PLEASE NOTE:
The Arecibo Observatory is closed.

A 1,000-foot diameter dish used to keep us safe from asteroids, beamed a three-minute pictorial message 23,000 light-years away to the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy, and has assisted in numerous notable discoveries. It’s just three of the reasons why the loss of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico is such a great loss. When it comes to telescopes, there are few as awe-inspiring as this one.

Where was the Arecibo Radio Telescope

Arecibo is in the Northern Coastal Valley region of Puerto Rico. The area is marked by stark contrasts.  It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the north and numerous caves, sinkholes, and wooded hills to the south. Built into a natural limestone sinkhole in 1964, the telescope was made of nearly 40,000 perforated aluminum panels covering an area of about twenty acres.

Arecibo Observatory Facts

The Arecibo Observatory was the brainchild of Cornell University professor William E. Gordon. This was an extraordinary site,  at 167 feet deep, the Arecibo telescope was the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world.  

The Location of the Arecibo Observatory

Arecibo Radio Telescope was located approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from San Juan. As you get closer to the site, navigating through narrow one-lane roads, twisting and turning up and around bends, is just part of the adventure of visiting the area. 

Arecibo Observatory Visitor Center -Closed

A welcoming visitor’s center ushers visitors into a world of interactive exhibits and friendly and informative guides are on-hand to answer all questions. There’s a 20-minute video and then the anticipated opportunity to visit the observation deck to view the breathtaking radio telescope.

Many people will recognize the Arecibo Telescope for its roles in Hollywood movies. The giant telescope was featured prominently in the final scene of the James Bond film Goldeneye and was also the antenna used by Jody Foster in her search for alien signals in the movie Contact.

Arecibo Observatory Message

Astronomers Frank Drake and Carl Sagan put together a binary communication known as the Arecibo message. It was sent from the Arecibo Observatory in 1974.

At the visitor’s center, visitors see a graphic showing the Arecibo message.  It was directed to the star cluster known as M13.  If eventually decoded by an intelligent race, the extraterrestrial recipients will be greeted with a 23 by 73-pixel bitmap image depicting a stick figure of a human being, a human DNA strand, chemical formulas, our solar system, and even an image of the telescope itself.

Arecibo Observatory Tour – Closed

Those who are interested in an in-depth look at the reflector and what goes on behind the scenes, an Arecibo Observatory VIP tour is available during certain times of the day. A 30 minute guided tour takes visitors to the engineering offices, the control room, and to the edge of the 1,000 feet (305 meters) reflector.

Arecibo Observatory Discoveries

As one might expect with such a large telescope, some big findings have been made at Arecibo. Most notably, the observatory is known for discovering the first planets outside our solar system and measuring the rotation rate of the planet Mercury.  It was also used by Russell Hulse and Joseph Taylor, of Princeton University, New Jersey, to pinpoint a pair of neutron stars or pulsars. The discovery, the first of a pulsar binary, was of immense importance in understanding the gravitational theory and earned the pair the 1993 Nobel Prize for Physics. 

The Arecibo telescope has also played a key role in studying celestial events known as fast radio bursts which are split-second blasts of radio waves that appear in the sky and have traveled billions of light-years across the cosmos.

Arecibo Telescope Loss

The Arecibo Telescope provided an important role of guarding our planet against the threat of asteroids. Seeking answers to the unknown,  the telescope can no longer help protect our planet from threats or decipher a message the day an intelligent race contacts us.

This was is a place that fosters and inspires scientific interest in everyone, not only astronomers and scientists.

Route 625, Bo. Esperanza, Arecibo, PR 00612

(787) 878-2612
Arecibo Observatory

Interested in Exploring the Universe? Begin Your Astronomical Journey With this Special Deal!

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For more adventures in Puerto Rico:

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Colorful architecture, 16th-century forts, and blue cobblestone streets. This describes the most interesting and beautiful city in the world, Old San Juan. It’s a city with a vast history and an incredible culture, which is why when you’re visiting don’t miss these 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan Puerto Rico.

