Perhaps romance is an integral part of any trip. And what could be more romantic Caribbean with its pirate fame and tropical beauty? It is in the middle of the Caribbean that the island with the colorful name "rich port" - Puerto Rico, has been resting for hundreds of years, and its capital - San Juan - attracts a continuous flow of tourists from all over the world from year to year.

Why is San Juan so good? For the curious traveler - everything: natural resources; grandiose, albeit dilapidated, structures - forts, bridges, monasteries, etc .; bright folk festivities and traditional holidays; a unique collection of ancient universities and other wonders. For those who just want to relax in some new place in the world besides, perhaps, Turkey or Egypt, who have set the teeth on edge, there are excellent conditions in the middle of Atlantic Ocean: sandy cultural beaches, truly luxurious hotels, first-class restaurants and a vibrant night life... And wouldn't a potential tourist be intrigued by the very history of the emergence of San Juan, which appeared on the world map at the beginning of the 16th century and still remains the most ancient settlement of the New World on American territory, created by immigrants from Europe ... Today, having arrived here, you will immediately see what is usually noted in tourist guides: the port of this city is one of the most grandiose and busiest by world standards - whether it is container shipping or cruise ships... It is curious that, numbering about 400 thousand ... read in full

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San Juan Monthly Weather:

* This table displays the average weather data collected over more than three years

HOLIDAY PRICES:

Prices for holidays in San Juan. July 2014.

tour cost

We bought a package (flight + hotel) on the Expedition from America website. We chose a tour for 7 days. Two couples flew, one with a child. They were accommodated in different hotels, so the price of the packages was different. The flight from New York and accommodation at the Marriott Hotel, for friends with a child (under 5 years old) cost 2.5 thousand dollars (a plane ticket for a child at full price, hotel accommodation is free). The second tour for two and the Acacia Boutique hotel cost 1600 dollars. We flew to San Juan, so the beach area with hotels in the city was located near the airport. ! 0-15 minutes by taxi cost us $ 30 for all.

There are few excursions in San Juan, they offer trips to Old San Juan for $ 30, islands by boat from $ 30 to $ 60 and the rainforest for a whole day from $ 40 to $ 70. We went to San Juan on our own twice. First time in the evening by taxi ($ 20), the second time for the whole day - by regular bus (75 cents)

Food and groceries

The restaurants here are of different levels, the average price of a dinner (full, with drinks and snacks, hot and coffee) is up to $ 30. You can have a snack at regular fast foods, pizzerias, small local cafes from $ 8 to $ 11 for lunch. Coffee and light breakfast in a cafe or shop (good coffee machines, hot pastries and sandwiches) from $ 3 to $ 5. All groceries, cigarettes, coffee, wine, fruits are cheaper in Puerto Rico than in the USA.

Cost of services and entertainment

There are many casinos in Puerto Rico. In the evenings in good hotels a lot of people gather. Most people spend their time at slot machines where you can place bets from 1 cent. By the way, the slot machines are fairly fair - a good percentage of winnings.

Total money spent on vacation

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REST REPORTS:

Natalia

September holiday experience

Living in the USA, we decided to fly with a group of friends to rest in San Juan Puerto Rico. People who live in the United States for vacation choose the islands that are in the south South America... One of the overseas possessions that belong to this country is Puerto Rico. It was interesting to fly on vacation to a very green island and a beautiful first-class seaside resort. A very good option to go on such a vacation is best at the end of September, when, although it is hot, but not as strong as in summer. Puerto Rico is a small island full of sun, beautiful beaches, a large number of green plants and beautiful palm trees. Of course, the resort town of San Juan is the best option for a vacation. I cannot say that this is a cheap town, but it would be best to immediately book rooms in hotels and go by transport from these hotels. Or rent a car for a company.

Youth rest

I think that traveling to this region with a company will be much more interesting than traveling alone or with children. Walking around the green city, spending time on the beaches, there is also an opportunity to save money in different establishments.

Family holiday

There is no better option than to spend a romantic vacation for two in such a resort, but you need to spend a lot on it.

What to take with you on vacation?

In Puerto Rico, the most important thing to take is more money, and then: 1) a camera; 2) a backpack for the trip, swimming trunks and a mask with a snorkel and fins, sports shoes; 3) glasses and mini water cooler bag.

Where is the best place to stay?

The best option for a settlement will be the areas "Las Marías", "Ocean Park", "Biascoechea", where there are the most different hotels for recreation. One of the good and inexpensive hotels is Coqui del Mar Guest House, Tres Palmas Inn, Isla verde guest house, where you can relax with a company. Large swimming pools are made on the territory of hotels, since most of the beaches in the city are rocky and this makes it possible not to walk far.

How to entertain yourself at the resort?

Very beautiful and colorful San Juan amazes with its flowers, vigorous green palms, clear blue skies and the turquoise color of the Caribbean Sea. San Juan is considered the most respectable resort in the Caribbean and the main rival city of Miami. The city has a Spanish flavor with different names in this language. The city looks very clean and well maintained with beautiful colorful houses. In the city there is an opportunity to get to some kind of holiday, as there are many of them. Lots of free shows. You can go to the rainforest outside the city, but it's better to take a guide. Be sure to visit the Arecibo Observatory, which is very large and beautiful.

Due to the fact that the beaches are rocky, it is not so easy to get to a normal beach. And if you get there, you will see a lot of seaweed on the shore. This is a big disadvantage for the resort.

The most popular food in Puerto Rico is called "Mofongo". This is a side dish of plantan bananas with different types of meat. If you want, you can order with seafood or just with chicken. At festivities you can try the Pinocolada cocktail, which was invented in Puerto Rico and not expensive.

