Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Alternatively you can hop on one of Old San Juan's two handy
trolleys
. For an
educational but entertaining delve into Puerto Rican history check out the two splen-
did forts,
El Morro
and
San Cristóbal
. On a rainy day, the
Casa de Ramón Power
y Giralt
, run by the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, has interesting exhibits and
films.
All the larger hotels have vetted babysitters on speed dial - usually staff who are
happy to make some extra money on the side.
RÍO PIEDRAS
Keep pushing south and the flatness of Hato Rey soon gives way to the leafy uplands of
Río Piedras. Founded in 1714 and existing as a separate town until 1951, Río Piedras is the
home of the renowned University of Puerto Rico and harbors a thriving academic commu-
nity. You'll find cheap cafes and amply stocked bookshops here, as well as a cut-price shop-
ping street (José de Diego), and the island's largest farmers market. The university building
itself is set in lush, palm-filled grounds and is distinguished by its signature minaret-like
clock tower. This is a great place to hang out, shoot the breeze and start taking up those
good Puerto Rican vibrations.
Mercado de Río Piedras
MARKET
(Paseo de Diego; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat)
If you like the smell of fish and oranges, the
bustle of people, and trading jests in Spanish as you bargain for a bunch of bananas, this
market is for you. As much a scene as a place to shop, the market continues the colonial
tradition of an indoor market that spills into the streets.
Next to the Río Piedras stop of the Tren Urbano, the four long blocks of shops and in-
expensive restaurants lining Paseo de Diego and facing the market have been closed to
auto traffic, turning the whole area into an outdoor mall. You can shop or just watch as the
local citizens negotiate for everything from
chuletas
(pork chops) and
camisas
(shirts) to
reggaetón CDs. Shoppers will find the market and stores along Paseo de Diego open from
early morning to late evening, Monday to Saturday.
Jardín Botánico
GARDEN
(Experimental Agricultural Station of Puerto Rico; 787-758-9957;
www.upr.edu
,
under'ServiciosalaComunidad'; 6am-6pm,closedholidays,toursavailable)
This
