The PRTC has divided San Juan area it Zones and prices are fixed based on starting Zone and ending Zone.

As of June 13 there was a price increase of $1.50 per trip due to the recent increase in fuel prices,a s well as an increase to $1 per suitcase. The following prices include this recent increase.

San Juan Tourist Zones

Zone 1 - Luis Munoz Marin (SJU) Airport (San Juan Airport)
Zone 2 - Hotels in the Isla Verde Area
Zone 3 - Hotels in the Condado and Miramar Areas
Zone 4 - Hotels & Piers in Old San Juan, Puerta de Tierra & Miramar
Zone 5 - PanAmerican Pier, Convention Center & the Luis Rivas Dominichi Airport in Isla Grande

Taxi Rates

Zone 1 - Luiz Munoz Marin (SJU) Airport

to Zone 2 - $11.50
to Zone 3 - $16.50
to Zone 4 - $20.50
to Zone 5 - $16.50
to Plaza las Americas - $19.50
to Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot - $15.50

Zone 4 - The Piers & Terminals in Old San Juan, Puerto de Tierra, & Miramar

to Zone 1 - $20.50
to Zone 2 - $20.50
to Zone 3 - $13.50
to Zone 4 - $11.50
to Zone 5 - $10.50
to Plaza las Americas - $15.50
to Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot - $15.50

Zone 5 - The PanAmerian Pier, Convention Center, & Isla Grande Airport

to Zone 1 - $16.50
to Zone 2 - $16.50
to Zone 3 - $10.50
to Zone 4 - $11.50
to Plaza las Americas - $13.50
to Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot - $13.50

Coqui note: there are also some standing charges for the following:

Suitcases - $1.00 each
Above 5 people in a taxi - $2 per extra person
During the night between 10:00pm and 6:00am there is an additional charge of $1 per trip

For more information on getting around check here

You may also be interested in:
New Bus Routes in San Juan
48 Hours in San Juan

The new bus routes will service the beach areas and tourist areas of San Juan.

BEACH FRONT
Hybrid buses are set to pick-up passengers at the main train stations and the route will take in the beaches of in Isla Verde, Condado and Ocean Park

TOURIST ROUTE
This new service is scheduled to start on on August 11th, 2008. This will be a permanent route that will connect the San Juan tourist areas of Isla Verde, Santurce, Condado and Old San Juan. This will be excellent for people who want to vist the various areas with out having to rely on taxis.

Related Information:
Driving around Puerto Rico
Alternative attractions in Puerto Rico

Hacienda Carabali ATV Tours of the Foothills of El Yunque

If you have already explored the trails in the El Yunque rainforest or you would rather try something a little faster than walking, then why not consider a tour of the foothills of El Yunque on an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV).

Hacienda Carabali operates on 600 acres in the foothills of the El Yunque Rainforest and offer a range of activities from mountain biking, horse riding and ATV’s. that allow you to explore more of the El Yunque area.

The ATV tours come in 2 packages:

1 hour tour is $40 per driver, and $20 per passenger
2 hour tour is $75 per driver, and $45 per passenger

If you wish to get wet as well as dirty, you will have the opportunity to swim in the Mameyes river during your tour.

ATV tours start at 9:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm. But chances’ are that if you would like a tour at a different time they might be able to schedule one for you.

Drivers of the ATV’s must be at least 16 years old and passengers must be at least 8 years old.

As this is an off road experience be prepared to get dirty. Don’t worry as there are men’s and woman’s changing / shower facilities, for after your ride.

Hacienda Carabali are located just of the main Route 3 highway in Luquillo on Road 922, km 4. Driving time from San Juan will be about 45 minutes. Transportation can be provided at an extra cost.

Contact Hacienda Carabali at 787-889-5820 or 787-690-3781

Aquafari with Kayaking Puerto Rico

If the ocean is more your scene, then check out Kayaking Puerto Rico for an Aquafari.
There are 2 Aquafari’s available; 2.5 hours and 3.5 hours. Both include kayaking, snorkeling and a beach stop.

2.5 hour Aquafari
You will have 2.5 hours to kayak and snorkel the Seven Seas Bay in Fajardo. You will kayak the coastline of the ‘Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve’ and have great views of the El Yunque rainforest from the ocean.

You will then have the opportunity to snorkel the coral reefs before heading to Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach) for time to relax with snacks and refreshments.