For the most up-to-date covid regulations, please visit the Discover Puerto Rico website before traveling to the island. Please note: Hours and opening schedules may have changed because of COVID-19. Please check their websites for up-to-date information.

It was 1528 when the growing and prosperous city of Old San Juan experienced its first pirate attack.  To fend off the pirates the Spanish created two huge forts and walled in the city. Today, you don’t have to worry about pirate attacks, but as a result, you’ll find yourself immersed in the history and beauty of these 16th-century forts where soldiers once fought.

1. Explore El Morro Fort

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan?

Guarding the entrance to San Juan Bay, El Morro, a six-level fort maintained by the National Park Services, is one of the most spectacular sites in Old San Juan. It’s where stone walls meet the crashing spray of the salty Atlantic Ocean and the vast green lawn touches the azure sky dotted by kites flying in the breeze pulled by happy children at play.

It’s an immense fort built in 1539 with 18-foot thick walls, ominous dungeons, cannons pointing seaward, barracks, and mazes of tunnels. Even though it was one of the largest fortifications built by Spain in the Caribbean, El Morro suffered several attacks from the English in 1595 and 1598, and the Dutch in 1625. In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, United States Navy ships fired upon the fortification. Puerto Rico surrendered and eventually became a commonwealth of the United States, which it still is today.  During World War II, the U.S. government added an artillery fire control station.

Even if you don’t have the time or desire to visit this fort, take a stroll by it in the evening. The fort can be especially beautiful at nightfall when the setting sun illuminates the fort, casting shadows on the small, circular sentry boxes called “garitas” which have become a national symbol of Puerto Rico.

Hours: Open Daily: 9am – 5pm (June to November) and 9am – 6pm (December – May)

501 Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

+1-787-729-6960

www.nps.gov/saju/

Bonus: Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetary

Located just outside the walls of El Morro is the beautiful Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery built on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to symbolize the spirit’s journey crossing over to the afterlife. This colonial-era cemetery contains many stunning and elaborate tombstones and is the final resting place of prominent residents.

2. Visit San Cristobel Fort

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico?

In 1634 construction began on San Cristóbal and was considered a necessary addition to San Juan’s defenses in the wake of devastating attacks from the English in 1598 and Dutch in 1625. The fortress served as a means of defense for the city of San Juan in the event of land attacks from the east.

Fort San Cristobal is thought to be the biggest fortress constructed on the American continent. With its design inspired by the 17^th century Vauban-style fortresses of France, notable features of the fort include a dungeon, moat, bunker, rooms for canons, and various tunnels.  Two observation posts were added during World War II. Fort San Cristobal’s network of underground tunnels is open for exploration – the complex maze was originally utilized to facilitate easy communication and transportation of military materials, and add a level of difficulty for attackers.

At both forts, hourly tours are given by park rangers, in both English and Spanish, and provide great insight into the life of the soldiers and the history of the time. There is also a free shuttle bus that runs between them making it easy for you to see both forts in one day.

Hours: Open daily: 9 am – 5 pm (June to November) and 9 am – 6 pm (December – May)

San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

+1-787-449-4049

www.nps.gov/saju/

 3. Take a Break at Casa Corte Chocolate Bar

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico?

The first time I was in Old San Juan my eyes zeroed in on the words, Casa Corte Chocolate Bar. Like a moth to a light bulb, I plastered my face to the window to see an array of delectable chocolates on display and a long, sleek bar.

The establishment’s name upheld the true sense of the words, chocolate, and bar.  Alcoholic drinks such as chocolate mimosas and white chocolate Russians can be ordered. The menu has a traditional list of foods, but with a unique chocolate twist. Cheese plates with dark chocolate sauce, grilled cheese with cheddar and dark chocolate, their “traditional” sandwich with roasted beef, pork, turkey, Swiss cheese and a dark chocolate sauce,  and of course a variety chocolaty delicious desserts.

We sat at the bar and were immediately given small samples of hot chocolate.  Rich and creamy, it was amazing, but since it was 90 degrees out, I wanted something cool. I ordered the chocolate frio, (cold chocolate). The tall, cold glass filled with sweet liquid chocolate, a frothy tower of whipped cream, and a chunk of chocolate which was placed on top as if it were the bride and groom on a wedding cake.

