Twelve miles from San Juan, in Puerto Rico’s northeastern region, is the pueblo of Canovanas. Known as “La Cuna de los Indios”, or “Indian Cradle”, this historic town is a burgeoning argrotourism center. It offers a charming central location, a wealth of shopping and dining options, and the distinction of being home to one of the most unique and exciting venues in the area: El Hipodromo Camarero.
Formerly known as El Comandante, El Hipodromo Camarero is Puerto Rico’s largest and most modern horse racetrack, and is the inspiration for Canovanas’s other moniker, “Ciudad de las Carreras” (Race Horse City). It features a one-mile, seven-furlong sand chute track, where races are held five days a week year-round. There are seven to nine races every racing day, featuring both native and imported horses with impressive pedigrees. The Hipodromo also features two major yearly racing events: its own Triple Crown, held on the same day as the U.S. Triple Crown, and the Serie Hipica del Caribe, which is a series of five races fthat feature horses from countries all over the Carribean and Central America.
Because El Hipodromo is located between the popular Puerto Rican cities of San Juan and Fajardo, there is no shortage of comfortable places to stay in the surrounding area. But if you’d like to experience what Canovanas is all about, you may want to stay in its agriculturally-based La Casa Floriham. This unique hotel operates from a native farm within an hacienda, and gives tourists a first-hand understanding of farm life and Puerto Rico’s unique natural resources.
El Hipodromo Camarero features the Terrace Room (a buffet restaurant), and the Winner’s Sports Bar. Both are on-premises, and both feature great food and a laid-back atmosphere, allowing you to make the most of your day at the races.
El Hipodromo Camarero is located at Road No. 3, Km. 15.3, Canovanas 00729, Puerto Rico. It’s just a short drive away from some of Puerto Rico’s most famous historic and cultural sites, as well as its renowned white sand beaches. It’s also easily accessed from the nearest airport, the Luis Munoz Marin International. Come on down for a unique and exciting Caribbean experience!
