Caras de Rosario

Casa Juan Pablo II | Puerto Rico

Las Caras de Rosario, identity of its people, history and nature

Accompanied by the young interpreters of the El Rosario Community, among the mountains, of the southwest of Puerto Rico, the visitor will have the opportunity to discover a picturesque community founded approximately 200 years ago, with an amazing, natural and human, ancient history. 

We will visit Río Duey’s trails, where between Coffee and native trees, we will learn about the natural history of Rosario and the first human groups (Tainos) that settled in the area leaving their footprints as evidence of their presence. We will enjoy a mountainous region of extraordinary natural landscapes among which the valleys and canyons created by the Rosario and Duey rivers stand out as they pass throughthe ancient and monumental limestone hills that characterize the area. 

Finally, we will visit the traditional urban center of Poblado Rosario, beginning with the parish chapel whose original construction marks the beginning of the official foundation of the town almost two centuries ago. The walk around town highlights the emblematic stories and the oldest structures associated with its origin. 

Through this visit, the guest will learn about the extraordinary history of community service of the Casa Juan Pablo II, Inc. organization, and will have the opportunity to see first-hand the natural and cultural heritage that distinguishes this community.

Effort level: Fair / Moderate
Walking time: 4 hours

Hours

8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. 
Meeting Time: 8:00 am 
Sun exposure time: 1 hour or less.

Sale price

Included Services

  • Welcome coffee
  • light snack
  • Water to refill reusable bottles
  • Safety equipment: helmets
  • Guided tour by interpreter guide
    *Does not include tips

Meeting place

Facilities of Casa Juan Pablo II, Inc. in Poblado Rosario, San Germán 
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/QqHf7vJVwikBfio17 
Tel: (787) 659-7083 

Requirements for participation

  • Have completed the online reservation process prior to the event.
    See Reservation Policy.
  • Complete the waiver of liability document
  • Comply with the suggested clothing and footwear. For security reasons, they will be evaluated prior to the start of the event. 
  • Make use of protective equipment (helmets) at all times that are required during the tour. 
  • Children must meet the age of majority required for the event (8 years or older).

Required equipment

  1. Comfortable, light colored clothing (it gets very humid and hot!) Preferably light long pants and a long-sleeved shirt (optional, in case you need additional protection from the sun).
  2. Tennis or hiking boots. (Not Crocs for safety reasons).
  3. Cap or hat with a wide brim.
  4. Snack.
  5. Preferably 2 liters of water per person, not less than 1 liter.
  6. If you take any emergency medicine or frequently in less than 4 hours you must take it with you to the tour.
  7. Finally, and VERY IMPORTANT, bring a spirit for adventure, discovery, and a great desire to share and learn from a unique and memorable experience. 

Recommended equipment for the visitor to take to the activity

  1. Sunscreen.
  2. Natural insect repellent (preferably in lotion). 
  3. Sunglasses.
  4. Camera (waterproof and/or disposable).
  5. Waterproof bag, “Dry sac” or “zip-lock” bag to protect phone, camera or other objects that should not get wet. 
  6. A change of clothes and additional shoes so that you can change after the end of the tour, since they will end up very wet.  
  7. Binoculars.
  8. Rain coat.

Description of the conditions

The tour includes walking in the open air along a forest trail and uneven terrain that is sometimes slippery near the Duey River. Once in town, the group will walk through the streets and sidewalks of the urban center of the Rosario community. The temperature can be varied, from medium-high temperatures (80 ̊or more). In the urban area of Rosario we will be exposed to the sun for most of the route. 

Logistics

The tour begins at the facilities of Casa Juan Pablo II, Inc. and visitors move in their vehicles to the Veredas de Río Duey lands. There, we begin to walk along the trail which becomes in some areas reduced in space making it difficult for cars, wheelchairs or people with special needs to enter. This route of the tour includes a section where you walk through the river, with the water below the knees. After the hike, the group returns to the facilities of Casa Juan Pablo II and leave in the facilities their vehicles to start the second part of the tour in the town area. Once this second part of the tour is over, you can use the restrooms of the organization to change wet wet shoes and clothing. 

Additional information you should keep in mind

  • Confirmation of the reservation will be received once the corresponding payment is made. 
  • Reservation is required to participate in the event. 
  • Walk-ins will only be accepted if spaces are available. 
  • Your arrival at the event must be on time. After starting the tour, the group will not be able to be reached due to the conditions and logistics of the event. 
  • The event is not adapted for people in wheelchairs or with physical diversity. 
  • You can take cash for nearby restaurants , souvenirs, tips, etc. 
  • Bring additional shoes and clothes for after the tour (we will get wet! . 
  • Do not carry valuables or anything that can’t get damaged by water.

Minimum requirements for excursion

  • Minimum age: 8 years. 
  • The event is not recommended for visitors with difficulty walking or recent surgery. 
  • If you have any particular condition that requires the intake of any medication, you must take it with you to the tour. 
  • Sun protection (biodegradable sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt, rash guard, etc.) 
  • Towel 
  • The offer requires a minimum of 8 participants that they request to be able to carry out the tour. In the event that this minimum is not met, we will be calling you 2 days before the event to review alternative options (reschedule for an alternate date within the scheduled calendar that meets the minimum requirement) 
  • There can be a maximum of 15 participants on the tour. 
  • Assistance animals are allowed. 
  • The visit could be led by a multilingual guide, previously requested 
  • The carrying, possession and/or use of weapons is prohibited 
  • The following types of clothing are strictly prohibited; but not limited to: shorts and ripped pants, necklines, miniskirts, camisoles, pajamas, bathing suits, transparent garments, and/or any other inappropriate clothing for Casa Juan Pablo II. 
  • For more information you can contact:
  • We reserve the right of admission. 

The tour is designed to offer a memorable tour to visitors who value and are interested in practicing a different, responsible and community based tourism.

This experience is ideal exp for those who enjoy learning, exploring, discovering, and showing solidarity with community service initiatives and the development of young people that work for a better future for themselves and their community.