Guest Guide

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Templīs Aquaria

Your sanctuary awaits...

You are about to experience something truly magical... secluded waterfalls, outdoor jungle baths, and the soundscape of nature as your therapy.

Ready to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature?
Welcome to the Sanctuary.

📞 Call Host
📶 Wi-Fi Info

Staying at an off-grid sanctuary in the middle of the jungle can be intimidating if you're not a seasoned traveler. This guide is designed to be your complete companion for an adventurous stay!

📶 This guide works completely offline — no WiFi required!

How It Works

1

Prepare

Read dropdowns below

2

Check-In

Picture-guided access

3

House Guide

Operations & safety

4

Local Guide

Attractions nearby

5

Contact

Reach your host

💬 Need Help? Ask Our AI!

Our AI is trained on all sanctuary systems and can walk you through every possible issue.

Before You Leave Home

📍Know Your Destination

You are about 40 minutes from the nearest gas station and town. 2 hours from San Juan Airport and 2 hours from Rincón.

Location Map
🛣️Plan Your Journey

The road is windy, and in some sections only one lane. The locals honk around corners when it's one lane. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive, try and arrive during the daylight, it's also beautiful, and take the south route.

💊 Pro Tip: You may want to bring Dramamine in case you're sensitive to curves. The last 20 minutes of the drive are very curvy!

🗺️Save GPS Links

🚫 Airbnb's map link is WRONG! Use these official links to Templo Acuario:

🔍 Or search: "Templo Acuario"
📍 Landmark: 2 minutes SOUTH of "El Chorro de Dona Juana" on PR Road 149

📶Enable WiFi Calling

Our jungle location has limited cell signal but fast WiFi! Enable WiFi calling to make calls and receive texts using our internet connection.

Network: Temple2
Password: aguadivina

This is essential for staying connected during your stay since cellular towers don't reach our off-grid location.

Step-by-step instructions for both iPhone and Android
Works with all major carriers · No extra charges

🎒Pack & Stock Up

🔋 Charge Everything: Limited cell signal means your devices work harder. Bring portable chargers!

🛒 Stock Up Before Arrival:

  • Best Shopping Options:
    - Freshmart in San Juan (organic foods available)
    - Super Max in Caguas (last stop for organic options)
    - Econo in Villalba (closest – 40 minutes away)
  • Plan your meals and bring essentials
  • Stock up on snacks, drinks, and breakfast items
  • Consider bringing cooler items for longer stays

🧳 What to Pack:

  • Warm layers – nights can get chilly, especially after rain
  • Swimwear for waterfall adventures
  • Beach towel for river activities (we provide indoor towels only)
  • River shoes if you prefer not to go barefoot
  • Comfortable hiking shoes for trails
  • Camera for the incredible views
  • Journal or book for offline relaxation
  • Games, cards, or other non-digital entertainment

🌿 Eco-Friendly Essentials:

  • We provide eco-friendly soaps & shampoos
  • If bringing personal products, ensure they're biodegradable
  • Everything here flows to and from the river system
  • Help us protect this pristine ecosystem!
🏠What's Provided at the Sanctuary

We want you to feel at home in the jungle! Here's what you'll find when you arrive:

☕ Coffee Station:

  • Coffee maker & fresh coffee
  • Sugar & single-serving creamers (enough for your first day)
  • If you prefer chilled liquid creamer, pick it up on your way in!

🍳 Kitchen Basics:

  • Full set of pots, pans, dishes, plates, utensils, and cookware
  • Basic cooking staples: We typically have salt and oil at minimum
  • Note: Due to our remote location, basics like salt, pepper, oil, and spices are not regularly restocked with set items — we allow a flow. Guests often leave what they can't take and take what they need for their next destination.
  • If you have specific cooking needs, bring them! It's best to pack your own spices, condiments, and specialty items.

🧼 Bathroom & Cleaning Supplies:

  • Eco-friendly shampoo, conditioner, & body wash
  • Hand soap & dish soap
  • One towel per guest (for indoor use)
  • No outdoor towels provided — bring a beach towel if you want a separate one for the jungle tubs, river, or beaches

🛏️ Bedroom Essentials:

  • Fresh linens, sheets, pillows, and blankets
  • All essentials as listed in the Airbnb listing

When in doubt, bring it! The nearest stores are 40+ minutes away, and you'll want to maximize your time in nature, not running errands.