The 2.5 hour Aquafari is suitable for everyone over the age of 6.

Costs: $55 per person and there must be a minimum of 6 people for the tour to operate
Tours start at 10am and 1:30pm

3.5 hour Aquafari
This longer tour is designed for the more adventurous traveler and adds a second snorkeling destination and includes a tropical picnic at the beach.
Due to the longer duration, this tour is suitable for intermediate level snorkelers in good physical condition. The minimum age for the 3.5 hour Aquafari is 12yrs.

Cost: $69 per person and there must be a minimum of 6 people for the tour to operate
Tour starts at 10am

Departure point for the Aquafari is from La Cabeza Bay (past the El Conquistador Resort). If you need transportation, Kayaking Puerto Rico will provide this at an extra cost depending on your location.

Kayaking Puerto Rico also offer Bio Bay and El Yunque rainforest tours that can be done separately or combined with a kayak adventure.

For more information see Kayaking Puerto Rico

Don’t’ forget to check out:
Alternative Ideas for Puerto Rico Part 1
Alternative Ideas for Puerto Rico Part 2
More traditional walking tour of Old San Juan

I came across these amazing photos while I was searching for article ideas and thought they were too good not to share with you.

San Juan Cemetery is located next to El Morro Fort over looking the Atlantic Ocean. The cemetery is famous for its elaborate tombstones and the circular neoclassical chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalen. The cemetery is also the final resting place for several famous Puerto Ricans. If you have the chance to visit San Juan Cemetery, you will see the graves of:

José Julián Acosta, abolitionist, journalist
Pedro Albizu Campos, nationalist leader and politician
Jose Celso Barbosa, founder of the Puerto Rican statehood movement
Salvador Brau, journalist, poet and historian
Norma Candal, actress
Gilberto Concepción de Gracia, politician, PIP founder
Tite Curet Alonso, composer
José de Diego, poet, lawyer and liberal politician
Jose Ferrer, Academy Award winning actor, director
Pedro Flores, composer
José Gautier Benítez, poet
Rafael Hernández, composer and musician
Tito Lara, composer and musician
Muna Lee, American writer and first wife of Luis Muñoz Marín
Samuel R. Quiñones, politician, Nationalist Party founder
Pedro Salinas, Spanish author
Daniel Santos, singer and composer

Photo resource by bobjagendorf image 1 and image 2

Related Information:
Self Guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan Part 1
Self Guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan Part 2

You can check out more information and a sample of their songs at www.blackguayaba.com

Tickets available at Ticketpop priced at $25 - $65

If you don’t have the time to do part 1 of the self-guided tour of Old San Juan. Then jump on the free trolley that will take you directly to El Morro.

Part 2 of the self guided walking tour of Old San starts at El Morro and heads back into the city towards La Fortaleza, the shopping district, San Cristobel Fort and back to the Tourist Information Center.

On leaving the fort you will have the San Juan Cemetery on your left. Again the views from around the cemetery are impressive. The San Juan Cemetery is the final resting place of several well known Puerto Ricans and is also known for its intricate gravestones, tombs and central round chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalen

From the grounds of El Morro go straight a head to the Plaza de Ballaja. The building here is the ‘old barracks’ which now houses several museums. These museums are definitely worth checking out if you have the time.

Casa Blanca

From here head across Plaza de Beneficial where you will see Casa Blanca to the right. This building was completed in 1521 for Ponce de Leon. Unfortunately, he died before seeing it completed. Today it is a National Historic Monument and home to the Museum of Period Furnishings. Casa Blanca is open daily 8:30am - 4pm (except Sunday and Monday). Admission to the house is $3, but you can tour the gardens for free.
Tel: 787-724-5052

From Casa Blanca, head along San Sebastian Street (famous for its amazing festival held every year in January). Once back on Cristo Street head downhill towards Fortazela Street. Here on Cristo Street, you will pass numerous shops (including outlet stores for Coach and Ralph Lauren), galleries and restaurants. As you walk downhill on Cristo Street, you will again pass the Hotel El Convento (a good stop for tapas) and the San Juan Cathedral. Both of these a well worth a visit if you did not do part 1 of the guided walk.

La Fortaleza

When you get to Fortaleza Street, turn right. The blue building in the distance is La Fortaleza (Governors Mansion). Built back in the 1500’s it is now home to the Governor of Puerto Rico and it is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Americas. The mansion and gardens are open to the public.

