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A place in the sun - where gentle trade winds flow, coconut palms line beaches, warm turquoise waters, beckoning sandy beaches invite swimming, snorkeling and diving, and mountain ranges lure hikers and deep sea fishing. All beckon travelers to this tropical isle of San Juan. The area’s diversity ranges from the very Old San Juan to the hip exclusive resorts along the Atlantic. The mainland is only 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, and contains a dense concentration of high-rise hotels, and contrasting mountain forest regions.
San Juan is perched on the island's northeast coast where mountain ranges are to the east and to the south. Coral reefs protect its crystal-clear waters.
A stroll down the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, walking amid 500-year-old buildings, visitors can catch the ebb and flow of varied music and dancing night scenes, and experience some of the finest local restaurants for sampling.
Groomed mountainous trails encourage walkers and cyclists to explore 600 types of rare plants. Abundant dry forest and rain forest, caves and beaches, and the mountains make the Island a sought-after place to visit.
To reach the farthest ends of the Island, small planes fly from San Juan to Ponce or Aguadilla, and the outlying islands such as Vieques and Culebra. Major Attractions Puerto Rico is rich with natural wonders. Puerto Rico has 20 designated forest reserves; the largest, at 28,000 acres, is El Yunque, the United States' only tropical rain forest. Trails lead to thundering waterfalls and the colors and diversity of the rain forest is captivating. The varieties of the forest are endless; there are 50 types of orchids, 150 species of ferns and more. While El Yunque has 26 animal species all its own, the Guánica Dry Forest Reserve has yet another 16, plus 48 endangered species.
The beach near Aguadilla is legendary for the colorful fishing boats docked on its shores, the long stretches of golden yellow sand and its clear captivating water. Accommodations
Condado, on the east side of Old San Juan is a thin strip of beachfront. Some of the island's most admired hotels, such as the Wyndham Condado Plaza and the San Juan Marriott are located here.
Beyond Ocean Park, is Isla Verde, where another string of luxury high-rises are on this fine stretch of beachfront, including the Ritz-Carlton and the Wyndham El San Juan. Additional excellent hotels include: the Westin Rio Mar Beach Resort & Golf Club; and the Rio Grande Plantation.
The Ritz-Carlton San Juan Hotel Spa & Casino focuses on business travelers and high-end guests. Art works by Latin American artists enhance the lobby lounge Resort hotel of Spanish-influenced architecture.
El Convento Hotel, Old San Juan, was a Carmelite convent 350 years ago. Today it is luxurious and very fashionable. Restaurants
Local eateries for dining are a pleasant adventure with a broad selection of choices available. San Juan diners can find more than 200 restaurants serving everything from Italian to Thai, as well as superb traditional Caribbean Creole food. Maria's on Calle Cristo is sought after for their excellent Puerto Rican bar food.
Seafood and classic European preparations are featured at the elegant restaurant in the Palmas del Mar Country Club. Shopping
Consisting of 400 restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period, San Juan is steeped in history with an old-world and romantic European charm. Their Historic walking area holds interesting shops and also appeal because there is no sales tax. Music/Art Public art has transformed the Puerto Rican capital where a $3 million urban-art project with their parks, plazas, and markets celebrate creativity. The pieces range from realistic to abstract.
Major Attractions The El Yunque National Forest has a beautiful palm-lined beach to explore and enjoy. The El Toro Peak is the second-highest peak in Puerto Rico, and one can hike to the Trade Winds Trail. San Juan is known for its ongoing celebrations and enjoyed by visitors.
Kayaking in San Juan is popular. The local Vieques company, Aqua Frenzy Kayaks, rents kayaks and arranges kayak tours of Bahía Mosquito and other areas .
The entire southwest coast of Cabo Rojo also makes for good biking, diving and snorkeling just off of Puerto Rico's coastal offshore islands. Crystal clear waters can allow visibility to at least 1,000 feet.
Puerto Rico's waters are home to large game fish such as marlin, dorado, tuna, and barracuda, where world records for catches have been experienced.
For golfers, excellent tropical scenery and challenging playing are welcoming opportunities where nearly 20 courses on the island include many championship links.
