San Juan, Puerto Rico
Founded In 1510,
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, spreads out along the
northern coast and also inland. Its nucleus is Old San Juan, a
seven square block walled area, sitting on a point of land
between the Atlantic Ocean and San Juan Bay. Old San Juan is
filled with history and culture, and is a living museum. It is
preserved in all its natural grace and beauty, and at 500 years
of age is far from being decrepit. Some of its narrow streets
are paved with small blue-gray cobblestones which came to the
port hundreds of years ago as ships' ballast.
San Juan is a place
to park the car and walk. The terrain is hilly and the sidewalks
steep, but walking is safer than driving under these conditions,
and there is so much to see! There are many charming caf¨¦s at
which to stop, rest and enjoy a cup of fine Puerto Rican coffee
or a meal along the way.
The newer part of
San Juan is a thoroughly modern, bustling city of a million
people. A series of bridges link the inlet with the resort areas
of Condado and Isla Verde as well as the residential communities
of Santurce and the suburbs of Hato Rey and Rio Piedras.
Puerto Rico is a
perfect family destination. The smallest children love the sandy
beaches, the warm shallow seawater and the swimming pools
constructed especially for them. Kite flying on the breezy days
is a favorite pastime. There's no end to the activities
available for older children, including boat rides, shell
collecting, horseback riding, hiking, wind surfing, and
snorkeling. The adults in the family will also enjoy exploring
the underwater wonders of Puerto Rico. On land, they will have
the opportunity to play on what are considered the best golf
courses ion the Carribean. the best golf Most resort hotels
offer programs of activities, and many have play directors and
supervised daily fun for various age groups.
Music is a special
source of Puerto Rican pride, and the bold Latin beat is best
characterized by the music and dance form known as salsa, which
shares not only its name with the Spanish word for "hot sauce"
but also a zesty, hot flavor. This fusion of west African
percussion, jazz (especially swing) and big band and other Latin
beats produces mambo, merengue, flamenco, cha-cha, and rumba.
San Juan is home to
ballet, fine drama, symphony orchestra performances. It is also
the scene of many lively and colorful festivals, which can take
place at any time due to the warm, sunny weather that is present
year round. Government regulated casinos operate in the larger
hotels, and provide enjoyment to many visitors. Most are open
20- 24 hours a day. Horse racing is another favorite sport on
which to wager.
Puerto Ricans
welcome visitors and are eager to show off their city. They are
justifiably proud of its timeless beauty, its warmth and its
zest for life.
Population:
Pop. 437,745;
Metropolitan Area Population: 1,086,376
The largest part of the population is of Spanish descent. There
are also Portuguese, Italians, and French. About 85 percent of
the people are Roman Catholics
Location:
Puerto Rico, commonwealth of United States of America 1000 miles
southeast of Miami and 1600 miles from New York.
Elevation:
8ft
Area:
300 square miles
Country:
Puerto Rico
Time Zone:
Atlantic Time (GMT -4 Hours) Same as Eastern Standard Time
without Daylight Saving Time.
Climate:
Tropical, Hot
Weather:
Average Temperatures (in Fahrenheit):
¡¡
| ¡¡ |
High |
Low |
| January - March |
81 |
70 |
| April - June |
85 |
72 |
| July - September |
86 |
75 |
| October - December |
85 |
72 |
Temperatures
average 78-83F year round. December-April are the coolest
months. Sweaters are necessary in the mountains during winter.
In the hottest months, July-September, temperatures often top
90F. Sunblock is essential year round! About 59 in. of rain
falls annually on the island, most of it during hurricane season
June-November, but rain can fall in brief torrents year round.
This is a warm rain in San Juan, and one can easily "drip dry"
after a shower.
Tourist
Assistance:
Tourist Offices: In The U.S., Puerto Rico Tourism Company, 575
Fifth Ave., New York, Ny 10017, Phone 212-599-6262 Or
800-223-6350.
Currency:
Currency: U.S. Dollar. Traveler's checks and credit cards are
widely accepted.
Banks:
Mon-Fri 9:30 -3 . Some are open on Saturdays. Credit cards and
traveler's checks are widely accepted.
Post Office:
If you travel to San Juan on a cruise, The easiest way to mail
letters and postcards is from the ship. The U.S. Postal Service
dispatches mail daily. The old post office on Recinto Sur in old
San Juan is open Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm and Sat 8am - noon.