We decided to try one of their tapas, mofongito.  Traditionally, mofongo is mashed plantains and either topped or filled with chicken, beef, pork, or seafood.  Here, they were a smaller version and filled with chocolate. Amazing, unique, innovative.  It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind place to grab a drink, meal, snack, or even chocolates to take home.

Hours: 8am-8pm

210 Calle San Francisco, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

+1-787-722-0499

casacortespr.com

4. Ask for a Miracle at Cristo Chapel

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico?

Cristo Chapel is hallowed ground for those who are in need of a miracle. This 16th-century gothic chapel is formally known as the Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud, and more commonly known as the Cristo Chapel.

As legend has it, in 1753 a rider in a horse race, Baltazar Montanez, lost control of his horse plunging to the cliffs below. The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts was watching and cried out, “Christ of Good Health, save him!” The horse didn’t survive the fall, but the young rider was miraculously saved.

That same year Montanez built the small chapel on the exact spot where he fell over the cliff – atop the ancient wall that once protected the old city. The altar was built in shining silver and gold leaf, surrounded by beautiful oil paintings by the famous Puerto Rican artist Jose Campeche.

This tiny but well-appointed chapel hasn’t changed since Montanez built it.  Over the decades believers who come to the chapel seeking miracles for physical illness have brought tiny silver ornaments, each one representing some ailing part of the body – legs, arms, heart. These small “Milagros” still decorate the walls today.

Hours: Today the church is only open on Tuesdays and religious days and is reverentially taken care of by a group of local elderly ladies; volunteers called “La Hermandad del Santo Cristo de la Salud.” Viejo San Juan

Location: the Lower end of Cristo Street

Bonus: Pigeon Park

Walkthrough the gate on the right before the chapel entrance and visit Pigeon Park, a small shaded is where hundreds of pigeons roost in crevices of the stone wall. 

 5. Shop till You Drop on Cristo Street

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico?

If you like shopping check out Cristo and Fortaleza Streets for designer goods, arts & crafts, local fare, and cigars. The Cigar House has a great selection of cigar and pipe accessories and a lounge where you can enjoy your favorite smoke.

Looking for authentic Puerto Rican clothing?  For men, purchase a Guayabera on San Francisco Street, a white button-down shirt made with cotton or linen, perfect for the warm weather in the tropics. They are typical attire in the Caribbean and are part of the national costume of Puerto Rico. 

Concalma sells unique cloth purses and jewelry made by Puerto Rican designers and artists.  1% of their online sales of bags go to Siembra Tres Vidas, an organic farm in Aibonito, Puerto Rico.  If designer fashion is what you want, take a stroll on Cristo Street where you’ll find shops such as Coach and Ralph Lauren.

Local shops in Old San Juan:

The Handcraft Store

101 Fortaleza Street, (787) 724-1181

Puerto Rican Arts and Crafts

Calle Fortaleza 204, (787) 725-5596

The Cigar House

Calle Fortaleza 257, (787) 723-5223

Concalma

Unique handmade bags

Calle San Francisco 207, (787) 342-9757

House Guayaberas

Traditional white linen shirts and dresses.

Calle Tanca 202 – near San Francisco and Fortaleza Street – la Plaza La Barandilla, 787-664-4367

6. Stroll on the Paseo La Princessa

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico?

Paseo La Princessa is a tree-lined promenade built in 1853 which follows the beautiful views of the San Juan Bay and the historic base of the city walls.  The ‘Paseo’ used to be where the local aristocrats would come to display their wealth and socialize. Here are a few things you’ll find along your walk on Paseo La Princesa along with a self-guided walking tour. 

On the weekends, vendors set up booths containing various foods as well as arts and crafts.  It’s a great place to pick up a snack or a trinket to commemorate your visit.

A former jail is now home to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.  Here you can get tourist information, grab a map of Old San Juan, (which I highly recommend), visit their art gallery, walk around the elegant courtyard, and see a 19th-century jail cell.

