Guajataca Tunnel of Quebradillas

Yesterday, our electrician friend Papo had to finish up some work with our friends, and invited us all to spend the rest of the day with him. Our friends declined, but Britton and I were up for the adventure. We got a late start and it was a little rainy out but we decided to go for it anyway. At our friends’ house we ate pollo al carbon con yuca y escabeche (rotisserie chicken with cassava and green banana) with a side of pinchos (chicken skewers) and fresh fruit and we stopped for gas. The tanks were all full and so we were ready to hit the road.

Guagua
Papo and Britton with the truck

We loaded up into his large blue guagua and drove from Rincón to Quebradillas/Isabela listening to old Puerto Rican trio music and stopping occasionally for a beer or some ajonjoli (sesame) candies.


An example of Puerto Rican trio music

When we arrived it was a little before 6pm so we didn’t have a whole lot of time to explore. I definitely want to go back another time and see more of the area. The day was a little misty and the visibility wasn’t super great, but it sort of added to the post-apocalyptic feel of the place. Anything man-made looked run-down and falling apart. There were a couple loose dogs (satos) and some trash. Still it was a sort of spectacular find and I am surprised we hadn’t heard of it before.

Guajataca tunnel BK CKFirst we stopped at a look-out spot. Just behind our heads you can see the famous tunnel

Pasado Futuro
This apparently used to be a lively bar and restaurant. Now it looks like the scene from a sci-fi movie

The beach area was long and expansive, but there really wasn’t anyone there. Maybe during the weekends it fills up. The current looked strong and it was a bit rocky, so probably more of a beach hangout spot or possibly surfing rather than a swimming beach.

Beach Guajataca
Britton and Papo checking out the beach

We walked through the short tunnel that is dark enough to have bats flying around and a nice echo, but you could pretty much see the light the whole way through. Walking through there, you could feel a rich history of the place. Britton was just amazed at the amount of work it would have been to carve a tunnel and trench through this rock (his mind is always imagining himself doing the work -haha).

Guajataca tunnel
Guajataca Tunnel and friendly sato

I researched a little about this tunnel and learned that it was once part of the extensive railroad system in Puerto Rico and connected the town of Quebradillas with Isabela in order to better transport the sugar cane. I found this old photograph of it too.

tunel-guajataca-tunnel-puerto-rico
Guajataca Tunnel and rail system -courtesy of the Univ of PR

Spanish Wal Guajatacal
There was a long wall built along the cliffs -built by Spaniards like most of them? No sé

Britton on rock
And some impressive rock out-croppings

Cassie Guajataca
Climbing to the top of the spiky rocks offered some beautiful views of the water below

There looked to be a couple of cave entrances along the cliff face, but it was far too dark to begin exploring them. Maybe another day.

In true Papo fashion, we ended up at a billiards bar and I beat both Britton and Papo at each game (not due to my skill, but my ability to NOT scratch the 8 Ball as they both did! 😉 ) This little bar was another great movie scene complete with the tacky mirror advertisements and a juke box playing Marc Anthony, Maná, Gran Combo and lots of other Puerto Rican musicians I had never heard of. A perfect setting! We rounded out the evening with empanadillas and pizza at a road-side food truck. The tanks were filled again: My brain was full of new Spanish words and Puerto Rican sights, my belly was full of beer and roadside food and my heart was full of love and gratitude.

Pool Billiards
Rack ’em! They call them pequeñas y grandes instead of solids and stripes

I harken back to our day trips (Orocovis, Mar Chiquita, etc) with our friend Diosdado and am reminded and just so thankful for the hospitality of the people here. In Puerto Rico, it seems to me that if you are willing to hang out and have a good time, you won’t have any problem finding someone to do the same. Even in the middle of a Wednesday afternoon. You just have to be up for the adventure!

What do you think of this post?
  • WOW (3)
  • Awesome (6)
  • Interesting (0)
  • Useful (0)
  • Bummer (0)
  • Whoa (0)

8 thoughts on “Guajataca Tunnel of Quebradillas

  1. Lester

    Keep it going like this and you´ll end up being one of the very few Puerto Ricans (if there are) that have explored every single “rincón” of the island.

    Also, that´s true of Puerto Ricans: their hospitality and talent of making friends. As you´ve experienced, people will likely teach you of places, take you there directly and help out by offering you food or whatever you may need (from assistance on the road/house to taking you places to hang out).

    BTW, I have these 2 channels that you may find interesting/useful:

    On this one you´ll learn of places to visit, explore or learn of in Puerto Rico:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXiKiOoHBsZGHn5fPkjxvqw

    And this channel is a guide for places to eat:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq2pOdggoPR7SGrMB2v2sEg

    Take care.

    Reply
  2. katrina

    There is another set of tunnels as well on the other side of the road with a short walk to reach them. very pretty with a lot less trash and graffiti . keep heading north and pull out when you get to the giant flag, find the trail which will be heading south.

    Reply
  3. Cassie Post author

    Haha thanks Lester! I wonder if that is even possible… There are so many great spots to check out. I would love to though. I will check out those thinks. They sound interesting.

    Katrina, Good to know for next time!

    Reply
  4. Barbara Schutt

    Really wonderful to have such hospitality and warmness from the people! I think it is so cool you found that old photo and could compare it to now of the tunnel. Keep exploring 😉

    Reply
  5. Maria

    Hi Cassie and Britton,

    Great accomplishments on your land and house. Congrats. Hey we live in Quebradilla, so next time, send me a message and stop by. We love this little town and go to the beach and tunnel often. My hubby would love to open a restaurant/bar there where the other one was but there is much red tape.

    It seems like Papo knows where the good places are around here. Some day, we are going to get to Rincon and see its great beach and plaza.. Dying to get to the farmers market there,

    By the way, do either of you play cards? Specifically Texas Holdem? We are planning a get together to play for some expats and would love to have you come.

    Take care,

    Tonie

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *