If you’re looking for the best sunsets at the beach, west is the way to go. If that isn’t enough, world famous surfing spots, inspiring architecture from the Spanish Colonial era, historical lighthouses, and much more awaits you in this spectacular region of Puerto Rico. This part of the island provides a wide variety of photo opportunities throughout its municipalities, so plan your trip ahead (perhaps by checking out our own collection of EyeTour videos).

Rincón

Rincón is famous for its beaches, the surf and breathtaking sunsets. If you are looking to take pictures of the people surfing in most of the beaches in Rincón the point break of the surf is far from the shore so the use of a Tele Lens and a tripod is recommended.

El Faro de Punta Higüero has a vantage point looking towards the Isla desecheo and Domes Surfing Beach. Since the Lighthouse premises are located on a high grounds and inwards the sea you might be able to take some amazing action shots of the surfers with a good tele-lens (200mm lens or higher).

Cabo Rojo

Los Morillos Lighthouse is one spectacle to behold. This inspiring Lighthouse located on the westernmost corner of Cabo Rojo provides photographer the opportunity to capture a great sunset in a great panoramic scenario.

The Cabo Rojo Salt Flats has on its premises hiking trails, an observation post and the outstanding salt flats, giving the visitor an excellent opportunity for nature photography. You can take a bird watching tour or simply hike through the bio diversity of this reserve.

Aguadilla

Crash Boat is located in the municipality of Aguadilla and is one of the most photographed beaches of Puerto Rico. Just before getting to Crash Boat’s entrance there is an observation deck that is the perfect spot for a panoramic shot of the beach. The other big thing to look for on this beach are the painteresque fishing boats parked in the sand at the eastern side of the shore.

San German

One of the oldest Christian structures in the western hemisphere the Iglesia Porta Coelie stands in the center of the municipality of San German. This church is a great example of the spanish colonial architecture and is a great starting point for taking pictures in the historical town of San German.

From the top of the Porta Coelie’s stairs a good wide view of the plaza can be photographed. Also you can try walking around the plaza and encounter first hand the streets and historical facades of the antique houses around town.

We hope you enjoyed our selection of EyeTour photographs and remember you can share your favorite places using the comments section below!

Explore beyond the shore and venture into Puerto Rico’s central region filled with panoramic routes, sights and a countryside charm to behold. If you’re planning a road trip through the mountains here are some good points of interest along the way.

Municipality of Barranquitas

In the municipality of Barranquitas you will find a picturesque town filled with color and history. If you feel like going on a road trip and exploring beyond the shore, this panoramic route to the center of the island is a cool place to start.

Plaza located in the heart of Barranquitas:Being relatively small you can walk through the town and find historic places like The House of the Philanthropist Luis Muñoz Rivera and his mausoleum, the historic Casa Museo Joaquín de Rojas and The Church named Parroquia San Antonio de Pauda.

Cañón de San Cristóbal: Excursions are organized to the bottom of this canyon although it is a very intense descent and a great physical aptitude and professional guides is a must for this adventure. However, visitors can enjoy a majestic view from the top of the Canyon San Cristóbal thanks to the guided tours and trails maintained by the Fideicomiso de Conservación de Puerto Rico.

Municipality of Cayey

If you are heading for the south or southwest area of Puerto Rico it is hard to miss the wonderful view on different sectors of the highway PR-52. In particular, when passing by the municipality of Cayey there are some of the best views of Puerto Rico’s Central Mountains called “La Cordillera Central”. A good Spot to park the car and take panoramic pictures is the Monumento al Jíbaro.

Monumento al Jíbaro on highway PR-52:The Impressive view of the mountains sometimes let you see as far as the Caribbean Sea and the municipality of Ponce. During summer the mountains might look brown because of the dry season.

Municipality of Orocovis

As well as Barranquitas, Orocovis is a municipality fun for enjoying a panoramic view and discovering the country side of Puerto Rico. Some say that Orocovis is in the exact center of the Island and in particular there are two spots that stands out on this municipality; The Toro Negro Forest and The Mirador Villalba-Oricovis.

Mirador Villalba-OrocovisIn the frontier between Villalba and Orocovis stands a great viewpoint for photography. With good weather conditions it is possible to watch both, the northern and southern coast of the island. This is a perfect point of view for a panoramic perspective of Puerto Rico.

El Bosque Estatal de Toro Negro: This hidden forest in the center of Puerto Rico has a flamboyant diversity of plants, small animals and insects perfect for nature photography and close-ups. A good precaution would be to bring a plastic bag for covering all the camera equipment in case of unexpected rains since it is common in this forest.

