Piñones puerto rico: Piñones | Discover Puerto Rico
The rhythms and flavors of Puerto Rico
Adventure
Just east of San Juan dive right into the local culture, miles of great beaches and food!
Piñones is located approximately 10 miles away from Old San Juan on route 187, in the outskirts of Carolina is steeped with traditions handed down from Puerto Rico’s African heritage. As a result of this diverse history, the area is synonymous with a rich culinary history and Caribbean authenticity that continues today. At the weekend Piñones is predominantly a local destination for family days out and getting in some serious beach time – to fit in like a true local you will need to bring along your ice chest full of cold Medalla beer and deckchairs or hammocks as you’ll be settling in here for the day.
Piñones means ‘pine forest’ and the terrain here is mainly made up of mangrove swamps and saltwater lagoons surrounded by pristine beaches. With a single track road that runs in and out of Piñones, this isn’t somewhere that you will get lost, but be warned that parking and traffic can become a problem as the day wears on, so aim to get here early.
Like most of Puerto Rico, Piñones is abundant in wildlife, particularly vibrantly coloured birds and iguanas, the latter is very evident for the not so lucky ones, with surplus reptile road kill in these areas it is important to drive with care.
When you first cross the bridge into Piñones you will immediately be aware that the vibe is much more laid back and ramshackle than San Juan proper.
There are many restaurants to choose from, but knowing how to pick the right one is very important. Restaurants such as the large ‘Soleil’ facing the beach are better for large parties, who want to drink and fill up fast, but if you want a real taste of Pinones, dare to drive further in.
If you are a fan of fish, then there is no better place to try the catch of the day than Restaurante Andín, a family run business specializing in fresh and authentic seafood. But since it’s a bit off the beaten track, you’ll have to work for your food – by trying to locate it, no worries though just ask one of the locals.
Take a right turn next to the basketball court and continue down the single track road into a residential area. At the end the road opens up to face the river and right there is a wooden cabin, painted green, where locals queue up to order through the window – a regular rustic drive-thru. Right there you will see your Red Snapper grilled in front of your eyes, having been caught on an early morning boat trip.
If you do not fancy using your navigational skills quite so much, then the best option by far is El Boricua. Complete with a Puerto Rican flag, it’s most noticeable feature is the constant queue of people tailing out into the road waiting for their turn to sample the delicacies, but it is worth the wait as the long queue is simply indicative of the magic formula that Boricua has – high quality food and cheap prices.
Serving up delicious and freshly cooked snacks grilled over an open fire, there is a constant woody, smoky scent in the air, unlike anywhere else on the island.
The menu includes a wide variety of Puerto Rican dishes, but for the best sample menu pick the Bacalaitos – a flat cod fritter and Crab Alcapurria. Over to the side, grab a coconut, expertly opened with a machete to reveal the deep pools of fragrant coconut water hidden inside.
If you decide your stomach won’t let you commit to the El Boricua queue then there Dos Palmas, further along, is certainly a contender for second best. Just follow one piece of golden information when picking your lunch spot in Piñones– be aware of the heat lamp. If the food is having to be kept warm then just think – that is because no one else wants to come and eat it.
Once you have filled up, you will next be thinking about the beach.
The beach opposite El Boricua is known locally as Aviones because of the airplanes that pass overhead when they are leaving San Juan International Airport. You can even tell their destination based on the angle they leave – left is America and right is Europe.
If you drive further along from Aviones then there are several other beaches, each with their own features.
The second beach you will come to is ideal for families with small children, because of its’ rock pool formation meaning waves are minimal, but also most hectic for parking.
If you decide to drive along even further then be warned that after this point the water becomes much deeper and the undercurrent and tides become more unpredictable. Beaches further along are better suited for jet skiers and sun worshippers.
