Erica & Klod's Guidebook
The local Food scene- Punta Santiago/Naguabo Malecon
PR 3 in Punta Santiago is known as a great place to Chinchorreo (think bar hopping but with food kiosks). Here are some of our favorite ones on the strip from Punta Santiago to the malecon of Naguabo.
** A good thing to note is the kiosks take turns on who is open on which nights during the week. So, don't be disappointed to see your favorite one closed. Just head over the next day. I think it is to keep them all in business. Support local. :) Another thing to note is that MOST of them are closed on Mondays. The only one we found open was Regata in Punta Santiago , Casa mofongo and maybe one or two in Naguabo malecon but they all closed around 9pm.
We love the margaritas and signature drink "Isla del Encanto." Their empanadas and alcapurrias are delicious too. Monfongo comes out cute in it's own pilon.
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Olas
Calle Doctor VidalWe love the margaritas and signature drink "Isla del Encanto." Their empanadas and alcapurrias are delicious too. Monfongo comes out cute in it's own pilon.
Forget the diet here... Whatever you order, order it with the creamy garlic sauce... You will thank me later. Oh, and they had me at frozen Guava Margaritas! Best also for live music Saturday nights to dance off some of them yummy calories.
Regatta Bar and Grill
Carretera 3Forget the diet here... Whatever you order, order it with the creamy garlic sauce... You will thank me later. Oh, and they had me at frozen Guava Margaritas! Best also for live music Saturday nights to dance off some of them yummy calories.
The best Alitas (chicken wings) I have found locally. Our favorite spot to sit for lunch, overlooking the water. We order our wings and we also love the tostones filled with steak! Add with a mojito or frozen margarita! Lively bar scene filled with locals and tourists. Great bartenders.
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Ikako's
Calle CambimboraThe best Alitas (chicken wings) I have found locally. Our favorite spot to sit for lunch, overlooking the water. We order our wings and we also love the tostones filled with steak! Add with a mojito or frozen margarita! Lively bar scene filled with locals and tourists. Great bartenders.
We love this little spot. The food is good but we really go their for their Planuas (tacos). We love them no matter how they are made - breaded fish, steak, chicken. We like the Mojitos there. One of our faves is the ParchaParma Mojito. (Passionfruit and Pomergranate). They have a lovely guitarist on Friday nights. He has a following so you will often see people putting him live on social media. He brings a nice dinner atmosphere and sense of community seeing people singing along with him. Go with time to relax because I will admit the service is a bit slow but only because they wait staff is also your bar staff. So, they are doing it all for you. Be patient, they are worth the trip and tip.
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Patria Bar & Restaurant
Carretera 3We love this little spot. The food is good but we really go their for their Planuas (tacos). We love them no matter how they are made - breaded fish, steak, chicken. We like the Mojitos there. One of our faves is the ParchaParma Mojito. (Passionfruit and Pomergranate). They have a lovely guitarist on Friday nights. He has a following so you will often see people putting him live on social media. He brings a nice dinner atmosphere and sense of community seeing people singing along with him. Go with time to relax because I will admit the service is a bit slow but only because they wait staff is also your bar staff. So, they are doing it all for you. Be patient, they are worth the trip and tip.
Beautiful porch dining over the water. Wonderful seafood. Closed Mondays
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El Makito
Carretera 3Beautiful porch dining over the water. Wonderful seafood. Closed Mondays
This spot is just by the bridge. This spot is more for grabbing fried food appetizer or cup of seafood salad and a beer type of place. It is limited to the seafood cups, fried meat, empanadas, alcapurrias and burgers. It is not fancy but mom and pop so the food is fresh, reasonably priced and delicious.
You will see the beach across the street is pretty happening. There are some older folks that sit there daily playing music, dominoes etc... A true local hang out. The beach is pretty mild there. Also, on any day, you will find vendors with trucks, selling cold coconuts, a leather maker (custom belts etc...) and more.
