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Cueva Maria De La Cruz: Puerto Rico's Origins
5.0
21 Ratings
San Juan
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
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Parque Histórico Cueva Maria de la Cruz - The journey begins at the enchanting Parque Histórico Cueva Maria De La Cruz. This cave is a relic from the pre-Columbian era of the Arawak indigenous people. Visitors will gain insights into indigenous cultures, including the cacique, Luisa, after whom the city is named. The cave is surrounded by Ceiba…
- Parque Histórico Cueva Maria de la Cruz - The journey begins at the enchanting Parque Histórico Cueva Maria De La Cruz. This cave is a relic from the pre-Columbian era of the Arawak indigenous people. Visitors will gain insights into indigenous cultures, including the cacique, Luisa, after whom the city is named. The cave is surrounded by Ceiba trees, which were sacred to the Tainos and are now protected by the government. A tour guide will lead visitors inside the cave, sharing the story of Puerto Rico’s formation as an island in the Caribbean Sea. Experience millions of years of geological history with a visit to this cave.
- Estudio de Arte Samuel Lind - Samuel Lind, a celebrated artist from Loiza, invites guests to his art studio, which also serves as his home. His artwork captures the essence of Loiceño and Taino culture and their interconnections. Visitors have the chance to converse with Samuel Lind and delve into the life he portrays through his globally exhibited paintings and sculptures.
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Loiza - Vejigante Mask Demonstration by the Beach
Pedro, a distinguished artisan from Loíza, will conduct a live demonstration on crafting traditional Vejigante masks. He will discuss the history of this iconic cultural symbol and how the tradition is maintained in Loíza. This event will be held outdoors, by the ocean, offering an authentic and educational experience! -
Loiza - Bomba Dance Workshop by the Beach.
Participants will join a bomba workshop led by Sheila, a dedicated cultural ambassador of Loíza. This engaging experience will immerse participants in the vibrant rhythm and rich tradition of Puerto Rico’s bomba music. Through movement, history, and rhythm, participants will connect with this Afro-Caribbean heritage in a truly memorable way.
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 Transportation Time: Including all movements from one location to another, the estimated total time on the road is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the pace of the group.
- Our tours require a minimum of four people total. If your booking is canceled due to not enough travelers, you will be refunded.
Location
La Ventana al Mar
Ashford Avenue
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
5.0
(21 Ratings)
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Crystal_m
Mar 6, 2025
Wonderful experience! Our... - Wonderful experience! Our tour guide Rolando was punctual and he was thorough in telling us about the history of Loiza.
Review provided by Viator
Amartinezcruz
Jan 20, 2025
Academic Tourism with the Inter Ponce - Students from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Ponce, participated in a unique academic tourism experience. "Ecos de Loíza" led them to explore the cultural and folkloric richness of Puerto Rico. They learned the pump movements with Sheila on the beach, discovered the art of bladder masks with Pedro and visited the studio of talented artist Samuel Lind. Not forgetting the visit to the Cave Maria de la Cruz.
Guide Rolando enriched the experience with his “droplets of knowledge,” while driver Israel provided excellent service. For the students it was an unforgettable activity that connected the students with the roots of their country (which is now fashionable). Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
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
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