Should you vacation in San Juan?

Nice city, nice people and everything is very beautiful and expensive. Therefore, you will only be able to relax if you take a lot of money.

Playa Caleton Beach is a small cozy beach in a beautiful lagoon surrounded by coral reefs, where you can relax for a couple in love or a family with children. Come here on weekends locals- open and good-natured people. And on weekdays you can meet only a few people, so no one bothers to relax and gain strength. This beach is also loved by divers for its shelter from strong winds, clear water and beautiful underwater views.

Jeep safari is a popular type of entertainment in Rio San Juan. During the excursion, you can admire the magnificent landscapes of rivers and waterfalls, the sea coast, dense jungle, high mountains and mysterious caves, find out how a typical Dominican village lives, see how exotic fruits are grown and take many beautiful photos for memory. In addition, during the entire excursion, tourists are accompanied by a video operator, and the participants receive a disc with a professional video of this trip as a gift. Official website: www.briandatours.com

Playa Grande Golf Course is a golf club and a nature reserve at the same time, occupying a huge area near Rio San Juan. Here you can perfectly combine beach vacation, water sports, golf on a beautiful green course surrounded by breathtaking seascapes, natural park and watching exotic birds. The official website of the golf club: www.playagrande.com

Eco-farm DR Eco Adventures is a great opportunity to relax away from the gray civilized everyday life. The organizers of the project offer hiking and horseback riding in nature, kayaking, cycling, beach recreation, and surfing training. Guests are fed exclusively with organic products. Eco-farm official website: www.drecoadventures.com

The Marlin Chaser is a sport fishing club where you can have a great time hunting coastal blue marlin. Sea fishing is a very popular entertainment in the north of the Dominican Republic. The club has everything you need to make the fisherman's cherished dream come true - to catch a huge exotic fish. Adrenaline rush, sea unforgettable experience and a first-class catch guaranteed. Club phone: +1 849-264-5725.

Beach waves, reef waves, peak waves - which ones do you prefer? In Rio San Juan, you can contrive and catch any. North coast The Dominican Republic is famous for its excellent surfing conditions throughout the year. The winter months are characterized by formidable waves of six meters high - this is the time for the pros. It is better for beginners to try their hand at summer - at this time the sea is much calmer, but you can ride with great pleasure. It was in Rio San Juan that the very first Russian surfing school was opened more than ten years ago. And the best place for this activity, as well as for kiting or windsurfing, is Playa Grande beach.

The Grand Carnival of the Sea has been held in Rio San Juan every year since 1997. The holiday lasts four days, from February 14 to 17, and during this time fans of bright shows from all over the world come here. There really is something to see: passionate Dominican women in bright clothes and masks depict various inhabitants of the depths of the sea. Their costumes are adorned with shells, shark teeth and other nautical décor. Their slender bodies move in an endless dance to the fiery musical rhythms. The action takes place on a huge stage, set right in the sea, in the middle of the picturesque Gri-Grí lagoon. During the carnival, you can taste traditional festive Creole cuisine. The culmination of the holiday is the exciting moment of choosing the Sea Queen, whose head will be adorned with a silver crown with larimars and corals of black and pink colors.

How to get to Rio San Juan

Of course, it will not be possible to get directly to Rio San Juan from Russia: the city is not large enough to have its own airport. The nearest airport to the city, Gregorio Luperon, is located 65 kilometers away, in Puerto Plata, from where you can take road number 5 by a rented car, taxi or bus. Offices of car rental companies are located right at the airport, there are no special problems with a taxi either. Good air-conditioned buses are provided by the transport companies Caribe Tours (phone +1 809 586 4544) and Autobuses Metro (phone +1 809 586-6063). Travel time will take an average of 1.5 hours.

Restaurants of the city

Of course alone natural beauties You won't be full, but after active sports entertainment you really want to eat, so we will tell you some popular cafes and restaurants in Rio San Juan, where you can taste homemade cuisine, familiar European dishes, and exotic delights that are no longer cooked anywhere.

La Table de Marianne is considered by many the best restaurant in the town. This is a pub restaurant that is open almost until the morning. The menu features French and international cuisine. There are outdoor and indoor seating. They can be booked in advance. The restaurant is visited by both fun companies and families with children. They offer delicious homemade ice cream.
Address: Calle Duarte 15, Rio SanJ uan.
Phone: 18294944445.
Official page: www.facebook.com/Latabledemarianne/info?tab=page_info
Opening hours:
Sun - Thu from 8:00 to 5:00.

Las Puertas Del Paraiso - this restaurant is liked by everyone, without exception, regardless of whether the visitors are strict vegetarians or do not mind well-done meat. Delicious cuisine, pleasant atmosphere and very friendly service are the main indicators that guests of Las Puertas Del Paraiso note in their reviews.
Address: La Novilla, Rio San Juan.
Phone: 18097299746.

Overlooking the Gri-Grí lagoon, Café de Paris offers a tasty and inexpensive lunch or dinner of French and international cuisine. A variety of drinks are offered to customers' choice. And also great coffee is brewed here. The cafe is very popular, so it is better to book a table in advance. On weekends, Café de Paris is open until late at night and is more like a bar or nightclub where locals gather for a drink and some fun.
Average account: RD $ 180 ($ 4) - RD $ 720 ($ 16).
Address: Laguna Gri-Gri, Rio San Juan.
Phone: 18097780687.
Opening hours:
Sun - Thu from 8:00 to 00:00;
Fri - Sat from 8:00 to 2:00.

