Papillon Photos: El Cañuelo, Puerto Rico
If you read this blog on a constant basis, you probably noticed that I haven’t posted in more than a week. Well, I had a family emergency which took me into a flash trip to Puerto Rico. I was there for two and a half days and that time was mostly spent with my family. I didn’t do any sightseeing except for a little visit two hours before my plane departed. This was not the kind of trip I have planned for my return to the island after a 4 year absence. But things happen and we must be ready to act in any sort of situation.
For my only “sightseeing” chance, I visited Isla de Cabras (Goat’s Island, weird name, I know). This is an islet at the entrance of the bay of San Juan. When I was a kid, I used to go to this islet every once in a while. It is relatively close to my town (Bayamon). I must admit that I don’t remember it being so pretty. Some things have changed. There are gazebos, look up points (to see Old San Juan) and a super nice and beautiful beach. It really looks like a picture from the Caribbean magazine pages.
But there is something that hasn’t change. In fact, it has been there since the time of the Spaniard ruling. Look below to take a look at what I am referring to.
- View of El Cañuelo
Another view of El Cañuelo
Do you saw it? That is the Fuerte San Juan de la Cruz (San Juan de la Cruz Fort). Actually, nobody knows it by that name. Everybody calls it El Cañuelo. We often heard about the huge fortifications located in Old San Juan but not about this small fort. I thought it would be nice to show it to you since you may like to discover new places, just like me.
Why this small fort was built? You know, Spaniards built those enormous forts to defend San Juan. You may ask what the purpose of such a small fort was. The purpose lies in the location. When you stand on Isla de Cabras you are rewarded with a sweeping view of the entrance to the Bay of San Juan. From the island, you can see the famous Castillo San Felipe del Morro (better known as El Morro) which is one of the two main fortifications in Old San Juan. Therefore, in one side of the bay you have El Morro and in the other side El Cañuelo.
El Cañuelo Wall with Castillo de San Felipe del Morro on the Distance
Cruise entering the Bay of San Juan, Puerto Rico
The small fort was built to create a mortal cross fire in the entrance of the bay. So if you were a pirate or a corsair, you had to take a deep breath before thinking about entering the bay of San Juan. If you wanted to navigate away from the deadly canyons of El Morro, you were going to be welcome with the fire of El Cañuelo. The small fort played an important role on the city defense. Why do you think Puerto Rico was one of the last colonies Spain lost?
Castillo San Felipe del Morro seen from Isla de Cabras
Castillo San Felipe de Morro with Sailboat passing by
I learned an interesting fact during my visit. The fort was originally surrounded by water. In the 40s, the United States Army built land around it. In the 19 century, the fort was used as a leprosy quarantine station. Another interesting use for this fortification.
The small fort was abandoned for many years. Today, it has been restored and the government is taking care of it. El Cañuelo is part of the San Juan National Historic site and I believe the fort is included in the structures that comprise Old San Juan UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A part of Old San Juan seen from Isla de Cabras
Even if you are not interested in history, you can still use the facilities in Isla de Cabras. The beach there is quite lovely. The view of El Morro is stunning.
Beach in Isla de Cabras
Beach Time in Puerto Rico!!!!
And there is always friends ready to have fun.
Guys having fun in Isla de Cabras
Puerto Rico is full of history and this is one of the places that makes the island unique.
Garita or Watchman Tower
El Cañuelo, still watching the entrance of the Bay of San Juan
Next time, and I want to go back already, I will visit more historic places. I just wan to take a look at all those places I visited as a kid. Just to see how they have changed but mainly to see how the have reamined the same.
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