La Fortaleza is open Monday - Friday from 9am - 3pm for tours in English and Spanish (these tours alternate).
Tel: 787-721-7000

Cristo Chapel

Head back the way you came and when you reach Cristo Street turn right. Here you will find the Cristo Chapel. This small chapel is not always open, but is definitely worth the short detour even when closed.

The small chapel was built in the 1700’s. and the story goes that it was built by a man whose life was saved, when his runaway horse just suddenly stopped at the top of the cliff before plunging over the edge. The man built the chapel to thank God for saving his life. The Chapel stands at the exact point where the horse stopped, so legend says…

Pigeon Park

Close to Cristo Chapel is the Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park). If you have an aversion to birds (pigeons) you might want to skip this part. Pigeon Park is the place to go to feed the pigeons, but you also get amazing views from the top of the city walls.

Return to Fortaleza Street and turn right. Continue along passing more shops, restaurants and jewelry stores. This is a great place to pick up local Puerto Rico crafts as well as Jewelry. As you walk along Fortezela street you will pass a building that holds the the Casa de la Familia and Museo de la Farmacia. Both museums are in the same building with the first floor housing the pharmacy museum and the top floor the family museum.. Here you will see how people lived back in the 1800’s.

Coqui note: As you come to the end of Fortaleza Street (south end, also known as SoFo) you will pass several great restaurants; Parrot Club, Tantra, AquaViva and Dragonfly to name a few.

Once at the end, turn left and head to Plaza de Colon. The plaza contains a statue commemorating Christopher Columbus. Cross the plaza to san Francisco Street, where you will be able to see Old San Juan’s second fort; San Cristobel.

San Cristobel Fort

Head across the road to the fort entrance. Admission is $3. San Cristobel was built in 1634 - 1771 and again was to protect San Juan from sea invasion. San Cristobel is actually bigger than El Morro and it is made up of smaller units that are connected by tunnels, with each unit being self sufficient. Aagin you can either do a self guided tour or see the fort with one of the organized ranger tours.

San Cristobel is also maintained by the US National Parks Service and is open daily from 9am - 5pm (June - November) and 9am - 6pm (December - May).

Coqui note: If you are able to visit San Cristobel Fort on a Tuesday, there is the Le Lo Lai show, which is a weekly local music and dance show that takes place at 6pm. The show lasts about 45 minutes and is a great way to experience part of the Puerto Rico culture.

From San Cristobel, head back down the hill on Calle del Recinto Sur towards the La Casita. Once back at La Casita (if you are a rum fan) turn left with the San Juan bay on your right and you will come to the Casa Don Q. Here you will see a brief history of rum making by the Serralles family.

Coqui bonus: You can also get a free tasting of rum at Casa Don Q.

That completes this two part self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. If you are short of time you can skip some of the walking by jumping on the free trolley service that runs through the city. There are 3 different routes, so if you plan on seeing the two forts, make sure you jump on the trolley marked ‘El Morro’

Coqui note: The streets in Old San Juan can become congested at times and walking can in fact turn out to be the fasted way to see the sights.

Others ways to see Old San Juan:
Take a Segway Tour of Old San Juan
See Old San Juan from a Jet Ski or a Carriage Ride
Take a Night Time Tour of Old San Juan

Photo resources:
Totem_pole by joeguitar
San Juan Cemetery by crossfirecw
La Fortezela in Distabce by bitshaker
Cristo Cheapel by daquellamanera
Pigeon Park by coltharp
San Cristobel Fort entrance by daquellamanera

Old San Juan may be small (around 7 square blocks), but there are still lots of attractions to see. You can easily spend a full day exploring the walled city of San Juan, but if you only have a few hours to spare, you can still get a feel for the place.

This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will be split into two parts. The first part will take you from near the cruise ship piers at the La Casita (Tourist Information Center) along the Paseo La Princesa, through the San Juan gate and then on to El Morro. In Part 2 we will then head back into Old San Juan and take you to La Fortaleza, the shopping district, San Cristobel Fort and back to the Tourist Information Center.

The first thing that you will notice about Old San Juan is that it is a walled city that looks today as it did 300 - 400 years ago, when the Spanish defended the city from the invading British. As you wander around the city, enjoy the Spanish colonial buildings that make up the heart of the city.

To orientate yourself, take a look at the Old San Juan map that highlights attractions and related articles.

