All is calm at night in Punta Cana. - Steve Larese

soldier, he put down Taíno rebellions,gained favor with the Spanish Crown,and mined for gold in Puerto Rico. In1513, Ponce de León set sail, landing inwhat he would name Florida. His mainmission was to find gold, but legend hashim searching in vain for the Fountainof Youth.The Fountain of Youth might beeasier to find than his house. We’reexpecting billboards pointing to whatwe’re sure is a major tourist draw, butthere’s nothing along quiet Highway 4but fields of sugar cane. Our GPS shows we’re near the area,so we begin asking residents of San Rafael del Yuma fordirections. After a right and a left, we pass a cemetery, then wecome to a dirt road that rises toward the Río Duey. We perkup as we notice an open wooden gate with the hours ofoperation hand-painted on it. Past the gate, we’re elated todiscover Ponce de León’s stately two-story home, a fortress ofa structure. A guide greets us and unchains the massive frontdoors. We pay 30 pesos (less than $1) each and explore theexplorer’s home, which he shared with his wife and children.The catch of the day for sale in Boca de Yuma.Original furniture, including his bed,as well as his armor and artifacts foundon the grounds provide us with aglimpse at life here in the 16th century.(In case you have trouble findingthe home, the GPS coordinates werecorded for the house are N 18º26.482,W 068º40.752.)Continuing south a few miles, wearrive at Boca de Yuma, a fishing villagejust north of the Parque Nacionaldel Este and Isla Saona, which is anisland nature preserve. Again, we’resurprised that this gorgeous piece of oceanfront propertyisn’t overrun with tourists and hotels. We stop at BrújulaRestaurant, where a man named Rafael introduces us to thepopular santo libre — rum and Sprite. We dine on seafoodthat must have been swimming an hour ago, and watchlocals play dominos on their lunch break.After lunch, we stroll down the main street, passing by awoman selling freshly caught lobster. After learning that we’returistas, the woman asks us why we’re here. “Porque es bonito”(“Because it’s pretty”), we respond. The woman puts downAltos de Chavón overlooks the Chavón River.