Even though the ways to appreciate culture and history and resulting feelings vary among human beings, it is good to highlight moments when cultural and history-related discoveries’ charm is prominent. Below we share a summary of the top five encounters in Puerto Rico that have stood out so far during history-related and cultural recreations due to the energy, special attraction or empathy the ecotreasures ® crew sensed in relation to these.

ecotreasures’ Top Five Magical Cultural and Historical Attractions:

1) A 17th-Century Garita on San Felipe del Morro Fort

During a walk along the Old San Juan Wall, a strong change of energy was sensed nearby this garita (Spanish fort’s guard post). Silence and calmness predominated at this site. The ecotreasures crew member felt very nostalgic.

Exploration: A guided interpretive tour nearby the San Juan Gate and on Paseo del Morro path in Old San Juan

2) A 19th-Century Sugarcane Crushing Mill (“Trapiche de Sangre”)

We sensed the sugarcane crushing mill’s strong character―not surprising, considering the hard manual labor performed by African slaves in order to put in motion the trapiche de sangre.

Exploration: Interpretive tour at Hacienda La Esperanza in the Municipality of Manatí, guided by Para La Naturaleza

3) A “Mona Lisa” Vejigante Mask

The delicateness projected by Raúl Ayala’s artistic design of a particular “Mona Lisa” vejigante mask fascinated us since it is unusual to see that kind of design on a vejigante mask.

Exploration: A visit to Artesanías Castor Ayala Store-Gallery and workshop in the Municipality of Loíza

4) 100-Year-Old Machetes without a Cutting Edge

As Hacienda La Esperanza’s tour guide mentioned that machetes without a cutting edge were provided to African slaves to perform their tasks in the hacienda’s sugarcane plantations, we were transported back in time as we imagined the slaves performing the hard manual labor and visualized those trying to escape at night. We felt sad.

Exploration: Interpretive tour at Hacienda La Esperanza in the Municipality of Manatí, guided by Para La Naturaleza

5) A Great Puerto Rican Mofongo

We were delighted with a particular savory and soft Puerto Rican mofongo elaborated by retired chef Héctor Rodríguez alias “Cano”. The quality of ingredients and their well-balanced combination as well as Cano’s cooking techniques contributed to a spectacular mofongo creation.

We suggest letting yourself recognize historical sites and culture‘s magic. Though you may like the recreation in general, it is rewarding to learn and hold dear the particular experiences that enchanted you.

Note: You may browse ecotreasures online directory for contact information about the above-mentioned tour providers.