La "Piedra Degetau" (Degetau's Stone) was named after Federico Degetau, the first Resident Commisioner to represent Puerto Rico before the United States Congress from 1900 to 1904. Degetau was born in the city of Ponce in 1862. He was a poet and tradition says that the view from the top of this rock in the town of Aibonito served as inspiration for much of his literary work. The Degetau Observation Tower was inaugurated in October, 1996. It is managed by the Department of Public Works and by the Authority of Highways and Transportation. In addition to seeing the rock, visitors can climb the obervation tower and use the several telescopes available to get a view of the scenery of Aibonito and sight of more distant locations such as the town of Barranquitas, the town of Cayey, El Morro Castle in San Juan, "Caja de Muerto Island" and "La Guancha" sector of Ponce, and the "Cerro Maravillas" communication towers in the town of Villalba. The Degetau Observation Tower has a playground for children, several "bohios" with tables for picnics, ample parking, vending machines and excellent restrooms. The picnic area "bohios" can be reserved for groups (applications are required three weeks before the activity).
How to Get There
To get there use the #52 highway and take the #1 at Cayey. Head towards Salinas and turn into the Panoramic Route to Aibonito (7722), make a left on road 722 and keep on going straight at the "Welcome to Aibonito" sign on the intersection with 162. This will lead you directly into road 7718 which will lead you to the observatory about a 1/4 mile down the road.