El Morro
With a history that dates 500 years, this stone structure
truly deserves its place of honor in the National Historic
Register. The English and the Dutch attacked the Morro repeatedly
in its time.
Located on the San Juan Bay, the six-story
fort was originally constructed in 1540, although its exterior
walls were not erected for another 200 years. Inside the
walls is a veritable labyrinth of chambers, barracks, hallways
and prison cells.
The
fort was given a complete facelift in 1992.
El Yunque
One of the oldest protected areas in the Western Hemisphere,
this pristine expanse looks much as it did when Christopher
Columbus visited Puerto Rico 500 years ago. Start at the
Portal Tropical Forest Center, and then follow a hiking
trail to explore the natural splendors of this ecosystem,
including an immense array of flora and fauna. If you are
lucky, you may get a glimpse of the elusive blue, red and
green Puerto Rican Parrot. The new Forest Adventure Tours
program offers visitors to El Yunque the opportunity to
hike along a trail with a guide.
Río Camuy Cave Park
Camuy is best known for its fabled Río Camuy Cave
Park, a 268-acre ecosystem that is part of this hemisphere's
most impressive subterranean cave network, intricately carved
by the mighty Camuy River. Visitors and guides board trams
that take them through dense tropical vegetation down to
the mouth of Clara cave. Trams also stop at the 650-foot-wide
Tres Pueblos sinkhole, where special platforms allow visitors
to view the river passing 400 feet below from one cave to
another. Another attraction is Espiral Sinkhole, where visitors
can actually descend some 205 steps to reach its striking
entrance.
San Juan Bay
The San Juan Bay is the busiest ocean port in the Caribbean
bringing a good percentage of the region's trade and over
one million visitors a year on cruise ships. The bayside
shops carry everything from gold jewelry to island arts
and crafts. It can best be viewed from the pier area in
Old San Juan, or from the romantic Paseo de la Princesa,
or from El Morro. This is a great spot for catching a glimpse
of some of the huge cruise liners entering the harbor through
El Morro.
Bacardi World Salsa Congress
Come indulge the contagious Latin rhythms of Puerto Rico
(home of the salsa beat), where amateur and professional
salsa dancers from all over the world come to compete and
party for five days in July each year. The event is not
just a dancer's venue. It is also a musical extravaganza,
akin to the Heinekin Jazz Festival. Throughout the Congress,
15 to 20 orchestras perform representing countries the world
over. Programs are held at various hotels around town.
Bacardí Rum Distillery
The world famous Bacardi Rum originated here in Puerto Rico
and continues to be distilled at the Bacardi Rum Distillery
located in Cataño. On a tour of the distillery, you'll
learn the history of this legendary product and see how
it is created, bottled, and shipped around the world. On
the tour enjoy a taste test and purchase a few bottles from
the distillery shop to take home.
Calle Cristo
Do make a point of strolling the 'Cristo'. And don't forget
to bring your camera. The panoramic views are breathtaking,
especially the intersection of Calle Cristo and Calle de
San Sebastián. This street is host to several of
the monuments of San Juan; such as the Iglesia San Jose,
and the Capilla de Cristo, not to mention its excellent
selection of world-class restaurants such as Il Perugino
and Chef Marisoll. It's definitely one of the most important
walks in the old city.
Playa Balneario Luquillo
Balneario de Luquillo is considered by many to be one of
the most popular public beaches in northeastern Puerto Rico.
And rightfully so, since it offers a full range of services.
Here you will find cafeterias, public bathrooms with showers,
access for disabled people, and an ample parking lot.
This
beach is also suitable for water sports such as jet-skis
and wind surfing.
Parque Laguna del Condado (Condado Lagoon)
The Laguna del Condado or Condado Lagoon is one of San Juan's
most beautiful and familiar landmarks. It stands between
three districts: Old San Juan/Puerta de Tierra (Northwest),
Miramar (South) and Condado (East). The lagoon is particularly
loved by those who practice kayaking and several other watersports.
There are also kayak rentals available in the perimeter
of the lagoon. If you decide to partake in this sport, note
that the rentals are often quite busy on the weekends.
LeLoLai
LeLoLai is a year-round festival that celebrates Puerto
Rican, Indian, Spanish and African heritage. Performances
take place each week, moving from hotel to hotel, showcasing
the island's music, folklore and culture. Because it is
sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and major San
Juan Hotels, passes to the festivities are included in some
of the hotel packages.
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