PUERTO RICO TOURIST INFORMATION

San Juan National Historic Site
Recognized as a World Heritage Site, park includes three Spanish-built fortresses and five kilometers of historic city walls.

El Morro
This fort guards the entrance to San Juan Bay. The Spaniards started construction in 1540, but it wasn't until 1787 that the fort was deemed complete.

El Yunque
This Caribbean National Forest, approximately 28,000 acres in size, is located in the rugged Sierra de Luquillo, 40 km southeast of San Juan. It the only tropical forest in the National Forest System.

Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center
This is the oldest cemetery in the Antilles, with some 200 skeletons unearthed from AD 300 and ballcourts and dance grounds from AD 700.

El Yunque Rainforest
The only tropical rainforest managed by the US Forest Service. There are well-maintained, marked hiking trails with information centers and signs to guide you to the splendid array of ferns, orchids and trees. It is also the habitat of a rare Puerto Rican parrot. Guided tours are available.

Arecibo Observatory
One of the largest radar/radio telescopes in the world. It is the base for SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) and monitors the distant galaxies for signs of life.

Rio Camuy Caves
One of the world's largest underground cave systems, carved out eons ago by an underground river. This spectacular network of chambers can be visited aboard guided trollys and on foot where you'll see sinkholes, huge caves and subterranean streams.

Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park
The Taino Indians held their religious and recreational ceremonies 800 years ago in this park. You can see their games courts, petroglyphs, monoliths and Indian artifacts to learn about this fascinating culture.

Guanica Dry Forest
Has less than 30 inches of rain a year with temperatures averaging around 100F. As a result this 10,000 acre preserve has a number of unique plants and animals which you can hike to see.

Mona Island
Is a protected Natural Reserve. Ecologically unique it is home to red-footed boobies, endangered sea turtles, giant iguanas, and many unique species of birds, plus limestone cliffs, caves, indian rock paintings and mangrove forests. This island is only accessible by chartered boat.

Old San Juan
Dates from 1521; Cultural and historical sites are found at Old San Juan. Much of the old Spanish architecture has been restored and you can shop and eat while taking in this old atmosphere.

Ponce
Is this island's cultural heart. Restored in a 19th century style, it has small winding streets and plazas, museums, gas lamps and horse-drawn carriages, and a truly exceptional firehouse.

La Fortaleza
The Governor's Palace, built between 1533 and 1540 as a fortress against Carib attacks but greatly expanded in the 19th century. It is believed to be the oldest executive residence in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. Access to the official areas is not permitted.