Raíces Fountain, also known as the Roots Fountain is considered to be one of the most romantic spots in Old San Juan, particularly when the setting sun casts its shades of copper and gold across the water in the bay outlining the dramatic silhouette of the bronze statues. This collection, honoring Puerto Rico’s mixed African, Spanish and Taino/Amerindian heritage, is represented as a ship being steered out into the open sea with leaping dolphins leading the way to a bright 21st-century future. The picturesque San Juan Bay serves as a backdrop to the statue.

As you walk further down Paseo de la Princesa you will come upon a large, red gate built in approximately 1635.  This is the last remaining gate that was built into the massive defensive walls to protect the city was the main entry into the walled city during its Spanish colonial era. The gate is closed at night.

Walk through the gate and view the blue cobblestones which line the streets and wander leisurely admiring the charming 16^th and 17th-century Spanish colonial homes encompassing bright colors and interesting architecture. The blue cobblestones are adoquine, cast from furnace slag which was brought over as ballast on Spanish ships. Time and moisture have given them their blue color.

Location: 101 Paseo De La Princesa, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901

7. Dance the Night Away

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico?

Locals and tourists together can enjoy the spirited beat of salsa music at Nuyorican Café.  A talented live band, a cover charge of only $5, and a centrally located establishment make this a popular spot to dance. Don’t let its side alley entrance scare you.  At 9 pm when they open, they’ll be someone handing out flyers at the door, otherwise, you’d never know it’s there.  Salsa lessons are available at 9 pm on Wednesdays and the band generally starts at 10:15.

Address: 312 Calle San Francisco, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico (Even though the address is Calle San Francisco the front entrance is actually on the side street of  Calle de la Capilla.)

Where to stay in Old San Juan:

Hotel El Convento

The Hotel El Convento is in the heart of Old San Juan and is a former Carmelite convent which dates back to 1651 and is now a romantic retreat with 58 well-decorated rooms.  It’s also reportedly home to the ghosts of its nuns who haunt its halls.

Hotel Amenities include a fitness facility, bar/lounge, conference space, porter/bellhop, multilingual staff, ATM/banking, outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, snack bar/deli, laundry facilities, refrigerator, cribs/infant beds (complimentary) and rooftop lounge area.

High-end price

100 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

+1-787-723-9020

http://www.elconvento.com/

Hotel Plaza De Armas Old San Juan

Overlooking the Plaza de Armas, this Spanish Colonial style 4 floor, 51 room hotel is a 9 minutes’ walk from Castillo San Cristóbal fort. Featuring wood furnishings, the low-key rooms offer flat-screen TVs with premium channels. Some rooms have no windows. Amenities include an elevator, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, an informal coffee shop, and a sitting/dining area in a bright atrium.

Economy Price

202 Calle San José, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

+1- 787-722-9191

http://www.hotelplazadearmaspr.com/default-en.html

La Terraza De San Juan

Located in San Juan Antiguo, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk from Castillo de San Cristobal fort and San Juan Gate.  All 24 individually decorated rooms feature free Wi-Fi and minibars. For a bit of entertainment, guests will find flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and other amenities include refrigerators and premium bedding. Along with an outdoor rooftop pool, this smoke-free hotel has 3 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. Other amenities include a coffee shop/café and coffee/tea in a common area.

Mid-Price

262 Calle Sol, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

+1-787-722-2014

http://www.laterrazahotelsanjuan.com/

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Things to do in Puerto Rico

Colorful architecture of Old San Juan!

Walking the streets of Old San Juan will make you question whether you’re in Europe or the Caribbean.  Dazzling colors and roads lined with blue cobblestones, give this historical city beauty and charm. Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Beaches in Puerto Rico!

Swimming in the warm waters of Puerto Rico’s beaches will make you never want to leave. If  calm waters are your desire, go to Luquillo Beach on the east side of the island.  If it’s waves you want, go to the west side to Sandy Beach in Rincon. The island is surrounded by unique beaches that are the most beautiful in the world.

Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Arecibo Telescope!