Documentation:
Passport/Visa Requirements: proof of citizenship recommended but
not necessary for U.S. Citizens. All others should have proof of
citizenship. Reconfirm documentation requirements with carrier
before departure.
Departure Tax:
None
Electricity:
110 Volts, 60 cycles AC, same as US.
Telephones & Fax:
¡¡International Dialing
Code:
International telecommunications are good. The pay phones have
instructions in English And Spanish. You can also place
long-distance calls from world service telephone at Pier one:
phone 721-2520
Telephone Area
Code:
787
Emergency:
911
Hospitals:
while the drinking water is considered safe, many residents
drink bottled water. Medical facilities are plentiful in San
Juan and outside the city. The Ashford Memorial Community
Hospital is located in the tourist area of Conrad phone
721-2160. For municipal ambulance service, call 343-2550.
National
Holidays:
Jan 1 New Year's Day
Jan 6 Three King's Day
Jan 11 De Hosts Day
Feb 22 Washington's Birthday
Late Feb. Ponce Carnival
Ma22r Emancipation Day
Apr 5 Good Friday
Apr 7 Easter
Apr 16 De Diego Day
May 30 Memorial Day
Jun 24 San Juan Bautista Day
July 4 Independence Day
Jul 17Munoz Rivera Day
July 25 Constitution Day
July 27 Dr Jos¨¦ Cellos Barbuda's Birthday
Sept 1. Labor Day
Oct 12 Columbus Day
Nov 11. Veteran's Day
Nov 19 Discovery Day
November 25 Thanksgiving Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day
How To Get
Around:
Much of the sightseeing and shopping can be done on foot as
distances around the City are not great.
Driving in
Puerto Rico:
Puerto Rico's 3,500 square miles are a lot of land to explore.
Although you can get from town to town via p¨²blico, it's not the
best way to travel unless your Spanish is good and you know
exactly where you're going. In spite of traffic signs in Spanish
and aggressive fellow drivers, a rental car may be best for
exploring outside the old city. Roads in Puerto Rico are well
marked with distances posted in kilometers and speed limits in
miles per hour. Be aware that many of Puerto Rico's newer roads
are toll roads, so keep change handy. Roads in the interior of
the island can be narrow and steep. Chickens and dogs share the
road with vehicles. You may find that local drivers travel at
high speeds regardless of road conditions or narrowness of the
roads. Drive defensively and make sure to buy a good road map.
Public
Transportation:
catch one of the free, open-air trolleys by getting on near the
terminal or anywhere along their routes: one follows a
northwesterly path Boulevard De Valle and Calle Norzagaray To
Calle Cristo and La Fortaleza while the other travels
northeasterly along San Francisco Street, Plaza De Armas and
Fortaleza Street.
Taxis:
Taxis are readily available at the ship terminal, with
dispatchers supervising loading and unloading. They are usually
the best way to get around San Juan quickly and easily - as long
as you and the driver agree on rates and routes beforehand. a
word of caution: in the past some taxi drivers have been accused
of overcharging passengers, especially tourists. The public
service commission has set up a system to try to improve this
situation.
Local Bus
Service:
Air-conditioned but crowded, public buses run from the harbor to
various locations in the greater San Juan area the Metropolitan
bus authority or AMA, its Spanish acronym covers the greater San
Juan area, which consists of San Juan, Santurce, Rio Piedras,
Hato Rey, Bayamon and Carolina. Small bus companies serve island
towns and environs. Publicos vans and cars are low priced and
offer rides along established routes but may not keep to a
schedule or be very comfortable. In one of these packed public
cars, typically a mini-van or sedan whose license plate includes
the letters "pd" or "p", the 15-minute trip from San Juan to Rio
Piedras, for example, stretches to 45 minutes.
Ferry:
The Aqua Express, a daily ferry service, connects Old San Juan
at Pier Two with Cataño and Hato Rey. .
Airports:
Puerto Rico's Luis Muñoz Mar¨ªn International Airport is located
about 20 minutes east of downtown San Juan, and 10 minutes from
Isla Verde. It is the largest and busiest in the Caribbean. If
you take a cruise that begins in San Juan, most cruise lines
will arrange your transportation from the airport to the pier.
if not, a taxi ride to the port will take about 30 minutes,
depending on traffic. There are also a number of limousine
services. The airport has just undergone a $30 million facelift.
