Puerto Rico: San Juan, the Capital of Cats
Nicknamed “the guardian of the Caribbean Sea” and a popular destination for many cruise ships, Puerto Rico is an island with a deep Caribbean-Spanish culture evident in its architecture and attractions.
San Juan, the capital, is the center of political and economic life. The metropolitan area is divided into districts, among which the oldest part of the city stands out.
San Juan is located on the Atlantic coast of the island. The old city is characterized by cobblestone streets and colorful Spanish colonial buildings dating back to the 16th century, including El Morro and La Fortaleza, imposing fortresses with expansive views of the ocean.
el morro
Iel morro view
instituto de cultura del morro
In San Juan, there is a special attention and love for cats. Along the walk of “El Morro,” a 16th-century citadel declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can come across many cats welcoming you with affection and even seeking some food! In this wonderful fortress, a genuine feline colony has been established, cared for by the city of San Juan. Along the picturesque route through nature along the ocean, you can find signs encouraging residents and tourists to adopt and take care of a cat. Occasionally, colorful wooden houses with bowls of water and food for our feline friends can be found. For cat lovers, strolling through the streets of San Juan becomes even more magical as you may encounter these wonderful animals even along the city’s streets, where statues, chairs, and benches shaped like cats are erected in their honor.
cats sea
save a cat
el morro cat house
Along the numerous beaches, various water sports can be enjoyed, from diving to surfing and sailing. It’s also possible to take hiking excursions in the El Yunque rainforest area, where a completely natural water slide can be found. Bird and whale watching could give a thrill to more experienced travelers.
Surrounded by high defensive walls and protected by the forts of San Cristóbal and San Felipe del Morro, the historic center of San Juan with its narrow cobblestone streets is characterized by pastel-colored colonial buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Here, you can stroll among many bars, restaurants, shops of all kinds, and markets. The locals are very helpful and friendly. Despite the Caribbean atmosphere, the American influence is also strongly present.
umbrellas
house
iron cat
Wandering through the charming streets of San Juan, you may come across the Capitol, the government headquarters of the territory of Puerto Rico. For art enthusiasts, the art museum is a must-visit, featuring a mix of works from the oldest to the most recent by both well-known and lesser-known artists. The museum also has a botanical garden at the back, excellent for a relaxing stroll immersed in nature and characterized by typical local fauna. After exploring Old San Juan, you can enjoy the ocean breeze by strolling along a beautiful tree-lined avenue called Paseo de la Princesa, browsing through stalls filled with local products. The avenue ends with a beautiful fountain, representing a princess.
el capitolio
museo de arte san juan
paseo de la princesa
el morro view
iguana
san juan
The festive city of San Juan is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture. Beyond the history and Spanish colonial buildings, a few kilometers away, you can discover the beaches of Luquillo or Carolina or take a tasting tour at the Bacardi rum distillery. San Juan is everything you could look for in one place: a cultural capital and a sunny Caribbean beach destination.