1

Use Correct GPS Links

🚫 Airbnb's map link is WRONG! Use these official links to Templo Acuario:

🔍 Or search: "Templo Acuario"
📍 Landmark: 2 minutes SOUTH of "El Chorro de Dona Juana" on PR Road 149

2

🚪 Gate Entry (Manual – Be Gentle!)

Gate

Look for the WHITE gate with SAGE GREEN pillars and GOLD bowls on top. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Pin pad is currently disabled – gate opens MANUALLY. 🚨 DO NOT use excessive force! The gate was recently thrown off its hinges and down the hill. It's very costly to get a crane up there to pick up an iron gate. ✅ Open slowly and gently ✅ Close securely after entering ✅ Handle with care – recent repairs!

3

🅿️ Parking – Canopy Area Only!

Parking canopy area

Drive down the FIRST hill to the parking area with the canopy. Park here! 🎯 Park toward the BACK of the canopy – cars at the bottom need space to make it up and down safely. 💡 PRO TIP: To exit, get a running start! Don't stop on the hill until you pass the gate – otherwise your tires will peel out without 4WD. Even a 2012 Prius can make it with momentum! 🚗

4

🏠 Guest Suite Entrance (Downstairs)

View from parking area Canopy parking area

From the canopy parking, you have two pathway options to reach your accommodations: 🛤️ OPTION 1: Take the ramp, stairs, and gravel path 🛤️ OPTION 2: Walk down the second driveway ⚠️ IMPORTANT: You may see a car parked at the lower lot next to the accommodations (visible in photo). Do NOT park there unless you have 4WD AND explicit host permission!

5

🔑 Door Code & Your Suite

Door

🏡 Welcome to your FIRST FLOOR suite, facing the river! The host lives upstairs. 🔑 Door Code Instructions: 1) Press ANY button to light up screen 2) Enter: 1449 3) Hold # for 2 seconds (opens door) 4) If stuck/wrong: Hold # to reset, try again 5) To lock when leaving: Hold # down

📹 Tap to watch the step-by-step video demonstration!

📹 Video Tutorial: How to Open the Door

Check-Out Instructions

Please follow these simple steps when you're ready to leave:

  • 🛁 Leave towels in a pile outside of bathroom
  • 💡 Turn off all lights
  • 🍽️ Finish dishes and put them away
  • 💔 Broken or damaged items? Please message Kalina so she can replace them
  • 🗑️ If garbage is full, take it to the trash bins just to the right of the gate
  • 🚪 Close and lock the door (hold # key to lock)
  • 🚧 Close the gate behind you
🔐Door Troubleshooting

The electronic keypad is sensitive and can malfunction if codes are entered incorrectly multiple times. Here's how to handle common door issues:

🛡️ Prevention is Key:

  • Stay calm – Frantic attempts cause more problems
  • Go slow – Press each button firmly and deliberately
  • Double-check your code before entering

🔧 If Door is Blinking/Beeping/Stuck:

  • RESET: Hold down the # key until beeping stops
  • WAIT: Wait 1 full minute before trying again
  • RETRY: Enter your code slowly and firmly

📹 Video: Door Troubleshooting

⚙️ If Mechanism Gets Stuck Midway (Rare):

This is uncommon and only needed if the lock mechanism is actively jamming mid-turn. If you find yourself needing to do this, it may be a sign the batteries are running low — please contact your host so we can replace them.

Door bonk location

Bonk location: Aluminum door frame above the lock (NOT the glass!)

  • Give it a sturdy bonk: Use your fist to give one solid hit on the aluminum door frame right above the lock (NOT the glass!)
  • Hit while it's turning: Do this while the mechanism is attempting to turn

📞 Contact Host If:

  • Multiple failed attempts: Door may need new batteries
  • Mechanism remains jammed: After trying the bonk method
  • Complete malfunction: We'll replace batteries or provide backup access
🔥How do I turn on the stove!?

The gas stove is wired to the exterior light switch. To get the burners to light, make sure the light switch is turned on first!

Instructions:

  • Turn the burner knob to desired setting
  • Locate the toggle switch on the stove and press it – you should hear it click
  • If it doesn't click, flip the outdoor light switch (the electrical component needs power to strike)
  • As a backup, you can use a lighter if needed
  • If still having issues, verify the gas tank is open (it should always be) or call if gas may be out

📹 Video: How to Light the Burners

📹 Video: How to Light the Oven

🚰Drinking Water

Our spring water is pure and naturally artesian — truly a gift from the land. The filter inside the unit is great for cooking and coffee, but for the best-tasting drinking water, we recommend filling your bottles from the high-grade filter in the gazebo.

💧 Our Spring Water System:

  • Community System: Part of a 5-house community spring water system with 6+ years of reliable service
  • Natural Filtration: Spring water is naturally filtered and delicious
  • Fun Fact: Our spring water is naturally effervescent – perfect for water connoisseurs!

📹 Video: Where to Find the Filtered Water

📶Wi-Fi Connection

Network Details:

  • Network: Temple2
  • Password: aguadivina

Additional Notes:

  • We are in a no cell signal zone, but fast Starlink WiFi is provided.
  • Enable WiFi calling to receive calls/texts.
  • Signal may be weaker by the river; download offline maps and playlists.
🛁Jungle Baths (Hot Tubs)

Powered by gas, our tubs provide very hot water. Caution when using them.

🔥 Water Heater Location:

  • Location: Between the bathrooms and accommodations
  • Look for the unit shown in the photo below
Water Heater

🚿 CRITICAL: Faucet Settings

  • Turn faucets to MAX HOT position (both tubs if using both, or one if using just one)
  • Why? Less than max hot = insufficient water pressure to activate heating mechanism
  • Temperature Control: Regulate heat using the heater itself, NOT the faucets

⚙️ How to operate:

  • The tubs are water pressure activated
  • After heavy rains, you may need to turn the nozzle on and off in the hot water position until excess moisture burns off
  • Listen for: clicking → thud → WHOOSH (that's the flame igniting)
  • You can view the flame through the window of the gas water heater

📹 Video: How to Light the Tubs

💡 Pro Tip: Adjust temperature on the heater itself to maintain maximum water pressure. If you adjust at the faucet, water pressure could get too low to activate the flame.

⚠️ Safety:

  • Test temperature before entering – water gets extremely hot!

🔧 Troubleshooting:

  • No clicking sound after several tries? Contact the host immediately
  • Possible causes: Batteries may need changing or (rarely) we may be out of gas
  • Don't worry! These issues are easily resolved – just let us know
🚰Water Systems

Understanding our mountain water systems will help you make the most of your stay!

💧 Spring Water Supply:

  • Community System: Shared by 5 houses in our small mountain neighborhood
  • Reliability: One of our most stable systems – only went out once in 6 years!
  • Community Care: Entire neighborhood maintains it together for swift repairs

🔥 Hot Water Systems (3 Options!):

  • Mountain Living: Most families here don't even use hot water systems
  • Your Convenience: We provide 3 separate systems for your comfort!

☀️ System 1: Solar Heated (Primary):

  • Location: Water tank on the roof, independent from solar panels
  • How it works: Sun heats water daily and stores it in tank
  • Recharge time: Once used, wait until next day to heat up again
  • Weather note: Water may be less warm on rainy/stormy days

🛁 System 2: Jungle Baths (Independent):

  • Completely separate: Gas-heated system, independent from house hot water
  • Great news: Using the tubs will NOT affect hot water inside accommodations!
  • Enjoy freely! Soak without worrying about your indoor hot water supply

🆘 System 3: Backup Gas Heater (Emergency):

  • Location: Inside the home – third separate system
  • When to use: If you run out of hot water from Systems 1 & 2
  • Setup required: Call Dominick – he'll walk you through the auxiliary backup
  • Don't worry: We'll take care of everything – just give us a call!
☀️Solar Power Systems

Understanding our solar power system will help you maximize your off-grid experience while being mindful of energy use.

⚡ Power System Overview:

  • Primary Power: Solar panels with 4-battery backup system
  • Backup System: Grid-tie backup activates automatically when batteries are low
  • Daily Cycle: Panels and batteries charge during day, grid backup used at night

🌞 Best Times for Energy Use:

  • Peak Sunlight Hours: BEST time to charge devices and use high-energy appliances
  • Heat Appliances: Use blow dryers, hair tools, etc. during peak sun
  • Device Charging: Charge phones, cameras, laptops during bright daylight hours

🚨 Power Outage Protocol (Common in PR):

  • Reality Check: Power outages are common in Puerto Rico – be prepared!
  • Energy Conservation: Turn off ALL unneeded lights and appliances immediately
  • Critical Rule: Only charge devices during peak sunlight hours during outages
  • Detection Challenge: Often hard to know there's an outage until batteries drain

🔋 Battery Level Monitoring:

  • Location: Solar battery box located under the stairs
  • How to Check: Press the silver button on the side of the battery box
  • Display Shows: Current battery power level remaining
  • Pro Tip: Check battery level regularly to plan your energy use
💧Waterfalls

Experience the magic of our secluded waterfalls – from the always-flowing year-round cascade to the dramatic seasonal waterfall visible from your front door!

🌊 Year-Round Waterfall Aquaela:

  • Always Flowing: Our secluded 70-foot waterfall flows year-round
  • Perfect for Photos: Ideal for magical portraits and refreshing moments
  • Exclusive Access: Only accessible through our property – your private oasis

🗺️ How to Get There:

  • Step 1: Go beyond the chicken coop and wedding arch deck
  • Step 2: Follow the trail past the water bearer statue
  • Step 3: Continue through the bamboo forest down to the river
  • Step 4: Once at the water, look left to spot the falls
  • Final approach: 5 minutes of gentle bouldering to reach the swimming hole

📹 Video: Path to the Waterfall & Swimming Hole

🌧️ Seasonal Quebrada Aquellos:

  • Weather-Dependent Bonus: A quebrada is a type of waterfall that only flows after intense rains
  • Dramatic 90-foot cascade: Appears behind your accommodations after intense rainfall
  • Front Door Views: Visible directly from your front door when flowing – absolutely breathtaking!

⚠️ Waterfall Safety:

  • 🚨 CRITICAL – Rain Protocol: If it starts raining, exit the river IMMEDIATELY – water levels can surge quickly and pose life-threatening risks
  • General PR River Safety: This is a critical precaution for ALL rivers in Puerto Rico
  • Footwear: Wear grippy shoes – river stones can be very slick
  • Swimming: Enjoy the natural pools, but be mindful of water depth and currents
🎬Bonus Video Tutorials

Quick video guides for a few extra things around the sanctuary.

🔥 How to Use the Outdoor Stove:

🌿 How to Turn On the Garden Lights:

💡 How to Change Indoor Light Tone:

Flip the light switch off and on again in quick succession to cycle through cool, neutral, and warm tones. Repeat until you find the mood you like!

🐓Animal Residents

Meet our beloved rescued animal family! Each resident has their own personality and story of transformation at our sanctuary.

🦚 Shiva – The Majestic King:

Shiva the Peacock
  • Rescue Story: Rescued 5 years ago from a tiny cage where he lived with another full-grown male peacock
  • King of the Sanctuary: Now rules his domain with majestic confidence and freedom
  • Personality: Loves snacks and cuddling on fluffy rugs inside (though he's not allowed – good luck keeping him out!)
  • Fun Fact: Every year peacocks molt their entire train and grow it back before mating season
  • Love Story: Peacocks mate for life, and Shiva is constantly trying to win the heart of his bride, Shakti

🕊️ Shakti – The Queen's Heart:

Shakti the Peahen
  • Rescue Story: Rescued from the same horrible life in a tiny cage as Shiva
  • Perfect Timing: Arrived on Shiva's gloomiest, loneliest day and made his world a better place
  • Motherhood: Lays eggs once or twice a year in the spring
  • Special Gift: Always has at least one pure white baby peacock!
  • 🍀 Lucky Spotting: If you see a baby peacock, please notify us immediately so we can protect them!

