Duration

6 hours

 

Location

Playita del Condado San Juan, San Juan PR 00907

 

Age

4 – 70

 

Group size

24 people

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Details​

 

Loiza, known as the capital of tradition of Puerto Rico, is home to vejigante masks made from coconuts, bomba music, and authentic afro-carribean cuisine. Loiza is named after the Taino cacique, meaning chief, Luisa. The Spanish brought slaves from the Yoruba tribe to the town of Loiza, which explains why residents of the city have deep-rooted African heritage and influences many generations later. Loiza is located just past Isla Verde and Condado, making it a popular destination amongst locals and tourists.

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Parque Histórico Cueva María 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, who 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.

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Samuel Lind Art Gallery

 

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.

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Vejigante Masks

 

The vejigante is a brightly-colored character part of the Loiceño folklore used during festivals. One key aspect of the vejigante is the mask that it wears. There are two different styles of masks: made from coconuts or from paper mache. Loiza is the only place in the world that uses coconuts to make the vejigante masks. Visitors will receive a lively presentation from Pedro La Viera, the official spokesperson for the Vejigante masks of Puerto Rico. He will explain the process of turning a coconut into a vibrant vejigante mask. You will learn how the masks are created, their unique uses, and why they are important to Loiceño culture.

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Bomba Dance Lesson

 

Bomba is a traditional fast-paced rhythmic music and dance style created by African slaves in Puerto Rico over 400 years ago. This music and dance style originated in Loiza and was used as a form of communication between slaves. It is celebrated as a form of self and community expression today. The bomba dancer moves as she wishes, and the drummers follow her lead. Visitors will learn the rhythms of bomba and appreciate the freedom of the dance style.

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What's included​

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• Light refreshments

• Transportation from the designated pick up locations

• Professional Guide and Driver

• Entrance fees

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What's not included​

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• Food

• Souvenirs

• Gratuity, but is greatly appreciated

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Highlights

 

Explore Parque Histórico Cueva María De La Cruz, Visit Samuel Lind Art Gallery and meet the artist, Learn about Vejigante mask making with Pedro La Viera, Experience an authentic Bomba dance lesson on the beach, Round-trip transportation from designated pick-up points.

 

Check-in details

 

Arrive 15–20 minutes before the scheduled start time; late arrivals may result in missed tour time or exclusion, as tours cannot be extended for late participants.

We offer a free pick-up service at various locations within Isla Verde, Condado, and Calle Loiza. Please leave the address of your hotel/accommodation during booking.

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What to bring​

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• Hats

• Sunscreen

• Sun glasses

• Bug spray

• Water

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Special requirements

 

Participants must be able to have balance and should wear shoes they are comfortable and protect the feet.

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Restrictions​

 

Activities in this tour are not suitable for everyone. Our tours require moderate activity, such as walking and dancing.

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Disclaimers​

 

Respect fellow participants and guides; the experience is designed for safety, enjoyment, and education.​

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Cancellations​

 

Customers are entitled to a 100% refund if they cancel their reservation at least 24 hours before the scheduled service.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled service are non-refundable.

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The only exception is when We Take You LLC is unable to provide the service due to operational, weather-related, safety, or other circumstances beyond the customer's control. In such cases, customers will be entitled to a 100% refund or may choose to reschedule their reservation for another available date.​​