Our first stop will be at the captivating Parque Histórico Cueva Maria De La Cruz. The tour guide will take you inside the cave and tell the story about the creation of Puerto Rico as an island in the Caribbean Sea. Samuel Lind is a well-renowned artist born and raised in Loiza. 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.
The vejigante is a brightly-colored character part of the Loiceño folklore used during festivals. Visitors will receive a lively presentation from Pedro La Viera, the official spokesperson for the Vejigante masks of Puerto Rico. Bomba is a traditional fast-paced rhythmic music and dance style created by African slaves in Puerto Rico over 400 years ago. Visitors will learn the rhythms of bomba and appreciate the freedom of the dance style.
Posted By : Mobile19004040477
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!
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Posted On : 2024-03-13 15:19:18 
Posted By : B407NCteresab
Loiza is such a lovely place, very local with lots of insides. It can provide very good cultural background, kind-hearted people!
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Posted On : 2024-03-06 00:24:43
Posted By : mariej0hannaw
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!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Posted On : 2024-03-04 16:19:54
Posted By : N8408OZkatharinas
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.
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Posted On : 2024-03-04 14:39:48
Posted By : lenapS4817TS
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
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Posted On : 2023-12-20 03:57:35
Posted By : I7192ABchristinah
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%.
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Posted On : 2023-12-13 13:01:15
Posted By : 487alyssaj
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.
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Posted On : 2023-12-07 23:56:55
Posted By : leabY7252HB
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
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Posted On : 2023-12-07 13:04:41
Posted By : 398yuih
The dancing was so much fun!! Feel the rhythm and follow your heart!! After the first lesson, we were dancing with the traditional dress.
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Posted On : 2023-12-04 16:35:41
Posted By : 651elamn
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 !
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Posted On : 2023-12-03 17:15:02
