Puerto Rico 3/09

Our Local Expert Says:

Vieques is a lush tropical island overrun with gorgeous Caribbean beaches, wild horses, and adventure. Plan to stay 3 days to a week to take advantage of the natural beauty and local charm.

Description:

A trip to Vieques is a vacation in itself. Vieques is larger, more populated, and incredibly more lush than its sister island Culebra. Vieques made national headlines in 2000 when locals repeatedly clashed with the US Navy, which had long used select portions of the island for bombing drills. The Navy officially left the island in 2001, and many areas are still being cleaned up, but as yet, the island is still not extensively overdeveloped. Lodging options range from upscale resorts, to modest guesthouses, to camping at the Sun Bay public beach. Vieques has terrific swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, and scuba. Visitors can explore indigenous ruins, and should not miss a swim in the bioluminescent bay. On weekends, the funky strip in Esperanza hops with a vibrant island groove.

Description:

This beautiful fortress was the last edification that the Spanish built in Puerto Rico, but was not entirely finished. The Mirasol Fort, nestled on a hill facing the charming town of Isabel II was restored to its current glory and serves as a hub of many cultural activities attracting big crowds of locals and visitors alike.

Our Local Expert Says:

The El Yunque Reserve is the biosphere gem of Puerto Rico. The park is designed and maintained so that visitors of all ages and physical abilities can enjoy their own rainforest adventures.

Description:

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the greater U.S. It is only a 45-minute drive from Old San Juan, and a stone's throw away from Luquillo Beach and the island's mammoth resorts, the Westin Rio Mar and El Conquistador. Numerous tour groups offer transportation and guided tours, but most trails are paved, well maintained, and easily self-guided. The popular trails vary in degree of strenuousness, and take 45 minutes to 2 hours to cover. Visitors can swim at La Mina Falls, the most picturesque trail, or ascend into the clouds on the El Yunque trail. The more adventurous can obtain trail maps and camping permits from park services.

Description:

The most beautiful hiking trail in Puerto Rico can be found in El Yunque. Waterfalls and rivers await you with a canopy of lacy foliage keeping you save from the heat. Bring light clothing anyway and make sure you are back from the jungle before sunset. Don't forget to bring water since there's no way to buy water once inside the trails, unless you drink from the waterfalls!

Our Local Expert Says:

Now that the U.S. Navy is gone, get there before the developers get in.

Description:

Vieques has fifty beaches in total. However, the Sombé has been said to be the most popular. From Sombé, you can hike to the secluded Media Luna and Navío beaches. Media Luna features calm waters and resembles a giant swimming pool. Navío, on the other hand has an aggressive surf with a very strong undertow. On the northwest coast you will find Mosquito Bay. This is one of Puerto Rico's phosphorescent treasures, where the waters actually become illuminated at night. Sun Bay is Vieques' public beach.

Our Local Expert Says:

La Placita is the best place in San Juan to get a true feel of local food and culture. Day and night, the bars and cafes churn out Latin beats, criollo delicacies, cheap drinks, and friendly smiles.

Description:

Tucked into a residential neighborhood between Ponce de Leon Ave. and Baldorioty de Castro, day or night this is a great place for local food and flavor. The market is open M-S from 7 am to 6pm; pick up some local fruit and sip on fresh coconut water. On Thursday and Friday nights, locals pack the streets and bars in droves, and there are frequent concerts by local artists.

Description:

The Boquerón public beach is a favorite vacation destination for locals and boaters. Boquerón is on the true Caribbean side of the island, so the waters here are calm and clear, and the attitude here (as in nearby Guanica and Cabo Rojo) is distinctly more islander. As the locals say, "the west side is the best side." At night, the cozy, funky square of hotels, restaurants, and bars alongside the harbor jumps alive. Stroll through the streets, but stop to dance, sip piña coladas, and slurp down fresh clams. Boquerón is a gay and lesbian friendly area, and many of the establishments are gay and lesbian owned.

Our Local Expert Says:

Puerto Rico boasts distinctive ecosystems across the island, the most rare of which is the protected dry forest at Guánica. The forest is an important habitat for many bird species, and perfect for tranquil hikes.

Description:

Guánica Dry Forest is a vast and tranquil natural preserve dominated by cacti, low canopies, and hundreds of bird species. Guánica is primarily a nature and bird-watcher's paradise. Tucked away in the southeast corner of the island, the forest's many trails are rarely traversed by locals or tourists, and are great for non-strenuous peaceful hikes. Bring plenty of water and mosquito repellent, and afterwards head to nearby beaches at Cabo Rojo or Boquerón to cool off.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Bacardi Rum distillery offers educational guided tours livened by free mojitos and cuba libres at the end.

Description:

The world famous rum distillery is a quick jaunt from Old San Juan. The facilities are the largest in the world. Visitors can take a guided tour and witness the entire distillation process, from fermentation to bottling. There is a family museum and gift shop on premises. Of course, the best reason to take the tour may be the free Bacardi rum drinks offered at the end.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best movie set in rural Puerto Rico. The movie Contact, a fiction drama with Jodie Foster, was partially filmed here.

Description:

Operated by the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center of Cornell University in cooperation with the National Science Foundation, the Arecibo Observatory is the largest single-aperture telescope in history. Visitors have a chance to admire the monumental structure and also have access to an exhibition building that explains the many astronomical phenomena that the observatory studies.

Description:

A leyend tells the story of how the Cristo Chapel was created as a thank you to a saint for saving a boy that fell over a citadel precipice. Sadly, recent studies show that the leyend is far from real. The boy died and the chapel was made by then secretary Don Tomas Mateo Prats as a way to prevent future accidents. It is beautifully designed with a gold and silver altar inside and right in front of a very high citadel. The chapel is a landmark in Old San Juan and a masterpiece that serves as an anchor of busy Cristo street.

Description:

If you love books, this is the place to be. La Casa del Libro, located in the heart of Old San Juan on Calle del Cristo, houses a collection of vintage books from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. It also holds many exhibitions throughout the year regarding book printing. There are many interesting artifacts inside the small museum, such as primitive printing tools.

Description:

This small museum showcases what Puerto Ricans call "the best rum in the world." Try all the different rums including the famous Grand Añejo. Learn about the company, how it started and what it is today: Puerto Rico's favorite rum. The best part of the tour is the bar offering free samples of the different Don Q rums and their exquisite concoctions.

Description:

This is the most important entry to the old city. It faces the San Juan Bay exit and is accessed via the Paseo de la Princesa. If you are walking from the Caleta Las Monjas Street, it offers an excellent view of the bay and nearby Isla de Cabras. The Paseo de la Princesa opens up to an impressive view of La Fortaleza, the Governor's mansion. To the north, one can find the colonial-style streets. The Puerta is a wonderful vantage point to view the city.

Description:

The system of fortifications in San Juan built by the Spaniards in the early 16th century is the oldest European construction in the United States and one of the oldest in the New World. Their main purpose was to protect the entrance of San Juan Bay, ensure that Puerto Rico remained under the sovereignty of Spain, and protect Spanish commerce in the Caribbean basin. The system that defended San Juan includes three major fortifications. The forts and three miles of city wall (mostly still standing) are fine examples of 18th century military architecture and will forever be linked to the power and glory of the Spanish Empire, and the beginning of European ascendancy in world affairs.

Description:

The Alcadía, or City Hall, is a magnificent building settled in historic Old San Juan. Located facing the famous Plaza de Armas, this is where San Juan's Mayor's office and his staff can be found.
The building was made to resemble the city hall in Madrid with two iconic towers facing the plaza. The construction began in 1605 and was finished in 1789. The City Hall or Alcaldía, is one of the many historic structures found in the walled city of Old San Juan. The building is famous for its exquisite staircase that takes you to the mayor's office.

