Puerto Rico: Visiting Old San Juan
The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico was a Spanish possession for centuries before becoming a part of the United States. This Spanish influence is still visible in everything from the cuisine, and the local dominant language, to the architecture all around.
Old San Juan
The capital city of Puerto Rico is San Juan, and the older districts of the city feature buildings that date from the seventeenth and even sixteenth centuries. Two existing forts on the island date from the same rough period. San Felipe del Morro, often simple called "El Morro," overlooks the coast; in its heyday, it helped to protect the residents of Puerto Rico from pirate invasions. Both El Morro and San Cristobal can be visited by tourists interested in learning more about the "golden age" of Puerto Rico, when it was an island of major importance in the emerging New World.
Tourists who stay in vacation rentals on Puerto Rico will want to be sure to visit the main tourist office in old San Juan. Located in a restored building that used to serve as the city jail, the office is situated just a short distance from San Juan Gate, the sole surviving entrance to the city that dates from colonial days. Inside this gate, many streets are paved with blue cobblestones worn smooth with age.
San Juan attractions not to be missed also include the San Juan Cathedral. Not only is this the oldest building in the city, it is actually the second oldest European building in the western hemisphere.
Learn More About
Puerto Rico
Below you will find writings from other Puerto Rico vacation rental owners about the area they know best! It's a great way to learn first hand about the Puerto Rico region and all that it has to offer!
Puerto Rico
Posted by Mary E Stover on Saturday, March 28, 2009
The West Coast (Costa del Sol) of Puerto Rico is wonderful for surfing, snorkeling, cultural, wonderful eating and entertainment in a relaxed, family style atmosohere you will want to return to again and again. The beaches are picturesque, noted by Travel & Leisure for the best beaches in the world. Uncrowded, easily acccessible, great value.
Dorado, Puerto Rico
Posted by Nelida Rios on Saturday, May 19, 2007
Dorado, Puerto Rico is called the cleanest city in Puerto Rico. Located on the north side of the island facing the Atlantic Ocean just twenty minutes from San Juan. The beach is one of the main attractions in Dorado, nice and quite during the week it wakes up on weekends with music, fun and food by most of the small business in the area. Dorado sports some of the best golf courses on the island starting with the Dorado Del Mar Golf Club. Other attractions are:
Ojo del Buey or otherwise known as The Ox's Eye, is a wonderful family recreation spot.
La Casa del Rey Museum is a sobering celebration of Puerto Rico's culture and history.
Casa Alegria Museum
The Casa Alegria Museum, former residence of master painter Marco Juan Alegria, features an exhibit hall, an art school and memorabilia from past decades.
Dorado Nightlife:
Mangere - Cuisine: Italian
Palma Dorada - Cuisine: Traditional
Club House, Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort - Cuisine: Traditional, Puerto Rican
Geography and Climate
Posted by Nelida Rios on Saturday, May 19, 2007
The island of Puerto Rico is located in the northern Caribbean Sea, some 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) southeast of Florida. With the Dominican Republic to its west and the British Virgin Islands to its east, the commonwealth comprises the main island of Puerto Rico together with the smaller islands of Culebra and Vieques. On Puerto Rico, coastal plains and hills rise to the peaks of the Cordillera Central mountain range, which runs though the interior of the island. The island is dotted with rivers and lakes, and features a lush rain forest, El Yunque, in the northern plateau region.
Warm Caribbean currents keep Puerto Rico's climate temperate year-round. Temperatures rarely drop below 19C (66F) or rise above 32C (90F). Rain showers are frequent, with the most precipitation falling from May to December. Severe hurricanes can hit the islands between June and November.