Isla Grande airport, a mile south of the port, handles general
aviation within the island and to other Caribbean islands. An
airplane with pilot can be rented from one of the flying schools
there for a sightseeing flight around the city or the island.
Contact Hill Aviation phone 723-3385.
El Bosque
Nacional Del Caribe
Take Route 3 East From San Juan And Turn Right South On Route
191, About 25 mi. from the city. stop in at the Centro De
Informaci¨®n El Portal El Portal Tropical Forest Information
Center on route 191 at the entrance to the park.
787/888-1810
Daily 9-5
Admission is charged
The best way to see the 28,000-Acre Caribbean National Forest
(Or El Yunque, as it's commonly known) is to go with a tour
guide. Dozens of trails lead through the thick rain forest, and
guides take you to the best observation points, bathing spots,
and waterfalls.
La Fortaleza
721-7000 Ext 2211
9:00-4:00 Mon-Fri
Guided tours in English on the hour, in Spanish every 30 minutes
The governor's palace, built between 1533 and 1540, was used as
a fortress against Carib attacks but greatly expanded in the
19th century. It is believed to be the oldest executive
residence in continuous use in the western hemisphere. Access to
the official areas is not permitted.
Catedral De San
Juan
153 Calle Cristo
787/722-0861
Weekdays 8:30-4; Masses Sat. 7 pm, Sun. 9 am; 11 am, Weekdays
12:15
Built in the 16th century but extensively restored in the 19th
and 20th. the remains of Ponce de Le¨®n are in a marble tomb near
the transept. The Catholic shrine of Puerto Rico had humble
beginnings in the early 1520s as a thatch-topped wooden
structure. Hurricane winds tore off the thatch and destroyed the
church. It was reconstructed in 1540, when the graceful circular
staircase and vaulted Gothic ceilings were added, but most of
the work was done in the 19th century.
Centro
Ceremonial Ind¨ªgena De Tibes
787/840-2255 Or 787/840-5685
Admission charged.
Tues.day - Sunday 9-4.
Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center. At Tibes, are found pre-Ta¨ªno
ruins and burials dating from ad 300 to ad 700. Some
archaeologists, noting the symmetrical arrangement of stone
pillars, surmise the cemetery may have been of great religious
significance. The complex includes a detailed re-creation of a
Ta¨ªno village and a museum.
Castillo
Serrall¨¦s
17 El Vig¨ªa Hill, 787/259-1774. Admission Charged.
Tues.-Sun. 9:30-5.
A splendid Spanish revival mansion perched on El Vig¨ªa Hill that
recalls the era of the sugar barons.
After hurricane damage, El Morro Trail, a jogger's paradise, is
being reconstructed. The trail provides Old Town's most scenic
views across the harbor. The first part extends to the San Juan
Gate; it then goes by the well-preserved walls of El Morro, a
16th-century fort, and eventually reaches a scenic area known as
Bastion de Santa Barbara. The trail is designed to follow the
rhythm of the movement of the ocean surf, and sea grapes and
tropical vegetation surround benches that are perfect for a
rest. The walk is romantic at night, when the walls of the
fortress are illuminated.
Fuerte San
Felipe Del Morro/Fuerte San Crist¨®bal
Daily 9:00-5:00
Small admission charge.
San Felipe Del Morro was built in 1591 to defend the entrance to
the harbour, and the 11-hectare fort san crist¨®bal was completed
in 1772 to support El Morro and to defend the landward side of
the city. The massive six-level fortress covers enough territory
to accommodate a nine-hole golf course. It is a labyrinth of
dungeons, barracks, turrets, towers, and tunnels. its small,
air-conditioned museum traces the history of the fortress. Tours
and a video show are available in English.
Plaza Del Quinto
Centenario
The Plaza Del Quinto Centenario, Inaugurated On 12 October 1992
To Commemorate The 500th Anniversary Of Columbus' Landing, is a
modernistic square on several levels with steps leading to a
central fountain with hundreds of jets good view of El Morro,
the cemetery and sunsets.
Bicardi Plant
787-788-1500
2.5 miles west of Cataño at km 2.6 on State Road 888, across the
straits from El Morro Castle, is the world's largest rum
factory.
Take the ferry and then a taxi. Displays and samples are
offered. A one hour tour leaves every 30 minutes.
Mon-Sat 8:30-4:30
Free admission.