Please note: This attraction is permanently closed.

Exploring the Arecibo Telescope in Arecibo will have you wondering whether or not there are extra-terrestrials in space.  This state-of-the-art radio telescope is still in use today and is watching over the earth for the asteroids which may get too close for comfort. Its location is off the beaten path, which will allow you to see some of the lush and mountainous country-side.

Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

El Yunque Rain Forest!

Hiking through El Yunque Rain Forest in Rio Grande will reward you with stunning views from a tower and cool splashes from its numerous waterfalls. Bring a rain jacket even on a sunny day. It’s not called a rainforest for nothing.

Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Fabulous Food in Puerto Rico!

Eating your way through Puerto Rico will provide you with many culinary options.  Arepas, red snapper, mofongo, are just a few of the delicious foods found on the island.

Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Surfs Up in Puerto Rico!

Surfing on the west coast of Puerto Rico, known for its swells and surf competitions, is the place experienced surfers go. However, if surfing is on your bucket list but the thought of huge waves makes you a bit nervous,  there’s a great location called La Pared on the northeastern shores in Luquillo,  There are several places which rent boards and give lessons.  Give it a try! It’s a great place for beginners, like me, to learn.

Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Interesting Drinks in Puerto Rico!

Having sex on the beach might not be new to some people, however, how many of you have had the drink?  In Old San Juan you can visit the Bacardi Factory and In Manati, you can find a vendor on the beach who’ll provide you with whatever you want.  To drink that is…..

Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Kayaking in Puerto Rico

Kayaking in Puerto Rico is very popular and you don’t need experience to do it.  Many beachside vendors will rent you a kayak for $10 for an hour.  It’s a bargain and you get to check out the views from another perspective.

Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

A Working Steam Mill at a Sugar Plantation in Puerto Rico!

Visiting the Hacienda La Esperanza in Manati is the only location that has a working steam mill.  It’s quite an amazing sight to see as the pistons go up and down, and the wheels go around, making steam to press the juices out of the sugar cane.  Enjoy an educational 2-hour tour.

Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Coconut Palms on the Beautiful Beaches in Puerto Rico!

Many beach fronts in Puerto Rico were coconut plantations. The plantations are long gone, but the trees provide much-needed shade for your day on the beach. If you can reach a coconut, crack it open and enjoy the delicious juice inside. Oftentimes there’s a vendor on the beach selling the coconuts, saving you the trouble from hacking off the top.

    Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Forts to Explore in Puerto Rico!

Exploring forts is a must when in Old San Juan.  There are two.  Fort Morro and Fort San Cristobal.  Both provide amazing views of the ocean and rich background into the history of Puerto Rico!

Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Lechon in Puerto Rico!

Eating lechon, or roasted whole pork on a spit is a tradition in Puerto Rico.  Crispy skin on the outside and moist succulent meat on the inside.  On Pork Highway in Guavate there are a number of establishments which roast pig every weekend.  When you go, be prepared for a party. Music, food, and drinks flow freely in this town.

Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Malecons in Puerto Rico!

Walking on the many malecons, or boardwalks in Puerto Rico always mean ocean views, seafood restaurants, and leisurely strolls.

Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Stunning Sunsets in Puerto Rico!

Watching the sunset in Puerto Rico never gets old.  It’s always an amazing sight.

Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Best Beaches in Puerto Rico!

I can’t say enough about the beaches.  There are many, and all are beautiful and each has unique features.

Do these pictures inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Inspired to travel to Puerto Rico? Now you know some of the reasons Puerto Rico is my favorite place in the world.  Beaches, history, food, and nature, the island has it all!  Which is your favorite and have you been inspired to travel to Puerto Rico?

Read here for more exciting things to do in Puerto Rico:

http://boulevardsandbyways.com/blog/7-amazing-things-old-san-juan-puerto-rico/

The Best Way to Find Your Way Around Puerto Rico is with a GPS. I use this one:

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates, LLC program, an advertising program allowing us to receive fees when you purchase the product above. It does not in any way add to your cost. 

For More Information about Puerto Rico Tourism visit:

http://www.seepuertorico.com/

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