The road through Piñones is also a popular cycling route, and hundreds of professional, lycra-wearing, cyclists pass by when we are eating lunch, but do not be intimidated if you are more of a novice cyclist. There is also a newly-built-boardwalk hidden among the secluded mangrove forest, perfect for getting away from the fast moving traffic and seeing more of the wildlife on offer. Bikes are available for rent for as little as $5 per hour, per person.
So if you are looking to step off the tourist trial then Piñones is a great example of Caribbean lifestyle, this is about families, good food and spending time on the beach, which Puerto Ricans have made into an art form.
Situated close enough to San Juan and the cruise ships to make this a day trip, it is a must do for all who visit the island.
About the Author: Sophie Gallagher is a qualified journalist, having trained in the seaside town of Brighton, England before moving to San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. Sophie has experience working at My Guide Head Office in London and now contributes articles to the Puerto Rico franchise. She has also had work published by The Daily Express, Very Magazine, The Editeur and The Argus.
Things to do in Puerto Rico
Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Donna D.
Small but perfectly formed and full of fun—the best things to do in Puerto Rico cater to adventurers, foodies and more.
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The phrase ‘small but perfectly formed’ might be somewhat overused in travel writing circles, but is there a better way to sum up the delights of Puerto Rico? Well, focusing on the sheer amount of fun that is packed into the borders of this tiny Caribbean island might be the way to go about it, as the excitement that permeates these streets has stretched way beyond the 100 by 35 miles stretch of land from which it originates.
Oh, and the food? As good as it gets, on all fronts. Puerto Rico is an island with an appetite, a place where high-end cuisine rubs shoulders with the character of street food, all accentuated by some of the finest cocktails going. Puerto Rico will change how you approach the entire concept of flavors, so give yourself plenty of seaside serenity to consider that development. You could also forgo the tranquillity for the adrenaline of surfing, diving and the rest. The choice is yours, obviously. These are 12 awesome things to do in phenomenal Puerto Rico.
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Best things to do in Puerto Rico
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/matt
1. Vieques’ Bioluminescent Bay
Where is it: Isla de Vieques
What is it: A rare natural phenomenon, Mosquito Bay is populated with harmless microscopic organisms that glow like fireflies when they detect motion.
Why go: Nothing can prepare you for the amazing spectacle of electric blue luminescence that emanates from the water when the bay is at its brightest. The only way to experience it is to take a nighttime kayak tour and watch the dip of the oar and the wake of the boat shine. Brightness and color vary depending on conditions, so go on a new moon for best results. By all means, try to take a photo or two, but no camera can do justice to this.
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Jeff Gunn
2. El Yunque National Forest
Where is it: Northeastern Puerto Rico
What is it: The only tropical forest in the U.S. National Forest System and one of the world’s most accessible rainforests.
Why go: Being able to drive to a rainforest and admire the stunning beauty of the lush virgin canopy and cool mountain air is reason enough to go. Here you can hear the call of the Coqui frog and see massive ferns, tiny orchids and impressive waterfalls. There are also hiking trails, picnic tables, a viewing tower and, for those willing to hike a few hours, a cloud forest at the top.
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Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Mark K.
3. Old San Juan
Where is it: San Juan
What is it: The condensed layout of the historic walled city, along with its plethora of bars, makes Old San Juan a perfect place for a pub crawl.
Why go: Start with the local brew, Medalla, at the dive bar El Batey (if it happens to be open, of course), then move on to Tres Cuernos for some flavored chichaitos, a traditional shot made from rum and anise. When hunger pangs strike, stop by La Factoría for some tapas and a Hijos de Borinquen, an homage to the building’s previous tenant, featuring aged rum and apricot brandy.
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Alejandro Mallado
4. La Cueva del Indio
Where is it: Arecibo
What is it: Huge, petrified sand dunes hollowed out by the ocean and carved into caves and arches, providing a canvas for pre-Columbian petroglyphs created by the island’s indigenous population.
