This year marks the 27th anniversary and is being held in honor of local Puerto Rican composers Johnny Ortíz y a Héctor Maisonave.

If you are looking to experience some great live salsa music then the Dia Nacional de la Salsa at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium is a great opportunity.

Scheduled to appear on Sunday March 21 are:

El Gran Combo
Luis Enrique
La Corporación Latina
La Orquesta Zodiac
La Puertorriqueña de Don Perignon
Julito Alvarado y su Orquesta Del Sur Al Norte.
Con la Orquesta del Día Nacional dirigida por el maestro Louis Garcia estarán:
Gilberto Santa Rosa
Pedro Brull
Yolanda Rivera y Luisito Carrión.

What: Día Nacional de la Salsa (National Salsa Day)
Where: Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan (located close to Plaza Las Americas)
When: March 21, 2010
Cost: Advanced tickets are available at www.tcpr.com for around $22 plus tax

You can locate the Hiram Bithorn Stadium on our interactive map here

Photo Resource: Zeta 93FM

Taking part in this year’s festival are: Rums from: Puerto Rico, Rums from St. Croix, Rums from the Dominican Republic, Rums from Jamaica, Rums from Barbados and Rums from Brazil

This is a great way to sample a wide selection of rums as well as great local food and live music.

The actual rum contest takes place on both Saturday and Sunday with a panel of rum experts and guest judges sampling the various rums and eventually picking a winner.

Sunday is the main day for the public, with the chance to sample a wide variety of rums from the Caribbean and South America, along with great local food and live music.

This year in addition to the rum tasting competition, the 2010 Puerto Rico Rum Festival will also include: The Flair Tender Competition, The Rums of Puerto Rico Walk Through Museum and The Sizzling with Rum BBQ Competition

The Flair Tender Competition
The competition will feature around 12 of the best bartenders in Puerto Rico in a competition to see who has the best Flair Tender Skills. There is a total of $1000 in prize money available. The competition is on Sunday March 21 Sunday, 4pm – 7pm

The Sizzling with Rum BBQ Competition
Three teams from La Ceba & Ganaderia Borges, Hacienda Meats and Fugo A La Latta will battle it out to see who’s BBQ is the best. The BBQ competition is on March 21, 4pm – 9pm

The full schedule (subject to change) is:

Rum Tasting Competition
Location : Hotel Casa Herencia, Viejo San Juan
Saturday March 20th, 2010
Doors Open 12pm – Close 7pm
2:15pm – Judging Begins

Sunday March 21st, 2010
Doors Open 12pm – Close 7pm
3:30pm – 5pm Judging
6:30pm – Awards Ceremony

Rum Sampling
Sunday March 21st, 2010
Location Paseo La Princesa, Old San Juan
Doors Open 3pm – Ends 11pm

There is a Cover Charge $45.00 Plus Tax. And this includes Unlimited Rum & Food Sample, access to all seminars, competitions & live entertainment

Note: All sales after 8pm will be to benefit SAPIENTIS, a non-profit organization that works to improve the quality of Puerto Rico’s public education system

Entertainment (Sunday):
3pm – 4pm: Live Latin DJ (National Pavilion)
4pm – 5pm: Live Merengue Show (International Pavilion)
4pm – 7pm: Flair Tender Competition (National Pavilion)
7pm – 8pm: Live Latin DJ (National Pavilion)
4pm – 9pm: BBQ Competition (National Pavilion)
8pm – 9pm: Plena Show (National Pavilion)
9pm – 10pm: Latin DJ (National Pavilion)
8pm – 9pm: Live Merengue Show (International Pavilion)
10pm – 11pm: Live Salsa Band Show (National Pavilion)

Seminars (Sunday):
5:00pm – 6pm – Fun History of Rum
8:00pm – 9pm – Mixology

What: Puerto Rico Rum Festival, 2010
When: March 20-21
Where: Paseo La Princesa, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
More Information: Taste of Rum

The 7 Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico (las 7 maravillas naturales de Puerto Rico) is local competition to recognize the natural beauty of Puerto Rico and is sponsored by Garnier, Walmart, Amigo Supermarkets and Sam’s Club and endorsed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources along with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. The competition uses a similar format to the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World competition that is currently running.

If you are not familiar with the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it is a worldwide competition to select 7 new natural wonders and Puerto Rico is represented by the inclusion of the magnificent El Yunque Rainforest. This is a great recognition for the island and if you have not cast your vote, then head over to the New 7 Wonders of Nature now.

OK; back to the 7 Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico. The organizing committee has chosen 19 of the islands best natural areas and you can vote for your favorite 7. At the end of the voting the top 7 choices will be crowned the 7 Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico.

