Category Archives: Tropical

Anniversary Trip to Guanica: Lighthouse Ruins and Copamarina Resort

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Copamarina Resort

We have been trying to check out new places that we haven’t seen in our time in Puerto Rico. We tend to stay close to the west coast because we can make it a day trip and get home before it is too dark so as to put Aeden to sleep. Since it was our anniversary we decided to head a little further south to Guanica thanks to a suggestion from some readers! (PS if you ever have a place you’d like us to check out, or a topic you’d like us to discuss, send us a message and we’ll do our best to make it happen.)


First stop: Guanica Lighthouse Ruins

We stopped at the Guanica Lighthouse Ruins on our way to the Copamarina because it was literally just on the side of the road we were driving. It reminded me of the Aguadilla Ruins except that it isn’t directly on the ocean. The view was beautiful and if we hadn’t been a little dressed up I might have scrambled around the area a bit more. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.


Fun in Guanica

Hey!


Family pic


Smile!

Next we were off to the resort. It was only about 5-10 minutes down from the lighthouse and super easy to find. A lush oasis in the desert. The most striking thing about the Guanica area in general is how very, very dry it is. For people who are looking to live in an arid environment, this southwestern region of Puerto Rico is where it’s at. For me, while I loved the way the resort maintained a tropical and lush environment with what must be a LOT of watering, I prefer it to be that way a little more naturally. The resort itself had all the classic feel with loungers, pools, hammocks and even a pier that they use to take people on sunset boat rides and you can rent kayaks to go to nearby Gilligan’s Island which I still very much want to see.


Beautiful setting


A little bit expensive ($30 for a tiny pizza and 2 beers) and they didn’t let us use their pool, but we enjoyed the ocean instead and they at least let us use the outdoor showers

I enjoyed their landscaping/gardening a lot and it gave me ideas for our gardens


We drove home and caught the tail end of a beautiful sunset in Mayaguez. It was a wonderful day!

Here’s a short video of our time there.

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Secluded Waterfall: Charca Las Vegas, Maricao

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Our family at the waterfall (photo thanks Markus)

Our friend Daisy invited us to a last-minute getaway into the mountains of Maricao and we are so glad she did! We quickly did all of our chores so we could head up to this secluded, hidden waterfall and yet it was not too hard to find in the jungle. One of our favorite waterfall areas is Gozalandia, but it has become a tourist trap and just too popular, especially on a Saturday in summer. This trip was just perfect with just our group and a couple of other people there. The pond was deep enough to swim and jump into and the water was soo refreshing. This time of year, the ocean water is almost too tepid warm and so the rivers and ponds start to beckon to us to cool down.


Fun in the water


Beautiful (au) natural setting


Aeden seemed to enjoy playing in the water


After how hot it’s been, we are already thinking of going back!


The group. It’s really not a long walk from the road to the waterfall


Stone petroglyphs (maybe old maybe not)


Super refreshing!

Apparently there is another smaller fall up a little higher as well as a waterwheel (molino) just down the way, but we just enjoyed this amazing spot. We brought down some drinks and snacks and enjoyed a much-needed break from the heat. We WILL be back!

Here’s a video of our time there:

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Birthday Fun and other Updates

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We have been enjoying the island even more since we returned from our trip to Colorado. Nothing like a trip off the rock to help you appreciate our tropical island home even more.

For my birthday this year we stopped by one of my favorite resorts: Villa Montana in Isabela/Aguadilla. I like how it is tucked away and not too “posh” that we can drive in with our truck or old Mustang and not feel like a hillbilly as we did at Royal Isabela. There was hardly anyone there and so we had one of the pools to ourselves and Aeden just loved it. We ordered a pizza and walked along the beach. It was a very chill time, especially considering how hot it’s been!


With Aeden down the beach


On the drive to Isabela we stopped at this windy coconut farm


And at a coconut tree!


The beach is so interesting to a baby!


We have been enjoying our trips to the Pulgueros around the island -these are delicious mangosteens


Our friend John Grady died recently and we went to his memorial at the Rincon Marina


Orchids in bloom -I am starting to get into orchids more around the property!


And we continue to expand the trails to the gardens


Fun at Steps Beach (Aeden got sand EVERYWHERE!)


Our little sidekick won’t be in our arms for long- he is raring to go walk!


Quick stop at Hacienda La Fe in San Sebastian and old coffee/sugar plantation turned museum/park


At La Fe’s kids’ park Aeden got a ride in a swing


Fun scenes around the island and with friend Daisy


With my friend Jessika and her little boy who is close to Aeden’s age


At Indicator’s in Rincon


Lots and lots of mowing this time of year!


And bugs! Yes, this greeted me in the shower! haha Life in the jungle!


Our little monkey with silly faces


Even loves bananas and swinging!

Here’s Aeden’s update video. He has really grown a lot!

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Combate Beach, Cabo Rojo

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A cute stop on the way there!

We have been back to exploring the island. We prefer the west coast because we can make a day trip out of it and be back before dark and Aeden’s bedtime. I don’t know how we missed Combate Beach in our explorations, but it is definitely one worth checking out. Near the lighthouse area of Cabo Rojo, it’s hot and dry and the water was a welcome sight! I loved how still and flat the water was -perfect to bring a baby! It was also nice that at one end of the beach there was a restaurant/bar if you needed any refreshments. On the other side there is an extensive natural reserve that you can walk or bicycle! Pretty hot for too much physical activity out of the water in the summer, but maybe this winter we can check it out some more.


Nothing like a huge chair to make you feel like you have been shrunken!


Fun at Combate


Playing with the boy – he still LOVES the water!


Playa Combate: We will be back!

Check out this video of our time there!

 

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