We hope you enjoyed our selection of EyeTour photographs and remember you can share your favorite places using the comments section below!

Gay Pride Parade Uncut: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Photo Credits: Débora Reyes using iPhone camera

Get a glimpse of what the inaugural Taste of Rum Festival in Old San Juan had to offer: good food, lively music, great people, and the finest rums in the Caribbean. Also included are some awesome pictures from the High Flair Bartender Entertainment stage. Get started by clicking on the EyeCandy gallery below! To learn more about rum in Puerto Rico click here. To learn more about the Taste of Rum event click here.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

We’ve been to many sites, gawked at incredible vistas, witnessed historical architecture and works of art, and ate and drank in some of the city’s best restaurants/bars.  Alas, all good things must come to an end.  But let’s not lament yet, we have a long stroll ahead of us and 9 more stops on our walking tour.  Let’s make the most of it.

Homeward Bound (Leg 4 of 4)

From the northwest corner of Plaza de Armas, walk west on San Francisco St. until we reach Del Cristo St. once again.  If we make a left we will head south towards our next destination.  Storefronts all along the street entice passersby to window shop (or really shop) but we’ll continue walking until we reach Capilla del Cristo (#31).  The legend goes that in 1750, during one of the traditional horse races, a rider was violently thrown from his steed.  A spectator made a plea to the Santo Cristo de la Salud to save the unfortunate jockey, who was stopped - thanks to the structure - from plummeting to a certain death.  Since then, a  picture of the Christ has hung on the wall of the chapel.  Next to the Capilla is el Parque de las Palomas, or pigeon park.  With a fantastic view of the bay as a backdrop, visitors can mingle with and feed the scores of pigeons in and around the park.

31. Capilla del Cristo

Across the street from Parque de las Palomas is el Museo del Libro (#32).  The museum houses an invaluable collection of Old World manuscripts and original documents from the time of Spanish rule on the island.  Though the building is presently under renovation, much of the collection is currently displayed in Museo de las Americas in Ballaja.

32. Museo del Libro

Coming off Del Cristo street, we head east on Calle Tetuan.  Casa Ramón Power y Giralt (#33) will be located to your left.  The Fideicomiso de Conservacion - Puerto Rico’s conservation trust - rescued this historical building - the former home of early 19th century Admiral and politician, Ramón Power y Giralt - from disrepair and now serves as their headquarters.

33. Casa Ramón Power y Giralt

Our next destination is Fortaleza Street, specifically the area commonly referred to as SOFO (#34).  After leaving Casa Power y Giralt we turn north on Calle de la Cruz and then make a quick right into Fortaleza Street.  Shops, bars and restaurants line both sidewalks and crowds gather to party late into the night in these trendy hot spots.  Short for SOuth of FOrtaleza, SOFO also features a bevy of dining options, from classic French cuisine to modern fusion, certain to please any discerning palette.

34. SOFO

Past the alleyway that leads to the famous Nuyorican Cafe, stands Casa del Callejón (#35).  One of San Juan’s oldest buildings, it now houses 2 different museums: Museo de la Farmacia, a collection of  artifacts that would have been found in a 19th century pharmacy; and Museo de la Familia Puertorriqueña, recreating an affluent family home of the 19th century.  You could get caught up in the scene at SOFO, I won’t blame you.  But we still have 4 sites on our walking tour and you don’t want to give up now, so close to the end, do you?  SOFO will stay right where it is and it’s vibrant nightlife will continue to be active until late, so you don’t have you worry about missing a thing.

35. Casa del Callejón

At the end of Fortaleza Street, to your right, stands one of the New World’s oldest active theatres, Teatro Tapia (#36).  The venue is named after famous Puerto Rican playwright Alejandro Tapia y Rivera and still hosts events that range from children’s plays to ballet performances.  The interior, with its marvelous wooden balconies and horse-shoe shape, seats about 700 people.

36. Teatro Tapia

In the middle of Plaza de Colón (#37), directly north of Teatro Tapia, a marble and bronze statue of European explorer Christopher Columbus towers over the city.  The plaza had always been an important meeting place and cultural landmark for San Juan when it was called Plaza Santiago.  During the late 19th century the figure and pedestal were erected thereby rechristening the square as Plaza de Colón.

