Latest News and Information
Blog for tourism lovers
Blog for tourism lovers
Among all of the beautiful scenery that Puerto Rico offers, El Yunque Rainforest is by far the most breathtaking place that tourists will lay eyes on. Formerly known as the Caribbean National Forest, El Yunque is the only tropical forest in the United States National Forest System. In every direction they turn, tourists are met with views of majestic trees that tower over even the largest individual. Though El Yunque is not large by rainforest standards, the overgrown ferns and bamboo will leave you feeling entrenched in a captivating new world.
What to Expect at El Yunque
This natural wonder spans across 28,000 acres and is home to over 240 species of trees and plants. Additionally, the rainforest is also home to many endangered and rare wildlife, making it a magnificent haven that must be protected and maintained.
In fact, El Yunque provides a habitat to the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot, or Amazona vitatta as it is scientifically named. It is one of the ten most endangered species in the entire world. El Yunque also gives a habitat to about fifty other bird species. The rainforest provides a safe home for all of its wildlife and there is no hunting allowed there.
El Yunque hosts a magnificent mountain of the same name, which actually means “anvil” in Spanish. The mountain spans across the rainforest and adds a mystical presence to the environment. The peak is one of the highest in Puerto Rico and is almost always covered in a thin mist. The high humidity around the mountain typically causes light afternoon showers.
What to Do at El Yunque
Visiting the rainforest can present you with a lot of opportunities to capture the beautiful flora and fauna that resides within. If you are in to photography, El Yunque is the perfect place to get beautiful natural images to share with friends and family and keep memories for years to come. Of course there are also guided tours that you can take if exploring on your own seems a little bit overwhelming. There are many trails within El Yunque that allows you to both drive and walk the rainforest on your own.
El Yunque also boasts the majestic La Coca Falls. As you watch the waterfall run dramatically down a mossy cliff, you will feel as though you have been transported to a lovely paradise. This wondrous waterfall is a must see for anyone touring the El Yunque rainforest.
Regardless of how you choose to experience El Yunque, this Puerto Rican treasure is sure to blow you away.
During your vacation to San Juan, Puerto Rico, one of the best spots to visit is Castillo San Cristóbal del Morro. San Juan is very well known for its forts and this location is among the most popular and most visited of all the forts there. Castillo San Cristóbal del Morro is the largest fort that was built by the Spanish in the west hemisphere.
History of Castillo San Cristóbal del Morro
Forts are of significant importance in the history of San Juan and Puerto Rico. They were built to be a crucial line of defense in protecting the island against enemy attacks. Due to the immense wealth of the Caribbean islands, European ships often found their way to the San Juan harbor and would try to take it over. Spanish King Charles III ordered that San Juan become a “Defense of the First Order” and a large wall and smaller fort were made in addition to the fortifications of San Cristóbal and El Morrow.
Though El Morro guarded the bay, San Cristóbal protected the land east of Old San Juan. History showed that building a fortification that protected the city from a land invasion was a much needed security measure. In 1797, Sir Ralph Abercrombi led an invasion that was thwarted by the presence of San Cristóbal.
The San Juan Historical Site was established in 1949 and includes four of the major San Juan fortifications; Castillo San Felipe del Morro, San Cristobal Fort, San Juan de la Cruz Fort, and a majority of the large city wall. The United Nations declared the San Juan Historical Site as part of the World Heritage Site in 1983.
At approximately 150 feet above sea level, the Castillo de San Cristóbal is a large structure that spans across most of the northeast edge of Old San Juan. It was built in about two decades and is over two centuries newer than El Morro.
Visiting
Because of its historical nature and significance, Castillo San Cristóbal del Morro provides tourists with a chance to experience both a lesson in architecture and history. Staring from the parapet of San Cristóbal, you will be able to see most of Old San Juan laid out before your eyes. Stepping inside one of the sentry boxes will even allow you to look out over the water.
Tourists are able to set up guided tours if they wish to learn more in depth information about the history of San Cristóbal and the San Juan forts. Admission for Castillo San Cristóbal del Morro is very inexpensive, making this an absolute must see attraction for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Staying in a Boutique Hotel is a hot trend that is spreading across Europe and also the U.S. A Boutique Hotel is a luxury mini hotel with its own swank and style and caters to those who want to stay in comfort and have upperclass service. These hotels are often designed to a special theme, as some of the hotels are by famous landmarks, so perhaps they incorporate that décor theme in their rooms and service style. In these hotels, there are usually places to wine and dine and wifi and other amenities in the rooms. Celebrities have caught onto a famous boutique hotel in St. Tropez and boutique hotels have be trending ever since.
Another hot spot to stay is the boutique Casa Condado Hotel near San Juan in the Carribean, Puetro Rico. A true by-the-beach boutique hotel, this spot is hot for luxury-loving young and hip travels. It is the epitome of comfort and style and the alluring nightlife and warmth of the carribean will make a traveler want to stay longer. Beaches, beautiful people and all the amenities a person can imagine, this boutique hotel has it all. Perhaps a favorite spot in the hotel is on the common area terrance where there are luxurious hammocks and seating for guests to convene. There is a beautiful sea breeze and beautiful music in the breathtaking evening for customer enjoyment. There is also complimentary wifi in the common areas. This boutique hotel is a 3-level complex with a grand staircase that allows easy access to the rooms and guest areas. Guest should be sure to enjoy their complimentary cocktail voucher on El Asador Restaurant at Old San Juan after they settle into their rooms. The rooms contain all new appliances, furniture and decoration are new since summer of 2009. The rooms are sparkling, clean and pristine and always a pleasure in which to relax.
Casa Condado Hotel offers the epitome of style, luxury and comfort at the best price for travelers. They offer a first class service experience. There is even a delightful Four Seasons restaurant on the groud floor of Casa Condado that offers delicious Asian Cuisine. There is stunning nightlife only a short walk away and stylish boutiques near this exceptional boutique hotel. There are spas and fitness centers near the hotel and the surrounding beach breeze and gorgeous hot spot will make a travel’s stay memorable and incredible.
60 Condado Ave.
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907
(787) 382-0325