The 19 nominations for the 7 Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico are:

El Yunque Rainforest
One of the most popular areas to visit here in Puerto Rico, El Yunque has been protected by federal law since 1903. It is one of the most diverse forest in the National Forest System with it’s abundance of flora and fauna. El Yunque is also home to 12 species of Puerto Rico’s native coqui frog as well as the endangered Puerto Rican parrot.
Map It

Cavernas del Río Camuy (Rio Camuy Cave)
Here you will find 9 bat species, a 15 mile cave system and the third longest underground river in the world. The main cave at the Rio Camuy Cave Park is Cueva Clara with its huge stalagmite formations.
Map It

Reserva Natural de la Parguera (Parguera Natural Reserve)
At the Parguera Natural Reserve you will find mangroves, coral reefs and the famous bioluminescent bay. La Parguera is home to around 66 species of bird, fish, molluscs, crustaceans, reptiles and mammals with the coral reef providing shelter and food for the various inhabitants of the reserve
Map It

Isla de Mona (Mona Island)
The small island located 73.6km from the west coast of Puerto Rico was named after a local tribal chief. The island is approximately 22 square miles and has been designated ecological reserve by the Puerto Rican government and is not permanently inhabited. Mona island has huge 100ft cliffs, extensive coral reefs and four types of forests. Day trips to Mona Island are available.
Map It

Las Salinas de Cabo Rojo (Cabo Rojo Salt flats)
Las Salinas de Cabo Rojo has been in operation since 1525 and comprises around 1.249 acres of lagoons, salt marshes, mangroves and dry forest. The area has been listed as a category 1 resource by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The area serves as the last stop in the northern hemisphere for thousands of birds, before reaching South America in their annual migration
Map It

Playa Flamenco (Flamenco Beach)
Located on Culebra Island Flamenco Beach ranks amongst the best beaches in the world for its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. The beach is hugely popular with locals and visitors and is also one of Puerto Rico’s Blue Flag Beaches.
Map It

Río Tanamá (Tanamá River)
The river rises in the central region of Puerto Rico in the Municipality of Adjuntas and flows northeast through the northern Carso before reaching the Rio Grande de Arecibo. It provides around 22% of the water consumed by the people of Puerto Rico

Cayos de Barca (Barca Keys)
Located in Jobos Bay near Salinas and Guayama, Cayos de Barca consists of seven keys that are protected from private development by the Puerto Rico Government. Here you will find manatee, hawksbill, the bearded crabs and dolphins enjoying themselves in and around the keys.
Map It

Reserva Natural Caño Tiburones (Caño Tiburones Natural Reserve)
This reserve is located close to Arecibo on the north coast of the island and is the largest wetland in Puerto Rico and the fresh water from the karst zone in the north and ocean salt water creates a unique habitat. The reserve plays home to around 206 species of birds, 40 species of fish and 50 species of flora. The

Río Guajataca (Guajataca River)
Beginning near the town of Lares at an elevation of around 1,600 feet, the Guajataca River runs for 25 miles before reaching the Arlantic Ocean on the northwest of the island. The river also runs through the Guajataca lake.

Bosque Seco de Guánica (Guanica Dry Forest)
The area was designated as a forest reserve in 1919 and is considered the best preserved, subtropical forest and the best example of dry forest in the Caribbean. It is home to around 700 species of plants, of which 48 are endangered. This is a dramatic landscape that is divided by the Bay of Guanica
Map It

El Cañón de San Cristóbal (San Cristobal Canyon)
San Cristobal Canyon is located between Aibonito and Barranquitas in the heart of the Cordillera Central of Puerto Rico. The canyon is approximately 9Km with cliffs reaching an elevation of 200 meters deep. Here you will find amazing scenery and waterfalls
Map It

Bahía Bioluminiscente de Vieques (Bioluminescent Bay Vieques)
Vieques Bio Bay or Mosquito Bay is the brightest of the three Bio Bays in Puerto Rico and it has been designated as a critical wildlife area by the Department of Natural Resources.
Map It

La Reserva de las Cabezas de San Juan
Located on the coast of Fajardo, you will find coral reefs, seagrass beds, a dry forest, a rocky coast, beaches and mangrove forests. The reserve is home to two thirds of the reptile and amphibians found in Puerto Rico, including three species of sea turtles. Here you will also find Puerto Rico’s third Bio bay Laguna Grande.
Map It

Isla de Caja de Muerto
Located 6 miles off the coast of Ponce on the south side of Puerto Rico, Caja de Muertos consists of , coral reefs, sandy beaches, rocky shores, caves, nesting areas and a xerophytic forest (cacti and thorn bushes).
Map It

Bosque de Maricao (Maricao Forest)
The forest is located in the western region of the Cordillera Central of Puerto Rico. Both the Guanajibo River and the Río Grande de Añasco flow through the forest and it has the highest plant diversity in the island, with some 1.141 plant species and
Map It

Isla de Gilligan (Gilligan’s Island)
Gilligan’s Island is part of the Cayos de Caña Gorda and is surrounded by the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. Popular with locals and visitors the island can be reached by local boats.
Map It

Playa la Playuela (Playuela Beach)
Located close to the Cabo Rojo lighthouse the beach is known locally as Playa Sucia and is part of the Boqueron State Forest. From the beach you have a great view of the cabo Rojo Lighthouse perched on the clift top
Map It

Cueva Ventana (Cave Window)
Cueva Ventana is located in the karst area of Arecibo and its elevation allows visitors a breathtaking view of the valley in Arecibo . It is visible from Highway 123 and can also be reached from Highway 10 as well as several side roads leading up to the entrance from Highway 123.
Map It

So there you have your 19 nominations. Which are your favorite 7 and why?

Head over to 7 Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico and cast your votes – Vote HERE

Article Resource: las 7 maravillas naturales de Puerto Rico (Spanish)

Photo Resources using Creative Commons: El Yunque (iamthethird), Camuy Caves (oscalito), Parguera (wiki), Mona Island (paddlepr), Cabo Rojo Salf Flats (oquendo), Flamenco Beach (aawhitaker), Guanica Dry Forest (oquendo), Caja de Merto (wiki), Maricao Forest (wiki), Playuela Beach (oscalito)

On March 7, 2010, Puerto Rican actress Roselyn Sanchez will be hosting the first ever Triathlon For Life in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This event will benefit two local organizations here in Puerto Rico; the San Jorge Children’s Foundation and La Casa Cuna San Juan.

