San Juan, Puerto Rico
About This Stop
Our first port of call brought us to the colorful streets and lush landscapes of San Juan. With the family splitting into two groups, everyone found adventure in their own way—some headed into the wild beauty of the rainforest while others explored the cobblestone history of Old San Juan. From exotic wildlife to colonial forts, this day brought vibrant sights and early heat.
Aubrey and Tyler chose the path less traveled, venturing into the natural wonders of El Yunque National Forest for an authentic rainforest adventure. Their journey took them to the stunning La Coca Falls, where cascading waters tumbled through lush, impossibly green vegetation that seemed to pulse with tropical life. The sound of rushing water mixed with the calls of exotic birds created a symphony that epitomized the wild beauty of Puerto Rico's interior.
Their exploration continued with a climb up the Yokahu Tower, where they were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from 1,575 feet above sea level. From this elevated vantage point, they could see the forest canopy stretching endlessly in all directions, with glimpses of the Caribbean Sea sparkling in the distance. Throughout their rainforest adventure, they spotted exotic island birds with brilliant plumage and discovered tropical flowers in colors so vibrant they seemed almost artificial.
The wildlife encounters provided some of the day's most memorable moments, particularly when they discovered a massive iguana leisurely munching on scraps, completely unbothered by their presence. This close encounter with native wildlife became the highlight of their nature-focused exploration, offering a glimpse into the diverse ecosystem that thrives in Puerto Rico's protected rainforest environment.
Meanwhile, Bryan, Andrew, Madison, and Kennedy chose to immerse themselves in the rich colonial history of Old San Juan. They disembarked early with the strategic goal of beating the crowds and exploring the historic area on foot while the morning was still relatively cool. Their ambitious plan took them on an uphill walk from the cruise port to Castillo San Cristóbal, a massive fortress that has stood guard over San Juan Bay for centuries.
Despite their early start, the tropical heat hit hard even at 8 AM, making their water bottles absolutely essential for the journey. The fort itself proved to be a fascinating glimpse into Spanish colonial military architecture, with its massive walls, strategic tunnels, and commanding lookout points that offered sweeping views of both the city and the ocean. They discovered centuries-old ship carvings etched into tunnel walls, silent testimony to the countless sailors and soldiers who had passed through these historic corridors.
Walking through the historic grounds filled with authentic cannons, period flags, and remnants of Spanish defenses transported them back to an era when this fortress was a critical link in Spain's Caribbean empire. After thoroughly exploring the fort's tunnels, defensive walls, and strategic lookout points, the combination of rising heat and thorough exploration convinced them to head back to the comfort and air conditioning of their ship for some well-deserved rest and shade.
Aubrey and Tyler chose the path less traveled, venturing into the natural wonders of El Yunque National Forest for an authentic rainforest adventure. Their journey took them to the stunning La Coca Falls, where cascading waters tumbled through lush, impossibly green vegetation that seemed to pulse with tropical life. The sound of rushing water mixed with the calls of exotic birds created a symphony that epitomized the wild beauty of Puerto Rico's interior.
Their exploration continued with a climb up the Yokahu Tower, where they were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from 1,575 feet above sea level. From this elevated vantage point, they could see the forest canopy stretching endlessly in all directions, with glimpses of the Caribbean Sea sparkling in the distance. Throughout their rainforest adventure, they spotted exotic island birds with brilliant plumage and discovered tropical flowers in colors so vibrant they seemed almost artificial.
The wildlife encounters provided some of the day's most memorable moments, particularly when they discovered a massive iguana leisurely munching on scraps, completely unbothered by their presence. This close encounter with native wildlife became the highlight of their nature-focused exploration, offering a glimpse into the diverse ecosystem that thrives in Puerto Rico's protected rainforest environment.
Meanwhile, Bryan, Andrew, Madison, and Kennedy chose to immerse themselves in the rich colonial history of Old San Juan. They disembarked early with the strategic goal of beating the crowds and exploring the historic area on foot while the morning was still relatively cool. Their ambitious plan took them on an uphill walk from the cruise port to Castillo San Cristóbal, a massive fortress that has stood guard over San Juan Bay for centuries.
Despite their early start, the tropical heat hit hard even at 8 AM, making their water bottles absolutely essential for the journey. The fort itself proved to be a fascinating glimpse into Spanish colonial military architecture, with its massive walls, strategic tunnels, and commanding lookout points that offered sweeping views of both the city and the ocean. They discovered centuries-old ship carvings etched into tunnel walls, silent testimony to the countless sailors and soldiers who had passed through these historic corridors.
Walking through the historic grounds filled with authentic cannons, period flags, and remnants of Spanish defenses transported them back to an era when this fortress was a critical link in Spain's Caribbean empire. After thoroughly exploring the fort's tunnels, defensive walls, and strategic lookout points, the combination of rising heat and thorough exploration convinced them to head back to the comfort and air conditioning of their ship for some well-deserved rest and shade.
Location
Photo Gallery
