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WORLD ▫ NORTH AMERICA ▫ PUERTO RICO ▫ SAN JUAN


San Juan

Understand


Location
San Juan is the oldest city in the United States. San Juan is located in the north-east of Puerto Rico, and features distinctly century-old architecture, such as Spanish military forts built from the 1540s to 1800s, an active harbor, and a very active economic area in the Hato Rey district. San Juan boasts magnificent beaches, hotels, plazas, historic sites, museums, etc.

Climate

San Juan is a tropical city, with temperature that ranges in summer from 67˚F to 97˚F (19˚C to 36˚C) in winter. San Juan is normally sunny, but has a tendency to receive rain from April to November in the afternoon. Be also mindful that San Juan and the rest of Puerto Rico have the possibility of having tropical systems such as hurricanes from July to November.

Culture
San Juan is a Latin American city with Spanish-based culture, mixed with African traditions and Taíno culture. Museums of modern art exist abroad. The citizens of San Juan (called Sanjuaneros) are very festive, as on the rest of the island. San Juan has bars and discotheques all-around the city, from Old San Juan to even the southern part of the city that stay open to 3:00-4:00 AM. San Juan has become very modernized as of late, with its first Metro line (called Tren Urbano) and buses. Like most large cities, however, there is a small population of vagrants and beggars lining the streets.

Eat


  • Creole cuisine. On the Plaza de Colón, enjoy the view along with a great meal. Great spot to stop for a drink, snack & conversation too. Live music weekends & some weekdays. Recently expanded to the second floor. Best meal: stuffed snapper (fillet + lobster, crab, shellfish in a flavorful broth) + rice & beans + sweet plantains.

  • Tierra del Fuego, 3rd Level at Plaza las Américas, 787-294-7019. One of the best Argentinean restaurants where you will be able to savor a tender, juicy cut of meat prepared by chefs and cooks who, together with the warm staff of waiters and hostesses, are without representation of a trade union that can defend their rights of having fair wages and benefits.

  • San Juan Hard Rock Café, Old San Juan.

  • La Bombonera, Calle San Francisco, west of Tanca, Phone: 787-722-0658. 7:30AM-8PM. Authentic local cuisine in an unassuming landmark atmosphere unchanged for decades. Serves lunch and dinner. Fresh pastries. Superlative coffee. Inexpensive.

  • Ajili Mójili Caribbean San Juan, Av. Ashford 1006, Condado, Phone: 787-725-9195. M-F 12PM-3PM; M-Sa 6PM-11PM; Su 12:30PM-4PM and 6PM-10PM. Locals come here for a taste of mofongos (green plantains stuffed with veal, chicken, shrimp, or pork), arroz con pollo, medallones de cerdo encebollado (pork loin sautéed with onions), carne mechada (beef rib-eye stuffed with ham), and lechon asado con maposteado (roast pork with rice and beans).

  • Al Dente, Calle Recinto Sur 309, Old San Juan, Phone: 787-723-7303. M-F 12PM-3PM; M-Sa 6PM-11PM; Sun 12:30PM-4PM and 6PM-10PM. The oldest...

    • more travelguide information

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    El Yunque Rainforest Hiking departing San Juan 6.5 hours

    El Yunque, Puerto Rico

    El Yunque, which gets its name from an Indian spirit Yuquiye meaning 'Forest of Clouds', features over 240 species of plants and wildlife, waterfalls, streams and hiking trails leading to enticing tropical locations.

    There are many ways to see the rainforest but this Hiking Tour excursion will have you viewing typical native towns until you begin your ascent by bus on a modern road through rapidly changing vistas of amazing vegetation, tree orchids, giants ferns, wild flowers, tropical hardwoods, spectacular waterfalls, and views of the entire northeast coast.

    You'll stop at the most beautiful photographic sights - Jokahu Tower, hike to La Mina (35 minutes each way) then and swim or dip the cool water of La Mina Falls (10 minute stop). Make sure you have a good breakfast before this tour!

    Click here for more information and Booking Details

    Rum Distillery and Old San Juan 4.5 hours

    Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Departing from your San Juan hotel, you'll first enjoy a fascinating guided tour of Bacardi, the world's largest rum distillery, where you can sample the goods or buy some liquid souvenirs.

    Then you'll visit one of the best preserved Spanish colonial cities in the world, Old San Juan. Old San Juan is the second oldest city built in the new world (1513). Excellent examples of Spanish Colonial architecture. Blue cobblestone streets, museums, churches and forts make Old San Juan a definite stop on any visit to Puerto Rico.

    The entire city is a National Historic Preservation site! Also on this tour is a 30 minute stop at 500-year old fort.

    Click here for more information and Booking Details

    El Yunque Rainforest and Luquillo Beach from San Juan 8 hours

    Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico

    Departing from San Juan you can combine a visit to the Rain Forest with an afternoon at one of the world's most beautiful beaches. On the Northeast coast of Puerto Rico, Luquillo Beach is the island's best and most popular public stretch of tranquil waters and golden sand. The beach is a huge crescent of white sand lined with coconut palms with the mountains and El Yunque as the backdrop. Offshore are coral formations and spectacular sea life and tropical fish. The water is calm and comfortable - the perfect place for families!

    From here, you will easily explore cool, mountainous and semi tropical El Yunque Rain Forest. The abundant rainfall is shed through rocky rivers creating many cascades of waterfalls and pools. El Yunque hosts a number of unique plant and animal species such as the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot and the tiny coquis, indigenous tree frogs.

    According to ancient Indian Legend, the good spirit 'Yuquiyu' reigned on his mighty mountain-top throne, protecting Puerto Rico and its people. The name Luquillo is derived from this god spirit's Indian name.

    Stops on the tour include:

    • La Coca Waterfall (no swimming, just taking photos)
    • Observation Tower
    • Bano Grande (no swimming)
    • 20 minute walk on Caimitillo Trail (easy walk)
    • 2.5 hours on Luquillo Beach

    Click here for more information and Booking Details





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