La Casita

The tour starts at the La Casita which is now the Tourist Information Center. The building is located close to the cruise ship piers at Plaza de la Darsena.This is a great place to start your tour of Old San Juan, as you can get information on attractions, maps, restaurants and more from the helpful staff (bilingual).

La Casita is open daily from 8am - 8pm, but the free drinks only start at 1pm and are not available on Thursday / Friday. 787-729-6777

Coqui bonus: Sample a free drink courtesy of ‘Rums of Puerto Rico’

Coqui note: On Saturday / Sunday (late afternoon / evening) the area around the La Casita is a popular spot as local artisans display their crafts and local musicians fill the air with traditional music.

Paseo La Princesa

From La Casita keep the San Juan bay on your left and head towards the Paseo La Princesa promenade. This is a tree lined walk (and one of my favorite spots) with gardens, benches, and street vendors. The promenade takes you along the outside of the city wall. The wall is impressive and you can see how it would be so imposing to anyone attempting to take the city by force. The wall is about 20ft thick raising to heights of around 60ft in places.

Further along the promenade you will pass the Old San Juan Jail - La Princesa. No longer a jail, it is the home of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. The building is open weekdays to the general public, where you can take a tour of the cells.

Continue past the jail towards the Raices fountain; a bronze sculpture fountain designed by Luis Sanguino. This is a great photo opportunity spot.

Past the fountain the Paseo La Princesa continues to follow the city wall and the San Juan Bay. The walkway curves to the right and leads you to The San Juan Gate (city gate).

At this point, you can continue to follow the walkway towards El Morro or head through the large city gate.

Coqui note: The walk towards El Morro is nice with some great photo opportunities of El Morro, but unfortunately it is a dead end and you will need to retrace your steps back to the San Juan Gate

San Juan Gate

To enter into the city, pass through the large red gate. This gate is the last remaining gate that is still standing in the city. As you pass through the gate, look up to view the inscription ‘Benedictus qui venit in nomine domini’ - translated ‘blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’. Here you can see just how thick the wall of the city is. Once through the gate, head up the hill towards the San Juan Cathedral. As you reach the top of the hill, you will see the Cathedral straight ahead and the Hotel El Convento on your left.

Coqui note: The Hotel El Convento has a great tapas restaurant that has an open air courtyard; just in case you are feeling hungry. Also close by is the Children’s Museum, which is open daily except Mondays.

San Juan Cathedral

The small; San Juan Cathedral was built 400 years ago and contains the remains of Ponce De Leon. Mass is offered Daily in Spanish.

With the Cathedral on your right, head up the hill (you are currently on Cristo Street). This street contains craft shops as well as ‘outlet stores’ for Coach, Ralph Lauren and others. There are also art galleries and restaurants to check out if you have the time.

At the top of Cristo Street you will find the Pablo Casals Museum, the African Heritage Museum and the Puerto Rico National Gallery (open daily except Sunday and Monday form 9am - 4:30pm).

At the top of Cristo Street turn left. You should see a large Totem pole. This is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario. The plaza is a popular spot, especially on hot days, due to the fountain, that is a big hit with children.

From the plaza you will see in the distance, the impressive structure of El Morro. El Morro is situated on the cliff edge with a large expansive field in front. If you are fortunate to be here on a weekend with good weather, you should see the field filled with families enjoying the sea breeze, as both young and old fly their kites.

Coqui note: You can purchase small kites from the street vendors located along the roadside.

Coqui caution: If you plan to walk to El Morro when the kites are flying, just be careful. You never know, when one might decide to come back down to earth…

El Morro

As you approach El Morro you will get a sense of just how impressive this fortress is. Built on 6 levels to defend San Juan from sea attack; the fort was initially completed in 1589, with improvements made to the walls in the 1700’s.

El Morro is a National Historic Site maintained by the US National Park Service. Entrance costs a few dollars and you can either tour the fort on your own or join one of the regular ranger tours that are given in English (on the hour) or Spanish (30mins past the hour). Inside you will find a chapel, kitchen, latrine, barracks, all with informational displays.

El Morrow is open daily from 9am - 5pm (June to November) and 9am - 6pm (December - May).
Tel: 787-729-6777

Coqui note: The views from El Morro are striking at any time of the day and you will have plenty of photo opportunities from around the fort. It is also possible to arrange a wedding at the fort.