37. Plaza de Colón

Puerto Rico’s second most famous, yet equally important, fortress covers a large amount of terrain.  Fuerte San Cristóbal (#38) can be seen from the northeast corner of Plaza Colón, stretching along Muñoz Rivera Ave. and Norzagaray St., where the main entrance is located.  Built in the 1600’s as a way of preventing another successful land invasion - as the Dutch had accomplished in 1625 - the expansive fortifications occupy a huge territory on the northern part of the city.  Even if you’ve already seen El Morro, visitors should not pass up the opportunity to explore the lesser known San Cristóbal.  The vantage points towards the Atlantic Ocean and La Perla, and the superior views of the city and bay from El Caballero - the fort’s highest point - give San Cristobal an identity all it’s own.

38. Fuerte San Cristóbal

Our last stop in our Old San Juan Walking Tour lies just a bit beyond the city proper, but still easily accessible.  In fact, El Capitolio de Puerto Rico (#39) is probably one of the first landmarks you’ll see if you enter Old San Juan through Muñoz Rivera Ave.  The building is not yet 100 years old, but still manages to exude a timeless quality through its architecture.  It serves as the home of the Legislative branch of government, the Senate, and House of Representatives and it also contains the original document of the Puerto Rican Constitution.

39. El Capitolio de Puerto Rico

And with this our tour is done.  We’ve traversed through all the major historical sites, museums and places of interest in Old San Juan, but there are still many more waiting to be discovered by you.  Run amok through town; as we’ve said before there is no better way to enjoy this glorious city than to explore it on your own terms.  We hope this walking tour will better prepare you to be your own guide!

EyeTour.com is one of the media sponsors for the inaugural edition of the Taste of Rum International Rum & Food Festival to be held next Sunday May 24th, 2009 at El Paseo de la Princesa in Old San Juan.  Join us for a day of Caribbean music, culinary treats, and of course, the best rums in the world!  Prepare for the event by reading our featured article on Puerto Rican rum here.  We’ll be covering the event and will feature it on an EyeCandy Photo Gallery update on our blog soon after, so check back for updates!

Some information from the event website:

Location: Paseo La Princesa, Viejo San Juan
Date: Memorial Day Weekend, May 24th, 2009

Taste of Rum 2009 features a chance to experience a wide variety of Caribbean rums, great food from our neighboring islands, live music, and, last but not least, a feast of Puerto Rican joyful energy, culinary and musical richness, and culture!

The Puerto Rico International Rum Competition
Features the unique experience of rum tasting with international and local rums, to be judged by a panel of rum experts and celebrities. The event will be held May 23rd & 24th at Hotel Casa Herencia.

Day Event: Doors Open 12pm – Closed @ 5pm (Tickets will be available until 4pm)

• Sampling Cover Charge $10.00 Plus Tax. / Includes 2 Rum Samples & 1 Typical Food Sample Tickets
• Premium Cover Charge $30.00 Plus Tax. / Includes 14 Rum Sample Tickets & 6 Typical Food Sample Tickets

Night Event: Doors Open 7pm – Closed @ 11pm

• El Catador Cover Charge $45.00 Plus Tax. / Included Unlimited Rum & Food Sample
• To benefit SAPIENTIS, a non-profit organization that works to improve the quality of Puerto Rico’s public education system
• Learn about the organization at www.sapientis.org

Puerto Rico is famous for many things but it is probably best known for producing some of the world’s finest rums.  With that in mind, here’s a brief primer about everything you might want to know about rum (but were afraid to ask) including: cocktails, brands, history and culture.

I’m willing to bet most visitors to Puerto Rico come for the beaches, the weather, the historical sites and the natural wonders.  But in the back of their minds they’re probably thinking “Hmm, I’ve heard they make some good rum down there on the island.  I think I’ll try some when I’m there”.  So, even though they don’t come exclusively FOR the spirit, it’s undoubtedly a persuasive attraction.  And, really, who can blame them.  Puerto Ricans do not take it for granted that they live on an island that produces high-quality product, we consume it without prejudice.  It’s not a stretch to consider it an intrinsic part of our culture - and of the Caribbean’s as a whole - as much as wine is part of the French way of life, or vodka in Eastern Europe.  Rum serves as a link to our past, both the mythical and the real; from the decks of pirate ships to the sugarcane fields of the centrales azucareras.