🐓 The Flock – Our Amazing Chickens:

The Flock
  • Mixed Heritage: Amazing mix of Bantams, Buff Brahma Bantam, and Golden Laced Cochin Bantam
  • First Generation: Led by Cardano (the grandfather) and his "DeFi chicks"
  • Alpha Rooster: Fabiano (the handsome blonde one) leads the younger flock
  • Early Birds: They'll be at your door bright and early every morning!
  • House Rules: They're not allowed inside, but good luck keeping them out!

🦆 Mrs. Waddles – The Wild Sanctuary Seeker:

Mrs. Waddles
  • Wild Origins: Originally a wild duck who discovered our sanctuary on her own
  • Sanctuary Choice: Showed up one day in March 2025 and decided this was home
  • Unexpected Friendship: She and Shiva surprisingly became fast friends!

🐾 Animal Etiquette:

  • Respectful Distance: Admire our animal family from a respectful distance
  • No Chasing: Never chase or corner any of our animal residents
  • Gentle Interactions: Let them approach you – forced interactions stress animals
  • 🚨 Baby Alert: If you spot baby peacocks, notify hosts immediately for protection!
  • 🚫 Avoid feeding: Avocado and chocolate – but feel free to share other snacks!
Our Story

This land called to us through the most improbable of ways...

🌟 How We Found This Sacred Space:

  • The Forgotten Land: This property had been abandoned for years, possibly decades – nobody wanted it because there was no cell signal or internet
  • The Long Search: For years, we had been seeking a place with minimal non-native EMFs and pure water – a true sanctuary for deep healing
  • The Vision: That waterfall... it had been appearing in visions, calling from the depths of consciousness long before we ever saw it
  • Divine Intervention: A random YouTube video (not even a paid ad!) appeared in the feed – and there it was, the waterfall from the vision
  • The Sign: In that moment, we knew – this was it. Heaven and earth moved, miracles aligned, and this sacred land came into our stewardship
  • Templis Aquaria is Born: Through extensive remodeling, upgrades, and repairs, the abandoned land transformed into an eco-sanctuary
  • Sharing Sacred Space: We are elated to share this sanctuary with others – you're not just guests, you're real people to us
  • Deep Connection: Whether we're on-site or not during your stay, we're always happy to connect – we love getting to know each of you deeply
📋House Rules & Important Information

Please read carefully. By confirming your reservation, you agree to these terms.

General

  • Please review the full listing for a thorough understanding of the space.
  • Maximum occupancy is 7 guests unless host has approved 10. We can accommodate up to 10 with advance notice, an additional fee, and a 4th room — please inquire before booking.

Behavior & Conduct

  • No loud parties, drugs, or plant medicine. Violators will be asked to leave immediately without refund.
  • No smoking indoors or near open doors/windows where smoke can drift in.
  • Absolutely no littering — help us protect this sacred land.

Safety & Liability

  • Always close the gate upon entering and exiting.
  • Use bridges at your own risk. Children must be supervised at all times.
  • Be extremely cautious near the river, especially during or after rain.
  • We are not responsible for any injuries or accidents on the property, in the river, or during your stay.
  • The terrain is steep and rustic — please take care.

Cleanliness & Checkout

  • Please wash all dishes and keep the space tidy.
  • Dispose of trash in the bins near the gate before checkout at 11 a.m.
  • If you have dyed hair that may stain towels, please bring your own. Replacement fees will apply for stained linens.

We are honored to share this sacred space with you. Thank you for being respectful guests and stewards of the land.

Welcome to Your Sanctuary

You've arrived at more than just accommodation – you've discovered a living sanctuary where nature, animals, and humans coexist in harmony.

Take a deep breath, slow down, and let the jungle rhythm become your own. Every sunrise brings new adventures, every sunset offers profound peace.

Your off-grid jungle adventure begins now.