Coqui note: If you now want to see San Cristobel fort, jump on the free trolley that will take you to San Cristobel. If you are feeling energetic, you can walk along Nozagaray Street with the ocean to your left. (this walk is not recommended at night).

The Self Guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan will continue in Part 2.

Other ways to see Old San Juan:
Take a Segway Tour of Old San Juan
See Old San Juan from a Jet Ski or a Carriage Ride
Take a Night Time Tour of Old San Juan

Photo resource:
Entrance to San Juan by djonemore
Paseo La Princesa Promenade by oscalito
Street in Old San Juan by caliellis
El Morro by philfromottawa

Do you think that Simon, Randy and Paula will digg your style?

Will you be in Puerto Rico on August 2, 2008?

If you answered YES to these questions, then you should plan to be at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan on August 2, as American Idol will be holding auditions for season 8. This is the first time that American Idol auditions will take place in Puerto Rico and I can only imagine the craziness that will take place.

If you can’t attend the auditions, then like me you will have to wait until American Idol Season 8 startson Fox.

United, American Airways and US Airways all require that passengers pay an additional $15 for the first piece of checked luggage and $25 for the second piece (this is per person). There are also extra charges depending on if your luggage is oversized and or over the weight limit.

The following are the effective dates and charges:

United
The luggage surcharge applies to Flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada.
Traveling on or after August 18, 2008 on an Economy ticket or Economy award ticket purchased on or after June 13, 2008, the first piece of luggage will cost $15
Tickets purchased after February 4, 2008 the second piece of luggage will cost you $25
Overweight charge - Over 50 lbs/23 kgs will cost $100 or $125 depending on when you purchased your ticket
Oversized charge (62-80 in) - $100 or $125 depending on when you purchased your ticket

See the United Airlines site for full details and exceptions to these charges.

American Airlines
The luggage surcharge applies to flights within the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada.
$15 for the first checked piece for tickets purchased on or after June 15, 2008
$25 for the second checked piece for tickets purchased on or after May 12, 2008
Overweight charge - Over 50 lbs/23 kgs but less than 70 lbs/32 kgs will cost $50 USD
Oversized charge (>62in) - $150

See the American Airlines site for full details and exceptions to the charges

US Airways
Charges apply to all flights to and from Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as flights within the U.S.
First piece of luggage - $15 (<50lbs), $50 (51-70lbs), $100 (71-100lbs)
Second piece of luggage - $25 (<50lbs), $75 (51-70lbs), $125 (71-100lbs)
Oversized charge (62-80 in) - $100

See the US Airways site for full details and exceptions

So for any one traveling to Puerto Rico you need to factor in an extra $30 per person, if you plan on traveling with 1 piece of checked luggage.

So called Low Cost Airlines:
JetBlue are currently only charging for the second piece of checked luggage at $25
Spirit Air will charge after June 20, 2008 $15.00 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second

Coqui Tips:
If you are planning on a quick weekend break to Puerto Rico, consider traveling with just carry on luggage. This way you will avoid the checked luggage surcharge and also the delay waiting for your luggage to reach the carousel.

If you are traveling with someone else, consider redistributing your luggage between other suitcases to ensure that no one has a piece that is over the weight limit. It’s much better to do this before you get to the airport, rather than in line at the check-in

If weight could be a potential problem (because you are taking some great souvenirs back home), then consider getting these ‘portable digital luggage scales’.
These scales will easily fit in your luggage and will allow you to weigh your bags before getting to the airport. The scales cost around $25, and will pay for themselves by saving you from having to pay the weight restriction surcharge.

Related Information:
Luggage Options Pre or Post Cruise
Weekend in San Juan
Explore Restaurants Beyond the Shore

The disagreement stems from the request by the Taxi Federation to increase the rate for the tourist zones by $2 with an increase in the luggage rate to $1 per suitcase. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company sanctioned an increase of $1.50 with no increase in luggage rate.

The stoppage lasted several hours with the PRTC providing some transportation fro stranded passengers. Currently the taxis are back on the road and the PRTC will be re-examining the request for an increase of $2 and $1 per suitcase. There is potential for more disruption by the local taxi drivers, if the PRTC again denies their request.

The increases will be reflected in the standard taxi rates for the various tourist zones, in and around San Juan. Check here and add $1.50 to each zone rate.

Related Information:
Car Rental
El Morro at Night
Mesón Gastronómico program