La nueva casa del mofongo
Carretera 3This spot is just by the bridge. This spot is more for grabbing fried food appetizer or cup of seafood salad and a beer type of place. It is limited to the seafood cups, fried meat, empanadas, alcapurrias and burgers. It is not fancy but mom and pop so the food is fresh, reasonably priced and delicious.
You will see the beach across the street is pretty happening. There are some older folks that sit there daily playing music, dominoes etc... A true local hang out. The beach is pretty mild there. Also, on any day, you will find vendors with trucks, selling cold coconuts, a leather maker (custom belts etc...) and more.
Another Food Kiosk by and on the beach. Lots of seafood selections, empanadas and cold beers. Live music often on Saturdays and Sundays after 5pm. Also, great photo op. Famous for it's oversided wooden chair. Painted like the PR Flag.
Brisas del mar
Carretera 3Another Food Kiosk by and on the beach. Lots of seafood selections, empanadas and cold beers. Live music often on Saturdays and Sundays after 5pm. Also, great photo op. Famous for it's oversided wooden chair. Painted like the PR Flag.
Klod loves the fish and mofongo dish with light garlic sauce. They make a nice mojito.
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Paseo Playero
Klod loves the fish and mofongo dish with light garlic sauce. They make a nice mojito.
This one is a 2 for 1! Cute bar restaurant for quick lunch but in front is a GREAT, SMALL but CALM SWIMMABLE BEACH. Grab the chairs and cooler and head out. It is only about 7 minutes north on the other side of the Naguabo marina. Check it out.
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Restaurant And Bar Coco, Playa La Fanduca
This one is a 2 for 1! Cute bar restaurant for quick lunch but in front is a GREAT, SMALL but CALM SWIMMABLE BEACH. Grab the chairs and cooler and head out. It is only about 7 minutes north on the other side of the Naguabo marina. Check it out.
Neighborhoods
The vibe is thriving and rebirth!! The beach at Punta Santiago was hit during Hurricane Maria. So, to see the life that has come back is so exciting. The nature reserve and beach front has had and continues to have major clean ups. FEMA has dedicated over $6 million to the rehabilitation of the entire eco reserve area. So, you will see lots of upgrades happening as you come in. Fresh paint, cleaning. People taking real pride in their homes and the beauty of the beach. The goal is to have the children's water park reopened Summer of 2022.
The Vibe is also Pura Vida - Eco living, a nature lovers paradise. Everyone (young and old) are super active. The trail along the beachfront is 2.2 miles. Morning through sunset you will find walkers & joggers along the path. You will often find walkers walking the blocks in the neighborhood or around the lake. Be prepared to say Buenos Dias about 100X because everyone is so friendly, neighborly, and super family oriented. The nature reserve is about 1/4 mile away, there you can rent bikes and Kayaks. Lots to do and explore in the reserve - hiking, fishing, kayaking, peddle boarding, bird watching. Some weekends you will even see groups coming down PR-3 touring the area on horse back.
While the beach is pretty aggressive. You will still find folks parked and putting out their chairs and hammocks. Some just sit on the sand and sun bathe or fish right from the shore. The wind is amazing. The sunsets and moonlit nights are spectacular. Because of the ocean breeze, the evenings are super breezy. Perfect for relaxing.
We would recommend for more swimmable beach, just head up north about 2 miles just past the Muelle (pier). You will see it along your drive and judge where you can literally just pull right over and jump in.
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Playa de Humacao
The vibe is thriving and rebirth!! The beach at Punta Santiago was hit during Hurricane Maria. So, to see the life that has come back is so exciting. The nature reserve and beach front has had and continues to have major clean ups. FEMA has dedicated over $6 million to the rehabilitation of the entire eco reserve area. So, you will see lots of upgrades happening as you come in. Fresh paint, cleaning. People taking real pride in their homes and the beauty of the beach. The goal is to have the children's water park reopened Summer of 2022.