Cuartel De
Ballaj¨¢
724-5052
Mon-Frid 10:00-4:00, Sat-Sun 11:00-5:00
Guided Tours Available Weekdays 1030, 1130, 1230 And 2:00
Free
Once the barracks for Spanish Troops and their families, was
also inaugurated 12 October 1992 with the museum of the americas
on the second floor tracing the cultural development of the
history of the new world.
Dominican
Convent
724-0700
Chapel museum open Wed-Sun 9:00-12:00, 1:00-4:30
Built in the early 16th century, later used as a headquarters by
the US Army, is now the office of the institute of culture, with
a good art gallery. Cultural events are sometimes held in the
patio, art exhibitions in the galleries.
Iglesia De San
Jos¨¦
Calle San Sebasti¨¢n, Plaza De San Jos¨¦, 787/725-7501. Admission
Free.
Mon-Sat 8:30-4:00, Sun Mass at noon
With its vaulted ceilings, this is a splendid example of
16th-century Spanish Gothic architecture. The church, one of the
oldest in the western hemisphere, was built in 1532 under the
supervision of Dominican friars. The body of Ponce de Le¨®n was
buried here for almost 300 years before being moved in 1913 to
the Catedral De San Juan.
Casa De Los
Contrafuertes
724-5949
Wed-Sun 9:00-4:30
Early 18th Century, believed to be the oldest private residence
in the old city, now has periodic art exhibitions on the second
floor and a small pharmacy museum with 19th century exhibits on
the ground floor.
Casa Blanca
1 Calle San Sebasti¨¢n
724-4102
Tue-Sun 9:00-12:00, 1:00-4:30
Guided Tours Tue-Fri By Appointment.
Admission charged.
Built in 1523 by the family of Ponce De Le¨®n, who lived in it
for 250 years until it became the residence of the Spanish and
then the US military Commander-in-Chief. It is now a historical
museum which is well worth a visit.
The Alcald¨ªa, Or
City Hall
724-7171 Ext 2391
Mon-Fri 8:00-4:00 Except Holidays
Built 1604-1789.
The Intendencia
722-2121
Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00, 1:00-4:30
Formerly the Spanish colonial exchequer, a fine example of 19th
century Puerto Rican Architecture, now houses Puerto Rico's
State Department.
The Naval
Arsenal
724-5949
Wed-Sun 9:00-12:00, 1:00-4:30
The last place in Puerto Rico to be evacuated by the Spanish in
1898, exhibitions are held in three galleries.
Casa Del
Callej¨®n
725-5250
Both Museums Closed For Restoration
A restored 18th-century house containing two colonial museums,
the architectural and the Puerto Rican Family.
Reserva Natural
Las Cabezas De San Juan
The reserve is open to the public, by reservation only,
Friday-Sunday and to tour groups Wednesday-Thursday. Tours are
given on request in advance, by phone four times Daily; An
English tour is available at 2 Pm. Rte. 987, Km 5.8
787/722-5882 Or 787/860-2560
Most of Puerto Rico's natural habitats are rolled into Las
Cabezas Reserve's 316 acres. nineteenth-century El Faro, one of
the island's oldest lighthouses, is restored and still
functioning. The wide variety of birds makes this a favorite
spot for bird watchers.
Jard¨ªn Bot¨¢nico
(Botanical Garden)
Intersection Of Rtes. 1 and 847 at entrance to Barrio Venezuela,
R¨ªo Piedras
787/767-1710.
Admission free.
Daily 9-4:30
The main attraction at the University of Puerto Rico is the lush
75-acre forest of more than 200 species of tropical and
subtropical vegetation. Gravel footpaths lead to a graceful
lotus lagoon, a bamboo promenade, an orchid garden with some
30,000 plants, and a palm garden. Signs are in Spanish and
English. Trail maps are available at the entrance gate.
Additional
Museums
Pablo Casals
Museum
723-9185
Tue-Sat 9:30-5:30
Pablo Casals museum is in an 18th century house beside San Jos¨¦
church, with Casals' cello and other memorabilia.
San Juan Museum
Of Art And History
Norzagaray Y Macarthur
724-1875
Tue-Sun 10:00-4:00
Built in 1855 as a marketplace, now a cultural centre with
exhibition galleries.
Museo de Arte de
Puerto Rico
787/977-6277
399 De Diego Avenue in Santurce
Tuesday through Sunday 10 - 5
Admission charged. The museum's gallery is open to the public on
Wednesdays until 8pm for special interactive and educational
programs.
Launched in the summer of 2000, this is one of the island's most
important art museums. It houses more than 250 pieces, including
works by two of Puerto Rico's most recognized artists: Campche
and Rafael Tufiño.
Visitors may also view works by gifted international artists,
attend films in the state-of-the-art theater, or participate in
classes in the 5 acre sculpture garden.
Observatorio De
Arecibo
This facility is part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere
Center of Cornell University. Rte. 625
787/878-2612.
Admission Charged
Wed.-Fri. Noon-4, Weekends 9-4.
The town of Arecibo is home to the world's largest radar/radio
telescope: a 20-acre dish, with a 600-ton suspended platform
hovering over it, sits in a 565-ft-deep sinkhole. Visitors can
take a self-guided tour of the observatory. This is where where
groundbreaking work in astronomy, including SETI, the Search for
Extraterrestrial Intelligence, continues.
Casa Del Libro
723-0354
Tue-Sat, Except Holidays, 11:00-4:30
An 18th century house on Calle Cristo, has a collection of rare
books, including some over 400 years old.
Museum of the
Sea
725-2532
On pier one, with a collection of maritime instruments and
models. Open when the pier is open for cruise ships.
Museo De Arte De
Ponce Ponce Museum Of Art
Av. Las Am¨¦ricas, 787/848-0505 Or 787/848-0511
Admission charged
Daily 10-5.
The Indian
Museum
Calle San Jos¨¦ 109 On The Corner Of Luna
724-5477 Or 722-1709
Tue-Sat 9:00-4:00
No admission charge
The Indian museum concentrates on Puerto Rican indigenous
cultures, With exhibits, ceramics and archaeological digs.
Fort San
Jer¨®nimo
77245949
Wed-Sun 9:30-12:00, 1:00-4:30
Another museum in the old city, it is a military museum.
R¨ªo Piedras
755-7979
Tue-Sat 9:00-1:00
Founded In 1714 but became incorporated into San Juan in 1951.
On the edge of R¨ªo Piedras, the gardens and library of the
former governor, Luis Muñoz Mar¨ªn, are open to the public, with
a museum showing his letters, photos and speeches.
The University
Of Puerto Rico
764-0000, Ext 2452
Mon-Fri 9:00-9:00, Weekends 9:00-3:00
The University of Puerto Rico at R¨ªo Piedras is in a lovely
area. The University Museum has archaeological and historical
exhibitions, and also monthly art exhibitions.
Botanical Garden
250-0000 Ext 6580
Daily 9:00-4:30
The Botanical Garden at the agricultural experiment station has
over 200 species of tropical and subtropical plants, a bamboo
promenade one variety can grow four feet in a day, an orchid
garden over 30,000 orchids, and an aquatic garden.
Hato Rey
The financial district of San Juan nicknamed 'The Golden Mile'.
Lu¨ªs Muñoz Mar¨ªn
Park
Avenida Jes¨²s T Piñero
Tue-Sun 9:00-5:00
Covers 35 Hectares, which can be toured by a one kilometre cable
car.
Parque Luis
Muñoz Mar¨ªn
Next To Las A
Admission Free; Parking $1 Per Vehicle.
Tues.-Sun. 9-5.
This idyllic 90-acre tree-shaded park is dotted with gardens,
lakes, playgrounds, and picnic areas. An aerial gondola connects
it with the parking area and provides a 61/2-minute tour of the
grounds. An outdoor amphitheater is the venue for plays,
concerts, and folk performances.
Museum Of
Contemporary Puerto Rican Art Santurce
The Sacred Heart University
268-0049
Tue-Sat 9:00-4:00, Sunday 11:00-5:00
Fine Arts Center
724-4751
Opened in 1981, with theatres and halls at the corner of De
Diego and Ponce De Le¨®n.
Parque De Las
Cavernas Del R¨ªo Camuy
Rte. 129, Km 20
787/898-3100 or 787/898-3136
Admission and parking fee.
Tues.-Sun. 8-4. Last tour starts At 3:50
The 250-Acre R¨ªo Camuy reserve contains one of the world's
largest cave networks. Tours take you on a tram down through
dense tropical vegetation to the cave entrance, where you
continue on foot over underground trails, ramps, and bridges.
The caves, sinkholes, and subterranean streams are all
spectacular. Be sure to call ahead; the tours allow only a
limited number of people, and hours change slightly in the
off-season.
San Crist¨®bal
Admission Charged.
Daily 9-5.