Why go: The panoramic view of the island’s northern shoreline from the top of the dunes is reason alone to visit this gorgeous, geological wonder. The best time to go is at sunset or high tide, when the waves crash in and spray up through openings in the surface.
Access into the caves is not permitted.
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Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Adjanie T.
5. Las Paylas
Where is it: Luquillo
What is it: A natural waterslide down a mountain stream way off the beaten path.
Why go: Who needs a waterpark? Here you can mount “the horse,” a saddle shaped rock at the top of the descent, and take a thrill ride down on your rump or belly until you come to rest with a splash in a chest-deep pool. If you’re lucky, you can see local veterans perform some showboating stunts. This is not an official attraction with facilities, but area residents permit parking and access to their bathrooms for a small fee.
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Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/jpoet
6. Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes
Where is it: Ponce
What is it: Ancient indigenous ceremonial grounds dating back to 400 A.
D. near Ponce.
Why go: The grounds are still being excavated but, so far, nine ball courts and three ceremonial plazas have been discovered, as well as the burial grounds of the remains of 186 people. In addition to stone markers and petroglyphs, visitors can see tools and vessels found on the grounds. History aside, the bucolic grounds make for a lovely place to stroll.
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Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Matt
7. Lechoneras
Where is it: All over the island
What is it: Often called the Pork Highway, Hwy. 184 in Guavate is lined with dozens of lechoneras: casual, open-air restaurants that specialize in whole, flame-kissed pig.
Why go: The appeal of lechoneras is more than just the tasty roast pork and chicharrónes. It’s a place where extended families gather to spend the day eating, drinking, dancing and socializing, especially on Sundays.
There are plenty to choose from, just look for the ones with the longest lines. Lechonera El Mojito and Lechonera Los Pinos are trusty options.
Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Donna D.
8. Bosque de Piñones
Where is it: Loíza
What is it: A nature preserve with a gorgeous, six-mile stretch of wilderness beach, mangrove lagoons and a boardwalk that traverses both habitats.
Why go: Although it feels as remote as a desert island, Piñones is just minutes from bustling Isla Verde and the San Juan airport. The natural beauty is breathtaking and all along the route are beach bars, restaurants and food kiosks to keep hunger at bay. Kayak and bike rentals are available.
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Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Al B.
9. La Placita
Where is it: Puerto Rico
What is it: By day it’s Plaza del Mercado, a century-old farmers’ market, but, by night, this is La Placita, a lively gathering place for locals.
Why go: The big attraction is the concentration of popular bars and restaurants that line the streets around the small plaza. From sidewalk vendors serving cocktails in to-go cups to salsa dance halls and Jose Enrique’s fine-dining restaurant, La Placita is a one-stop shop for fun. Most nights the action feels like a festive street party, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.
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Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/sharkhats
10. Cueva Ventana
Where is it: Arecibo
What is it: A limestone cave with a window that reveals an astonishing, bird’s-eye view of the rolling green hills in the island’s northern region.
Why go: An enjoyable 20-minute hike involving quite a few concrete steps leads into a dark cavern that ends at a gaping hole through which appears a surreal vista of the island’s karst region, a topography of haystack hills, sinkholes and caves carpeted in brilliant green foliage.
Guided tours last 45 minutes. Sturdy shoes with good tread are recommended.
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Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Michael S.
11. Luquillo kiosks
Where is it: Luquillo
What is it: More than 50 food vendors are lined up cheek-to-jowl, serving some of the island’s best traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.
Why go: A gastronomic adventure not to be missed, the Luquillo kiosks are the place to taste test Puerto Rico’s prolific fritter offerings, including bacalaito, made from dried codfish, and papa rellena, a potato croquette stuffed with meat. Wash it all down with ice-cold coconut water served straight from the husk. Full table service featuring more substantial fare is also available. La Parrilla #2 is a popular stop.
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Spike Stitch
12. Surfing in Rincón
Where is it: Rincón
What is it: Renowned for its fast, powerful waves and stellar break points, the west coast town of Rincón is a mecca for surfers from around the world.
