San Juan

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San Juan is a real history lesson and a beach getaway! We were here for 3 days so stayed pretty central.                                

Old San Juan - Sentry Box along the wall

 

 

Old San Juan is very picturesque enclosed within 3 miles of city walls with an oceanfront esplanade to wander and enjoy the history and the weather, which incidentally is a lot hotter than Calgary. There are 5 huge gates that allow access into the city. Back between the 1500s – 1800s access to the city was controlled via the gates.     

 

 

Brett at Paseo de la Princesa the start of the esplanade

 

The ocean esplanade is well maintained and a great walk. Make sure you have good shoes and water because it’s hot out there. There are 2 large fortresses along the city wall, that took over 250 years to build, and were built to protect San Juans harbour.

Kids with their kites in the park. Castillo San Felipe del Morro is in the background

 
       

 

   

The views from the fortresses and park are incredible, but its windy! Those good old Trade winds to help the sailors out. While we were up at Castillo San Felipe del Morro the school kids were all out flying kites, which apparently is a regular occurence.

 
   

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

 
 
The entry fee into the forts is very reasonable. The condition of the them is incredible and they allow you to walk around inside and on the various structures, which surrprised us. Well worth a visit.
 
 
 
 
 

Different areas within the city have different styled balconies and columns which define the year they were built

  

  
Within the city walls there are bold coloured houses and shops,which line the narrow cobbled streets.  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cobbled streets lined with beautiful homes; Govt house is at the far end

 

 
 
 
 
 
The area around Govt house (which you can visit) is quieter and has some incredible homes with really nice entrance ways behind the gates. It is a busy place – trust me!  
 
 

He was a good listener.....

 

 

 

 

 I found a new friend in one of the many plazas around the city.         

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The locals play dominos and chess in the many parks around the city.
 
 
 
 
 

A little sunburnt but maybe the Rum is having an effect too!

  
  
 
 
While in San Juan you cannot miss the Rum and  yes we found a great bartender to help us sample!!
 
 

Candado Beach - an interesting walk...

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We stayed at a hotel along Condado Beach and walked to Old San Juan. Of course Brett found a cool bar right on the beach which had awesome views (not just of the sunbathers). Its touristy closer to Old San Juan and very busy and is gorgeous all the way down to Ocean Park. You can walk along in front of all the hotels and locals homes.
 
 

Brett looking out to the Carribean

 
 

 
LOVED SAN JUAN AND YES WE WOULD RETURN! If only we had had more time to get out of main San Juan.