Want your honeymoon to encompass sun, top-notch
dining, big-time shopping, and an exciting atmosphere—along with beautiful
and remote areas? Consider spending it on
the U.S. Caribbean commonwealth island of Puerto Rico. It’s easy to reach; the capital
of San Juan offers palm-laden tropical beaches and all the pleasures of a
modern city; and the island beyond—more than 35,000 square miles in size—is
a joy to explore.
Also
See: Caribbean Index |
Antigua & Barbuda |
Aruba |
Bahamas |
Barbados |
Bermuda |
Caymans |
Curaçao |
Grenada |
Jamaica |
Martinique |
St. Croix |
St. John |
St. Lucia |
St. Thomas |
Turks & Caicos |
Virgin Gorda/BVI
Puerto Rico was
claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following the second Columbus voyage to the New World. In 1898,
following the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US. Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917, and
a constitution was enacted providing for internal self government in 1952. In
plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters chose not to alter the
existing political status.
Today, as you travel around the island, you'll discover ancient buildings, dramatic and untouched landscape,
beautiful beaches, mountains, and lush greenery. Hike past waterfalls,
lagoons, and exotic wildlife at 28,000-acre El Yunque National Forest.
The only rainforest in the entire
U. S. National Forest System, it holds more than 200 species of trees. Go rafting down the Tanama River,
past lush forests, caverns, and deep canyons. Jump into a tropical river deep
inside
Rio Camuy, one of the largest underground cave networks in the
world. Check out the nightly displays of bioluminescence
at La Parguera or Vieques. Tour 90-acre
Montoso
Gardens. Located in rugged terrain on the southern slope of 1500-foot Pico Mountain, it's filled with exotic tropical
flowers; fruit, nut, and spice trees; many varieties of palms; and lots more.
San Juan is a central hub for many of the flights going into and out of the
Caribbean, so it's easy to arrange a stopover. On a short visit you'll
probably stay in San Juan. If you do:
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Start off with a self-guided tour of
Old San Juan.
The oldest city flying the Stars & Stripes, it's characterized by an encircling outer stone wall; narrow streets cobbled
with blue stones; restored, pastel-colored buildings dating back to the
1500s; wrought-iron and carved-wood balconies; and vibrant sprays of
bougainvillea.
Explore the dungeons, towers, and turrets of
El Morro, a huge stone fort dating back to 1540. Check out the tranquil
gardens at Casa Blanca, a house built by Fountain-of-Youth seeker
Ponce de Leon and the oldest, continuously-occupied residence in the Western
Hemisphere; it's now a museum, with each room reflecting a period style in
the house's history. The
Pablo Casals Museum
contains artifacts, photos, and other memorabilia donated by the famed
Spanish cellist and conductor.
Old San Juan is liberally
endowed with plazas—great places to sit back and relax. Stroll Plaza de Armas,
the city's original town square, while enjoying the refreshing shaved ice
known as piragua. Take note of the plaza's four large statues, each
representing one of the four seasons. Plaza de San
Jose is centered by a bronze statue of Ponce de Leon
fashioned from captured British cannons.
If you tire
of walking, grab one of the free open-air trolleys winding through the
ancient streets, hopping on and off as you like. Tip: Time your Old Town visits to
avoid cruise ship arrivals, when the narrow streets become way too crowded
to enjoy.
Other local sights include vaulted
Gothic ceilings at San Jose Church and the Devil’s Sentry Box at 18th
century Fort San Cristobal, which has fabulous water views. This fort,
and the two mentioned above—along with bastions, powder houses, and about 3/4
of the city wall—constitute
San Juan National Historic Site and are
also a
World Heritage Site. The forts were built by Spanish troops beginning
in 1539, and are the oldest European constructions in any US National
Park.
Next up: the
Cataño ferry, which crosses San Juan Bay and offers
photo-worthy views of the old town from the water. You can either get off at
the dock to tour the world's largest rum distillery (the
Bacardi rum
factory, where you'll get a free cocktail) or stay aboard for
the quick return.
Back in town, grab a paella at an inexpensive cafe and head to one of
San Juan’s many beautiful beaches. Stretch out on the white sands of Isla
Verde, which is backdropped by chic resort hotels and tempting shops. Or try Ocean Park, considered the city’s prettiest beach. Definitely take a ride on the aerial gondola at Luis Marin Park,
and don't overlook the astonishing botanical gardens—75 acres of forest with 30,000 orchids, a
lotus lagoon, and a palm garden.
Paseo Piñones Recreational Trail and
Boardwalk is perfect for a quiet walk or a peaceful bike ride; stop by the
Observation Tower for a view of mangroves filled with tropical birds.
By now, mid-afternoon, it’s time for some serious
shopping! Although San
Juan is not a free port, you’ll still find bargains in jewelry,
clothing, crystal and china (an added plus: no sales tax). Equally impressive
is the large selection of handicrafts and artwork from around the island,
including handmade mundillo lace, carnival masks, guitars, small carved
religious figures, and comfortable men’s shirts called guayaberas. And don’t
overlook the many small, independent outlet stores selling "seconds" from big
U.S. name brands.
Back at the hotel, enjoy a honeymoon siesta. Don’t forget: you’re running
on Latin time now and a long, luxurious night lies ahead. San Juan has always
offered maximum nightlife—so get prepared to eat late and salsa to sunrise.
Dress to the nines and head off to the Luis Ferre
Performing Arts Center to see a touring Latin American dance
troupe or the resident symphony. Then it's on to a hot
"nouvelle Caribbean" restaurant for a late, long, luxurious meal.
Later, spin the
roulette wheel and play a few hands of blackjack at one of the ritzy casinos,
taking breaks to strut your rumba to the pulsating salsa music—among others,
you might try vibrant El San Juan Hotel & Casino.
Finally, very
late, stroll hand in hand around the crowded Plaza de Armas. Congos and
guitars strum, tiny tree frogs chirp, the heady scent of tropical flowers
fills the warm night air, and the full moon hangs big and bright above. Ole!
More Info:
Puerto Rico
Tourism Company
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