La Casona

La Casona is a small family restaurant with a cozy homely atmosphere, which is sure to please those who like to eat in a calm, intimate atmosphere. In addition, food is excellently prepared here. local cuisine and it gives guests a great excuse to get to know her better.
Address: Calle Duarte, Rio San Juan.
Opening hours:
daily from 9:00 to 22:00.

Arena y sol

Arena Y Sol, located on one of the streets of the city, offers delicious dishes from fresh seafood delivered here daily. Guests dine surrounded by tropical plants, accompanied by live music. The restaurant is distinguished by excellent service, pleasant atmosphere and good value for money.
Address: Calle Felipon Bonilla, 97, Rio San Juan.
Phone: 18098033530.

Rio San Juan Accommodation

Rio San Juan is a small city, but you can stay here both in a small budget hotel and in an elite hotel, while the service will be sincere and accurate, whichever option you choose and whatever budget you have. Some of the city's most popular hotels are listed below.

Puerto Rico is considered almost 51 states of America, i.e. is under the control of the United States, but is not an integral part of it (the action on the territory of the US Constitution is limited, the supreme power belongs to the US Congress, but the territory has its own system of self-government).

In short, American visas (or as we have ESTA permits) had to be shown before visiting this state. Because of this, a huge queue lined up before disembarking along the entire length of our Independence boardwalk.

Coming ashore, we were greeted very good weather... We decided with friends to visit a real tropical forest, which is located an hour's drive from the capital on the territory national park El-Yunque. As the guide promised, a real tropical jungle with waterfalls was waiting for us.

Immediately at the port and formed our mini-group. This is usually the case - while we find out the prices and the proposed routes, several people from the ship themselves come up to us and ask where we are and whether it is possible with us. We are always happy to share our trip with the cruise travelers.

We rented a minibus for 8 people, the price was slightly knocked down - at first it was offered at $ 50, agreed at $ 45 per person. After the forest they promised to drive us around the city, take us to the beach and show us Old San Juan.

On the way to the reserve we drove through the capital. San Juan is a city of contrasts, there are high-rise buildings, there are also not very shiny, to put it mildly, neighborhoods.

After a while we found ourselves in the rain forest of the El Yunque National Park. Mount El Yunque, where the reserve itself is located, rises 575m above sea level. Of course, here you can get acquainted with the whole variety of extraordinary Caribbean plants. Even millennial trees and exotic plants come across. The minibus climbed a steep road surrounded on all sides by centuries-old tropical plants. The guide told us in detail what the tree is called.

There were several stops during the tour. The first park introduced us to one of the many waterfalls in this park. Not Iguassu, of course, but it's still pretty interesting to see the local sights.

Everywhere in the park you can find small waterfalls, so it is very pleasant to be in the forest, cool and fresh from them. But there are frequent rains, so it is recommended to take something to cover with you. We were lucky, not a drop fell!

Nature appears here in its original form - all around the lush vegetation. Nice backdrop for any movie about ancient world, about dinosaurs. By the way, no poisonous reptiles are found in these tropical forests.

Next, we climbed the Yokahu Observation Tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the entire surrounding forest and even in the distance you can see the coast.

Such an easy, pleasant walk through the rainforest turned out, it was quite curious to visit among the centuries-old trees and plants, and visit the local waterfalls.

After the jungle, we headed back towards the city, drove to one of the beaches to look at the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

We admired the ocean a bit and continued sightseeing tour across San Juan. We didn’t leave the bus, as we had already walked through the tropical forest and just wanted to follow the pictures from the window. We looked at the Capitol (Capitolio de Puerto Rico) - the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico, which houses the Senate and House of Representatives.

Fort San Felipe del Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro), named after the Spanish king Philip II (Felipe II; 1527-1598), is a powerful fortified fortress located on the northwestern tip of the island.

The Telurico Totem, a giant column of black granite and ceramics by the Puerto Rican artist Jaime Suárez, was erected in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of the New World.

After the end of the excursion, according to tradition, we went to the ship for lunch and then went for another 1.5 hours to walk along the streets of San Juan before sailing. Nice town with ancient architecture. Traders do not sleep - they offer souvenirs right on the road, not far from the liners. We just wandered along the streets, plunged into the atmosphere, so to speak. We accidentally wandered into an interesting salon of fashionable designer clothes. We met the hostess, a very nice girl.

For those who do not like to travel on foot, you can choose another method of transportation, for example, by horse-drawn carriage or mini-train.

And we're back on board, thanks for the ride! Nice island, interesting.

The first humans landed in what is now Puerto Rico around 4500 BC. NS. Archaic Indian tribes who migrated here from the territory of present-day Venezuela were replaced by the Ingery tribes in about 200 AD. BC, and those in turn were supplanted by the Taino Indians (about 800 AD). Columbus discovered what was then called Borinkin in 1493 and named it San Juan Bautista after Saint Juan, the founder of the Baptist branch of Christianity.

By the time the Europeans landed on the island, there were about 70 tribes living in the Taino language family. The Indians were well prepared to fight against their eternal opponents - the Indian peoples of the Carib, who inhabited the neighboring islands, but were completely powerless against the muskets and cavalry of the Spaniards. In 1508 arrives from Haiti large group Spanish settlers led by Juan Ponce de Leon, and after a hundred years from the once numerous Tainos, only myths and fragments of the language preserved in the local toponymy remain. In 1521, the first European settlement on the island, Caparra, was transferred from its original place 6 km to the east, to a small peninsula by a beautiful and then unnamed bay, and received its new name - Puerto Rico ("Rich Port").