Why go: Beginners can learn from the pros at one of several surf schools and test their mettle at Sandy Beach or Parking Lots Beach. Experienced surfers looking for a challenge can check out the waves at Maria’s Beach or Domes. If surfing’s not your thing, the snorkeling and diving around Desecheo Island might be a just-as-excellent option.
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Hungry for the best restaurants in Puerto Rico?
The 11best restaurants in Puerto Rico
- Restaurants
From the celebrity chef-run eateries among the resorts and hotels in Condado and Isla Verde to the street food kiosks of Luquillo and Piñones to the craft cocktail bars along Calle Loíza, Puerto Rico’s foodie scene has got it going on.
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Dmitry ILLARIONOV: flash interview – Guitar magazine – LJ
Dmitry ILLARIONOV: flash interview
– Dmitry, how did you choose the program for the festival? is the genre variety of programs. I decided to perform two movements from the Aquarelle suite by the famous Brazilian guitarist and composer Sergio Assad – Valseana and Prelude and Toccatina. The music of “Watercolor” is academic, it uses elements of bossa nova and jazz. In addition, together with Yulia Lonskaya we will play a piece by Puerto Rican composer Ernesto Cordero. This is a piece from his “Tropical Sonatina” for two guitars called “Salsa in Piñones”. Piñones is a town in Puerto Rico where various Latin American cultures are intertwined – there is a small corner of Haiti, a small corner of the Dominican Republic and so on. Ernesto Cordero composed “Salsa” in memory of how he danced this dance in Piliones with the famous guitarist Antigoni Goni. – How do you feel about Russian music? – How do you feel about the guitar backing, for example when playing in a large hall with an orchestra? – What would you like to say to our readers? Read this material in full in Guitar Magazine . You can comment and there (using your OpenID LiveJournal account), and here. Tags: Articles | |||
Coincidentally, Nikita Koshkin wrote a concerto for guitar and orchestra and dedicated it to me. Thus, at the festival there will be not just a premiere, but a world premiere of a new work by a famous Russian composer. nine0003 One of the ideas of the gala concert
nine0006
nine0006The 13 best hotels in Loiza, North Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico, book apartments without prepayment. Hotel reservation Loiza
13 hotels
Dates for viewing prices
Departure
Adults
01020304
Children
-01020304
Price
- 0 rub – 3620 rub 8
- RUB 3620 – RUB 7240 1
- RUB 7240 – RUB 10900 1
- 10900 rub – 14500 rub 1
- 14500 rub+ 2
Number of stars
- 10
- 1
- 1
- 1
Rating
Facilities
- WiFi 9
- TV 7
- Air conditioner 1
- Parking 9
- Restaurant 2
- Bar 1
- Pool 7
- Fitness 2
- Bath/Shower 6
- Refrigerator 7
Type of allocation
- Apartment 9
- Guest house 2
- Hotel 1
- Resort hotel 1
Attractions Loiza
Ocean Park Beach 0.
45 km.
Barbosa Park 0.48 km.
Museum of Art of Puerto Rico 1.4 km.
Centro Europa 1.7 km.
Station “Sagrado Corazon” 1.8 km.
El Teatro 1.8 km.
Airports Loiza
Isla Grande Airport 4.8 km.
Luis Munoz Marin International Airport 5 km.
Diego Jimenez Torres Airport 44 km.
Loiz Hotels on the map
Apartments Loiza 9
Guest houses Loiza 2
Resorts Loiza 1
Aquatika Paraiso Tropical
Apartment
Loiza, North Puerto Rico
8/10
Very well
75 reviews
Free WiFi
Free private parking
Villa Aquatika Paraíso Tropical 9Offering an outdoor pool and a year-round outdoor pool, 0029 is located 29 km from San Juan.
Free private parking is available on site.
