With a history that dates back over centuries, this stone structure truly deserves its place of honor in the National Historic Register. The English and the Dutch forces attacked El Morro or Castillo San Felipe del 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 makeover in 1992.
Located on the northeast corner of Old San Juan, Castillo San Cristóbal is one of the largest fortresses ever built in the Americas. Construction commenced in 1634 and the fort was redesigned in the 19th Century. With its impressive walls reaching over 100 feet (30.48 meters) above the crashing waves, its primary function was to guard San Juan against land attacks. San Cristobal is attached to El Morro by colossal walls filled with cannon-firing positions. Daily free tours are offered in English and in Spanish.
The highly relevant San Juan National Historic Site occupies immense monumental value. It is situated in the Old San Juan vicinity of San Juan. The site encompasses a massive 75.13 acres (30.404 hectares) of land area. It was established in 1949 and pulls in crowds in great numbers. The Castiilo San Felipe del Morro is a distinctive fortress located on the site. The stunning Castillo de San Cristobal is another significant highlight and the fort is a must-see. The site is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also famously included in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Tito Puente Amphitheatre is a hot spot for all kinds of upbeat music, conveniently located just south of Estadio Mun Hiram Bithorn in Parque Luis Muñoz Marin.
This small museum houses the pre-Colombian artifacts collection belonging to the Universidad de Puerto Rico (University of Puerto Rico, or UPR). In addition to the artifacts, you'll find historic documents and art. The space serves as an exposition hall for contemporary art from local artists as well. The museum, while small, is well maintained and is constantly visited by students and faculty. The admission is free of charge. The museum stands just in front of the University's main library.
One of the oldest protected areas in the Western Hemisphere, the pristine expanse of El Yunque National Forest comes alive with lush rainforests, a diverse wildlife, and ancient Puerto Rican myths. The rainforest ambles up the steep slopes of the Sierra de Luquillo mountains, until it reaches an anvil-like peak that looks out onto the vast tropical wonderland. Its thundering depths are home to a rich wildlife that survives in a humid sub-tropical climate, while its warm corners are blessed with nearly 200 inches (5.08 meters) of average rainfall every year. The forest resounds with the croaks of the vibrant coqui tree frog and the fabled Puerto Rican parrot, two endemic species that live within El Yunque. Once believed to be the home of the local deity Yuquiyú, the El Yunque National Forest is home to eight large rivers that originate here, and many waterfalls of various shapes and sizes that cascade down from craggy edges.
Located in the Hato Rey district, this interesting art gallery offers local and international artists' works, including sculpture, painting and several other mixed media formats. This is a good opportunity to purchase a lasting momento of your visit rather than a collection of knick-knacks emblazoned with "from Puerto Rico." Be sure to call ahead for current exhibitions.
Aviones Beach, in the Piñones sector of Isla Verde, is one of the prime surfing spots in the Greater San Juan area. It is frequented by both professional surfers and 'gremos,' as beginners are called in Puerto Rican surf slang. The beach is called 'aviones' or airplanes because it stands at the end of the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport's runway. Hungry? There are plenty of street-side kiosks selling fresh seafood and fried local creations.
This beautiful 75-acre park is a favorite venue for picture taking, particularly wedding photos. The chapel located in the bamboo forest is also used for small weddings. The orchid gardens display over 30,000 flowers, while 125 different species of trees can be found in the Palm garden. If you are a lover of heliconias, then the exotic flower collection will appeal to you. Here you can view the giant lobster claw variety. Other areas of interest include the outdoor sculpture gardens, the Herbarium and the fantastic "Jardin Monet" with its display of aquatic and terrestrial flowering plants. Admission free. Parking available. Disabled access is limited.
Cajiga Studio web site exhibits Luis Germán Cajiga art work. His work has been displayed at the Puerto Rican Athenian, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, the Museum of the University of Puerto Rico, the Catholic University of Ponce, the Inter-American University and the Museo de Arte de Ponce and all over the world. Acrylics and serigraphs can be ordered online at wholesale prices.
Desto is an art space founded and run by Raquel Quijano, Omar Obdulio and Jason Mena. The Puerto Rican word Desto is a slang expression which means 'this and that'. Both artists and art lovers will enjoy exploring this compact gallery which displays a plethora of art forms. The ambiance maybe casual but the work done here is taken very seriously. Experimentation, innovation and eclectic combination of themes is what one will find here. The shows are full of surprises and minute details. This place is a must-visit for those who have an eye for art.
Board the top-of-the-line catamaran "Barefoot IV" for a leisurely sail to the uninhabited Icacos Island. Swimmers as well as non-swimmers will enjoy being given professional instruction in snorkeling. Explore, collect shells, or wade offshore in crystal clear waters. A picnic lunch includes complimentary piña coladas and rum punch served by the crew on board the ship. For a special treat, the catamaran anchors 200 feet offshore over a living coral reef where you can view the underwater wonders with help from your guide.