Castillo San Felipe del Morro — Attraction in San Juan

We visited end of March on a Sunday 2024. We arrived in town via cruise ship very early in the morning (7AM). The forts were not open yet so we decided to hike the outside of the fort by the water. We left the port around 8AM. We hike from the cruise port down Paseo dela Princesa and just followed the trail up the west side of the peninsula. The weather was torrential downpours. We didn't have ponchos or umbrellas. We were dressed in quick dry hiking clothes and closed toe hiking sandals like Keens which are meant for water recreation. It was probably the best thing we did the entire cruise. We were told by folks later that the rain was unusual. Usually they are much quicker rainstorms. It rained like that for almost 3 hrs straight.

Due to the rain we only saw 2 people the entire time on the hike. They were joggers. It was a beautiful trail. Overcast rainy skies with no lighting. The ocean waves were pretty large as well. We did see one person who looked like they were on a kayak. The paved trail was covered in almost an inch of running water. It was a nice warm rain too. We took a bunch of pictures on the hike and also got to see amazing waterfalls as the fort emptied it's water out onto the paths. I would take this over blazing hot sun with no shade during this hike. I would love to do it again with the sun out or at sunset but this was a once in a lifetime experience. We walked all the around around the outside of the fort and came up the switch back walkway behind del morro. Popped us out right in front of the fort. We arrived maybe 10 mins before 9AM and saw the park staff pull up in their golf cart. This gave us time to use the outdoor bathrooms. The bathrooms were currently being renovated so there were no bathrooms inside.

Because of the rain there were also no people at the fort either. It may also have to do with the fact that it was Easter Sunday. But we were the first ones in. We had our National Park pass which got us in for free and also picked up junior ranger books at the desk. We walked straight in and forward into the park store to get our NPS passport cancellation stamps. There are different stamps for here versus Castillo San Cristobal. All our passport books were tucked in a dry bag backpack that we were also carrying. Some of the cool 50th anniversary merch was sold out but they were available online at the NPS store website.

Our two younger kids took a seat on a bench outside to complete their junior ranger while we took a quick look around the courtyard. Just left of the store is a room you can go into to watch a video on the park. We took our time to sit here and dry off (they have fans blowing). They video is certainly much lengthier than most. Not quite 30 mins but had to be pretty close.

We then walked around the fort. Went up and down and great views everywhere. We went into many of the little turrets on the end. Fantastic views. There were multiple so on a busy day I'm sure you can find one that's not super busy to see. They are about 1-person wide especially if you're wearing a backpack. Most people had the courtesy to wait and let one person in at a time but I did have one person come right up to me and squeeze past me as I was trying to leave. There are also a set of stairs that go from the floor you enter on to one of the lower floors and it's ALOT of stairs. They are also a odd non-standard height. So be carful. They are one way. So one side is for going up and the other for going down. We spent almost 90 mins inside the fort. Then decided to walk over to Castillo San Cristobal. It's a fairly easy walk. Gott o walk by the cemetery which was cool. There were also a ton of people outside flying kites. Not sure if it was something special or if this is what people just did here on weekends. The giant field in front was free and only entering into the fort itself had a cost associated with it. If we were in San Juan again and had our NPS pass I would certainly...

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY 🇺🇸🇵🇷 #PuertoRico #Review 🇵🇷🇺🇸

I wanted to highlight my thoughts on PR. Let's start with THE GOOD: Beautiful Beaches: Puerto Rico is famous for its picturesque beaches, from the serene Flamenco Beach in Culebra to the surfing haven of Rincon. The clear blue waters and soft sand make them perfect for relaxation and water sports. Rich Culture and History: The island boasts a rich blend of Spanish, African, and Taíno cultures, reflected in its music, dance (like salsa), art, and festivals. Historical sites, such as #OldSanJuan (see pictures), the San Felipe del Morro fort, and the Ponce architecture, offer a glimpse into its past. Delicious Cuisine: Puerto Rican cuisine, or cocina criolla, is a treat for food lovers, featuring dishes like mofongo, arroz con gandules, and lechón asado. Valerie Weiß enjoyed the #mofongo; I fell in love with their way of making rice. Warm Weather: The tropical climate is a big draw, offering warm, sunny weather year-round, ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities. I personally enjoy warmer climates, but don't be fooled, some parts are extremely dry. Friendly People: The warmth and friendliness of Puerto Ricans often stand out to visitors. The local hospitality makes people feel welcomed and valued.