San Jorge Children’s Foundation: provides medical / surgical services and treatments to low income children on the island, providing them with a better quality of life.

La Casa Cuna San Juan: provides a transitional home for abandoned, mistreated and abused children from birth to 3 years of age, in order to guarantee their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing

Roselyn Sanchez was born and raised in Puerto Rico and has appeared in blockbuster Hollywood movies including: RUSH HOUR 2 along with Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, Disney’s The Game Plan alongside The Rock, as well as the hit CBS television series “Without A Trace where she played Elena Delgado. Roselyn was also nominated for ‘Best Music Video’ at the 2004 Latin Grammy Award for her single ‘Amor Amor’

The Triathlon For Life is will feature three separate triathlons each incorporating a swimming, cycling and running section:

Olympic Triathlon: 1.5km swim, 40km cycle ride, 10km run

Amateur Triathlon: 0.75km swim, 20km cycle ride, 5 km run

Relay for a Child: 0.75km swim, 20km cycle ride, 5 km run (The relay for a child allows teams to enter 3 individuals for each section of the triathlon)

The Triathlon will take place in and around San Juan with the swimming section taking place at the Laguna (National Park Jaime Benitez); cycling section along the Ventana al Mar (Window of the Sea), heading towards Old San Juan and finally the run from Condado towards Ocean Park

Registration begins at 6am on March 7 and you can find out more here

If taking part is not your thing, then I’m sure the participants could do with all the support you can give and you never know; you may even spot one or two Hollywood Celebrities. Because this is such a great cause for children here in Puerto Rico, Roselyn has the support of several well known personalities who will be here in Puerto Rico supporting and taking part in the event.

So be on the lookout for:
Adam Rodriguez ( Eric Delko on CSI: Miami).
Amaury Nolasco (Puerto Rican actor who has appeared in prison Break and CSI)
Andrew Lachey (from the group 98 Degrees,)
Columbus Short (choreographer, actor, and singer)
Cristian de la Fuente (Chilean actor, Dancing with the Stars Season 6)
Enrique Muriciano (Danny Taylor in Without a Trace)
Eric Close (agent Martin Fitzgerald in Without a Trace)
Marianne Jean Baptiste (agent Vivian Johnson in without a trace)
Nick Lachey (singer and TV personality)
Vanessa Minnilo (TV personality, host on MTV)
Poppy Montgomery (Samantha Spade in Without a Trace)
Eric Winter (Rex Brady on the daytime soap opera Days of our Live)

This should be a fun family event benefiting a lot of children in Puerto Rico and a great opportunity to snap some celebrity photos and maybe even a few autographs.

What: Roselyn Sanchez Triathlon For Life
Where: San Juan, Puerto Rico
When: March 7, registration starting at 6am
Website: here

Don’t Miss:
Ideas for the San Juan Metro Area
Exploring Old San Juan

When it was first constructed back in 1539 El Morro was just a simple tower, the layout that you see today was designed several years later in 1587 by engineers Juan de Tejada and Juan Bautista Antonelli based on the established Spanish military fortification design principles of that time period.

From its very beginnings El Morro Fort has seen its fair share of action:

1595, Sir Francis Drake fails in his attempt to attack El Morro. The gunners of El Morro thwarted Drake with their cannons and a metal chain stretching across the entrance to the bay.

1598, the Duke of Cumberland battled his way into El Morro not my sea but by land and occupied the fort for 6 months. Illness to his men forced the Duke to give up his temporary residence in El Morro and the fort was again returned to the Spaniards.

1625, The Dutch attacked San Juan, but El Morro resisted under the leadership of Spanish Governor De Haro and Captain and the help of the local Puerto Rico militia.

1630, the construction of the city walls started and were completed around 1678. These are the same walls that you will see today as you tour Old San Juan

1797, the British with several thousand men invaded Puerto Rico and once again attempt to take San Juan. Once again El Morro and the Spanish were able to defeat their attackers. The battle of 1797 was one of the largest in Puerto Rico’s history and is reenacted every year on the grounds of El Morro and throughout the city of San Juan.

1898, El Morro fought its final battle when the United States Navy bombarded the fort during the Spanish – American War. The fort suffered a lot of damage from the shelling and the war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Under the new ownership of the United States the damage to El Morro was repaired and the lighthouse that you see today was built.

1942, as part of the USA’s Second World War preparations El Morro was fortified with a concrete artillery observation posts and an underground bunker

Today this World Heritage Site is MUST SEE for visitors to San Juan.

Admission to the fort is $3 for adults ($5 if you buy a combined ticket that also includes San Cristobel Fort) and children under 15 get in for free. It is well worth this admission price. The fort is exposed to the elements and as such it can be very hot walking around the fort, so make sure you have something to drink while you are touring the fort. Note: the small gift shop in the Main Plaza sells bottles of water.

Once you are inside you can watch a short video about the history of the fort highlighting how it was construction and how it faired during its several battles. The video is shown in English on the hour and half hour and in Spanish every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. You will also find a Park Ranger giving a short orientation talk on the hour in English and 30 minutes past the hour in Spanish.

If you’d rather skip these two, then just take the guide map and go and explore the 6 levels that make up this magnificent fortification.

