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Cueva Maria De La Cruz: Puerto Rico's Origins
4.9
19 Ratings
Loiza
Immerse yourself in Puerto Rican history and art on a cultural heritage excursion in Loiza. Explore caves, meet renowned artist Samuel Lind, learn about the vejigante folklore, and experience the vibrant bomba dance.
Immerse yourself in Puerto Rican history and art on a cultural heritage excursion in Loiza. Explore caves, meet renowned artist Samuel Lind, learn about the vejigante folklore, and experience the vibrant bomba dance.
Duration:
6 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Parque Historico Cueva Maria de la Cruz - Our first stop will be at the captivating Parque Histórico Cueva Maria De La Cruz. This cave is a remnant of the pre-Columbian days of the Arawak indigenous people. You will learn about indigenous cultures, including the cacique, Luisa, whom the city is named after. Ceiba trees surround the cave, which was…
- Parque Historico Cueva Maria de la Cruz - Our first stop will be at the captivating Parque Histórico Cueva Maria De La Cruz. This cave is a remnant of the pre-Columbian days of the Arawak indigenous people. You will learn about indigenous cultures, including the cacique, Luisa, whom the city is named after. Ceiba trees surround the cave, which was a sacred tree to Tainos that is protected by the government today. The tour guide will take you inside of the cave and tell the story about the creation of Puerto Rico as an island in the Caribbean Sea. Witness millions of years of geological formation with a visit to this cave.
- Estudio de Arte Samuel Lind - Samuel Lind is a well-renowned artist born and raised in Loiza. He welcomes visitors to his art studio which doubles as his home. His artwork depicts every aspect of Loiceño and Taino culture and how they are intertwined. Visitors have the opportunity to speak with Samuel Lind himself and immerse themselves in the life he depicts through his paintings and sculptures that have been placed in exhibitions worldwide.
- Rio Grande Beach - Participants will have time to take photos at this picturesque beach, take a bomba dance lesson, and receive a presentation about vejigante masks.
What's Included
- Entrance Fees
- Professional Guide and Driver
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entrance Fees
- Professional Guide and Driver
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Gratuity, but is greatly appreciated
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Gratuity, but is greatly appreciated
- Dinner
Additional Information
Our journey begins at the enchanting Parque Histórico Cueva Maria De La Cruz. The tour guide will lead visitors into the cave and share the fascinating story of Puerto Rico’s formation as an island in the Caribbean Sea.
Samuel Lind, a highly acclaimed artist from Loiza, offers visitors the chance to engage with him personally and delve into the vibrant…
Our journey begins at the enchanting Parque Histórico Cueva Maria De La Cruz. The tour guide will lead visitors into the cave and share the fascinating story of Puerto Rico’s formation as an island in the Caribbean Sea.
Samuel Lind, a highly acclaimed artist from Loiza, offers visitors the chance to engage with him personally and delve into the vibrant life portrayed in his globally exhibited paintings and sculptures.
The vejigante is a vividly colored figure integral to Loiceño folklore, featured prominently during festivals. Guests will enjoy an engaging presentation by Pedro La Viera, the official representative for the Vejigante masks of Puerto Rico.
Bomba is a traditional, energetic rhythmic music and dance style, originating from African slaves in Puerto Rico over 400 years ago. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn the bomba dance rhythms and embrace the liberating nature of this dance form.
- Total transit time of the excursion is 3 hours.
- Our tours require a minimum of four people total. If your booking is canceled due to not enough travelers, you will be refunded.
Location
Parque Historico Cueva Maria de la Cruz
Calle San Patricio, Sector Las Cuevas
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(19 Ratings)
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B407ncteresab
Mar 6, 2024
Don't hesitate, just go! - Loiza is such a lovely place, very local with lots of insides. It can provide very good cultural background, kind-hearted people!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariej0hannaw
Mar 4, 2024
Puerto Rico- San Juan 🇵🇷 - 5 from 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Edwin was the best Tour- Guide I ever had!
He is so helpful, friendly, welcoming and understanding!
I would recommend it 100%!
Edwin is Puerto Rican: so it was even better to letter about History from someone who really understands the Puerto Rican perspective and who is proud to be a Puerto Rican!
I saw incredibly much: starting from Culture, to Nature, over History to Small Towns and met a lot of People and Artists.
I learned incredibly much ( about Old San Juan; Loíza; “ Los Vejigantes“ and more) !
I made so many memories and had an incredible experience!
Even with Weather Changes Edwin is totally understanding and flexible and is trying to make the best out of this trip!
💃🏽🎶🪝🏝️⛰️🌅🕌 🇵🇷
Very happy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N8408ozkatharinas
Mar 4, 2024
Amazing tour with amazing people - The excursion was amazing! Meeting local people while dancing bomba and looking at puerto rican art! Loíza was such a nice place to visit and the masks, the art and the dance were so interesting. Without Edwin, I wouldn’t have experienced that!!
