THINGS TO DO | farzana

SO MUCH TO DO, SO LITTLE TIME!

HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES:

OLD SAN JUAN

This is a 465-year-old neighborhood originally conceived as a military stronghold. The streets here are paved with cobbles of adoquine, a blue stone cast from furnace slag; they were brought over a ballast on Spanish ships and time and moisture have lent them their characteristic color. The city includes more than 400 carefully restored 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial buildings. A leisurely foot tour is advisable for those who really want to experience this bit of the Old World, especially given the narrow, steep streets and frequently heavy traffic.

FORT SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO

The construction of the Castillo San Felipe del Morro began in 1540 when King Charles V of Spain authorized its construction, including the surrounding walls and completed in 1589. Rising 140 feet above the sea, its 18-foot-thick wall proved a formidable defense. The fort is a maze of tunnels, dungeons, barracks, outposts and ramps. El Morro is studded with small, circular sentry boxes called "garitas" that have become a national symbol. It has the distinction of being the largest fortification in the Caribbean. The fort is open to the public everyday from 9am to 6pm admissions US$5 adults, children under 16 are free, (787) 729-6960.

EL YUNQUE

RAIN FOREST

Named after the benevolent Indian spirit Yuquiyu, El Yunque is the only rainforest in the US National Forest System. Discover the natural wonder of El Yunque as you hike along the many trails, take a dip in one of the waterfall pools, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

KAYAKING & ELECTRIC BOATS ON THE BIOBAY

Bioluminescence exists around the world, but there are only a few biobays on our planet… and Puerto Rico has three of them! A kayak or boat-ride away from our shores, they must be seen to be appreciated.

CAMUY RIVER CAVES

This incredible 268-acre park is the site of the great subterranean caverns carved out by the Camuy River over one million years ago. The impeccably maintained trails gently descend 200 feet through a fern filled ravine to the yawning, cathedral-like caverns. The caves are home to a unique species of fish that is totally blind. The park is equipped with picnic areas, walking trails, food facilities, and exhibition hall and a souvenir shop, making it the perfect place to spend a day. Open Wednesdays through Sundays and holidays; 8am to 4pm. For information call: (787) 898-3100 or (787) 763-0568.

CULEBRA & VIEQUES ISLANDS

Divorced from the clamour and commercialism of the crowded “mainland”, the latter two islands – both reachable by a 90-minute boat ride from the port Fajardo – purposefully shun Puerto Rico’s default attractions of golf and gambling. The islands lay claim to broad unblemished beaches, vigorous expat communities and a spirit of seditious nonconformity.

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

Bar Gitano

Luquillo Kiosks

Barrachina Restaurant