El Cañuelo, Spanish colonial fort in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
El Cañuelo stands on a small island at the entrance of San Juan Bay, featuring thick stone walls and strategic military design elements from the 17th century.
The fort was initially constructed between 1630 and 1660 to support El Morro fortress in defending San Juan harbor against naval attacks and pirate incursions.
The fortress represents Spanish military engineering in the Caribbean, forming part of the extensive defense network that protected Spanish colonial territories.
Visitors can reach El Cañuelo by car through the artificial peninsula connecting it to Isla de Cabras, where they can observe the structure from the outside.
The fort's position forced enemy ships into shallow waters, where they would run aground and become targets for both El Cañuelo and El Morro's artillery.
Location: Toa Baja
Part of: La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site
GPS coordinates: 18.46639,-66.13639
Latest update: March 7, 2025 03:42
Puerto Rico contains many natural pools, historical sites and remote beaches. Natural wonders include waterfalls, caves with petroglyphs, bioluminescent bays, and salt flats. Historical sites feature lighthouses, Spanish fortresses, and indigenous ceremonial centers. The island offers natural pools for swimming, coastal hiking paths, and protected forest reserves.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
1.4 km
La Fortaleza
7.3 km
Cathedral of San Juan Bautista
1.9 km
San José Church
1.9 km
San Juan National Historic Site
1.5 km
Casa Blanca
1.7 km
Paseo del Morro
1.5 km
Plaza del Quinto Centenario
1.8 km
La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site
1.8 km
Paseo de la Princesa
2.1 km
Ballajá Barracks
1.7 km
El Morro or Port San Juan Light
1.4 km
San Juan City Hall
2.1 km
Statue of Juan Ponce de León
1.9 km
Church of St. Anne
2.2 km
Museo Casa Blanca
1.7 km
Museo de las Américas
1.7 km
Museo de San Juan
2 km
La Rogativa
1.8 km
Polvorín de Santa Elena (San Juan)
1.4 km
Banco Popular Building (Old San Juan)
2.2 km
La Casa del Libro
2 km
Plaza de Ballajá
1.7 km
City walls of Old San Juan
2 km
Palace of Royal Administration (San Juan)
2 km
"El Mundo" building
2.1 km
Bastion de las Palmas
2.1 km
Raíces Fountain
1.9 kmReviews
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