PaulPallazola
Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico June, 1995
Puerto Rico has always been one of my favorite places to visit, full of wonderful people, exciting things to do and beautiful places to see. I’ve been there close to a dozen times and enjoyed all my trips but my favorite experience there came with the help of a Estrella, a 4 legged friend who took me to the beach and the breathtaking foothills of the El Yunque Rainforest. Since I was a kid I had always wanted to try horseback riding.
It was getting close to the feast of San Juan, Puerto Rico’s patron saint. The weather was clear and mild; warm but not oppressive. I called a stable near Luquillo beach that offered a low cost riding lesson and horseback tour riding the beach to the entrance of El Yunque and back. I picked up a can of bug spray and was on my way. The instructor and Estrella were both very patient. After a few minutes I was comfortable and set out for the beach on my new friend. Horses are incredible animals I felt so relaxed and happy riding and seeing beautiful sights from atop this lovely creature. We rode the beach and stopped at a brook in the foothills of the rainforest. I went for a short swim but was eager to get back on Estrella and ride some more. We did an eliptical path and headed back to the ranch.
Here I got to see Estrella’s keen sense of humor. As we got closer to the stable Estrella sprinted and I got a few minutes rough ride, I guess you could say she was “busting on me” -almost literally! Aside from that little workout it was four hours of bliss, one of the most fun experiences I’ve had anywhere.
You have the upper hand my friend, what a cool experience! Horseback riding around the rainforest, now that’s not something I’ve done.
I highly recommend this if you get the chance. It wasn’t very expensive back then I’m not sure what it would cost today but it’s a great way to see some beautiful sites.