Highlights of El Morro

Main Plaza
The Main Plaza of El Morro was the area where troops would assemble for parades and daily inspection. The well in the center of the plaza held around 220,000 gallons of rainwater; enough to last a year if needed. The rooms around the sides were used as living quarters, storerooms, powder magazine storage, prison cells and not forgetting canon firing positions. There was also a chapel where the soldiers would worship.

Upper Level
To the west of the Main Plaza is the ramp leading to the upper level. Here you will find air vents that provided fresh air to the rooms below. The sentry boxes known locally as Garitas are position all along the upper and lower walls of the fort and make for great photo opps.
The Upper level is also home to the lighthouse that was rebuilt in 1908 and also to the three flags of the United States, Puerto Rico and the Cross of Burgundy, which was flown by the Spanish Forces from 1516 to 1785.

From the upper level you will have great views of the San Juan Cemetery to the east and to the west across the bay you will see the remains of Fort San Juan de La Cruz (El Canuelo)

To access the lower levels you need to head back down to the Main Plaza

You can get down to the lower levels by taking the ramp / stairs directly opposite the entrance to El Morro or by taking the Triangular Staircase to the east of the main plaza. If you have small children I would recommend taking the main ramp/staircase as the triangular staircase is very steep and can be slippery.

Lower Levels
At the bottom of the main ramp/staircase is the Bateria de Santa Barbara and it was the most powerful cannon battery of the fort. Here you will also find more of the Garitas (sentry boxes) along the walls, as well as the ‘Water Battery’. The ‘Water Battery’ got its name from the fact that the cannons were placed so close to sea level that they could easily hit the hulls of any ships that attempted to get too close to the fort.

The Old Tower, is the oldest part of El Morro and dates back to 1539 where it would have housed just four small cannons. If you head into the tunnel you will find the shell fragment from the 1898 US bombardment that is stuck in the wall

More steps lead down to a lower level which would have been used for living quarters, storage rooms etc.

From all levels of El Morro you will have fantastic views make sure you have your camera with you.

Finally, if time permits take a stroll around the outside of El Morro for more spectacular views. The large green field in front of the fort is an extremely popular spot for locals to picnic and fly kites. There are also great views of the San Juan Cemetery and San Juan Bay.

What: El Morro Fort
Where: Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
When: 7 days/week from 9:00am – 6:00pm. The fort is Closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Cost: Adults $3 ($5 for combined forts El Morro and San Cristobel), Children under 15 Free
Tel: 787-729-6777
Website: here
Map It: You can find El Morro Fort on our interactive map here

Additional Information: There is a small gift shop and toilets with baby changing facilities located just off the Main Plaza

Photo resource: wikicommons

Don’t Miss:
Walking Tour of Old San Juan
Mallorcas at La Bombonera
Things to do in Old San Juan

Lago Dos Bocas is located just north of Utuado in the central mountain region of Puerto Rico. The drive from San Juan takes approximately 90 minutes (depending on traffic) and even though you will be heading into the central region, the roads to Lago Dos Bocas are very good. From San Juan head west on Highway 22 towards Arecibo, take Exit 75B and join Road 10 towards Utuado. Road 10 is a very scenic road and just before you exit Road 10 for the lake you will pass a scenic view point (unfortunately on our visit, the rain prevented from enjoying this spot). You will need to exit Road 10 (left) at Road 621. At this intersection you will see the brown signs for Lago Dos Bocas. Here you will find another scenic view point that in theory will give you great views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Regrettably when we stopped to check it out, we found the views were obscured by overgrown hedges (really disappointed). At the junction with Road 123 turn right and follow the signs to the car park and boats. There are several areas to park and on busy days there is usually someone helping to direct the cars to vacant spots.

A bit of history: Back in the 19th century the area that is now Lagos Dos Bocas was once a coffee plantation. During this time, the area around Utuado was known for its coffee growing ‘black gold’ and towards the end of the 19th century Utuado was the largest coffee producer in Puerto Rico. Coffee growing around Utuado ended around 1899 due in part to the occupation of the island by the USA and also Huricane San Ciriaco which in 1899 wiped out the coffee plantations. In 1942 the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) built a dam, flooded the area and constructed Lagos Dos Bocas. The lake originally held approximately 37.5 million cubic meters of water but current estimates show a much smaller volume of 18.0 million cubic meters, due sediment infilling

Today: There are currently four restaurants located on the shores of Lago Dos Bocas with plans for another three. All four restaurants; Rancho Marina, Restaurante Otoao, Restaurante Paisaje Escondide and El Fogon de Abuela are located south of the boat dock (car park) and each restaurant has their own FREE boat; so all you need to do is decide which one.

How do you decide?

As you make your way to the boat dock you will be greeted by representatives of the four restaurants who will hand you copies of their menus. Don’t feel pressured, just take each menu and decide which one appeals to you the most. All four restaurants serve typical Puerto Rican dishes with appetizers costing between $3 – $9 and main courses starting around $11.

Once you have decided, the restaurant representative will phone ahead to let them know you are coming. The boats run continuously from late morning to late afternoon but I would suggest you get there around noon so you can enjoy the lake and have a relaxing lunch.
If you don’t plan on eating, then you could always jump aboard one of the Department of Transport boats for a scenic tour around the lake, or if you are feeling energetic and have your own Kayak, use the slipway and kayak the lake.

We headed to Rancho Marina for lunch on board a small boat that would probably seat about 20 people (the boat had a canvas roof, but the sides were open to the elements). The restaurants are located at the southern end of the lake which means that you get a really long boat ride on the lake. The views from the boat (even on an overcast day) are spectacular. I really was not expecting such a long boast ride, so this was an added bonus.