The Vibe is also Pura Vida - Eco living, a nature lovers paradise. Everyone (young and old) are super active. The trail along the beachfront is 2.2 miles. Morning through sunset you will find walkers & joggers along the path. You will often find walkers walking the blocks in the neighborhood or around the lake. Be prepared to say Buenos Dias about 100X because everyone is so friendly, neighborly, and super family oriented. The nature reserve is about 1/4 mile away, there you can rent bikes and Kayaks. Lots to do and explore in the reserve - hiking, fishing, kayaking, peddle boarding, bird watching. Some weekends you will even see groups coming down PR-3 touring the area on horse back.
While the beach is pretty aggressive. You will still find folks parked and putting out their chairs and hammocks. Some just sit on the sand and sun bathe or fish right from the shore. The wind is amazing. The sunsets and moonlit nights are spectacular. Because of the ocean breeze, the evenings are super breezy. Perfect for relaxing.
We would recommend for more swimmable beach, just head up north about 2 miles just past the Muelle (pier). You will see it along your drive and judge where you can literally just pull right over and jump in.
Naguabo can be reached by just turning left out of the neighborhood and driving north. Drive to the end of the road. There will be a fork (with big yellow and white cement balls). Bear right and continue. About a mile down the road you will come upon the malecon of Naguabo. Malecon is marina. It is a beautiful alcove with a bunch of casual restaurants, souvenir shop and ice cream. Naguabo also has one of our favorite waterfalls, Charco El Hippie. Definitely check it out. There is another beach further up past the malecon. Super cute too.
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Naguabo
Naguabo can be reached by just turning left out of the neighborhood and driving north. Drive to the end of the road. There will be a fork (with big yellow and white cement balls). Bear right and continue. About a mile down the road you will come upon the malecon of Naguabo. Malecon is marina. It is a beautiful alcove with a bunch of casual restaurants, souvenir shop and ice cream. Naguabo also has one of our favorite waterfalls, Charco El Hippie. Definitely check it out. There is another beach further up past the malecon. Super cute too.
Adventure out within a 25 min drive
The El Hippie waterfall is known as one of the best on the East Coast of the Island and it is only about a 20 min drive from the house. Be sure to wear water shoes or sneakers. Pack a lunch and a few drinks in the cooler provided and enjoy a dip in the natural pool. The adventurous ones can even jump off the cliffs.
I suggest you park at the lower parking lot. It is only $5. You don't need their "transportation" up the hill. It is literally just about 300 ft walk up hill. If you go further up, they will charge you $10 for parking. It is not public land. So be respectful. If you get hungry, they house where the $5 parking is located has started selling food and drinks. You can grab from them on the way out (or in).
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Charco El Hippie
Camino La PlantaThe El Hippie waterfall is known as one of the best on the East Coast of the Island and it is only about a 20 min drive from the house. Be sure to wear water shoes or sneakers. Pack a lunch and a few drinks in the cooler provided and enjoy a dip in the natural pool. The adventurous ones can even jump off the cliffs.
I suggest you park at the lower parking lot. It is only $5. You don't need their "transportation" up the hill. It is literally just about 300 ft walk up hill. If you go further up, they will charge you $10 for parking. It is not public land. So be respectful. If you get hungry, they house where the $5 parking is located has started selling food and drinks. You can grab from them on the way out (or in).
Luquillo is one of my favorite beaches that also has a scene on the East Coast. If you get there early enough, you can drive and park for free in front of the food kiosks and then just go to the beach behind the kiosk. The food kiosks start opening up around 10am. Some serve breakfast but they are mainly open from lunch until really late. It is a real scene. Kiosks lined up. Basically selling the same delicious food. They are numbered. So, the locals will always tell you which numbered kiosk they love for what dish. There is music. Drinks. Pool tables. Live, fresh seafood, hamburger spots, and local fried foods. If you forgot ice for your coolers, you can get bagged ice at the big machine. There are also a few souvenir shops too.
If not, you can also just go into the actual parking for the beach. It will cost you $4 per car. There they will have a few vendors, life guards, chairs and umbrellas for rent.
