Caribe Hilton Hotel Car Rental  Calle Rosales San Geronimo Grounds San Juan Puerto Rico

Tours in Puerto Rico

Old San Juan is an architectural delight of historical significance for the Americas, with narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful colonial buildings, the old forts, the governor's mansion, city hall, the San Jose Church (circa 1523), the family house or Casa Blanca of Ponce de Leon, and many other wonderful memories of the old beginnings. La Princea, an old city jail is now a historical museum, the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista (circa 1520) containing the tomb of Ponce de Leon, the Casa Rosa, the Museum of Ballaja which were the Spanish barracks and the city's cemetery of Saint Maria Madgalena of Pazzis. Many of the old structural walls that protected the city are still standing and line the streets of old San Juan. With all these magnificent historical buildings and places, San Juan has become a tourist destination and the bayside is lined with docks for the cruise lines. Some of the old streets are covered by adoquine, a bluish stone cast from furnace slag brought to the Americas on the Spanish ships where it was used for ballast.

After WWII, many technological improvements in building cruise liners and the island's great climate and setting helped the island become the starting point for many destinations. This in turn helped the Caribbean become known throughout the world as a fantastic vacation area. Over the last fifty years, the island and the other beautiful islands of the Caribbean have grown and become important tourist points of interests and ports of call.  With many wonderful tours of San Juan, there is much to see and do. The exquisite examples of historical architecture make each and every tour an occasion to remember. The old city is of course the best place to start and there are many walking tours available. La Fortaleza was built as a fort to defend the city and was used to house the governor for hundreds of years. It is now open for tours. La Catedral de San Juan is a marvelous reminder of 1540 Gothic and houses the tomb of Juan Ponce de Leon. The El Morro castle sits 140 feet above the Atlantic and San Juan Bay with panoramic majestic views from many of the 6 levels of the castle. One of the oldest theaters on this side of the world is Teatro Tapia with plays, ballets and concerts happening quite often. The San Cristobal fort was finished in 1771 to protect the city from the land side invasions should they occur.

The old city is a place of wonder and excitement with its plethora of museums and art exhibits with pieces from the hundreds of years of history. La Casa Blanca was originally the home of Ponce de Leon, although he died in Florida before he could live in it; however his family did stay there for over 250 years. The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture houses local paintings and sculptures, while La Princesa, originally the jail now is the home to the Tourism department and also contains many beautiful examples of Puerto Rican art. There are numerous others for your enjoyment, but the best thing to do is go to the tourist department and see what piques your own personal interests and go from there. Although you don't want to miss the Casa del Libro which contains a rare collection of 16th century books, as well as showing the way of art and bookmaking.

For the more adventurous among you, you may want to visit the Angeles Sinkhole and thrill to a day of spelunking, zipline rides 200 feet above the giant sinkhole and rappelling 25 stories to the entrance. All instructions and equipment is supplies. If you are a rum enjoyer, try the Bacardi Rum Distillery; or if you prefer nature, take the kayak tour to Bioluminescent Bay. Continuing on that venue, spend a day fishing for the thrills of your life or the biggest fish of it. There are a few charters for catamarans, boats, kayaks, bikes and even sailboats. The Guanica Dry Forest is a majestic natural preserve on 1640 acres of cacti, desert plants and semi-evergreens, and enjoy the hiking. They do have cactus fruit for your enjoyment, as well as a enjoyable picnic lunch. Please remember to wear protective clothing and good hiking shoes, not forgetting the sunscreen and bottled water.

New Exclusive  Hertz Online Coupons

Hertz Car Rental is conveniently located in the airport, for hassle free pick up and drop off. Hertz offers a large selection of quality vehicles to choose from. Save money today with

Things to do in Puerto Rico

Over 465 years have gone into the distinctiveness that is San Juan, once a military bastion, the 7 blocks have developed into a marvelous blend of residents and commercial enterprises, where over 400 properties have been painstakingly reconditioned to their grandiose beginnings. People come here to marvel over the historical architect, visit the wonderful beaches and enjoy the casinos. More tourists come to San Juan than any other city in the Caribbean area, and the best way to enjoy this city is by walking. With frequent heavy traffic, the narrow streets can be tricky and to observe the imposing buildings and majestic sites, walking is definitely the best way to do it.

In the Plaza de San Jose, young and old come to enjoy each other's company, surrounded by historical structures and a statue of Ponce de Leon created by melting British cannons of bronze captured in the late 1700s. Adjacent to the plaza is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario (Quincentennial Square), the keystone celebrating the 500th anniversary of the new world's discovery by Columbus. A 40 foot monument made of black granite and ceramics epitomizes the earth and clay roots of the Americas saga.   Envisioned as the main square of the city, Plaza de Armas highlights 4 statues of the 4 seasons created over 100 years ago, and has been a cordial rendezvous for many years.

At first called St. James Square, in 1893 it was renamed, to honor Columbus on the 400th anniversary of discovering Puerto Rico, to Plaza de Colon; with bronze plates at the bottom to record the highlights of his life. In 1971, the Plaza de la Rogativa was built to record a historical event that took place in 1797. In the spring of that year, Sir Ralph Ambercrombie sailed into the harbor with a fleet of ships determined to take over the city and colony. When the attack failed, they began a blockade to starve the citizens into giving up.  The people began to lose hope, so the governor ordered a rogativa to the saints for help.  In a torch carrying procession going through the city, and bells ringing, the British heard the noise and saw the lights and assuming help had arrived, left. Another plaza, the de Hostos, holds artistic displays, food shops and piragueros selling shaved ice topped with tropical fruit syrup.
With over 170 local, national and international restaurants, San Juan cuisine can please anyone's palate. If you enjoy alcohol, try Barrachina's, where the pina colada was introduced. With plenty of fish from the seas close by, most have a wonderful menu of fresh fish. Of course there is the usual beef, chicken, pork and other seafood; but it is prepared the San Juan way and with many chefs locating here to cater to the tourist trade, the cuisine is exceptional as are the drinks. Try them with the local tropical fruits, both your meal and drink. You will find pizza, sandwiches of all kinds and varieties, and many novel dishes that you can't find anywhere else in the world. Enjoy, relax, San Juan is one place you won't have to rush through.  If you would enjoy some authentic Puerto Rican fritters, then try the Burbuja's Cafe on Esmeralda Avenue in San Juan.  The Caribe Hilton offers its famous champagne brunch on Sundays with Puerto Rican food, seafood, paella, cold cuts, pastas, steaks, ribs, pastas and  salads.  After the sumptuous meal, you can partake of the chic shops and boutiques along the hotels promenade.