All four restaurants are located on the lake shore with outdoor and covered decks. Rancho Marina has a large covered dining area and smaller outside ‘open air’ dining deck. There is also a separate open area with patio seating and a very small children’s play area
Rancho Marina’s menu includes typical Puerto Rican dishes (here’s a sample):

Appertizers:
Pastellios de Carne (meat turnovers)
Sorrullos de Maize (corn fritters)
Queso Frito (fried cheese)

Main Course:
Monfongo Relleno con Pollo, Camerones (Mashed Plantain stuffed with chicken or shrimps)
Masitas de Cerdo al Rancho (Fried pork chuncks with special house sauce)
Filite de Tilapia, Chillo en Salsa Criolla (Tilapia fillet or Red Snapper Fillit is Creole sauce)

Desserts:
Flan de Vainilla, Café, Queso (Vanilla or Coffee or Cheese Custards)

Needless to say, we did not leave the restaurant hungry…

After your meal you head back to your car the way you came, by boat. On the day we went the restaurant only had one boat running so you may have to wait several minutes for the boat to arrive.

Lago Dos Bocas had been on my ‘to do’ list for a long time. We had such a great time that I have decided to NOT cross it off my list, as there are at least another three restaurants to try, in the not so distant future.

Nearby Attractions:
If you set off early enough you could also check out one of the following attractions: Arecibo Light House Park, Arecibo Observatory, Camuy Cave Park, The town of Utuado, Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Caguana and Lago Caonillas

What: Lago Dos Bocas
Where: just north of Utuado (off Road 10)
When: Saturdays and Sundays plus most holidays (for the restaurants – check for times). Daily from 6am – 5:30pm for the lake
What To Do: Eat at a lakeside restaurant, take a boat ride or go kayaking (bring your own)
Map It: You can find Lago Dos Bocas on our interactive map here
Directions: From San Juan. Hwy 22 west towards Arecibo. Take exit 75B, join Rd 10 south for Utuado. Exit left at Rd 621 (follow brown signs for Lago Dos Bocas) At junction with Rd 123 turn right and continue until you see the sign for the lakes car park

Resource: USGS and Wiki image

Don’t Miss:
Things to do in the central region of Puerto Rico
Arecibo Lighthouse Park
Shop at Barceloneta Outlet Mall

The entrance to the actual gardens is set behind a large impressive waterfall feature and once you’ve paid the entrance fee you will receive a map of the gardens detailing the various paths and attractions. The map is in both English and Spanish and throughout the gardens you will find larger signs (some again in English and Spanish) at some of the areas providing more information.

Closest to the entrance on your right you will find a small museum, library and interpretive center as well as some antique agricultural equipment. Continuing past this area will take you to the main remains of the plantation. Here you will find the tall brick chimney and steam propelled sugar mill along with several large sugar cauldrons. The paths here are wooden and surrounded by local flowers. From here you can head to the boating lake or return to the Distillery Ruins near the entrance.

To the left of the entrance the path leads you to a small Rose Garden, the Garden of Conscience (an area dedicated to endemic trees that are in danger of extinction), The Ancestral African Grove (with trees and plants native to Africa) and the Ancestral Taino Grove (highlighting modern and ancient petroglyphs and tree species that were important to the Taino People.

From here you can make you way to the Palm exhibit by means of the very cool bridge that links the two areas. Note: The bridge is a small suspension bridge and as such it does oscillate as you cross. In this section you will also find the 21st Century Jibara House built to preserve the traditions of the Puerto Rican Country folk.

Crossing another bridge will take you to the final area of the gardens around the boating lake. Here you will find the small Tropical Wetland, the Creole Grove with tree species that were used in Caguas during the 19th century and a path that was originally intended for the old sugar cane trains. The paths will take you back to the boating lake where you could take a ride on a pedal boat or just enjoy the views.

Other areas of interest are the Orchid House and the Urban Agricultural Center, Unfortunately we were unable to check these areas as the weather decided to be uncooperative.

I really enjoyed the gardens and loved the mix of history with nature. If you are looking at getting away from the beach for a few hours or you just want to see part of Puerto Rico’s heritage, then the Caguas Botanical Garden is a very good option.

What: Caguas Botanical Garden
Where: Caguas (Canabon area)
When: Thursday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm (though you can actually stay until 6pm)
Cost: Adults and Children over 13 – $7, Children between 7 and 13 – $4, Over 60’s – $4, Children under 7 – Free (note: taxes not included)
Website: Click Here (in Spanish)
Directions: Caguas Botanical Garden is about 30mins south of San Juan. Take Hwy 52 south and leave at Exit 18 (Aguas Buenas). At the end of the exit ramp, turn right and follow this road until it comes to a T Junction (with lights). The gardens are directly in front of you at the lights. Go straight and the car park and garden entrance are on your left.

Map It: You can locate the gardens on our interactive map here

Additional Notes:
You can’t take food or drink into the gardens, but there are a couple of places inside that serve drinks and snacks.
This is a fairly large park so make sure you have some decent walking sures (unless you plan on taking the tram tour)

Don’t miss:
16 Ideas for the Central Region of Puerto Rico

So what about major earthquakes in Puerto Rico?

According to the U.S Geological Survey there have been FOUR strong earthquakes that have affected Puerto Rico since it was first colonized: 1670, 1787, 1867, and 1918.