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Playa de Liquillo
Luquillo is one of my favorite beaches that also has a scene on the East Coast. If you get there early enough, you can drive and park for free in front of the food kiosks and then just go to the beach behind the kiosk. The food kiosks start opening up around 10am. Some serve breakfast but they are mainly open from lunch until really late. It is a real scene. Kiosks lined up. Basically selling the same delicious food. They are numbered. So, the locals will always tell you which numbered kiosk they love for what dish. There is music. Drinks. Pool tables. Live, fresh seafood, hamburger spots, and local fried foods. If you forgot ice for your coolers, you can get bagged ice at the big machine. There are also a few souvenir shops too.
If not, you can also just go into the actual parking for the beach. It will cost you $4 per car. There they will have a few vendors, life guards, chairs and umbrellas for rent.
This is in the Adventure out category but the Preserve is literally 1/2 mile away! How often do you stay in a location where the backyard is a protected nature preserve? It is free! Walk, hike, bring lunch. Go fishing. Rent a bike or a kayak for the afternoon. There is so much to explore. The end of the hike leads you to el Morillo. The point where the forest meets the sea and you will find old WWII bunkers. Lots of beauty in the bird watching and the fauna. It is such a great few hours spent in nature.
** If you want to reserve your bike rentals, call Morillo Cycles - 787-914-8055. They speak English. The prices run between $7-15, depending n the bike.
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Reserva Natural de Humacao
This is in the Adventure out category but the Preserve is literally 1/2 mile away! How often do you stay in a location where the backyard is a protected nature preserve? It is free! Walk, hike, bring lunch. Go fishing. Rent a bike or a kayak for the afternoon. There is so much to explore. The end of the hike leads you to el Morillo. The point where the forest meets the sea and you will find old WWII bunkers. Lots of beauty in the bird watching and the fauna. It is such a great few hours spent in nature.
** If you want to reserve your bike rentals, call Morillo Cycles - 787-914-8055. They speak English. The prices run between $7-15, depending n the bike.
Take a ride to the Ceiba Ferry Terminal and hop onto a ferry to Vieques for the day. The terminal is about 20 minutes from the house. More info on how to get there can be found in my printed guidebook for your reference in the house.
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Vieques
Take a ride to the Ceiba Ferry Terminal and hop onto a ferry to Vieques for the day. The terminal is about 20 minutes from the house. More info on how to get there can be found in my printed guidebook for your reference in the house.
Culebra is also accessible via the Ceiba Ferry Terminal. The ferry runs throughout the day. It is so worth the day or even half day trip. Culebra has some of the most beautiful beaches and known for its snorkeling. Check out the printed guidebook in the house for more details.
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Culebra
Culebra is also accessible via the Ceiba Ferry Terminal. The ferry runs throughout the day. It is so worth the day or even half day trip. Culebra has some of the most beautiful beaches and known for its snorkeling. Check out the printed guidebook in the house for more details.
For my nature lovers - This is a beautiful forest to visit. Just a few miles south of the house. You can go and walk the elevated walkways. Explore the fauna and flora. Witness the wildlife. You can then explore the Palmas del Mar area of Humacao.
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Bosque de Pterocarpus / Pterocarpus Forest @ Palmas del Mar
For my nature lovers - This is a beautiful forest to visit. Just a few miles south of the house. You can go and walk the elevated walkways. Explore the fauna and flora. Witness the wildlife. You can then explore the Palmas del Mar area of Humacao.
Those that wish to go horseback riding in the area. Great price for an hour tour. Palmas del Mar is the more affluent part of the Humacao area. Drive south about 15 minutes and you will come upon the Hacienda Buena Vista Riding academy. They close at 4pm. So, book your reservations early in the day before the sun really rises and the heat kicks in.
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Hacienda Buena Vista, Palmas del Mar
15 Academy DrThose that wish to go horseback riding in the area. Great price for an hour tour. Palmas del Mar is the more affluent part of the Humacao area. Drive south about 15 minutes and you will come upon the Hacienda Buena Vista Riding academy. They close at 4pm. So, book your reservations early in the day before the sun really rises and the heat kicks in.
