llave. Bacardi, the world's most popular rum, originated in Cuba in 1862 but has been made in Puerto Rico since 1936. The distillery, located across the bay from Old San Juan in Cataño, offers free tours for visitors to learn more about the company and its products.

Ron del Barrilito was the first rum brand established in Puerto Rico. Created in 1871 by Pedro F. Fernández, the brand sells a blend of rums that have been aged for six to 10 years in heavily charred barrels. This brand is highly esteemed and the company only produces 10 to 15 thousand cases per year, so it can be difficult to find outside of the island.

Don Q is the top-selling rum brand on the island and is made at the island's second largest distillery. Established in 1865, the brand is named after the famous literary character Don Quixote and sells several varieties of rum aged from one and a half to five years. Palo Viejo is manufactured by the same distillery. While the distillery is not open to the public, visitors can learn about the history of sugarcane and rum during a guided tour of the Serrallés Castle Museum nearby.

Puertorriquena

 

Puertorriquena!!! Who sleeps in the cradle of life?
Whose canopy are those eternal star's?
Radiant queen standing fearless in a land of brave Lords
Bearing passion in her soul
And fire in the depths of her eyes
Who is this sweet smelling flower in this garden of beauty?
Puertorriqueña…. Water for parched lips in an arid tierra
In a dry and scorched land searching for waters in your clear pristine beauty
Where I Long to make my dwelling in the presence of your desires
And drink from your fountains which keeps me revived and in spirit
Please keep me stranded on this island of enchantment
As I walk through the tunnels of your soul
I touch the ancient writings of your spirit
Like Petroglyphs written in stone
Carved tales of natural wild written through the panorama of time and space
the essence de tu vida proclamar
Stories untold of passion, pain, rhythm, joy, sadness, love and hate
La Vida fuerte
La vida bella
La vida apasionado
Es una vida dios tiene unas palabras para... pero bueno
Puertorriqueña… With eyes like diamonds, Hair that flows like the rivers of El yunque, lip of a
goddess, face of an angel, small of fresh Rose garden
Never wake me from this dream come true...

Poem submitted by Angel Rodriguez
Angel can be reached by email: rangel933@yahoo.com

Old San Juan Puerto Rico

 Old San Juan is the most visited destination in Puerto Rico and one of the most popular places for tourists in the Caribbean. The city is known for its rich history, being the second oldest city established in the New World. The Puerto Rico tourism bureau cites interesting attractions, a wide variety of hotels, superb cuisine, and unique shops as reasons to visit the city.

The city is actually an islet that is connected to the main island by three bridges located on the southeast corner. It is divided into seven square blocks, with the residential area on the northern side of the city and the commercial and tourist section situated in the southern part of town. The temperature hovers in the mid-’80s during tourist season and the cooling trade winds makes the weather even more pleasant.

Founded in 1519 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, Old San Juan is an exquisite example of Old World elegance with its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque designs. Many of the 16th and 17th century constructs were restored to their original architectural beauty in the 1940s. Some of the buildings are now considered part of the San Juan National Historic Site and are administered by the National Park Service.

One of the greatest things about the city is nearly everything is within walking distance. Its blue-toned cobblestone streets are lined with brightly colored buildings with beautifully decorated balconies, lively plazas, and shady parks perfect for a quick rest. The seaside offers a stunning view of the San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. For those who prefer to be transported to the different areas of town, there is a free trolley that stops at many of the most popular attractions.

The city’s architectural and historic treasures make it quite distinct from the rest of the island. Many of the oldest buildings now house museums filled with fascinating artifacts and detailed accounts of the history of the area. Cultural events are held throughout the year, enticing both locals and visitors with their festive atmosphere.

The massive fortresses of Old San Juan are among the most visited attractions in the city. At Castillo de San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal, visitors can view the cannons, ramparts, and layered defenses that have protected the city for centuries. The beautiful La Catedral de San Juan Bautista, a cathedral founded in 1542, is still open daily for services. Visitors can also tour La Fortaleza, or “The Fortress”, a defensive structure that has been repurposed as the governor’s mansion.

Fortaleza Street is the Restaurant Row of the city, hosting some of the best restaurants in town as well as a biannual culinary festival. The city is also known for an active nightlife scene that includes multi-level discos, stylish lounges, and trendy bars. The island is also a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons, with a multitude of romantic spots, intimate restaurants, and luxury hotels for couples to enjoy.

As one of the most historically significant destinations in the Western Hemisphere, the city is a place unlike any other in the world. According to the Puerto Rico tourism bureau, no visit to the island is complete without seeing the enchantment and exuberance of this uniquely authentic community. Visitors can choose to explore it on their own or enlist the services of a tour guide knowledgeable about the rich history of the islet.

Vieques Island Puerto Rico

 Vieques Island is part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It is part of an island group often referred to as the Spanish Virgin Islands. While the island was once used by the U.S. Armed Forces as a military target range, protests against it led to the departure of the Navy in 2003. The military land was reclaimed as a national wildlife refuge, some of which is now open to the public and Puerto Rico tourism.