Although antecedents of rum production can be traced back to centuries before the European arrival into the New World, the beginnings of what we now know as rum are a direct effect of the colonization process of the Americas.  The world-wide demand for sugar led to an expansion of the mono-culture of sugarcane all along the Caribbean islands and places like Brazil.  Molasses, the by-product from the refinement of sugar, was so readily available it began to be fermented and distilled; thus, rum was born.  Cheap and intoxicating, the spirit’s appeal was widespread, and what was once boot-legged and illegal became a money-making venture.  By mid-19th century, the Bacardi company and the Serralles family were already producing high-quality rum and continue to do so to this day.  If you find yourself in the southern city of Ponce, be sure to check out Castillo Serralles - a 20th century mansion that was the family home and now serves as a museum and cultural landmark.

Museo Castillo Serrallés

So, now you know a bit about rum’s origins, it’s history. Now, you want to try some.  The two most popular rums are made on the island:  Bacardi - the world leader in rum sales - has a plant in the city of Cataño, just across the bay from Old San Juan, that gives guests regular tours of the facilities (trust me, it’s a nice day trip if you can squeeze it into your schedule).  In Old San Juan you can find Casa Don Q, a museum dedicated to the Serralles family and its flagship product, Ron Don Q - the island’s top-selling rum.  Also, the Rums of Puerto Rico Tasting Bar, located in the same building, offers visitors a chance to try several cocktails made from the wide variety of products available. Try any combination of drinks from Cuba Libre, Piña Colada, Daiquiris, Mojitos and anything else you can think of, don’t be shy, the first drink is complimentary and it’s a fine way to learn what to order whenever you go to another bar.  Though Bacardi and Don Q are the most popular potent potables, they are by no means the only ones available: Ron Barrilito (in two or three star varieties) is a classic gold rum perfect for sipping on the rocks or with a mixer, Palo Viejo and Ron Llave are also popular options.

Festivals, such as the Taste of Rum inaugural festival and competition, are a perfect way of relishing the pleasures of rum to the maximum.  The Taste of Rum will be held during Memorial Day weekend at Paseo La Princesa in Old San Juan and is a unique chance to experience everything the island has to offer: great food, great crowds, and, of course, great rum.

For Part 2 of the Old San Juan Walking Tour, click here.

After experiencing Old San Juan’s beauty through sites such as Paseo De La Princesa, La Rogativa and El Morro, you might ask yourself: “What else is there to see in Old San Juan?”.  But the answer is simple: there’s plenty more for you to discover so keep on reading below!  On this leg of the tour we will continue to explore the northern section of the city and begin our descent through Del Cristo Street.  So, let’s not waste anymore time and continue with part three.

The Third Time’s the Charm (Leg 3 of 4)

After enjoying everything Calle San Sebastián has to offer we retrace our steps a bit, heading north on Del Cristo Street, past Iglesia San José, towards the Convento de los Dominicos (Walking Tour site #19).  Located on Norzagaray Street, the structure dates back to the 1500’s when it served as a convent for Dominican monks.  Through restoration efforts, the building maintains the characteristics of period Spanish architecture and serves as a space for art exhibits and a score of other cultural events.

19. Convento de los Dominicos

Although we’ve seen it from afar and walked alongside it, we still haven’t explored Plaza del Quinto Centenario (#20), located to the west of Convento de los Dominicos.  The different levels of the plaza commemorate the 500 years since European contact with the New World.  The fountain at the lower level not only adorns but also offers passers-by, especially children, a refreshing soak against the daytime heat.  Going up the two flights of stairs we find the Totem Telurico, a 40-foot tall structure that stands at the city’s highest point and looks out towards El Morro and the Atlantic Ocean.

20. Plaza del Quinto Centenario

Continuing Norzagaray Street to the west, directly adjacent to Quincentennial Plaza, is the Cuartel de Ballaja, which contains our next two attractions:  Museo de las Américas (#21) and Museo del Indio (#22).  The three-storied building, which used to serve as barracks for Spanish soldiers,  features an impressive interior plaza - a typical trait of Spanish architecture in the city.  On the first floor of the building we find the Museo de las Américas.  Boasting several exhibits focused on New World art, the museum is also home to a vast collection of “santos” - a Latin American tradition of carving saints out of wood and other materials.  The second floor houses the Museo del Indio, which includes an extensive collection of artifacts pertaining to the Taíno culture and other pre-columbian inhabitants of the island and abroad.

21. Museo de las Américas

22. Museo del Indio

Further west on Norzagaray and across the street from the Plaza is the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (#23).  Constructed in the late 19th century, the two-storied building now serves as headquarters for the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (ICP), the main government agency for promoting the arts on the island.

23. Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña

Walking south along Morro Street, with the ICP on the right-hand side, you will reach Parque de la Beneficencia (#24).  A small, breezy plaza, you will normally see groups of local art students taking a break from their classes or skaters honing their skills on the steps and rails of the park.  You may rest here and watch them practice or continue southward towards our next destination.

24. Parque de la Beneficencia

On the southwest corner of Parque de la Beneficencia we find the iron gate leading into Casa Blanca (#25).  This residence would have been Juan Ponce de Leon’s home, but he ended up a casualty - getting shot by an arrow - while searching for the Fountain of Youth in Florida before construction was completed.  Instead, his lineage lived in the mansion for centuries after.  The courtyard and gardens are incredibly well kept and serve as a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life; the foliage casts shadows that cool the area while the trickling harmony of the fountains adds to the serene and otherworldly atmosphere.  Admission to the gardens is free of charge and you only have to pay a small fee if you want to browse around the refurbished mansion.

25. Casa Blanca

With a sense of rejuvenation, we leave Casa Blanca and head east on Calle San Sebastián until we reach Plaza San José once again.  This time we head south, down Del Cristo Street.  To your left you will find bars and restaurants,  including one of our favorite dining places, El Burén.  Further south is a lovely, small plaza with benches, a huge tree providing shade and several strange and unique sculptures.  This plaza, known as Plazuela or Caleta de Las Monjas, is surrounded by our next three sites.

Located at the intersection of Del Cristo with Calle Las Monjas is El Gran Hotel El Convento (#26).  Formerly a Carmelite nun convent, the majestic building is now a first-rate hotel, attracting guests from all over the world.  El Picoteo, located in the hotel, is a fine dining option.

26. Gran Hotel El Convento

Museo del Niño (#27) is situated on a three-story building to the west of Caleta de Las Monjas.  The museum features interactive exhibits presented in a dynamic way, where children can have fun and learn with the very friendly staff.  If a child is participating in this walking tour, the museum is a can’t-miss spot.

27. Museo del Niño

Directly in front of Museo del Niño - it’s kind of hard to miss - stands one of the island’s most significant religious structures, the Catedral de San Juan (#28).  Construction of this imposing building began during the 16th century and some of its original components remain to this day.  The cathedral’s main attraction is the marble tomb of explorer Juan Ponce de Leon.

28. Catedral de San Juan

As you walk down the cathedral steps, head north on Del Cristo St., we’re going to make a quick detour.  Make a right at the first corner and walk towards San José Street.  Right behind the cathedral is the Corralón de San José (#29).  One of Puerto Rico’s oldest theatres, the historic site was recently re-opened after several years in disrepair.  Continue to head south on San José Street to arrive at this leg’s final destination.

29. Corralón de San José

La Plaza de Armas (#30) is the expansive plaza located between San Francisco and Fortaleza Streets.  Adorned with statues, fountains, benches and gazebos, the promenade is an popular meeting place because of its centric orientation in the city.  Lots of pigeons meet here too.  Across the street to the north of the plaza is San Juan’s City Hall, also an important historic building.

30. Plaza de Armas

Wow, 30 sites and still more to go.  There’s a lot of walking left and Part 4 promises to be memorable.  So save up some energy for our final stroll and let’s meet up again for the conclusion to our walking tour of Old San Juan.

On to Part 4 of EyeTour.com’s Old San Juan Walking Tour.

Kite flying is such a beloved leisure activity that the National Park Service has an annual Kite Festival celebrating the tradition, as well as raising awareness about the environmental repercussions we can avoid by being mindful of our surroundings.  In fact, kite safety and etiquette are things you should familiarize yourself with before setting out.  With the knowledge at hand, you’ll be able to better enjoy the experience.

And what else do you need to enjoy the experience?  A kite, of course!  Kites are fairly simple to make right at home, so you can certainly turn your weekend into a full-fledged experience by making your own kite and proudly displaying your unique creation up in the sky.  You can also bring your own store-bought flying sensation or buy one from the numerous street vendors (or the local pharmacy or toy store) lining the streets around El Morro and the Plaza del Quinto Centenario.  Gayla is one of the most trusted brands for cheap yet incredibly sturdy and easy to assemble kites - and their classic designs like the ‘Baby Bat’ look great when displayed up above. Readily available in Old San Juan for less than five dollars, there is a lot of fun to be had on the cheap!

Kite-flying season runs ostensibly from mid-spring to late summer and isn’t just focused on El Morro.  Several other municipalities, like Fajardo and Lajas, celebrate the season with festivals of their own.