Imagine the blackness of the sea on a moonless night. Now watch it sparkle with
the darting lights of a million fireflies. Nature lovers will not want to miss
the phenomenal experience of visiting a tropical phosphorescent bay!
Arecibo Radio Telescope
In the northwest mountains of the island, nestled among the karst-country
hills, is the Arecibo Ionospheric Observatory, or Radio Telescope, the largest
of its kind and one of the most important research facilities on the face of
the earth. The huge dish--more than a dozen football fields could fit
inside--sits in a sinkhole and is forever aimed at the sky, tuned to detect the
slightest sounds emitted by the farthest stars.
It is the place where planets outside our solar system were discovered and is
the home base for NASA's SETI, the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence,
which you may remember from the Jodie Foster movie "Contact," part of which was
filmed here.
The Caribbean National Forest, often called El Yunque Rainforest, has the
highest visitation of any natural site in Puerto Rico. When you see it, you'll
easily understand why.
Named after the benevolent Indian spirit Yuquiyu, El Yunque is the only
rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Comprised of some 240 different
species of trees, it is actually a series of forests, each one determined by
its altitude. El Toro, the highest peak in the forest at 3,532 feet, has only
odd dwarf vegetation clinging to its sides.
This is the largest in the world, and is only a 15-minute drive from San Juan.
It’s one of the most popular visitors’ destinations in Puerto Rico.
Visitors are treated to a fascinating guided tour of the facilities at the
"Cathedral of Rum." Everything from the vast fermentation vats to the
high-speed bottling machinery is at work and on display. A trolley takes you to
the Bacardi family museum, where a history of the product and landmarks in its
development are seen. The tour ends at the lofty, bat-like pavilion, which you
may have seen if you have gazed across San Juan Bay from the southern walls of
the Old City. Here you can sample the world-famous rum and buy souvenirs or a
variety of Bacardi products at the gift shop.
How would you like to have your own little island, just for you, your family,
and friends? On Gilligan's Island you can be king or queen for a day and rule
over white-sand beaches, mazes of mangroves, and crystalline waters. There
might be a handful of other royalty in residence, but you'll be having such a
wonderful time that you'll hardly notice.
For generations, families have made the trek from San Juan and all over the
eastern region for a day at Luquillo Beach. A vacation in Puerto Rico was
considered incomplete without a visit to this well-loved place on the coast.
The view from the beach is spectacular: a long gold crescent of sand lined by
countless coconut palms, with the misty mountains of the rainforest towering in
the distance.
This fantastic natural forest is unique from others with impressive panoramic
views, waterfalls, small creeks, a man-made freshwater lake, and migratory
birds to watch. The park is managed by State's Natural Resources Department.
Toro Negro has several hiking trails for walking with proper shoes. Some snack
food and refreshments are available.
El Morro, officially known as Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, sits atop a high
promontory overlooking the entrance to San Juan Bay. It is the result of the
efforts of many different Spanish engineers over a period of more than 200
years and is one of the largest forts built by the Spaniards in the Caribbean.
Although the foundations were laid in 1539, the six-level fort was not
considered completed until 1787. During World War II, the U.S. government added
an annex of its own design on top of the fort.
Fort San Cristóbal stands guard where once sat the eastern gate to the walled
city of Old San Juan. Construction on the fort was begun in 1634 and finished
in 1790, although modifications were made well into the 18th century.
Its better-known sister fort, El Morro, was designed to protect the city from
attacks by sea; San Cristóbal guarded from approaches by land. If you are
interested in history, enjoy a walk on the ramparts, where half a millennium
ago Spanish soldiers held their watch. If you love to photograph spectacular
views, this fort is a goldmine for you, with its panoramic view of the coast
from Old San Juan to Condado area and beyond.