This wildlife refuge offers much needed sanctuary to many species of sea turtles, including the green sea turtle. While many of these species have used Puerto Rican beaches for nesting sites, the advent of modernization was having a negative impact on them. The wildlife refuge offers a haven for them and many other native species.

While the military has gone, over 9,000 people still remain on the island. Most of them live in Isabel Segunda, on the north side, which is where ferries from Cieba dock. There are several hotels and restaurants in the area. A smaller community, Esperanza, faces the Caribbean Sea on the southern side of the island.

Esperanza caters to tourists with a strip across the street from its charming waterfront. The strip contains guest houses, shops and eating establishments tailored for foreigners. Many of these come to the island for its beaches.

These are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, known for their pure white sand and pristine azure waters. During the days of military presence, these beaches were a well-kept secret. They include Playa Caracas, Pata Prieta, Punta Arenas and Playa La Chiva. Thanks to being late to the tourist scene, many are remote and free of commercialism. They provide a unique, private experience for visitors.

In addition to the beaches, tourists can visit the unique Bioluminescent Bay. It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the brightest of its type in the world. Its vivid blue-green glow is due to micro-organisms that move through the water. For first time visitors to the island, a tour of the bay is a must.

Those who are interested in history might find the Vieques Conservation and Trust’s museum worth visiting. Here they can learn about the cultural history of the island as well as its ecological system. They might also enjoy visiting the Hombre de Puerto Ferro archeological site. Built by the original inhabitants, the Taino Indians, it was where the skeletal remains of an ancient man were found. Surrounded by boulders, these remains were discovered to be 4,000 years old.

Another unique feature of the island is its population of wild horses. Many decades ago, horses were turned loose by their owners to roam, and, as time passed, they began to spread out and reproduce. They are a charming tourist attraction, as many modern people have never encountered the joy of having a horse come up to them on the beach or in town.

Yet, due to the limited resources such as fresh water that are available, it was decided that the population must be controlled. In 2015, the Humane Society of the United States therefore teamed up with the island’s government. One program that has helped is the administration of contraceptives. Not only has this proven effective, it’s also had health benefits for the treated mares.

As you can see, there is much to recommend beautiful Vieques Island for Puerto Rico tourism. It provides visitors with many unique opportunities and experiences.

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el Yunque Rain Forest

Planning a trip to Puerto Rico? If you are a nature lover or just want to be able to really relax, make sure to schedule a visit to El Yunque National Forest. Its name refers to Yuke , which meant “white lands” in the native language of the indigenous Taíno people that lived in the area.

It has the distinction of being the only rain forest within the United States’ national forest system. While it’s on the smaller side, at 29,000 acres, it is biologically one of the most diverse. It’s considered a national treasure, and is a popular tourist site for visitors to the island. You can either drive there yourself, or join one of the many tours that will take you there.

This gorgeous gem of a park offers visitors many beautiful hiking trails. After working up a sweat, you can cool down near the scenic waterfalls and swim in the natural pools beneath them. The scenery will astonish you. There are 240 plant species that are endemic to Puerto Rico, as well as many unique animals. One of the most famous is the coquí frog, the national emblem of Puerto Rico. For bird watchers, the park offers some of the best opportunities on the island. Sit quietly by the trail and you might see woodpeckers, green mangos and the elusive Puerto Rican parrot.

El Yunque opens at 7:30 in the morning. To get the most out of your visit, you’ll want to be there right when it opens to beat the crowds. There is a visitor center at the entrance to the rain forest, where you can pick up a map if you haven’t already printed one out.

One of the best trails for beginners is the La Mina Trail. Well maintained and mostly paved, the trail is only about a mile and a half round trip. Along the way, you can take breaks to swim in the beautiful river, or you can wait to take a dip when you get to La Mina Falls. These are exquisite waterfalls that drop 35 feet. If you decide to swim in the pool beneath, be aware that the rocks are slippery.

Obviously when hiking in this park, you’ll want to wear non-slip, waterproof footwear. You may also want to bring a rain poncho, as the average rainfall in the region is 120 inches a year. There is a good chance you will get wet, one way or another!

For a slightly longer hike that will give you the chance to fly out over a lagoon on a rope swing, you can try the 2.5 mile El Angelito Trail. For a more difficult but truly beautiful experience, there is La Coca trail.

While visiting the park, you should also climb one of its two observation towers. The Yokahu tower was constructed in 1963 and provides an elevation from the top of 1,575 feet. While it sits lower than the other tower, Mount Britton Tower, it actually often provides a better view since there is less chance that cloud cover will interfere. It is also more accessible, since there is a nearby parking lot, while Mount Britton Tower is located in the center of the rain forest.

After your fun-filled day in the park, you can head over to the nearby seaside town of Luquillo for a delicious meal at one of the many family-owned eateries there that use a North American Bancard payment processing companies. So what are you waiting for? You can't get there from here, you've got to book your next vacation to Puerto Rico.

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