October 11, 1918 – 7.5 magnitude (Richter Scale)

This is the most recent earthquake to hit the island of Puerto Rico. The 7.5 quake was located northwest of Aguadilla in the Mona Canyon (between Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic) creating a tsunami that produced waves up to 19.5 feet (6m) high. Reports indicate that the sea withdrew exposing never before seen reefs and ocean floor before the tsunami hit.

Areas around the western area were damaged and records show 116 people were killed. Two towns on the west coast Aguada and Anasco and were badly affected by this earthquake. In Aguada brick buildings were mostly destroyed (those that survived the initial quake were subsequently destroyed by the aftershock on October 24). The towns church built in 1876 was totally destroyed. It was a similar scenario in Aguada. In total the earthquake caused $4M worth of damage and the loss of 116 lives

See here for a more detailed account and view more images here

November 18, 1867 – 7.5 magnitude (Richter Scale)

This earthquake hit 20 days after the island was hit by Hurricane San Narciso (flooding from this hurricane left 211 people dead). The earthquakes epicenter was located on the east coast in the Anegada Passage (between Puerto Rico and St Croix). This quake also produced a tsunami that flooded low lying areas around the coast near Yabucoa. Reports indicated that just before the tsunami hit the sea withdrew up to 150 meters before the waves returned and flooding the surrounding areas. The eastern part of the island suffered the major damage from this earthquake with the church in Fajardo being completely destroyed and in Guayama the church was badly damaged.

May 2, 1787 – 8.0 magnitude (Richter Scale)

Records on this earthquake appear to be limited, with the epicenter reported to be to the north in the Puerto Rico Trench. The whole island felt this earthquake that resulted in damage around the island, including El Morro and San Cristobel forts. Other buildings destroyed or damaged included: Arecibo church, El Rosario and La Concepcion monasteries and churches in Bayamon, Toa Baja and Mayaguez.

1670 – Magnitude Unknown

Information on this earthquake is extremely limited but it did cause significant damage around the San German area in the west coast of Puerto Rico.

As I sit writing this, my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Haiti that has been affected by the Jan 12, 2010 earthquake.

Resources: United States Geological Survey, Puerto Rico Seismic Network (main image), wiki (1918 quake image)

This is not a huge park, but the grounds are extremely well kept and the coastal and inland views are superb. Unfortunately some of the exhibit descriptions are in Spanish, but there is also information on the guide pamphlet that you receive when you enter the park.

Once you enter the park you receive a guide map (available in English and Spanish). The first area of the park is the small Taino Village. The village consists of seven huts, one of which is the chief’s hut, a stone marked area which would have been the Taino Indians ‘ball field’. The hut at the head of the ‘ball field’ is that of the tribe’s chief and is represented by life sized mannequins of the chief and family.

Next up are the three 1/3 scale replica’s of Columbus’s ships that represent the Spanish Conquest of Puerto Rico. The three ships that are available to board are the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa María . Your kids will love being able to climb the steps onto the deck of each ship to meet the ships mannequins and pose for photographs.

Just above the three ships is the slightly larger replica of Black Beards Pirate Ship ‘Queen Anne Revenge’. This colorful ship stands out in the park and is sure to be a hit with your kids. Again they can climb the stairs and hangout on the deck.

Note: All four replica ships only allow access to the ship’s deck; there is no option to actual venture into the innards of the ship or climb to the crows nest. Having said that, hanging out on the deck of the various ships is pretty cool and the views of the park and surrounding area are really nice.

Once your kids have had their fill of the ships, it’s time to brave the darkness of the Pirates Cave (Guaride de Piratas). Once inside the cave, you walk along dimly lit tunnels that have various displays depicting pirates doing pirate stuff; drinking, fighting, counting gold, you get the picture.

Half way through the cave system you arrive at a central aquarium that houses several small sharks and fishes all swimming around a sunken galleon. There are also some smaller aquariums on the wall housing small fish and reptiles.

A WORD OF CAUTION. As you walk passed the first section of the aquarium you will see a large display of the deck a pirate ship. On our cave adventure there was a pirate figure sitting in front of the ship. We initially thought this was just another mannequin until we got closer and it made a sudden hand movement that gave our son a bit of a fright. Turns out this was one of the park employees dressed as a pirate (looking back the extra large head of the pirate should have given the game away). Any way, if you have very small kids, you might want to be cautious if you encounter the same pirate figure.

The tunnel continues past a few more displays and ends walking over a wooden bridge with a display of rays in shallow water. The pirate adventure ends at a small gift shop selling pirate gifts and plush animals etc.

Continue up the path to the refreshment area (with bathrooms). This is a small cafeteria selling drinks and typical park foods; nuggets, burgers, fries and various Puerto Rican snacks. Even if you don’t plan on eating, make sure you venture onto the large wooden deck. The views of the Atlantic Ocean and rock formations are impressive (especially if the sea is a little rough). The deck is also a great spot to view the Arecibo Lighthouse.

Once you have had your fill of food and or ocean views, it’s time to make the trek up to the Arecibo Lighthouse. This is a MUST see. The walk up to the lighthouse is fairly steep, but the views from the various sections of the lighthouse make the walk really worthwhile. Note: the park has several electric golf karts available that you can request to be taken up to the lighthouse if you think the walk would be too much.

