San Juan, Puerto Rico

Weather as of May 21, 2012 - 12:11:50 (EST):

MM_XSLTransform error. Error opening http://xml.weather.yahoo.com/forecastrss?p=USPR0087&u=f.

Background:

San Juan is the largest city in Puerto Rico, in terms of population. The main airports serving this city are Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (actually located in Carolina), and Fernando Ribas Dominicci Airport located in the Isla Grande district of the Municipality of San Juan. Just north of the airport is Isla Verde beach, an area known for its grandiose & expensive casino hotels. Going west on route 26 you will drive through Atlantic View, Ocean Park, and then Condado. Past the Laugna del Condado lies Old San Juan with its narrow streets. San Juan serves as Puerto Rico's most important seaport, as well as the main manufacturing, financial, cultural, and tourist center of the island.

The buildings in Old San Juan date back to the 16th and 17th century. Parts of the old city remain partially enclosed by massive walls and within are several defensive structures and notable forts. There are two historic forts that were originally built to protect San Juan, one from an ocean attack, the other from land invasion. The largest, which guards the harbor, is El Castillo San Felipe del Morro, commonly refered to as EL Morro. A half mile to the east is Fort San Cristobal. Looking east along the coast from the ramparts of San Cristobal one can see all the way to Isla Verde.

On a different note: San Juan has many of the same problems of all major metropolitan areas. In general, tourist areas on the island are very safe; violent crimes against tourists is virtually non-existent. Notwithstanding, use common sense and take the same level of care you would in any big city. On rare occasions, petty thefts take place on beaches. So it’s advisable not to leave your belongings lying around unattended on the beach, or anywhere else for that matter.

Make sure to stay away from public housing complexes known as "caserios", which are located throughout the island, and avoid shanty slums as well (La Perla in San Juan, for example). These "caserios" are frequently the location of drug dealers and other illegal activity, in addition to violent crimes. If you must venture into such a locations, avoid doing so at night and do not take pictures or film the locals without permission. Avoid drawing a lot of attention to yourself and be polite at all times.

Other Northern Cities: