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Vega Baja.- Once known as the “Ciudad del Melao Melao” because of its thriving sugarcane cultivation, this coastal town has a rich historical heritage preserved in its enduring structures.

Vega Baja offers a unique opportunity to enjoy diverse tourism options that also integrate exclusive natural beauties that visitors must visit. What is it about? Let’s find out.

The structure dates back to 1917 and was the first theater in the town. It is part of the historic downtown area.

Originally, the space had a capacity for 800 attendees; it included 17 boxes on the second level and 16 on the first. It also had a dressing room.

The venue was renovated in 2019 to make way for the first municipal company, Cine Teatro Fénix, an elegant space with a capacity of 150 people.

A replica of the sugarcane train, which symbolizes the prosperous era of this industry in Vega Baja, is now part of Sala de la Estación del Ferrocarril, located in the Cabo Caribe sector.

The old train station was located there over a century ago. The location was transformed into an educational space with exhibits and information from that golden age.

In addition to being designated as a historic monument of the city of Vega Baja in 2004, Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario has also been part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since 1984.

It was inaugurated on March 12, 1870. It was once the most imposing architectural work in the area and, despite weathering damage from atmospheric events, it still retains the characteristics of its original design.

Constructed in 1942, this theater was the initiative of Don Pablo Eguía Maguregui, a Spanish immigrant and merchant in the town of Vega Baja.

Teatro América operated as such until 1985. After reopening its doors in December 2001, it still retains its Art Deco style. The venue currently hosts plays, talks, graduations, and all kinds of community activities.

Its name honors one of the former mayors of Vega Baja, José Francisco Náter, who was also a pharmacist and was recognized at the time as the “pharmacist of the poor.”

A sculptural relief-style artwork in one corner of the plaza depicts the town’s history. It features depictions of the Taíno Indians, the arrival of Juan Ponce De León, Puerto Rican families, the slave rebellion, and even the migration of Puerto Ricans to the United States.

Certain places in towns evoke bygone eras more than the typical plaza and city hall. Such is the case of Farmacia Náter, a commercial space that has continuously served its community since 1873, when it was founded by José Francisco Náter.

Despite having various owners over the years, the establishment has consistently operated as a pharmacy. Inside, some of the original furniture can still be found.

Part of this building was the home of the renowned Vega Baja family, the Portelas, in 1900. It is located between the Ramón Emeterio Betances and José Julián Acosta streets.

The municipality acquired the structure, along with adjacent buildings, to facilitate the construction of a museum, which was inaugurated in 2010.

The space, which blends ancient and modern construction, preserves ancient wells and stone columns.

Museo Casa Portela’s foyer hosts a space for rotating exhibitions. It also includes the Sala Militar in honor of Jorge Otero Barreto, a war hero from Vega Baja who is still alive and frequents the place.

The museum also features the Salón de la Fama del Deporte, and on its second floor, there is a Sala Panorámica, which displays the history of Vega Baja.

Renowned for its clear and warm waters and recognized with the Blue Flag designation by the Foundation for Environmental Education for five consecutive years, an international award granted for meeting quality requirements set by the organization, Puerto Nuevo Beach is always an ideal location for a leisurely time. It is located in the beach area of the Puerto Nuevo neighborhood.

This is the largest freshwater lagoon in Puerto Rico. Located between Vega Baja and Manatí, this area serves as a recreational space for those passionate about exploring interpretive trails or for those who enjoy being in touch with nature. It features marshes, sandy areas, abundant flora, and endangered species.

Located along Highway 160 in Barrio Almirante Sur, this natural area is nestled in a region of significant hydrological importance for the Río Indio. In addition to the beauty of this body of water, it boasts impressive caves that become favorite spots for exploration among enthusiasts of these natural hideouts.

This is the most abundant spring in Vega Baja. Known as “Ojo de Agua,” it represents a precious source of potable water located in Barrio Algarrobo.

Its crystal-clear waters flow continuously and form a pool baptized with the name. In recent years, this natural space has become an important tourist destination in Vega Baja.

This transformation was made possible through community efforts to beautify the area with the installation of slides, swings, flags, kiosks, restrooms, and colorful decorations. The self-management project is ongoing, with local residents now aiming to establish a restaurant and short-term rental accommodations in the vicinity.