187 street 6 Km, 00772 Loiza, Puerto Rico
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11 600 per night
Hotel Description
Prices and Availability
Nautical Dream
Hotel
nine0089 Loiza, North Puerto Rico
9.7/10
Fabulous
Free WiFi
Parking
Nautical Dream is located next to Torrecilla Lagoon and Piñones Forest. It features a salt water lagoon for kayaking. It offers well-equipped suites with balconies and rooms.
Carretera 187 km. 5.2 interior, 00772 Loiza, Puerto Rico
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21 600 per night
Hotel Description
Prices and Availability
The Beach Guesthouse
Guest House
Loiza, North Puerto Rico
9.
1/10
Excellent
21 reviews
nine0006
Free WiFi
Free private parking
Just 7 km from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, Beach Club Guest House is located in the small village of Lois, on the seafront. It features an outdoor pool and a terrace overlooking the garden.
Carretera 187 Km 5.2, 00772 Pinones, Puerto Rico
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7 170 per night
Hotel Description
Prices and Availability
Numero Uno Pinones
Guest House
Loiza, North Puerto Rico
9.2/10
Excellent
Free WiFi
Free private parking
Guest house Numero Uno Piñones located in Lois.
A bar and a garden are at guests’ disposal. Private parking is available at an additional cost.
State 187, 00772 Loiza, Puerto Rico
16 400 per night
Hotel Description
Prices and Availability
Beach Ready Villas Del Mar Resort
Apartment
Loiza, North Puerto Rico
8.7/10
amazing
Free WiFi
Free private parking
Apartments Beach Ready!! Villas Del Mar Resort is located in Lois. It features an outdoor pool, fitness center and BBQ facilities. El Morro is 37 km away. The property offers free private parking.
187 KM 7.0 Apt 303, 00772 Loiza, Puerto Rico
9 410 per night
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Prices and Availability
Malibu Beach Resort
resort hotel
Loiza, North Puerto Rico
Free WiFi
Parking
Everything you need for your holiday in one place! Resort « Malibu Beach Luxury Resort ” is located in Loiza.
This resort is located 3 km from the city center.
Malibu Beach Front, Aciclo Ortiz street, Loiza, 00772
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Aquatika 103
Apartment
Loiza, North Puerto Rico
The key to a good holiday is to feel at home in a new place: apartments « Aquatika 103 are located in Loiza. These apartments are located 5 km from the city centre.
Cond. Aquatika, Parcelas Vieques PR 187, 007772, Loiza, Loíza, PR, Loiza, 007772
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Aquatika 5303 Penthouse Condo
Apartment
Loiza, Northern Puerto Rico
Free WiFi
Parking
Looking for the comfort of home: Aquatika 5303 Penthouse Condo is located in Loiza.
These apartments are located 5 km from the city centre.
Route 187, Km 6.1 Building D-4, Unit 5303, 00772 Loiza, Puerto Rico, Loiza
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Hotel Description
nine0069
Prices and Availability
Sandy Cove
Apartment
Loiza, North Puerto Rico
Free WiFi
Parking
Good for a large group, Sandy Cove is located in Loiz. These apartments are located 5 km from the city centre.
Cond. Aquatika Apt. 4802 Carr. 187 Km.2, Loiza, 00745
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Slice of Paradise
Apartment
Loiza, North Puerto Rico
Free WiFi
Parking
The key to a good holiday is to feel at home in a new place: apartment « Slice of Paradise ” are located in Loiza.
These apartments are located 4 km from the city centre.
PR-187, Loiza, 00772
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starlight
Apartment
Loiza, North Puerto Rico
The choice of tourists who want to feel at home everywhere – apartments « Starlight ” located in Loiza. These apartments are located 4 km from the city centre.
Cond. Aquatika Apt. 4503 Carr. 187 KM 2, Loiza, 00745
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Beach Stroll Retreats
Hotel
Loiza, North Puerto Rico
A hotel where you can relax before long walks. Beach Stroll Retreats is located in Loiz.