Thank you for that amazing tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lenaps4817ts
Dec 20, 2023
Incredible - This adventure was one of my best. I laugh, I cried, I loved, during all the weekend. I'm going home with a bracelet that will bring me luck and remind me of all those wonderful memories. Thank you to our guide Edwin for showing us this Amazing island and all her secrets UNFORGETTABLE
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I7192abchristinah
Dec 13, 2023
Most impressive and fun activity you can get - The Bomba dance lesson was so fun and unforgettable. The learning about the cultural art of this town with coconut masks And an artist where we could visit his private house with all of his art was really impressive. I had really much fun and loved everything about this trip.
It felt original. I recommend that tour 100%.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
487alyssaj
Dec 7, 2023
The best arts excursion to practice intentional tourism in Puerto Rico! - I believe the best way to experience a place is through their art and culture. If you agree, this is the TOUR FOR YOU! As an intentional tourist, I always look for a way to support local businesses and the local community. This tour allowed me to do just that!
Edwin was a wonderful tour guide who really captured the heart and soul of Loiza by taking us to meet some AMAZING afro-puerto rican artists and local spots. Loíza is distinctly Afro-Puerto Rican, and that’s what sets the town, located at the northeast corner of the island, apart from other areas in Puerto Rico.
Our first stop was a town center in Loiza where they host different community events. Edwin shared the history of the town that was also depicted in various murals in the space. We also got to learn about the history of the indigenous folks of the island. The Taino people. We were able to view some artifacts, a ceiba tree and limestone cave! Our second stop was Estudio de Arte Samuel Lind. We got to meet Samuel, see his art studio and talk about his creative process. As an artist myself, this experience was PRICELESS. We then met a super talented artist who makes Vejigante masks. He shared the history of the mask and its importance to the people of Loiza. We then took a Bomba dance class with a beautiful dancer named Sheila. She shared the history of the dance and its connection to the culture and tradition of Loiza. Bomba dance is an empowering dance form where you get to move to your own beat because the drummer will in fact follow your lead. The class left me feeling uplifted, joyful and connected to everyone who participated in the class. It was a truly special experience. We lastly went to a restaurant and had dinner at sunset. The food was DELICIOUS and I am still thinking about it to this day.
Spending the day in Loiza was the highlight of my trip to Puerto Rico. I 10/10 recommend choosing this tour if you want to experience a unique part of the island.
Edwin even took pictures during the various experiences which left us with so many special moments that we couldn't have captured ourselves.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leaby7252hb
Dec 7, 2023
Paradise - The most beautiful beach I’ve ever saw. I’m so glad to had this experience the chance to see all these beautiful thinfgs. I could dive into an amazing culture. It really gives me happiness
Review provided by Tripadvisor
398yuih
Dec 4, 2023
Amazing teachers!! - The dancing was so much fun!! Feel the rhythm and follow your heart!! After the first lesson, we were dancing with the traditional dress.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
651elamn
Dec 3, 2023
Do it now ! - The experience was incredible! Edwin KNOWS and LOVES the history of his island. Ask him anything and he will know the answer! I loved the bomba dancing and how similar it is to some African dances! Book your trip right now !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mobile19004040477
Mar 13, 2024
Loiza … A beautiful and enchanting gem of Puerto Rico - Our tour guide Abigael was very nice and picked us up from our hotel. We were surprised when she picked us up in her personal vehicle since the tour advertised on board restroom. However, she did mention that there were plenty of restroom stops along the way. (Wish we had known this beforehand prior to paying for an additional 2 spots in order to meet the minimum 5 people requirement).
Abigael was a very safe driver and took us to visit the cave as advertised in the trip package and answered our questions. Then, she proceeded to take us to Samuel Lind’s home art studio which is an artist’s dream. Samuel’s home art studio is filled with tons of artwork (paintings and sculptures) and character. All questions were welcomed and answered.
Next, we were taken to Rio Grand Beach where we had an hour to eat at the local restaurant but instead was mesmerized by the exquisite beauty of the beach. Before we knew it, it was time to listen to a local Vejigante Mask maker describe his process for making his masks from coconuts and offered the ones he showed us for sale. Unfortunately, we did not have enough room in our luggage to make a purchase. Then, we were whisked into an area which was a very short distance from the Vejigante Mask presenter to Shayla / Sheila who was waiting for us along with a couple of drummers and a young lady. We were introduced to Bomba’s history, call and response, instrumentation, styles, and steps. We had a blast!
Loiza is one of Puerto Rico’s BEST GEMS! So, imagine me and my family’s disappointment when looking for a (small) souvenir containing the town’s name, none could be found. Those souvenirs with a map of Puerto Rico that we saw at the airport and surrounding the hotel areas did not have Loiza on it. In fact, at the airport’s souvenir shop, I was told the only thing representing Loiza were the large sculptures on display. Loiza is a town rich in history and community with what might be the very best beaches in all of Puerto Rico! So, I can only wonder why this town is not truly represented in the souvenir shops. I’m grateful there are tours such as Echoes of Loiza to teach us about the richness of the African influenced puerto rican culture and folklore. Thankfully, we have photos that Abigael was gracious enough to take of us along with our own photos, Lind’s artwork, and beautiful memories to serve as our souvenirs of this beautiful and enchanting place. We would love to come back in the near future to explore this town more. Wepa!
Review provided by Tripadvisor