Loíza

Loíza is a municipality of 30,000 people (2010) in the Eastern Coast region of Puerto Rico. There are 19 beaches in Loíza.

Understand
The main industries in Loiza are tourism and fishing. Despite its proximity to the San Juan metropolitan area, Loíza is one of the poorest municipalities in Puerto Rico. Coconuts, fruits and sugar cane are grown in Loíza. One of Loíza's barrios, Loíza aldea, is famous across Puerto Rico because it has been a talent pool for dancers and artisans. Formerly a center for black Puerto Rican music, it is said to be the traditional birthplace of the musical form known as Plena along with Ponce.

Get in
Service to Loiza is available from San Juan by AMA route D45. This route provides service to Pinones and Isla Verde and connects to the Tren Urbano at Sagrado Corazon.

There is no public transportation connecting Loiza to the eastern cities of PR.

Do

 * Parque Julia de Burgos (Julia de Burgos Park) was inaugurated.
 * Aviones Beach
 * Ayala Family Artesan Centre
 * Julia de Burgos Walk
 * María de la Cruz Cavern
 * Piñones Lagoon
 * San Patricio Parish
 * Vacía Talega Beach
 * Samuel Lind Estudio de Arte (Samuel Lind Art Studio)
 * Each year there is a celebration in Loíza where people parade around wearing Máscaras de Vejigante, a type of mask made from coconuts and painted in many colors.
 * Loíza celebrates its patron saint festival in March. The Fiestas Patronales de San Patricio is a religious and cultural celebration that generally features parades, games, artisans, amusement rides, regional food, and live entertainment.
 * Traditional festivities in honor of Santiago Apóstol - July
 * Traditional festivities in honor of Santiago Apóstol - July

Sleep
The Tarpon's Nest Lodge

There are few hotels and guest houses in Loiza, but there are resorts in Rio Grande.