Sightseeing
This is the famous pier of Punta Santiago. It is still not fully rebuilt but it doesn't stop folks from going and spending hours a day with their fishing poles and relaxing. Pack a cooler and check it out. In front is Mr. Fresco. It is a fresh seafood market and fast food spot. Not open every day but when it is open, super delish. Also, the famous Antigua Aduana (Customs) building is still there. Built in the 1800s, It it's shell has been preserved and famously painted. Great for picture taking. The beach by the pier is so crystal clear and north of the pier it is swimmable. The view from the beach is also Monkey Island. So, park your car and explore.
Muelle de Punta Santiago
This is the famous pier of Punta Santiago. It is still not fully rebuilt but it doesn't stop folks from going and spending hours a day with their fishing poles and relaxing. Pack a cooler and check it out. In front is Mr. Fresco. It is a fresh seafood market and fast food spot. Not open every day but when it is open, super delish. Also, the famous Antigua Aduana (Customs) building is still there. Built in the 1800s, It it's shell has been preserved and famously painted. Great for picture taking. The beach by the pier is so crystal clear and north of the pier it is swimmable. The view from the beach is also Monkey Island. So, park your car and explore.
Explore what is Unique in Puerto Rico
Did you know that Puerto Rico has Hot Springs? Well, if looking to venture out for a day. Check them out. They are about 35 miles away from the house. I write so much more about them in my guide book left for you in the house.
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Piscinas de Aguas Termales de Coamo
Did you know that Puerto Rico has Hot Springs? Well, if looking to venture out for a day. Check them out. They are about 35 miles away from the house. I write so much more about them in my guide book left for you in the house.
Learn all about the Tainos (Ancient Arawak Indians). This is a nice museum. Small but informative. You can pop in while driving throughout the island.
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Museo El Cemi
Puerto Rico 144Learn all about the Tainos (Ancient Arawak Indians). This is a nice museum. Small but informative. You can pop in while driving throughout the island.
YES, Puerto Rico has it's own Gilligan's Island!! This would be a bit of a day trip but so worth it. I would plan the day to drive down super early to the town of Guanica (South west part of the island - just about 2 hrs away). You will have to drive to the reserve to the small ferry to take you to la Isla de Gilligan. Take your cooler filled with food and drinks. You will take the small boat over. It runs about every hour. Bring your snorkel gear. You will be transported to a little island off of Puerto Rico. Full of mangrove trees. The water is warm, crystal clear and only about 3 feet deep. You can float and chill and truly experience a day lost in paradise.
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Gilligan's Island
YES, Puerto Rico has it's own Gilligan's Island!! This would be a bit of a day trip but so worth it. I would plan the day to drive down super early to the town of Guanica (South west part of the island - just about 2 hrs away). You will have to drive to the reserve to the small ferry to take you to la Isla de Gilligan. Take your cooler filled with food and drinks. You will take the small boat over. It runs about every hour. Bring your snorkel gear. You will be transported to a little island off of Puerto Rico. Full of mangrove trees. The water is warm, crystal clear and only about 3 feet deep. You can float and chill and truly experience a day lost in paradise.
I love visiting la Casa Bacardi. I recommend the full tasting tour. It's about $75 but so worth it! That is if you love to drink Rum as much as I do! They bring you to a check in are where you get a complimentary appetizer and drink while you wait for your tour time. Then you do a full tour, followed by a private rum tasting. Wow. My favorite - Oak Heart Rum. It is a spiced rum. Super smooth. You can sip like a cognac. Trust me, you will love it! Goes great with a great cigar.
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Casa Bacardí
200 PR-165I love visiting la Casa Bacardi. I recommend the full tasting tour. It's about $75 but so worth it! That is if you love to drink Rum as much as I do! They bring you to a check in are where you get a complimentary appetizer and drink while you wait for your tour time. Then you do a full tour, followed by a private rum tasting. Wow. My favorite - Oak Heart Rum. It is a spiced rum. Super smooth. You can sip like a cognac. Trust me, you will love it! Goes great with a great cigar.
