San Juan · Puerto Rico

Loiza, Culture & Art + Bomba Dance Class • Combo Experience

Operated by We Take You

At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Meeting point: Playita del Condado San Juan, San Juan PR 00907
Age: 4 – 70
Group size: 24 people

About this experience

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

What's included

Light refreshments Transportation from the designated pick up locations Professional Guide and Driver Entrance fees

What's not included

Food Souvenirs Gratuity, but is greatly appreciated

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

Additional information

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. What to bring Hats Sunscreen Sun glasses Bug spray Water Special requirements Participants must be able to have balance and should wear shoes they are comfortable and protect the feet. Restrictions Activities in this tour are not suitable for everyone. Our tours require moderate activity, such as walking and dancing. Disclaimers Respect fellow participants and guides; the experience is designed for safety, enjoyment, and education.

Cancellations

Cancellation Policy – Glow Kayak Guest Cancellations: Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the scheduled experience are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations Within 24 Hours: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience are non-refundable. No-Shows: Guests who do not arrive for their scheduled experience are not eligible for a refund. Late Arrivals: The experience begins at the scheduled time. Guests who arrive too late to participate will not be eligible for a refund. Weather & Safety: We Take You continuously monitors weather and water conditions. If We Take You cancels the experience due to unsafe weather or safety concerns, guests may reschedule for another available date or receive a full refund. Rain: Rain alone does not necessarily result in cancellation. We Take You will determine whether conditions are safe for the experience. Guest Decision Due to Weather: If the experience remains operational and a guest chooses not to participate because of weather concerns, the standard cancellation policy will apply.