On the flip side, THE BAD:

Economic Challenges: The island has faced significant economic challenges, including debt crises and high unemployment rates, which can impact the quality of life for some residents. You can feel the impact. Infrastructure and Maintenance Issues: you WILL experience difficulties with infrastructure. Surely, due to economic challenges and poor political choices the infrastructure is impacted! BIGLY. Traffic Congestion: In urban areas, especially around San Juan (OMG I experienced this twice), traffic congestion can be significant, affecting commute times and travel plans.

The UGLY: For someone like me (impatient & demand of saving time) will REALLY dislike Puerto Rico. If you're traveling to just visit, do not come with a schedule. DO NOT come with a schedule. Our journey was extremely short, tight schedule, no slack. We were able to do A LOT but we lost several minutes and hours due to the lack of urgency to time. If you're an aggressive driver, you'll enjoy PR, but don't get bent out of shape if you get behind a local with no hurry. Let's also add the random potholes, that could pop a tire (yes, this happened to us) and almost all residential streets in more populated areas will have speed bumps every 300-400 feet. When driving EVERYTHING is in metric but your speed warnings are in MPH. If traveling to one of the smaller, remote islands (like we did) just be knowledgeable in this: Locals will take priority. Build padding in your schedule! "What if I don't get on the first ferry?". Many websites will suggest to purchase ferry tickets ahead of time but their website has updated and no ferry tickets can be purchased ahead of time anymore.

My thoughts. Glad we visited...

Castillo San Felipe del Puerto Rico: A Fortress of Historical Significance

Introduction: Castillo San Felipe del Puerto Rico, also known as El Morro, is a magnificent fortress located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Built in the 16th century, this iconic structure stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Puerto Rico. With its strategic location overlooking the entrance to San Juan Bay, Castillo San Felipe has played a crucial role in defending the island against numerous invasions throughout its existence. This essay will explore the historical significance, architectural marvels, and cultural importance of Castillo San Felipe del Puerto Rico.

Historical Significance: Castillo San Felipe del Puerto Rico holds immense historical significance as it witnessed several key events in Puerto Rico's history. Constructed by the Spanish in the 16th century, it served as a vital defense against pirates, privateers, and rival European powers seeking to gain control over the island. The fortress successfully repelled numerous attacks, including the famous assault by Sir Francis Drake in 1595. The resilience of Castillo San Felipe stands as a symbol of Puerto Rico's determination to protect its sovereignty and resist foreign domination.

Architectural Marvels: The architectural design of Castillo San Felipe del Puerto Rico is a marvel in itself. The fortress combines elements of Spanish military architecture with influences from the Italian Renaissance. Its distinctive shape, resembling a six-sided star, is a testament to the ingenuity of its builders. The walls, made of stone and coral, are up to 18 feet thick, providing unparalleled strength and durability. The strategic placement of cannons and watchtowers allowed for maximum visibility and firepower, ensuring the fortress's effectiveness in defending against enemy attacks.

Cultural Importance: Castillo San Felipe del Puerto Rico is not only a historical landmark but also a cultural treasure for the people of Puerto Rico. It serves as a reminder of the island's colonial past and the struggles endured by its inhabitants. The fortress has become a symbol of Puerto Rican identity, representing the resilience and pride of its people. Today, it stands as a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to admire its architectural beauty and learn about Puerto Rico's rich history.

Conclusion: Castillo San Felipe del Puerto Rico, with its historical significance, architectural marvels, and cultural importance, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Puerto Rico. This fortress has witnessed centuries of battles, repelling invaders and safeguarding the island's sovereignty. Its unique design and strategic location make it a remarkable example of military...