The Spaniards quickly built and fortified their new base, named San Juan, which became the largest outpost of the Conquista in the New World. Over the next century, it was repeatedly strengthened and rebuilt to protect the island from British and Dutch raids, and it itself was actively populated by slaves from Africa to provide supplies to the metropolis of sugar, cotton and tobacco. In the 18th century, taking advantage of the weakness of Spain, the people of Puerto Rico began to develop a movement for independence for the island, and in 1868, an unsuccessful uprising in the city of Lares marked the beginning of numerous rallies of the islanders for their freedom. In 1897, the island received the status of autonomy, but the war between Spain and the United States that broke out almost immediately after this led to the occupation of Puerto Rico by American troops. The US protectorate over the island lasted 50 years, being replaced by its "more civilized version" only in 1944, when the islanders received the right to elect their own governor, and in 1951 a referendum was held, following which the island received the status of the US Commonwealth of Nations.

San Juan

The capital of Puerto Rico lies on the shores of one of the best natural harbors in the Caribbean. Today, the city is a vibrant and modern capital, the political and economic center of the island, whose beaches are framed by a wall of high-rise buildings, and the commercial center, traditional for all capitals of the world, is adjacent to the historic colonial core of the Old City. Founded in 1521, it is the second oldest city in America (after Cuzco, Peru). For such an old city, San Juan may seem rather young - no quarters of dilapidated buildings and narrow alleys, all its historical buildings are well preserved to this day and are undergoing regular restoration, and the ancient pavements are framed with quite modern benches and cafes that give them a new sound.

Viejo San Juan

"Old San Juan", or Viejo San Juan, lies at the very tip of the peninsula of the same name, protruding into the waters of the Atlantic in a long strip of irregular shape. It was here that the first buildings of the future city were transferred from Caparra, it was here, between the deep waters of the San Juan Bay and the open sea, that the first caravels with a load of New World treasures moored and it was here, on a strip of land convenient for defense, that the capital of the country grew up. The whole Old city, literally saturated with buildings and structures of the XVI-XVII centuries, today it is the National Historical Zone and main point attraction for numerous tourists. The old town is most like a museum under open air, where darkened buildings from the Spanish colonial era are collected, many of them, most notably the area around Plaza del Cinto Centenario, considered the best-preserved example of this style in the western hemisphere. The steep and narrow streets here are paved with smooth beams known as "adekinesis", and the pastel facades of buildings and balconies with wrought iron trellises entwined with flowering plants seem to have descended from the pages of the classics of Spanish literature. Stone fortress walls stretch along the entire northern side of Viejo San Juan, forming, together with its forts, a powerful defensive system designed to protect the city from attacks by British, Dutch and French corsairs. Today, only the walls of La Muralia and the ramparts of El Morro and San Cristobal have remained intact, however, this area is enough to assess the former greatness of this fortress.

In the very northwest of the city, on the promontory of Punta del Moro, stands the most impressive example of the Spanish fortification school - Fort Fuerte San Felipe del Moro, guarding the entrance to the San Juan Bay. This fortress, considered one of the largest and most advanced in the Caribbean, was built by Spanish engineers for more than 200 years - it was laid in 1539, and the last of its six tiers was completed only in 1787. This massive structure has withstood countless attacks. including such well-known as the attacks of the fleet of the pirate Francis Drake in 1595, the attack of the Dutch fleet in 1625, or the fire of the guns of the entire American Atlantic squadron in 1898. barracks, galleries, dungeons and firing positions, many of which are simply carved into the rocky ground of the promontory. On the territory of El Morro, a huge number of exhibitions are regularly held, showing the role of Puerto Rico in the conquest of the New World.

The northeastern end of the Old Town is covered by the second fortress of this system - Fuerte San Cristobal. Stretching from Avenida Muñoz Rivera to Calle Norsagaray, this magnificent fort was built between 1634-1790. and originally covered an area of ​​27 acres (the largest fortification site built by the Spaniards in the New World). Today, tourists can freely explore its labyrinth-like structures and an almost six-kilometer network of secret tunnels, ditches, and dungeons of battle positions, laid in the depths of 45-meter walls, from which a beautiful panorama of San Juan and its bays opens. Fuerte San Felipe del Moro and Fuerte San Cristobal are National Historic Landmarks and are included in the List World heritage UNESCO..

Plaza de San José is located in the heart of the old town. Around this colorful square, decorated with a statue of the founder of the city, Juan Ponce de Leon, there are many small museums and pleasant cafes. In the northern part of the square rises the Iglesia San Jose church (1530) - one of the few Gothic churches in America (the second is also in Puerto Rico - this is Porta Coeli in San Herman, 1606). This is both the first church on the island and one of the oldest in the western hemisphere - Iglesia San Jose was built as a Dominican monastery and a chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas Aquinas (the original building was badly damaged by a hurricane and rebuilt by the Jesuits in 1865).

Other attractions of the Old City include Casa Blanca (1523, was built as the residence of Ponce de León), the Dominican convent (1523, now houses the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture), the residence of the governor of the island - La Fortaleza (1540 - the oldest residence in the western hemisphere), Alcalda, or City Hall (1604-1789), Casino (not a gambling club at all, but a fashionable palace, built in 1917 and recently perfectly restored), Cathedral of San Juan (1520-1535). , restored in 1977), the neoclassical building of La Princesa (built as a prison in 1837, it is now the headquarters of the Puerto Rico Travel Company and a beautiful exhibition gallery of works by local artists), fragments of the city wall of La Muralia (1539-1782 biennium .) up to 6 meters thick, the Cemeterio de San Juan cemetery outside the northern circumference of the walls of La Murala, the old fortified gates of La Puerta de San Juan (1635), the Casa del Libro mansion and the nearby chapels a Capilla del Libro, Capilla del Cristo (1753) and the nearby park De las Palomas ( real reserve pigeons), the magnificent El Convento hotel in the building of an old nunnery, as well as the striking sculptural group of La Rogativa (1797) to commemorate the miraculous salvation of the city from the British invasion and the beautiful Casa Rosada (1812) house in front of it.

It is not surprising that within the old part of the city there are many museums, including such famous ones as the Museo de Las Américas in the building of the old army barracks of the Cartel de Balahona (the most interesting archaeological finds of the island are concentrated here, as well as many art works of masters Puerto Rico and the United States), " children's museum Museo del Niño, Museo del Arte e Istoria (extensive exhibition of Puerto Rican art and musical traditions), Casa Blanca Museum (collection of objects and things from the early Conquest era), Francisco Oller Art Museum in the old city hall (many historical works), Puerto Rico Art Museum (www.mapr.org), Museum of Modern Art (www.museocontemporaneopr.org), Pablo Casals Museum (manuscripts, photographs and instruments of the famous Spanish cellist who lived in Puerto Rico from 1956 to 1973), Museum of the Luis Muñoz Rivera Foundation on Rio Piedras (collection of works by famous Puerto Rican artists), Museo de Doca Fela (House-Museum of the first woman-mayor of the capital - Felicia Rincen de Gaultier), Museum of African Heritage in the building the Casa de Los Contrafuertes mansion (near the museum are the ruins of ancient buildings from the beginning of the colonization era), the Museum of Colonial Architecture and the Family Museum in the Casa de Callejón building, a collection of rare manuscripts and books in the Casa de Libro (the collection contains over 6,000 works, including 200 books dating from the 15th century), as well as the Art Museum of San Juan in the building of the old market (1855, restored in 1979), which is more often used as a vast cultural center.

New town

The modern part of San Juan stretches along the "mainland" region of the island adjacent to the Old City. The closest to the historic city is the Condado area, washed from the north by the Atlantic Ocean and from the south by the large Condado Lagoon. Originally designed as a resort area, Condado began its development in the middle of the 20th century. Today, its wide sidewalks lined with palm trees, shops, trendy restaurants and fashionable hotels and casinos make it the busiest part of San Juan. Just a block from bustling Avenida Ashford, there is a two-mile stretch of Condado Beach - the best beach capital, although not the best on the island. Many sports and entertainment establishments, many nightclubs and dance schools, as well as the most expensive shops in the city are concentrated here. In the easternmost part of the area, on the border with Santurce, stretches the rich residential area of ​​Ocean Park, formed by neighborhoods of villas and coastal clubs. Thanks to the city law, which prohibits the construction of buildings more than three floors high, a cozy microdistrict has been formed here, which does not have any special attractions, but is very quiet and calm (several excellent hotels and good restaurants there is still here). Further east begins the more democratic area of ​​Isla Verde, where many inexpensive pensions are concentrated and there is a good private beach, and to the south, in the lagoons of Los Corozon and San Juan, there are many centers aquatic species sports (the lagoons themselves are dissected long bridge Teodoro Moscoso).

To the south of Condado is the Santurce district, which was once a fashionable business and prestigious residential part of the city. Political and social problems of the second half of the 20th century deprived this part of the city of its former charm, but this part of San Jose is still considered "bien puertorriquezo" ("most Puerto Rican") and it is here that you can find the best ethnic restaurants in the capital and excellent museums. Recently, numerous art galleries (especially young artists love this area) and antique shops have moved here, and the dilapidated grandeur of the once expensive hotels and bars attracts many tourists from all over the country (a foreigner is recommended to appear here only in company, and after sunset, according to local guides, there is nothing to do at all).

The financial center of the capital - Ato Rey stretches south of Santurce, along Avenida Ponce de Leon. This is a multi-kilometer strip of high-rise buildings, offices, hotels and restaurants, full of expensive shops and modern art galleries. And in the Rio Piedras area is the main campus of the University of Puerto Rico, which, together with the educational institution itself, is considered a great place for walking. Nearby are the Mercado de Rio Piedras, one of the best markets in the capital (open Monday to Saturday, early morning until sunset) and Botanical Garden Jardin-Botanico (75 acres) - there are about 125 species of palm trees, more than 30 thousand orchids, about 340 species of other plants and even has its own lagoon, overgrown with blooming lotuses.

The Gulf of San Juan is the largest and most active ocean port in the Caribbean Sea, through which more than half of all foreign trade operations of the countries of the region pass and more than a million cruise visitors a year. Port shops sell goods from all over the world, and nearby markets and shops can provide jewelry and handicrafts for an army of tourists. Here you can also find many wine shops specializing in the sale of rum (by the way, only here you can buy the products of the famous Distillery-Serralis distillery, founded already in 1865). The mansion La Castilla, which houses the Information Office, is located nearby. travel company Puerto Rico. In the western corner of the bay you can find the tiny island of Isla de Cabras ("Island of the Goats") and a small Spanish fort built in 1610.

There are also many museums in the new part of the city, of which the most interesting are the Indian Museum of Puerto Rico in the building of the old House of Charity (a large collection of Taino cultural objects, including various types of dishes, stone and wooden decorations, canoes and weapons), Museum of San Juan, Art the Caguas Museum, the Casa Roij Museum in the mansion of the same name (1919), considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, the Creole Musical Center named after Jose Ignacio Quintin, the Jose Hernands Posters Museum, the Herminio Torres Grillo Tobacco Museum and others. Also worth visiting are the Luis Muñoz Rivera and Sixto Escobar parks, located between Coronado and the Old Town.

Neighborhoods of San Juan

Just 8 km from San Juan is the largest rum distillery on the planet - Bacardi (www.casabacardi.org). Here you can see almost the whole process of making this drink, as well as visit the Museum of the Bacardi family, as well as taste or buy any sample of local products. It is recommended to visit the factory during the annual Bacardi Arts and Crafts Fair, a two-day exhibition of works by local artists and artisans.

Only 25 km east of the capital is the country's best nature reserve - El Yunque, from the green hills of which it is easy to reach the shores of Playas Liguillo (public beach) or Playas Azul, and at the final stop of public transport, on the eastern outskirts of Isla Verda, begins Pikones forest reserve. Further east stretches the wild strip of La Pared, a favorite spot for local surfers.

Ponce

The second largest city of Puerto Rico, known as a major port since the end of the 17th century, lies on south coast countries, between the chains of the Central Cordillera and the Caribbean coast. The city, often called La Perla del Sul ("pearl of the south"), was founded by Spanish settlers in 1692. Today, the central part of the city is declared a "national treasure" - it consists entirely of squares, churches, beautifully decorated colonial houses and magnificent fountains of the colonial period. Here also rises and, possibly, one of the oldest fire stations in the world.

The main attractions of Ponce include: the majestic Cathedral de La Guadalupe (1660, rebuilt in 1835, 1911 and 1930), which rises above the urban landscape in the Plaza Las Delicias, nearby De Bombas (a small park in the colonial style), Casa-Armstrong-Poventud (1900, now the Institute of Culture) and Casa Alcalda, and just a couple of blocks to the east there is a neoclassical building Historical Museum Ponce.

Also noteworthy is the excellent Ponce Museum of Art, considered one of the best in Caribbean region(more than a thousand paintings, 800 sculptures and 500 prints reflecting the history of five centuries of Western art), Musical Museum Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Sports Museum on Rutherford Street, lined up as medieval castle the Spanish mansion Serales (1930, now the museum of the Seralles family is located here) and, of course, the Tibs Ceremonial Park in Guayam (1 km north of the city center), which is a carefully restored Indian village with its own archaeological site, a botanical garden, a small museum and exhibition hall, where unique objects of ancient Indian cultures discovered in this land are demonstrated.

Central Cordillera

The central mountainous region of the country is most accessible for exploration from La Ruta Panoramic, an almost two hundred kilometer junction of forty roads that cross the mountains in all directions. Roads run through the country's most majestic landscapes, past fog-shrouded peaks, deep valleys and verdant forests. The most popular routes start at the beach town of Yabucoa on the east coast and end at Mayaguez, taking at least two full day because there really is something to see here. The main points of attraction here are the city of Guavate, famous for its roast pork "lechon", the Carite forest reserve (less than an hour's journey south of San Juan) and the green watershed of three rivers protected by it: Rio de Lonsa, Rio Grande de -Patillas and Rio de La Plata, - the San Cristobal canyon (depth about 150 m) south of Barranquitas and this mountain town itself - the birthplace of Luis Muñoz Rivera (the house-museum and mausoleum of this revered politician of Puerto Rico are carefully guarded here ), the Toro Negro forest reserve (7000 acres) and the Cerro de Punta peak (1339 m), the "capital of Puerto Rican coffee" - the town of Maricao with its famous Coffee Festival (mid-February), the picturesque fishing town of Guanica and the nearby Bosque Estatal de Guanica is one of the best dry subtropical forest reserves on the planet (9,900 acres - 1.2% of all remaining forests of this type on the planet, 700 varieties of plants and about 100 species of birds grow here).

San Herman

Between Ponce and Mayaguez, in the gentle hills of the southwestern part of the country, stretches picturesque town San Herman is the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico after San Juan (founded in 1573). Its relative isolation has helped to preserve the unique architecture of the colonial era: numerous old houses, shady boulevards and small squares, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The main attraction of the city is the Church of La Capilla Porta Coelli, or simply Porta Coelli ("Gate of Heaven"), built by Dominican monks in 1606 (one of the oldest churches in the New World) and has long been used as a city prison. Now the church has been restored, and its side-altars contain an excellent collection of religious art from the 16th-19th centuries, including the famous altarpiece by José Campeche, the first and, as many believe, the most famous artist in the country. Also attractive are the many old quarters of the center, the imposing church of San Herman de Aujerre, the Museum of Sacred Art in Porta Coelli, the University of Puerto Rico Interamerican and the Alfredo Ramirez de Arellano y Roselló Museum.

Northeast of San Herman is another famous landmark of the island - the Buena Vista hacienda. The beautiful two-story house of the hacienda (1833), which was once the main producer of coffee, grains and fruits in the region, was restored in 1984 and is now turned into a real open-air museum, where you can see the life of the coffee plantation of the 19th century, impressive and still active agricultural machines from that period and the furnishings of the homes of both the owner of the hacienda and his employees.

Peninsula of Cape Rojo

Cabo Rojo's colorful limestone promontory, also known as Punta Jakei, forms the southwestern tip of the island. The Faro de Cabo Rojo lighthouse (1881) towering on it is in fact a large demonstration platform, from the walls of which a majestic view opens. The blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, jagged cliffs, sandy coves, surf-eaten coastline and birds circling above them - this is the interior of this secluded place. Here you can walk at least all day long, discovering more and more new objects - salt lakes and piles of salt ready for shipment, groves of hard-leaved bushes, mangrove swamps and trees creeping in the wind, and above all of this there is a blue-blue sky.

To the east of Cabo Rojo stretches the long arc of Phosphorescent Bay ("Phosphorescent Bay") - an amazing bay, world famous for its glowing waters. The bioluminescence of microscopic organisms inhabiting the waters of this bay is so strong that almost any movement, be it a fish swimming in the depths or a boat passing on the surface, causes a real fireworks display from a myriad of tiny living lights. By itself, bioluminescence is nothing unique - the waters of almost all the southern seas of the Earth are capable of showing an equally majestic sight, but Phosphorescent Bay is the only place on the planet where the glow of the sea can be seen every evening, especially on moonless winter nights. This phenomenon can also be seen in the Vieques and Fajardo bays off the northeastern coast of the island.

Mona Island

North-east of Cabo Rojo, 70 km from the coast, lies the "Puerto Rican Bali" - the flat and rocky island of Mona (an area of ​​about 48 sq. Km), sometimes called the "Galapagos of the Caribbean". Its sixty-meter cliffs are inhabited by giant lizards, sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches, and the interior is inhabited only by feral pigs and goats - witnesses to unsuccessful attempts to establish agriculture here. A lone lighthouse rises above the cactus forest at Cape Faro, and below it begins a vast network of caves that can compete with the grottoes of Rio Camai. The completely wild island is under the protection of the National Trust natural resources, therefore, you need a special permit to visit it. But the effort to get a pass to Mona is worth it - here in the natural environment you can see dozens and hundreds of species of plants and animals that inhabited caribbean before the arrival of humans, and the straits between Mona and Haiti are the traditional migration route for humpback whales. The coral reefs off the coast of the island are home to over 270 species of fish, and the sea turtle colony is considered one of the largest in the region. The sea waters here are exceptionally clear (average visibility under water is 45-60 m), so the conditions for diving here are simply exceptional. The best places to sea ​​recreation here are the underwater wall of Pearl Cut, Devils Cave, coral reefs off Playas Mujeres and Playas Sardiner, Lisa Reef, giant boulders of Little Rock and Sky I-Horse, as well as rocky bottom off Wall Cave on the north coast ...

Arecibo Observatory

V magnificent mountains the northwestern part of Puerto Rico is the largest radio telescope in the world, which has long become one of the island's attractions. Funded by the University of Cornwall and the US government, it has been used to find extraterrestrial life forms for years. Also located here is the first-class Museum of Science and Space, lying right under the imposing telescope saucer, whose diameter reaches 305 meters.

South of Arecibo are caves belonging to the Rio Kamai system (268 acres of underground galleries and tunnels - the third largest karst region in the world), including the famous Catedral Cave. A little further south, you can find the Taino Indians Ceremonial Park, whose structures are about 800 years old. And if you turn along the road to Utuado, you can get to the territory of another site of ancient Indian cultures - the Caguana Ceremonial Park, where dozens of huge ritual vessels "bateyes", numerous petroglyphs and various ceremonial objects were discovered. The Little Caguana Museum displays Indian artifacts, various archaeological exhibitions, and even a small botanical garden showing the plants used by Taino. Nearby flows the "mystical river" Taino - Tanama, along the most beautiful places a primeval karst country, past the Cueva del Arco and Ventana caves, and therefore very popular with kayakers and rafters.

Rincon

The city of Rincon lies to the north west coast islands, between Mayaguez and Aguadilla. These shores are famous for their surf and shores that are well mastered by surfers - waves of at least 5 points regularly come here from October to April. Better conditions surf can be found between Hobos, Rincon and Isabel - serious surfers come here in winter to take advantage of winter storms. Other attractions in the city include the El Faro lighthouse with a small By the Maritime Museum, dolphin and whale watching platforms and the dome of the first nuclear facility in Latin America, operated from 1964-1974.

Culebra island

The island of Culebra lies 35 km east of Puerto Rico and, together with the island of Vieques, is part of the so-called Spanish Virgin Islands... Since the American navy stopped using the archipelago for shooting practice in the mid-1970s, this group of islands has experienced a real tourist boom. The island of Culebra itself is quite small - 11 by 6 kilometers, but it dominates the whole archipelago of 24 tiny islands surrounding him like a necklace. There are only 2 thousand inhabitants on Culebra, there are no nightclubs or resorts here, and its main city - Devei - is a rather dull settlement. But on the other hand, the real kingdom of water sports stretches around, although the tourism infrastructure is still developing here. The main points of attraction here are the snow-white Flamenco Beach on the north coast, the nearby Playas Resaca, Playas Brava and Playas Zoni, founded in 1909 National park Culebra (protects seabird colonies and sea turtle breeding grounds), many kilometers of completely uninhabited shores, as well as the reefs surrounding the entire island, widely known to divers and fans of sea fishing. Local reefs are in an almost untouched state, which is becoming increasingly rare in the Caribbean, but there are dive centers, unlike hotels and casinos, here.

Vieques island

Vieques lies 12 km from east coast Puerto Rico and slightly south of Culebra. This island is 42 km long and 7 km wide and differs from Culebra in only one thing - the presence on it of the five-star hotel Martinet Bay, built in 2000 near the airport. Otherwise, it is the same "rural island", whose residents still prefer to ride on horseback, and the source of traffic jams are pets that have run out on it. Its main attractions are the beautiful shores near the island's capital - Esperanza (the Atlantic shores are rocky here, while the southern, Caribbean, canopy and sandy), the quiet town of Isabel Segunda with its only bank on the island, a five-kilometer arc of the cream beach in Sombie Bay ( Sun Bay), surrounded by thickets of almonds, the shallow Media Luna Bay, the turquoise waters of Navio Bay, as well as Mosquito Bay, famous for its "glowing waters" no less than the famous Phosphorescent Bay.

