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Blog for tourism lovers
Blog for tourism lovers
From snorkeling to biking to kayaking, Puerto Rico is an incredible mecca for outdoor activities and sports. Amazing scenary, tropical temperatures and an array of activities, will render tourists and locals alike astounding athletic options.
Perhaps a favorite thing for tourists especially to try is snorkeling. Pueto Rico boasts beautiful blue waters and tropical fish and crystal clear waters. No wonder snorkeling is a natural favorite tourist activity. Locals, of course, have first pick at the best activites so there is no shortage of snorkeling native instructors. Perhaps one of the finest sights to see is the naturally-occuring coral reef near San Juan. On one specific boat tour, you access an island full of clean, white sand and sparkling waters. Instructors give the option of taking snorkeling instructions with them. To view the reef, you can dive several feet down into the ocean depths and mingle with the tropical fish and underwater anenomes. The experience is one of a kind because there is very little pollution in these waters so the depths are crystal clear with the appropriate snorkeling gear. Once your deep sea dive is complete, you can go back on the sailboat and peruse with the locals and fellow tourists, enjoying complimentary pina coladas and rum punch. There is also a boat picnic with breathtaking views making the experience virtually unforgettable.
If you prefer to get your gears in motion, a dry bike ride might strike your fancy. Experience the charm of Old San Juan from the culture to the night life and mingle with the locals. You can rent the bike for an hour on your own or go ahead and jump aboard one of the famous bike tours. If you’re a go-getter, there is the option to speed cycle with the other athletes just to pump up your heart rate. The heart of the service, though, is being able to hear a tour guide ride with you through the town and view breathtaking beachfronts, lavish hotels and amazing street food kiosks. There is even an option to take your bright orange bike for a booster-seat add-on for your child. You can paint the town, well, orange, with your little tyke on your bike. The best thing about the tour is they take pictures of you on the bike at every stop and email them to your after your tour. The tour even includes a complimentary bottle of water, so you’ll never get parched!
Another incredible tour option is to explore the gorgeous El Yunque Rainforest which is close to San Juan. This rainforest, in addition to being completely different then the rest of the San Juan destinations, is home to over 240 species of plants and wildlife. The trail within the rainforest will open your eyes to incredible natural beauty including waterfalls, streams, orchids, panoramic views and giant ferns. You will also encounter wistful vistas and the sacred territory held high by the Puerto Rican people. It was said to be a forest that watched over the people in historical legends. Be sure to bring your camera to this miraculous tour.
Pueto Rico is a gorgeous mecca of atheltic activities and incredible waters, waterfalls, forests, and people. It is non-stop action for tourists and a visit to Puerto Rico will never be forgotten.
The beaches of San Juan are some of the finest in the world providing picturesque landscapes and access to the beautiful Caribbean Ocean. San Juan offers a wide variety of beaches with something for everyone. San Juan’s beaches offer beautiful sand and warm blue oceans. There are also more than enough opportunities provided on these beaches for the athletically inclined with kayaking, wind-surfing, and surfing. Some of the beaches also are quite wide allowing a variety of beach sports to be played.
Main Beaches in San Juan
One of the most accessible beaches in San Juan is El Escambrón located within the Puerta de Tierra neighborhood. Due to its close proximity to Old San Juan it is very easy to get to and find for most tourists. Because of this it will be crowded especially on weekends during the high tourist season. To escape the crowds you can go to the east side of the Tercer Milinio park. In this area are some nice spots that do not attract as large of crowds as the main beach. El Escambrón also has the benefit of public restrooms and other facilities including a restaurant.
Another popular area to go to see San Juan’s beaches is the Isla Verde area. This area is very popular amongst tourists as it is where many of the resorts and hotels are located. In this area are a variety of beaches such as Pine Grove beach and Carolina public beaches. All of these beaches will usually have a crowd making them ideal for people watching. They are also wide beaches with nice sand perfect for playing sports on or building sand castles. In general these beaches are relatively calm making them a good choice for those with children.
Condado Beach Area
The Condado Beach area is one of San Juans finest areas of beaches offering a variety of spots to fit everyone’s needs. For those that prefer calmer water and a more secluded area there is the “Playita del Condado” meaning Condado’s little beach. This area is the most ideal for families or those that enjoy peace. The eastern section of the Condado Beach area offers a whole different scene. It is located in between the Parque del Indio and the Ventana al Mar Park. It is a very popular beach for younger crowds to go to and socialize. It is also the most popular beach for surfers to frequent. This makes it a great place to go if you wish to watch some Puerto Rican style surfing.
Another beach often associated with the Condado Beach area as it lies adjacent to it is the Ocean Park Beach. It is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. It is also one of the favorite spots for singles to frequent. It is in a much more scenic location than a lot of the Condado Beach area. It also provides some very nice small restaurants with outdoor seating where you can enjoy a drink or a meal. The area around Ocean Park Beach is mostly residential though there are a few bed and breakfasts where tourists can stay. There is also a park where the beach gets its name from with parking for cars as well as tennis courts.
History of Old San Juan
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, a city with rich diversity and a rich history. Founded in 1591 by Juan Ponce de Leon it was used as a military base by the Spanish for many years and Spanish ships with cargo would dock there for protection. In San Juan much of the colonial architecture still remains adding to the romantic feel of the city. The wall build in the 1630’s also remains to this present day. Its impressive sandstone architecture adds even more to the romantic atmosphere in the city.
Old San Juan was not always the beautiful tourist attraction that it is today. In the seventeen century the city survived many attacks and sieges thanks to the artillery at “El Morro”. The most tragic time in the city’s history was is by the 1940’s the city had fallen into disrepair and the authorities were considering tearing the city down and rebuilding. Fortunately one by the name of Ricardo Alegria talked the authorities into keeping and preserving the old city. The preservation and cleaning up of the city is what has made Old San Juan the popular tourist destination that it is today.
Modern San Juan
Modern day Old San Juan is a city filled with many attractions and activities. It boasts cobble stone streets, shops, open air cafes, museums, and tree-shaded plazas all easily accessible through a free tourist trolley. Part of the wall from the 1600’s is also preserved and many enjoy being able to experience this artifact from the seventeenth century. Another point of interest in Old San Juan is El Morro. This fortress’s construction began in 1540, though there were additions made well into the eighteenth century. With six stories and towering 140 feet above the see, El Morro is an impressive display of the cities rich history.
Other architectural masterpieces found in the city are the city gate and the cathedral. The city gate boasts an impressive massive wooden door. This used to be the only way to enter the city. Close by is the cathedral with its intricate Gothic design. Also, within the cathedral one can find the remains of the founder of the city, Juan Ponce de Leon. Another area of interest is the governor’s mansion. Originally this building was built to be used as a fortress but it ended up being used as the governor’s mansion for many of the governors. It is open to guided tours Monday through Friday and is an excellent way to get a glimpse at how a house in San Juan in colonial times would have looked and operated.
Not to be forgotten are the cities many museums. One of the oldest is the San Juan Museum of art and history. This museum was founded in 1855 and has many exhibits dealing with Puerto Rican art. Another noteworthy museum is the Pablo Casals museum. This museum was built for the Puerto Rican people by the late composer Pablo Casals. It features breathtaking displays of his work.
It is easy to see the draw of Old San Juan with its romantic atmosphere, rich history, and many attractions. That is why it continues to be one of the top tourist destination spots in the area. Why not visit it yourself on your next vacation?
60 Condado Ave.
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907
(787) 200 8482