Our Local Expert Says:

Visitors can take a brief tour of the nearly 500-year-old San Juan Cathedral or plan to attend a traditional, Spanish mass. The architecture and surrounding area provide excellent photo opportunities.

Description:

For Puerto Rico vacationers who are staying in San Juan, the Botanical Gardens give visitors a taste of the diverse tropical flora and fauna found on the island.

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Constructed from 1634 to 1790, a UNESCO world heritage site. Military buffs can ask for an appointment to peruse the military archives

Description:

Within Plaza del Quinto Centenario(Quincentennial Square) you can't miss this 40-foot(12m) totem pole, conceived in 1992 and designed to commemorate Indian culture. Visitors flock to take photos of this imposing and stark centerpiece. The controversial sculpture has drawn some criticism as being too contemporary for the old city. It's displayed in its own sub-plaza; the 'Plaza del Totem' located between Castillo del Morro and the Ballajá Barracks. Plaza del Quinto Centenario is a favorite spot for skateboarders, rollerbladers and for those seeking a lunch break or a stroll. The plaza is also a central meeting place and host area for neighborhood events as well.

Description:

Near the Paseo de la Princesa, families can take their kids to a fun place where they can interact with the local pigeons. Young children especially love this opportunity. The pigeons congregate here, always hungry, and for one dollar you can buy a bag of dried corn to feed them right from your hands. It's a great way to squeeze in a little rest without the kids knowing!

Description:

Located in the southern tip of Old San Juan, this stylish promenade hosted a former Spanish prison, which now houses the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. It offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Bay and is bordered by a huge colonial wall. Several cultural activities are held here throughout the year. Walking the full promenade also offers views of Isla de Cabras, a beautiful small island located in the bay. The Paseo is the place for an afternoon 'Piragua', a traditional Puerto Rican sweet concoction made from ice and tropical fruit syrups.

Our Local Expert Says:

Educational and breath-taking, El Morro is the picturesque gem of Old San Juan and well worth the trek to its massive front doors.

Description:

Construction of El Fuerte San Felipe del Morro or just El Morro, was started in 1540 to protect the coast from invading enemies. The fort is the main attraction of Old San Juan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 16th century citadel is monumental in size and breathtaking to look at. The grounds that surround it make it an even more majestic place. Enjoy the area like locals do; by flying kites, eating piraguas (shaved flavored ice) or just laying on the grass, feeling the wind that comes from the Atlantic sea.

Our Local Expert Says:

One might occasionally stumble across some music or crafts displays, but mainly this is a well-traversed plaza in the center of Old San Juan's most commercial area.

Description:

This pigeon-populated Plaza stands in front of the Spanish colonial style-built Casa Alcaldía or City Hall. Relax and sip an espresso at one of the local cafés or attend a open air performance, as several are slated throughout the year. The Plaza is now a "designated" meeting place for Sanjuaneros and visitors alike. Several shops and eateries are located throughout the area.

Description:

The Catedral de San Juan is considered a 'Minor Basilica' by the Roman Vatican. It is located on Calle del Cristo, facing the plaza that's right next to the Convento Hotel. The cathedral's construction began in 1521 inspired in Gothic architecture. The vaulted tower, ceilings and its circular staircase are all original elements that can still be seen. The remains of Puerto Rico's first governor, Juan Ponce de León are interred here.

Description:

Located on Calle de San Sebastián, this small museum is devoted to the life and music of the loved and famous Catalan cellist, Pablo Casals. Although not Puerto Rican by birth, he was loved dearly by the locals here. Casals is known for his lifetime friendship with the late Puerto Rican governor, Luis Muñoz Marín. His life is now remembered in the yearly 'Festival Casals'. Casals' memorabilia, CDs, tapes and videos are available in the gift shop.