The Botanical Garden in San Juan is also called the Botanical Garden of the University of Puerto Rico. It is an educational center for scientific research and a place for have a great rest and relaxation. Its territory, with an area of ​​121 hectares, serves for the study and preservation of more than 30 thousand local and exotic plants, trees, flowers.

The botanical garden is located in the center of the capital of Puerto Rico, the city of San Juan, in the northeast of the island. The idea of ​​creating such a place was announced back in 1959, but it was not until March 10, 1971 that the garden was officially opened. In 1991, the first visitors were able to enjoy the beauty of its botanical collections, lakes, waterfalls, cozy roads and sidewalks, allowing them to better appreciate the native and tropical flora. The territory is divided into two parts - north and south, the latter contains most of the sights. In the south, you can see a garden of heliconias, orchids, palms, and a herbarium.

The entrance to the botanical garden is free from 6 am to 6 pm.

Book Museum

The San Juan Book Museum, dedicated to the history of the book, displays some of the most valuable prints in all of Puerto Rico.

The Book Museum is located in Old San Juan, in the northern part of Puerto Rico. Today it contains many rare editions of books, medieval manuscripts written on parchment, manuscripts dating from the XII-XVII centuries. The most valuable are two documents signed by Catholic monarchs in 1493, which are considered the oldest in all of America. From the end of October 2013, they plan to open a new exhibition dedicated to the 55th anniversary of the founding of the House of Books.

Its history begins in 1955, when a group of townspeople founded the Friends of Calla del Cristo community, one of the goals of which was to create a specialized library of the best printed publications over the centuries. The best specialist in this field, Elmer Adler, was recruited to organize the library. Under his leadership, books were bought with public and private funds, and after a while the community's dream became a reality.

The House of Books is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11.00 to 16.30. Free admission.

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Market Square

The market square is located in Puerto Rico, the city of San Juan. More precisely, in its old part. The square has existed for almost a century. Markets, shops, museums are located on its territory. Also, festivals are periodically held here.

The markets sell fresh farm produce, herbs, bread, delicacies and more. There are also cozy restaurants and cafes on the square, where it is especially interesting to sit in the evening. There are beautiful architectural buildings around them. Near the central building, there are large avocado sculptures, where you can fully experience the life and traditions of the city. Local kiosks sell handicrafts of extraordinary beauty and you can even chat with the locals.

The Church of Christ the Savior or the Chapel of Christ, built at the end of the 18th century, on top of one of defensive walls This is one of the most beautiful and fascinating landmarks of Old San Juan, and today it is more than 250 years old.

The Church of Christ the Savior is located at the southern end of Calle del Cristo, near the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, in the western part of San Juan. Legend has it that the temple was built on this site for a reason. In 1753, the young man took part in the races, but lost control of the horse, and it rushed into the abyss. The city secretary, Don Mateo Prats, asked Christ to have mercy on the boy's life, and his prayer was answered. The young man, to express his gratitude, began to build this chapel in the same year. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Old San Juan is a building with an amazing history and must be seen when traveling in San Juan.

Church of San Jose

Church of San Jose, built in Old San Juan in 1532, second oldest church all over America. This temple is one of the few surviving examples of 16th century Spanish Gothic architecture in the western hemisphere.

Church of San Jose is located in the historic city of San Juan, in the north of Puerto Rico. The land on which the temple was built was donated by Governor Don Juan Ponce de Leon, who was the first to be buried here. First, the Dominican Order built the monastery of St. Thomas Aquinas on it, then it was renamed, the Jesuits who settled here in 1865. The first governor of Puerto Rico, Juan Ponce de Leon, was buried in the crypt of the temple in 1559, but in 1836 his remains were transferred to the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. Under the floor in the Church of San Jose, there is still a crypt where the grandson of Juan Ponce de Leon is buried, as well as the famous painter Jose Campeche. The Temple of San Jose is not in the best condition today, it has been closed for 13 years.

Cemetery of Mary Magdalene

The cemetery of Mary Magdalene in the city of San Juan, got its name in honor of St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi. It is the burial place of many famous natives of the city and its inhabitants. It began to be built in 1863 with the support of Ignacio Mascaro.

The cemetery is located in the old town of Old San Juan, in the north of Puerto Rico. It is located outside the walls of the citadel of San Felipe del Morro, the city's most famous landmark. Average height the walls are 12 meters, and the width is from four and a half to six meters. Many prominent personalities are buried in the cemetery in San Juan - José Ferrer, the first Latin American actor to be awarded the Oscar, Pedro Salinas, Spanish poet, Rafael Hernández Marín, famous musician, José de Acosta, famous historian. The cemetery was built near the Atlantic Ocean as a symbol of the spiritual journey after death.

Grand Turk

The Old City is a place of shopping streets - there is everything: gold, diamonds, clothes, souvenir shops. There were a lot of tourists here. But there were places where it was quiet and deserted.

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Cathedral of San Juan Bautista

Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is a Roman Catholic temple in San Juan, the oldest building in the entire city and the second oldest temple in all of America, after cathedral Santa Maria la Menor in Dominican Republic... It is the seat of the Archbishop of San Juan.

The cathedral is located in the western part of the city of San Juan, on Calle del Cristo, in the north of Puerto Rico. The first original wooden temple building, built in 1521, was destroyed by a hurricane, so a new cathedral was built in its place in 1540. In the following centuries, it was renewed and reformed more than once, most recently in 1917. The cathedral houses the tomb of the great Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon, who founded the first European settlement in Puerto Rico. It also contains the relics of St. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago, the first Puerto Rican, who was canonized by Pope John Paul II. Particularly noteworthy in the cathedral are relics such as the jewelry and clothing of John Paul II, which he wears during his visit to Puerto Rico in 1984.

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