The day dawned clear on the Holland America Line MS Eurodam after the stormy nauseating seas of the past few days. This was a welcome relief visually and for the stomach which has been struggling with all the back and forth rocking. We pulled around the point of the north east part of the island and passed the historical fort. From a distance we could have been pulling into a port in Greece or perhaps the Middle East – the white buildings contrasted significantly with the aquamarine waters.
It had been several years since I was last in old San Juan but it was just as I remembered, colorful buildings, museums, restaurants, squares and plenty of people out sightseeing. Soon I was on my way to El Yunque, the only tropical rain forest in a United States territory. It was strange being on a 3-4 lane freeway (and seeing backed up traffic) after spending much of the earlier part of this month hopping from one small island to the next. This excellent freeway quickly brought us to the turn off to the rain forest.
Puerto Rico has been in a severe drought; normally the tops of the jungle covered mountains are covered in clouds – but not so today as we saw them easily. We drove to an elevation of about 2,000 feet where we began our hike on La Mina trail-head. The Coqui frog is small but it makes a loud shrill sound – it was not hard to hear it’s distinguished call.
The highlight of this hike was a small but powerful waterfall where plenty of people were enjoying the refreshing cold waters in contrast the humid warm jungle.
Meeting up with some friends in the evening we enjoyed a fine seafood dinner at Cafe Berlin in Old San Juan – washed down quickly with a Capirinha. We made it back on board with only 2 minutes to spare!
Now, onward to St. Martin on the next leg of our journey – we cruise all night and arrive in at 8am.
Beautiful pictures, but this post did not encourage me to travel by ship. My family and friends always tell me, “it’s not that bad,” but I’m sure that seasickness is a real thing. Maybe I will take a plane to Puerto Rico.
I had been toPuerto Rico. This place boasts a pretty mild climate year round, with average temperatures consistently around 80. The peak of Puerto Rico travel season lasts from December to April, which is also the dry season. Rates are also the highest this time of year. August in the hottest (and rainiest) month in Puerto Rico, and summer through fall brings a risk of hurricanes. -mightyessays.com
Nice article Dave. We enjoyed it very much – also your terrific pics. We’ve been to San Juan a few times. Once on a cruise. We have sea legs so no trouble with us in rough water. Strolling the old town area and Fort San Cristobal, was fun but not enough time to enjoy the scenery because the cruise ship’s docking in port was limited to under 8 hours.
M&G
Santiago, Chile
Thanks Michael – greetings from Bangkok after a great week in Taipei. Yep, you will need more time during your next visit to San Juan 🙂
Yea, getting sea sick is absolutely no fun. I can’t figure it out – sometimes I have no problems, othertimes it is a nightmare. Food in the stomach tends to help I guess.
Wow, really nice pics man. You make me want to be there right now – #dreamingofcaribbean !
I really appreciate the photos and the great content. Old San Juan has been on my list for some time.
I would suggest going there. Love the PR 🙂
Excellent site, lots of useful info and good design. Thanks!