787/729-6960
This 18th-Century fortress guarded the city from land attacks.
even larger than El Morro, San Crist¨®bal was known in its heyday
as the Gibraltar of the West Indies.
Miramar
A residential area having several moderately priced hotels as
well as some expensive ones. Miramar is separated from the
Atlantic coast by the Condado Lagoon and the Condado Beach area,
where the luxury hotels, casinos, nightclubs and restaurants are
concentrated. From Condado the beach front is built up eastwards
through Ocean Park, Santa Teresita, Punta Las Mar¨ªas and Isla
Verde. Building is expanding along the narrow strip beyond Isla
Verde, between the Sea and the airport. Along this road, Avenida
Boca De Cangrejos, there are lots of food trucks selling
barbecued specialties.
Scuba Diving And
Snorkeling
The diving is
excellent off Puerto Rico's south, east, and west coasts as well
as its offshore islands. it's best to choose specific locations
with the help of a guide or outfitter, who will know current
conditions and safety concerns. Snorkeling and scuba
instruction, equipment rentals, and tours are available at the
following:
Boquer¨®n Dive
Shop
Main St., Boquer¨®n, 787/851-2155.
Caribbean School
Of Aquatics
Taft St. No. 1, Suite 10f, San Juan, 787/728-6606.
Caribe Aquatic
Adventures
Radisson Normandie Hotel,
Corner of Av. Rosales And Av. Muñoz Rivera,
Puerta De Tierra, San Juan, 787/724-1882 Or 787/281-8858.
Coral Head
Divers
Palmas Del Mar, Rte. 906,
Humacao, 787/850-7208 Or 800/635-4529.
Dive Copamarina
Copamarina Beach Resort, Rte. 333, Km 6.5,
Gu¨¢nica, 787/821-0505, Ext. 729, Or 800/468-4553
Mundo Submarino
Laguna Garden Shopping Center,
Av. Baldorioty De Castro, Carolina,
787/791-5764.
Parguera Divers
Training Center
Hotel Posada Por Lamar, Rte. 304, Km 3.3,
La Parguera, 787/899-4171.
Puerto Rican
Diver Supply
A-E6 Santa Isidra 111,
Fajardo, 787/863-4300.
The Artisan
Markets
Sixto Escobar Park Calle Cuevillas,
Puerta de Tierra, San Juan, 787/722-0369 Luis Muñoz Mar¨ªn Park
Next to Las Am¨¦ricas expressway West on Av. Piñero,
Hato Rey, San Juan, 787/763-0568.
Casinos
By law, all casinos are in hotels. The government keeps a close
eye on them. Dress for the larger casinos tends to be on the
more formal side. the law permits casinos to operate noon-4 am,
but individual casinos set their own hours. hotels that house
casinos have live entertainment most weekends, restaurants, and
bars; drinks are usually served in the casino to players. The
minimum age is 18.
Plaza Acu¨¢tica
787-754-9800
Fax: 787-751-9009
For beach lovers and water fanatics. There are water slides, a
giant wave pool, spiraling body slides, activity pool and kiddy
pool. Professionally trained lifeguards, first aid and security
staff are on duty. There are also gift shops, two 18-hole
mini-golf courses and a large, dry play area for children.
Facilities are available for birthday parties and private
activities.
Luis A. Ferr¨¦
Science Park
Rt. 167, Ave. Comerio
787-740-6868
Wed -Fri 9-4, Sat-Sun 10-6
A science park for the whole family to enjoy
Plaza del Quinto
Centenario
This plaza is the cornerstone of Puerto Rico's commemoration of
the 500th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of the New World in
1492. Dominated by a giant stone pillar and a beautiful ground
level fountain (it's not enclosed and the children get soaked,
which makes it that much more enjoyable).
Museo del Niño
787-722-3791
Tues-Thurs 9-3:30 Fri. 9-5; Sat., Sun. 12:30-5
A very popular children's museum with educational exhibits. On
the Plaza de Catedral.
Ponce Boardwalk
This is the boardwalk on the Caribbean Sea, just across from the
Ponce Yacht Club. There are lots of food kiosks in this open air
venue. Free transportation to the central plaza on the Chu-Chu
Train.
R¨ªo Piedras
Botanical Garden
787-763-4408
Daily 8-4:30
Rt 1 at Rt 847, San Juan
A major botanical garden, located in San Juan. Affiliated with
the University of Puerto Rico.
Ponce Trolley
Tour
Ponce
787-284-4141
Free daily tour of the historic zone starting at the central
plaza.
Parque de Bombas
Plaza las Delicias, Ponce
In the central plaza, behind the Catedral de la Guadalupe, this
century-old wooden firehouse is open to the public. It is
painted bright red and black. Antique fire engines on the first
floor; exhibits on the second floor.
Tibes Indian
Ceremonial Center
Rt 503, Km 2.1, Ponce
787-840-2255
This major historical site goes back to 400AD. An impressive
museum and grounds. Tues-Sun 9-4.
Isabela Trolley
Calle Corchado #75, Isabela
787-782-2100 EXT 201
Call Isabela City Hall for reservations.
A trolley service for visitors.
Humpback Whales
Rinc¨®n
Humpback whales may be seen in the winter from the observation
park at the Rinc¨®n Lighthouse.
El Yunque
(Caribbean Nat.Forest)
Rt 191 Km 4.2, R¨ªo Grande
787-888-1810
Daily 7-6
Forest hikes, camping, visitors center, exhibits. The only rain
forest in the US forest service system.
Aguadilla
This is one of the world's great beach, surfing and sports beach
areas. The beaches are too numerous to mention as the run they
entire coastline from Rinc¨®n to the south to Isabela to the
east. The surfers, windsurfers, beach scuba divers and all their
support crew and admirers are great fun to watch. It is even
more fun to join in. Winter is the peak surfing season.
Beaches
By Law, All Puerto
Rican Playas Beaches are open to the public. The government runs
13 balnearios public beaches, which have dressing rooms,
lifeguards, parking, and in some cases picnic tables,
playgrounds, and camping facilities. Admission is free, parking
is $2. Most balnearios are open 9-5 daily in summer and
Tuesday-Sunday the rest of the year.
For more information contact the Department Of Recreation and
Sports 787/722-1551 Or 787/724-2500.
Isla Verde
This white-sand beach has good snorkeling, with equipment and
chair rentals along the beach. Close to San Juan, It's a lively
and popular beach.
Parque De Tercer
Milenio
Third millennium park. On the Puerta de Tierra stretch at the
entrance to old San Juan, the park encompasses Balneario
Escambr¨®n, a patch of honey-color beach with shade from coconut
palms and a mostly gentle surf. There are showers available, and
several restaurants; and the park is open daily 7-7.
Playita Condado
Kids will like Playita Condado, marked Condado Public Beach on
its sign. The small beach has an even surf and some shade from
trees and is adjacent to the Condado Plaza Hotel off busy
Avenida Ashford.
Balneario
Boquer¨®
On the southwest coast is a broad beach of hard-packed sand
fringed with coconut palms. It has picnic tables, cabin rentals,
a basketball court, a minimarket, and scuba-diving and
snorkeling outfitters nearby.
Playa Luquillo
Crescent-shaped Playa Luquillo comes complete with coconut
palms, changing rooms, lockers, showers, picnic tables, tent
sites, and stands that sell Puerto Rican savories and tropical
cocktails. Coral reefs protect its crystal-clear lagoon from the
Atlantic waters, making it an ideal place to swim. It's one of
the island's largest and best-known beaches and is crowded on
weekends. It also has a "mar sin barreras" (sea without
barriers), ramp that allows wheelchair users water access
787/889-4329 or 787/889-5871.
Playa Flamenco
This spectacularly beautiful beach is on the north shore of
Culebra island. The 3-mile-long crescent has shade trees, clear,
shallow water, picnic tables, and rest rooms and is popular on
weekends with day-trippers from Fajardo. In winter, storms in
the Atlantic often create great waves for bodysurfing.
Playa Soni
This wide strand of sparkling white sand is located on the
eastern end of Culebra, on a protected bay with calm waters. The
views of the islets of Culebrita, Cayo Norte, and St. Thomas are
stunning. Snorkeling here is popular, too. As there are no
facilities and little shade, bring lots of water and an
umbrella.
Vieques
Nothing in Puerto Rico in recent months has generated more
headlines than the 52-square-mile island of Vieques (about the
size of Aruba), off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. Local
residents have protested the presence of the U.S. Navy here
since the 1950s. The Navy has long found the island an ideal
terrain for use as a bombing range. Activists charge the Navy is
ignoring health and environmental hazards. A compromise has been
reached, which includes the promise of $90 million in aid if
residents will allow exercises with live ammunition to continue.