The Arecibo Lighthouse was originally built in 1898, and is in very good condition. The lighthouse is open and there are typical nautical displays including; a divers suit, artifacts and a replica sailing ship. The lighthouse spiral staircase is open to allow you to climb to the observation deck level (but not unfortunately to the actual light). Our 2 year old boy LOVED climbing the spiral staircase and again the views from this deck are impressive.

Note: The lighthouse would make a really great spot to watch the sunset (clouds permitting).

After walking back down towards the main park area, you will pass a replica canon, a small wooden Jibaro house and tiny ‘zoo’ that houses a few different birds, turtles, donkey’s and some small horses.

The final part of the park is the play area. Here your kids will find a small helicopter (not able to actual enter the helicopter), several swings, slides and a couple of small roundabouts. There is also seating so that you can keep an eye on your kids playing.

The play area is probably more geared to smaller children rather that teenagers, but there is also a couple of refreshment machines and an ice cream shop (unfortunately this was closed during our visit).

Make a day of it – Nearby attractions:
The Arecibo Lighthouse Park is close to the Arecibo Observatory, Camuy Caves and also the Barceloneta Outlet Mall. If you start your day early enough, you could plan to check out one or more of these on your daytrip.

What: Arecibo Lighthouse Park
Where: Arecibo
Cost: The entrance fee is $10.00 for adults (13-64 years old), $8.00 for children (2-12 years old) and seniors (65+). There is a parking fee of $2.00 per car.
Opening Times: The park is open 9:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday, and 10:00am – 7:00pm on weekends
Directions: From San Juan take Route 22 west (one toll both) and take Exit 71 (signposted Domingo Ruiz / Bajadero). At the end of the ramp turn right and continue until the intersection with Route 2 (traffic lights). Turn left and continue along Route 2 until you reach the next set of lights (Gas Station). Turn right and then turn right again along Road 681. At the intersection with Road 655 turn left, continue until you reach the park. (Once you are on Route 2, you will also see brown signs for the Arecibo Lighthouse Park).
Website: Arecibo Lighthouse and Heritage Park

Bonus: If you are feeling hungry before entering the park, check out one of the roadside stalls that you will pass on Road 681. You will be able to find staple Puerto Rican snacks such as: Bacalito’s, Empanadillas, Alcapurria’s etc.. well worth the calorific intake.

Check out these related articles:
Barceloneta Outlet Mall
Ideas for the North Coast of Puerto Rico
Ideas for the Central Region of Puerto Rico

Here are some of the museums that you will find around Puerto Rico:

Old San Juan

African Heritage Museum
Museum showcases slavery in Puerto Rico
Open Tuesday – Saturday 8:30am to 4:20pm
Located In San Jose Plaza, on the corner of San Sebastian and Cristo Streets.
787-724-4294

Casa de la Familia Puertorriquena
Showcases life as it was in Puerto Rico in the 19th Century
Open Tuesday – Saturday 8:30am to 4:20pm
Located at 319 Calle Fortaleza
787-723-1762

Fideicomiso Casa Ramon Power y Giralt
Historical Displays
787-722-5834 ext 242

Galeria Nacional
Showcases Puerto Rican Masterpieces
Open Tuesday to Saturday 9:30am to 5:00pm, and Sundays 9:30am to 5:00pm
Located in the old Convento de los Dominicos (Dominican Convent) at San Jose Plaza
787-725-2670

Museo Casa Blanca
Ponce de Leon’s Home in Old San Juan
open Tuesday – Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm. The gardens are open 7 day a week.
Calle San Sebastián # 1
Old San Juan
787-725-1454

Museo de Las Americas
Showcases Art from the Americas
Open Tuesday & Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm, and Thursday & Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm
Located inside El Cuartel de Ballajá on Norzagaray Street
787-724-5052

Museo de San Juan
Art and History Exhibition focusing on Old San Juan
Open Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm, and Saturday & Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm. Closed from 12noon to 1:00pm every day
Located next to the Dominican Convent on Norzagaray Street
787-723-4317

Museo del Nino
Small Children’s Museum with interactive displays
Open Tuesday & Thursday 9:00am to 3:30pm, Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Saturday & Sunday 12:30pm-5:00pm. Closed Mondays.
#150 Calle Cristo
Old San Juan
787-722-3791
Website click here

Museo Felisa Rincon de Gautier
Exhibition showcasing the life of the Former Major Rincon de Gautier corner of Recinto Oeste Street just past La Puerta de San Juan
Open Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm
Located at 51 Calle de San Juan
787-723-1897
Website click here

Pablo Casals Museum
Exhibition of the Life and Times of Pablo Casals
Open Tuesday – Saturday 9:30am to 5:50pm
Plaza San José
Calle del Cristo
Old San Juan
787-723-9185
Website click here

San Juan Metro Area

Casa Museo Dr. Jose Celso Barbosa
Home of Dr. Jose Celso Barbosa
Calle Barbosa # 16
Bayamon
787-786-8115

Luis A. Ferre Science Park
The park is home to a number of museums and exhibitions such as: the Planetarium, Art Museum, Aerospace Museum, Health Pavilion, Telephone Museum, Marine Ecosystem Museum, Transportation Museum, Archeology Museum, Museum of Natural Science and an Observation Tower
Located on Road 167 (take PR 22 from San Juan and take exit for RD 167, park will be on your right)
Open Wednesday – Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm
787-740-6868

Museum de Arte de Bayamon
Exhibit of Puerto Rican and International Art
Bayamon
787-740-6878

Caparra Ruins Historical Museum & Park
Juan Ponce de Leon’s First Settlement in Puerto Rico
Guaynabo
787-781-4795

