Puerto Rico - An island rich in culture, history and eco-adventure

Sailing past El Morro at San Juan harbor. Photo by Sherry Laskin

If visiting a volcanic Caribbean island happens to be on your “to-see” list, consider the diverse island of Puerto Rico. There are several daily non-stop flights from the US mainland into San Juan airport-no passport needed.  But my favorite way to get to Puerto Rico is by cruise ship.  Imagine relaxing on deck as the sun breaks through the purple-grey morning clouds to reveal El Yunque National Rainforest in the east.  As you glide into San Juan harbor, you will sail past what I think is possibly the most spectacular sight in the entire Caribbean. Rising majestically 140 feet above the sea, flying US, Puerto Rico and Spanish military flags, is Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, commonly called El Morro (meaning “promontory” in Spanish). The largest fortress in the Caribbean, El Morro is the most striking of this city’s fortifications, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the San Juan Bay. El Morro was built between 1540 and 1783 to keep seaborne enemies out of San Juan. Among its many wonderful attractions, El Morro features a maze of secret access tunnels and dungeons and a small museum with a detailed history of the fortress. It’s a great place to bring the kids as there is plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep their interest.  El Morro has been designated a National Historic Site.

The fortress is only a thirty minute walk from the port, straight uphill through Old San Juan.  Along the way you will pass small shops, cafes, centuries’ old churches and interesting architecture. Have your cameras ready and batteries charged. Old San Juan is a charming area where the colonial ambiance is well-maintained. From the magnificent 18th century Spanish architecture to the cobblestone streets and well-kept doorways, a visit to this old city is like a journey back in time. After touring El Morro, allow yourself at least an hour or two to meander your way back through town. Stop for a margarita or have lunch in the tropical courtyard patio at El Convento, a 356-year old former convent turned into an incredible 5-star hotel.  It’s difficult to miss this ochre-colored building with its heavy, dark wood entrance; simply walk downhill from El Morro to 100 Cristo Street.
Courtyard patio at El Convento   

There are dozens of helpful uniformed police in Old San Juan ready to assist with directions. For lunch with a local flare, a visit to the El Jibarito restaurant is in order.  Located at 280 Calle Sol, El Jibarito is bustling at lunchtime with families, shoppers and a few tourists who have stumbled upon this Old San Juan favorite.               

 
  Lunch at El Jibarito

While my friend ordered the minute steak, I went for a traditional Puerto Rican dish, roast chicken, plantains and rice and was not disappointed.

Rather make it a beach day? A short taxi ride from the port is Condado Beach. Located only ten miles from historic Old San Juan it is a small slice of paradise. Adjacent to pristine beaches, this lively tourism area hosts countless shops, restaurants, night spots, casinos and of course, hotels. A stroll along Condado’s main road, Ashford Avenue, will lead you along an enchanting seaside pathway. The avenue ends at a beautiful intimate beach and the other side reveals the lovely Condado Lagoon. While in Puerto Rico, you must taste the famous pina colada, with or without rum. The pina colada was created in Puerto Rico in 1954. Don Ramon “Monchito” Marrero, who at the time was a bartender at the Caribe Hilton Hotel, came up with the ingenious idea of mixing rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream and ice in a blender to concoct what was to become the island’s favorite drink.  Consider one of the many shore excursions offered by your ship to get a feel for the real beauty of the island. Or simply walk through the narrow cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, leisurely browse or shop and have an authentic Puerto Rican lunch. What ever you decide to do, you will surely enjoy your visit to San Juan.
 

For more info:  Puerto Rico, San Juan