Most of Vieques consists of long, natural, and pristine beaches
of white sand.
The visitor information center 787/741-5000 is in the fishing
village of Esperanza
Other Vieques
beaches are: Playa Sun Bay, a gorgeous stretch of sand with
picnic facilities and shade trees.
Red and blue beaches, on the U.S. Marine/Camp Garcia base open
to the public 6-6 when military exercises are not in progress,
are superb for snorkeling and privacy.
Bah¨ªa Mosquito Bay is best experienced on moonless nights, when
millions of bioluminescent organisms glow when disturbed.
Festivals
Everything is closed on public holidays. One of the most
important is 24 June, though in fact the capital grinds to a
halt the previous afternoon and everyone heads for the beach.
There is loud salsa music and barbecues until midnight when
everyone walks backwards into the sea to greet the Baptist and
ensure good fortune. 25 July is the D¨ªa de la Constituci¨®n and
when this takes place on a weekend it is almost impossible to
get a hotel room. Reservations should be made in advance. Every
town/city has local holidays for harvest festivals (pineapple,
tobacco, sugar cane, etc) and for celebration of the town's
saint. There is a festival somewhere every week.
Several towns and regions also have pre-lenten carnivales,
complete with parades, folk music, local dishes, a carnival
queen pageant, and music competitions. all are in early to late
February.
January:
New Year's Day (1 Jan) - Public holiday; most businesses closed.
Three King's Day (6 Jan) - Religious holiday celebrated around
the island with feasts and parties.
De Hostos Day (11 Jan) - Half-day holiday honors Eugenio Maria
de Hostos, an educator and patriot.
San Sebastian Street Festival (mid-January) - Street party in
Old San Juan with music, dancing, food and crafts.
February:
San Blas Marathon (early Feb) - Half-marathon in the southern
town of Coamo attracts international and local runners. It's
Puerto Rico's biggest race, and the crowds are always large.
Ponce Carnival (late February) - Every city in Puerto Rico
honors its patron saint with a festival, but Ponce celebrates in
grand fashion with processions, parades and floats. Colorful
paper-mache masks are worn by many of the revelers.
March:
Emancipation Day (22 Mar) - This half-day holiday commemorates
the emancipation of slaves.
April:
Good Friday and Easter - These religious holidays are the most
solemn days of the year. The island nearly comes to a halt.
De Diego Day (19 Apr) - Celebration of the birth of Jose de
Diego, writer, poet and statesman who was the first Puerto Rican
president under U.S. rule.
June:
Casals Festival (mid-June) - The island's premier cultural event
honors Pablo Casals, who founded the festival in 1957. It
showcases top musicians from around the world as well as local
talent. At the Performing Arts Center in Santurce. Tickets US
$20-$40; phone 809-721-7727 or 728-5744.
San Juan Bautista Day (23 Jun) - The island's patron saint is
celebrated at the beach, as "sanjuaneros" take to the water
backward in order to bring good luck for the coming year.
July:
Barranquitas Artisans Fair (mid July) - The original artisans'
fair in the hill town of Barranquitas still draws hundreds of
crafts people (carvings, masks, jewelry, and paintings).
Munoz Rivera Day (19 Jul) - Celebration of birth date of
statesman Luis Munoz Rivera, Puerto Rico's first resident
commissioner in Washington and father of Puerto Rico's first
elected governor, Luis Munoz Marin.
Loiza Carnival (late July) - St. James the Apostle is honored as
Loiza residents masquerade with masks and costumes designed to
frighten off the evil spirits. Music, dancing, food and crafts.
October:
Bomba y Plena (7-9 Oct) - Music festival celebrating the
island's African-Caribbean heritage with music and dancing in
Old San Juan.
Columbus Day (21 Oct) - Half-day holiday, known as La Raza, that
commemorate Columbus' landing in the New World.
November:
Discovery Day (19 Nov) - Public holiday commemorating the day in
1493 when Columbus reached Puerto Rico; all businesses closed.
Thanksgiving Day (mid-November) - Businesses and offices closed.
Most families gather for dinner; many restaurants offer special
meals at reasonable prices.
December:
Bacardi Arts Festival - The largest festival for artisans on the
island. Just about every craftsman turns out for this fair on
the grounds of the Bacardi Rum Distillery.
Christmas Day (25 Dec) - Religious holiday; most businesses
closed.
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