Museo del Deporte Guaynabo
Puerto Rican Sports Museum
Bulevar del Deporte # 3
Sector Bellomonte
Guaynabo
787-731-4923

Museum of History, Anthropology & Art
Anthropology and Art Exhibition at the University of Puerto Rico
Rio Piedras
787-763-3939

Museum de Arte de Ponce in Plaza Las Americas
Temporary Exhibits from Museum of Ponce
Plaza Las Americas
San Juan
787-200-7090
Website click here

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo
EXhibit of Puerto Rican and Caribbean Art from 1940 onwards
Open Tuesday – Saturday 10:00am — 4:00pm, Sunday 12:
Santurce
787-977-4030
Website click here

Museum de Arte de Puerto Rico
Exhibit of Puerto Rican Art
Open Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00pm – 5:00pm, Wednesday: 10:00am – 8:00pm, Sunday: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Santurce
787-977-6277
Website click here

Canovanas

Casa Jesus T. Pinero
Home of the 1st Governor of Puerto Rico: Jesus T. Pinero
787-876-0562

San Lorenzo

Museo Fe Eleanor Borges
Art and History Exhibition focusing on the town of San Lorenzo
787-736-1124

Arecibo

Museum de Arte e Historia de Arecibo
Art and Photography Exhibition focusing on the History of Arecibo
787-879-4403

Dorado

Casa Museo Marcos J. Alegria
Showcases the art work of Marcos J. Alegria
787-796-1433

Museum de Arte e Historia de Dorado
Art and Archeological Exhibition focusing on the History of Dorado
787-796-1030

Trujillo Alto

Luis Munoz Marin Foundation
Exhibition of Munoz Marin’s Life
787-755-7979

Vega Baja

Casa Alonso Museum of Art, History & Culture
Showcases life as it was in Puerto Rico back in the 1800’s
787-855-1364

Guanica

Museum de Arte e Historia de Guanica
Art Exhibition focusing on the History of Guanica
787-821-4343

Guayama

Casa Cautino Museum
Exibition highlighting Three Generations of the Cautino Family
Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00am to 4:30pm, and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Located at the junction of Vicente Palès and Palmer streets
787-864-9083

Juana Diaz

Casa Museo de los Santos Reyes
Museum Showcasing the Three Kings
787-837-2199
Website click here

Ponce

Casa Paoli Museum
Birthplace of the Tenor Antonio Emilio Paoli
787-840-4115

Casa Wiechers-Villaronga
Example of a 1911 Puerto Rican Mansion
Open Tuesday – Sunday 8:30am – 4:20pm
Located at the corner Calle Reina and Méndez Vigo
Ponce
787-843-1363

Castillo Serralles Museum
Spanish Style Mansion belonging to the Seralles Family
787-259-1770
Website click here

Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes
Important arqueological site in the Caribbean. It represents the continuous habitation of indigenous people more than 1,000 years before Colombus encountered the New World.
Road 503, Km. 2.2
Ponce
787-840-5685
Website click here

Museo de la Masacre
Exhibition Depicting the 1930’s Political Demonstration that turned deadly
Open Wednesdays to Sundays, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Located at the corner of Calle Marina and Aurora
Ponce
787-844-9722

Music Museum
Exhibition of Puerto Rican Musical Instruments
787-848-7018

Ponce History Museum
300 years of Ponce History
787-844-7071

Salinas

Museo Puertorriqueno del Deporte
Puerto Rican Sports Museum
787-824-2200
Website click here

Cabo Rojo

Museo de las Proceres
Art, History and Cultural Exhibition
Open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm
Located on road 312 km 0.4
Cabo Rojo
787-255-1650

San German

Porta Coeli Religious Art Museum
Exhibition of Relgious Art
Open Thursday-Sunday, 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Plaza Porta Coeli at Ramas and Dr. Veve streets
San German
787-892-5845

Barranquitas

Casa Luis Munoz Rivera
Exhibit of Munoz Rivera’s Life
Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30am to 4:20pm
10 Muñoz Rivera Street
Barranquitas
787-857-0230

Caguas

Museum de Arte de Caguas
Exhibit of Puerto Rican and International Art
787-744-8833

Museo del Deporte Cagueno
Puerto Rican Sports Museum
787-744-8833 ext. 1836

Coamo

Museo Historico Ramon Rivera Bermudez
Showcases the Hisory of the town of Coamo
787-825-1150 Ext. 2052

Gurabo

Museo y Centro de Estudio Humanisticos
Exhibit of Puerto Rico Art
Road 189 Km. 3.3
Gurabo
787-743-7979
Website click here http://museo.ut.pr/

Moca

Museo del Mundillo de Puerto Rico
Museum Preserving the History of Bobbin and Lace Handicraft
237 Calle Barbosa
Moca
787-877-3815
Website click here

Utuado

Centro Ceremonial Indigena de Caguana
Archeological Exhibit
Open 8:3am – 4:20pm
Road 111 Km. 12.4
Utuado
787-894-7325

Vieques

Museo Fuerte Conde de Mirasol
Vieques Historical Monument
Open Wednesday – Sunday 9.00am – 5.30pm
787-741-1717

Note: The majority of the museums will be closed on Mondays and also public Holidays. It is recommended that you contact the individual museums beforehand (especially the smaller museums around the island) to ensure that they will be open on the day that you are planning to go.

Photo resource: Taino indian photos from wiki

Related articles:
Old San Juan
Puerto Rico Lighthouses
Ponce Ideas