San Juan was officially founded in 1493, during Christopher Columbus’s second voyage. He named the island “San Juan Bautista”, in honor of John the Baptist. It was not until 1508, that the Spanish government appointed Juan Ponce de León as the first governor of the island. He formed the original settlement in Caparra, now known as Pueblo Viejo.
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico is the oldest city on US territory, with St. Augustine, Florida, being the oldest city in the continental US. Juan Ponce de León named the City of Puerto Rico (“Rich Port”).
During the early 16th century, San Juan was the point of departure of Spanish expeditions to charter or settle unknown parts of the New World. Its fortifications repulsed the English navigator Sir Francis Drake in 1595, as well as later attacks.
The metropolitan area known as San Juan has three distinct areas: Old San Juan, the Beach & Resort area, and other outlying areas. San Juan is the largest processing center of the island. This area has facilities for petroleum and sugar refining, brewing and distilling and produces cement, pharmaceuticals, metal products clothing, and tobacco. The port is one of the busiest in the Caribbean. San Juan is also the country’s financial capital. San Juan is also the center of Caribbean shipping. It is the 2nd largest sea port in the area, after New York City.
Puerto Rico is one of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Here you will find mountains, underground caves, coral reefs, white-sand beaches and a massive rain forest. This rain forest supplies fresh water to most of the island. San Juan, the capital of the commonwealth, is a large city with a busy business district. There are resorts and casinos, as well as stunning examples of colonial life.
When you are in San Juan, don’t miss the natural beauty of Puerto Rico’s El Yunque Rain Forest. It features more than 240 species of trees, hundreds of miniature orchids, and what was once believed to be the Fountain of Youth. Baño Grande is a natural swimming pool. Take a walk on Camitillo Trail and look for the artificial nest of the Puerto Rican parrot and the flora and fauna of the Palo Colorado forest.
Old San Juan is the second-oldest European settlement in the New World. Don’t miss San Felipe El Morro. It is the most dramatic of all the city’s military fortifications. Also visit the Casa Blanca Museum & Gardens, the Ballaja Barracks,
Quincentennial Square, San Jose Church, San Juan Cathedral, and Cristo Chapel. See the gorgeous scenery by bicycle. Visit the Piñones Reserve, home to the island’s most spectacular views.
Puerto Rico is a great place to enjoy authentic Spanish-style sangria and taste a wide array of delicious tapas.
