Puerto Rico Off The Beaten Path Tips by dlandt

The Jibaro Memorial

Jibaro means something akin to peasant in Puerto Rican Spanish, and the Jibarito sandwich means the country sandwich, or peasant's sandwich. This memorial came as a pleasant surprise along Hwy 52, about halfway between San Juan and Ponce, but you have to be going southbound in order to stop as the northbound lanes have no access. Still in the mountains, this memorial watches traffic flow, sporting plaques (only in Spanish) that commemorate the role of the peasant in Puerto Rico's national identity. It eulogizes him, pronouncing the peasant as the synthesis of all their virtues, the spirit of their land and country, the inventor of their traditions and more. It idolizes his work ethic and strength, his simple determination to live justly and well with honor.

If you stop here it is also a great place to photograph lizards and chameleons since there is little foot traffic and lots of warm pavement for them to sun themselves. Nearby is a scenic lookout with a parking lot. There isn't anywhere to park really close to the memorial, but this being Puerto Rico you can simply pull up on the curb and get out.