We found a gem tucked away in the mountains at La Estancia.Visited: August 2003
Posted by westoverwoman
La Estancia was nothing short of incredible. The room we had for five nights was large, well appointed and very reasonably priced.
The hospitality was beyond anything I have ever experienced. Judith and Lydia were warm and accommodating in every way possible and both spoke Spanish and English fluently. The food was consistently A++. Judith was a fantastic cook! Lydia made up a special drink for me that was perfect!
The frogs serenaded all night long and in the day, the coqui greeted us from the mountainside. It was gorgeous even in the rain. It was very hard to leave. I could have stayed forever.
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This was not the best place I have stayed in. It was like a cabin out in in nowhere land. The hostesses were nice and very eager, but at night this place was too dark and secluded; and in the day it was not too exciting.
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Even though we did not stay at the Estancia after finding out that it did not fit our kind of vacation, but very good for mountain climbers and a very quiet place for those that just want to relax. Judith the owner of the place is a jewel cannot find too many like her. She helped get a place that fitted the kind of vacation we wanted and remained pleasant and accomodating. Once again for mountain Climbers, It is the place. Thanks Ms judith
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It was nice to commune with nature.Visited: September 2002
Posted by wrp29
In La Estancia we forgot the reality of the world and entered our reality; the world we would like to it be.
There was no television at La Estancia. Air conditioning was never needed. The place was always clean, and everthing that we needed was there.
Do no bring you cell phone or an alarm clock. Time is framed in a different dimension here. Our time was framed in conversation by the river. The freshness and the hundreds of tones of green made our day. The nights were cold and dark. It was perfect for a candlelight vigil and a good stare at the Caribbean sky exploding with thousands of stars.
We came to La Estancia to avoid the stress and the city craziness and to remember who we are. To remember that we are one in each other, a part of nature in communion. Here we know "que nos amamos en la Patria porque es el punto de partida".
Judith and Lydia Esther (and Nena) will always welcome you like family.
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It was a delightful experience!Visited: January 2003
Posted by momrat3
What a wonderful discovery La Estancia turned out to be! This little inn and restaurant, off the beaten path in the stunning mountains of Puerto Rico, is perfect for people who like to get away from the "tourist" places so common on an island.
Our hostesses, Judith and Lydia, were so welcoming and eager to have us enjoy our stay that we were sold on Puerto Rico in minutes. We looked forward to mealtime with them! The food was excellent (those breakfasts and desserts!), and the beds were comfortable after a long day of hiking in the Toro Negro rainforest.
It was hard to leave and head to Dorado for the second part of our trip. We kept wishing we were back in Ciales enjoying the coquis, perfect temperatures, and wonderful hospitality.
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Fabulous setting, great food and tranquility.Visited: June 2002
Posted by jwcullin
Even when it rains, this place is a piece of heaven. You can sit and watch the fauna and flora, bathe in the river, eat and drink to your heart's content and feel right at home with owners Judith and Esther!
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My wife and I decided to honeymoon away from the crowded resorts. Since we felt exhausted due to taking care of our own business, we felt we had reached heaven without having to die, upon just arriving to this quaint yet secluded "Stayncia".
The views, the pure air, the river, and the quietness of the night..I still cherish that special moment. I have stayed in well over 10 places all over Puerto Rico. I will look no more.
As for room service, you don't need any, but Lydia and Judy are more than happy to fit your needs.
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We received excellent food from great hosts.Visited: February 2002
Posted by Gail
If you want to see the real Puerto Rico, visit Ciales and stay at La Estancia. It is central to many of the sites such as the Arecibo Radio Telescope, the Toro Negro Rainforest, the north coast beaches, and the interior of the Island.
The hosts, Lydia and Judy, are delightful, and the food is the best on the island. The rooms are immaculate.
After a long day of driving, swim in the warm clear waters of the Rio Toro Negro. At night, go to sleep to the murmur of the river and the croak of the ubiquitous coquis. Never mind there is no air conditioning, a blanket is provided when the cool mountain breezes make it chilly in the early morning hours.
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Quiet, friendly, and lovely with great food, too.Visited: January 2002
Posted by mrkeller6
We needed a place to get away from it all. Located in the spectacular Cordillera Mountains and on the banks of the Toro Negro River, La Estancia was the place.
The room was clean and modern, and the sound of the coqui frogs was a lullaby at night. Lydia and Judith were excellent cooks and very helpful with directions. We will return!
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La Estancia is a little piece of heaven!Visited: March 2002
Posted by mhammill
After a very hectic life, we were looking for some relaxation. We got it at a little piece of heaven called 'La Estancia'.
The air was pure, the view was magnificent, and the waters of the river seemed to wash away any worries or stress in our lives. And at night, this river seemed to play a lullaby to put us to sleep while the Coqui sings along.
The food was excellent! Linda and Judith (the owners) did not miss any details in making our stay a very pleasant one.
It is definitely a "must-stay" when visiting the island. We will come back the next time we visit the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.
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The apartment and view of Toro Negro River was great.Visited: March 2001
Posted by gerber
La Estancia provided everything we needed and desired. The apartment (sleeps 6) contained dishes, pots, pans, linens, stove, refrigerator and comfortable beds. The owners were knowledgeable about Puerto Rico and recommended beaches, cities, and attractions for us to visit. The restaurant's menu offered us a variety of delicious evening meals. We stayed two weeks and hated to leave this beautiful spot.
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The apartment and view of Toro Negro River was great!Visited: March 2001
Posted by gerber
La Estancia Restaurant and Inn provided everything we needed and desired. The apartment (sleeps 6) contained dishes, pots, pans, linens, a stove, refrigerator and comfortable beds. The owners were knowledgeable about Puerto Rico and recommended beaches, cities, and attractions for us to visit. The restaurant's menu offered us a variety of evening meals. We stayed two weeks and hated to leave such a beautiful spot. The owners speak Spanish and English.
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Our first night on Puerto Rico was spent at La Estancia. The food was spectacular as were the surroundings. We went on from there and did not find a better place, or value. We can't recomend La Estancia highly enough!
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Spectacular scenery, warm service and great food!Visited: March 2000
Posted by pootila
La Estancia is the greatest getaway place I have ever encountered. The staff (owners) are very warm and cater to your every need. The scenery is to die for and the food is definitely first class. Bathing in the warm waters of the Rio Toro Negro will be a memory to last a lifetime.
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Caribbean 
Torneo Estatal American Baseball Congress 
We found a gem tucked away in the mountains at La Estancia. 
LA ESTANCIA! 
Spectacular scenery, warm service and great food! 