Nature & Waterfalls

  • Catarata Chorro de Doña Juana – Multi-tiered waterfall right near you along PR-149! Viewable from the road with a natural swimming pool.
  • Cascada Las Delicias (4.8⭐) – Beautiful waterfall attraction at 6FH6+VQX, PR-533, Jayuya. Open 24 hours!
  • La Plazuela Waterfall – Tall waterfall along Bauta River in Orocovis/Ciales area, reached via small trail. Perfect for photos and nature exploring.
  • Gozalandia Waterfall – Popular for cliff-jumping and swimming (30 miles away). Arrive early to beat the crowds!
  • Toro Negro State Forest – Trails, observation points, and forest recreation area with access to nature in Orocovis/surrounding area.
  • Lago Guineo – A peaceful lake tucked into the mountains (8 miles away) — perfect for quiet reflection.
  • Miradero Villalba-Orocovis – Scenic overlook/viewpoint between Villalba and Orocovis.
  • Cerro de Punta – Hike to the highest peak in Puerto Rico (12 miles away) and feel the majesty of the island.
  • Cueva Ventana – A dramatic cave view worth the hike (20 miles away).

Cultural & Historical Sites

  • Museo El Cemí (4.8⭐) – Taíno museum with art and artifacts. Just $1 per person. Opens 10 AM Saturdays.
  • Museo Casa Canales (4.7⭐) – Full of historical information and shows 1900s house architecture. Opens 10 AM Saturdays.
  • Museo de Nuestros Mártires (4.7⭐) – History museum with lots of memorabilia of past history of national heroes. Open until 9 PM.
  • La Tumba del Taíno (4.5⭐) – Indigenous heritage site in Jayuya.
  • Hacienda San Pedro – Historic coffee estate with tours, museum, and café on site in Jayuya.
  • Hacienda Lealtad – Take a sensory journey through Puerto Rican coffee history in Lares (18 miles away).
  • Sandra Farms – Mountain-grown coffee and chocolate farm in Adjuntas.
  • Hacienda Buena Vista (4.6⭐) – Former coffee plantation with tours. Make reservations online prior to arrival.
  • Arecibo Observatory – Cosmic vibes await in this once-world-renowned telescope facility (25 miles away).

Local Culture & Flavor

  • Sazón Pa'l Campo (4.8⭐, $1-10) – Local spot, great for chinchorreo. Simple, delicious food – rice, chicken, empanadas.
  • Las Cabañas Doña Juana (4.7⭐, $10-20) – Cozy, pleasant temperature, good service, delicious food. About 10 min away, weekends only.
  • Casa Vieja (4.6⭐, $10-20) – Amazing customer service, wonderful atmosphere, DELICIOUS food on Km 26 PR-149.
  • Artesanale (4.6⭐) – Italian cuisine with delicious food and great coco mojito.
  • Cafecito del Bosque (4.9⭐) – Excellent coffee shop about 10 min away, weekends only. Good food too!
  • Villalba Coffee Bar (4.8⭐, $10-20) – Excellent coffee, good wraps and great service.
  • Heladería de Lares – Try ice cream flavors like sweet corn or rice & beans — it's a thing!
  • Restaurante Rancho Marina – Home-style Puerto Rican food with mountain views in Villalba.
  • La Guardarraya (Ponce) – Locals rave about the steaks!
  • Archipiélago (Ponce) – A creative fusion of Caribbean + Spanish cuisine.
  • Chef Eliezer's Invite-Only Dinner – 7-course mountaintop dining for $80/person about 10 min away. They sell out in under 30 minutes! Contact: 787-244-3133

Adventure & Thrills

  • Zipline/Adventure Parks (Toro Verde) – Home of extreme zipline 'The Monster' and other aerial adventure activities in Orocovis.
  • Full Day Waterfalls Tour – Professional waterfall tour of Central Mountains with free cancellation. Contact Francis: 939-585-7196

📞 Primary Host – Kalina

Phone: 619-214-9926

Email: templekeeper@templisaquaria.com

📞 Backup Host 1 – Dominick

Phone: 787-617-6684

📞 Backup Host 2 – Rosie

Phone: 619-669-6064

🚨 Emergency

If life-threatening: call 9-1-1 and provide GPS coordinates.

At the first sign of rain, get out of the rivers.

💬
Templīs Aquaria AI Assistant
Welcome to Templīs Aquaria! I'm your AI assistant, trained on all the property details. I can help with: • Check-in instructions & troubleshooting • Hot tub, waterfall & amenities guidance • Local recommendations & safety tips • Emergency procedures & contacts Ask me anything about your stay – I'm here to help!

📶 Wi-Fi Information

Network: Temple2
Password: aguadivina