One of the oldest Rums of Puerto Rico. I love visiting this Hacienda and tasting room. You will too.
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Ron del Barrilito - Hacienda Santa Ana
Puerto Rico 5One of the oldest Rums of Puerto Rico. I love visiting this Hacienda and tasting room. You will too.
This museum and old castle was built in the 1800s. It is the home of the Don Q family. Worth the trip down to the Ponce area of the island.
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Museo Castillo Serrallés
Paseo De La CrucetaThis museum and old castle was built in the 1800s. It is the home of the Don Q family. Worth the trip down to the Ponce area of the island.
For all of our coffee lovers, this is a beautiful coffee plantation built in the early 1900s. They still offer daily tours of the grounds. Very interesting history of the coffee industry that began on the island and is now back to thriving again. There is more information on this place in the guidebook left for you to browse in the house. Enjoy!
Hacienda Buena Vista
For all of our coffee lovers, this is a beautiful coffee plantation built in the early 1900s. They still offer daily tours of the grounds. Very interesting history of the coffee industry that began on the island and is now back to thriving again. There is more information on this place in the guidebook left for you to browse in the house. Enjoy!
Consejos para la ciudad
No te lo pierdas
The house has delicious filtered water
Don't be afraid of the filtered water in the house. It is delicious. Use it for refilling the ice trays.
No te lo pierdas
Sitting on our front porch during sunset.
You will find most of our neighbors stopping what they are doing and coming out with a drink in hand and taking the time to take in the beauty of the sunsets. The sun sets behind the beautiful mountain range. Our house overlooks a lake. The transition is just so majestic. To then begin hearing the coquis and see the lights turn on on the trees by the lake. The scenery just fills your soul.
No te lo pierdas
Enjoy your morning cup of coffee outside on the front porch
As the sun rises, you will see the majestic views of El Yunque rain forest past the lake. Oftentimes, as sunny as it is, the tops will be full of clouds. Because of the moisture, it is not uncommon to see a rainbow or two on cascading over the mountain top. Simply breathtaking.
Qué empacar
A pashmina or scarf
Because the house is located 2 blocks from the beach, it can pick up a delicious breeze at night.
Costumbres y cultura
PR-3 is happening on a Sunday!
Sundays in our neighborhood is for Chinchorreando! Chinchorreo is simply kiosk hopping (think of a bar crawl). So, you will find lots of food trucks, people playing music and dancing with drinks in hand. It is the day to let loose, in a respectful way. The people of the island are super friendly and embrace tourists. You will find more locals here than tourists. But remember, even if you don't speak Spanish a smile, and a "gracias." It is a total good time.
Reserva antes de ir
Ceiba Ferry tickets
If you wish to spend the day in the islands of either Culebra or Vieques, I would book your ferry tickets now. They only sell a handful online for guaranteed boarding. It is not that you couldn't take the chance and go to the ferry but who wants to take the chance when it is spring break etc... If you are here on an off peak week, they sure, pack your bags and just head out. You will most definitely get on the next boat out.
The app for the ferry is "City Experiences." You will other cities. Scroll down, you will find the Ceiba Ferry. The tickets run @$2 each way
Costumbres y cultura
The Murals of Humacao
After Hurricane Maria, the island started to regentrify and bring life and hope back to the people and visitors through the expression of art. Through the coqui project, Humacao has been known to have approx. 35 murals all through the city streets. Take a walk downtown. Post them on social media. They really are so strikingly beautiful.
No te lo pierdas
Follow us on Instagram! Share your photos with us!
We love seeing everyone's fun and creative photos at the house. Feel free to tag and mention us @casalagomarpr #casalagomarpr
Post stay, please do not forget to review us as your hosts and Danielle as the host and property manager. It makes a difference. Refer us to your friends!
No te lo pierdas
Local Kayaking tour to Monkey Island or Hanggliding Trips
Check out Barefoot Travelers. They are located just north of the Pier in Punta Santiago.
Website: https://barefoottravelersrooms.com/adventures.php
PHONE: (787) 850-0508