Location and Natural Beauty
Añasco, Puerto Rico, sits in a coastal valley on the island’s west side. It borders Mayagüez and Las Marías to the north, Rincón, Aguada, and Moca to the south, and San Sebastián and Las Marías to the west. The town features diverse landscapes, including picturesque valleys, peaks like Canta Gallo Gordo and Pichón, and a stunning coastline. Several rivers, such as Río Grande de Añasco, Río Humata, Río Casey, Río La Balase, and Río La Mona, traverse the area. This natural richness offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and bird watching.
Rich Historical Background
One of Puerto Rico’s oldest towns, Añasco, boasts a history dating back to pre-Columbian times. Significant historical sites include the San Antonio de Padua Church from the Spanish colonization era.
Plaza de Recreo José A. Pesante
This plaza, the second largest on the island, stands out as a notable historical site featuring a Catholic church built in 1919 after an earthquake and a statue commemorating the Taíno Indians’ challenge to the Spanish invaders’ divinity.
Legends and Monikers
Añasco is known by many names, including “The City Where the Gods Died,” from a local legend where Taíno Indians drowned Spanish conquistador Diego Salcedo to test the conquistadors’ divinity. Other names include “The Puff Pastry Town,” “The Blood Sausage Town,” “The Natives,” “Cradle of Puerto Rican Identity,” and more recently, “Museum City” for its cultural initiative to bring art to town murals.
Attractions
Añasco Lookout
Located on PR-115 towards Rincón, this lookout revitalized in 2019, transformed into a vibrant center with local businesses and offering panoramic views of Añasco Bay and Almirante Beach. It has become a popular tourist destination.
Annual Sweet China Festival
This festival celebrates the region’s typical fruit, the china, with cultural activities, live music, and dish tastings.
Beaches and Outdoor Activities
El Salto de la Encantada
This beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush trees features picnic areas and stairs leading to a natural pool. The local legend of the Taíno maiden Humata adds to its allure.
- Almirante Beach: Shared with Rincón, this beach is known for its natural beauty, clear waters, and calm atmosphere, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
- Añasco Beach: A secluded haven with white sands and gentle waves.
- Tres Hermanos National Park: Offers facilities like parking, showers, bathrooms, picnic areas, campsites, and trailer spaces.
Unique Dining Experiences
Don Frappe and Don Maceta
Evolving from a small cart to a family entertainment center, this venue includes a restaurant, a frappe trailer, a kart track, and an urban zipline. It offers extravagant frozen drinks and hearty Puerto Rican dishes, providing a unique and memorable dining experience.