Old San Juan reflects Spanish, African and Indian roots. San Juan is one of the biggest natural harbors in the Caribbean and is the second oldest city in the Americas. This beautiful city, called “La Ciudad Amurallada,” was founded in 1521.
The colonial buildings look the same as they did in the 1600’s. The cobblestone used for the streets were originally brought over as ballast in the hulls of Spanish ships. The anchor of the Old Town is El Morro, an enormous walled fort built in the 16th century to protect San Juan from attacks by sea. Today the area is maintained as a national historic site with many interpretive displays. The lighthouse at El Morro is part of the U.S. national parks system. There is an adjacent fort called San Cristobal and the governor’s mansion, La Fortaleza, built in 1530. These sites are often included in the city and shopping tours offered by the cruise lines, and the area is also easy to explore just walking around. For a taste of local cuisine, visit a street vendors afor tostones (fried green plantains.) Some vandor shape them into a cup and fill them with shrimp in sauce or other meats. Delicious! You can also find mofongo, which is cooked and mashed plantains served with meat or fish.
New San Juan is a more contemporary area with high-rise buildings and shops. You can find upscale shopping in the Condado and Isla Verda areas, as well as casinos and the best beaches on the island.
If you’ve been to the city before, another option is El Yunque National Forest. This 28,000 acre preserve is home to more than 250 types of trees. Learn about the ecosystem in the forest center, or enjoy the view from the Yokahu Observation Tower.
