Historic and Cultural Travel – Castillo San Cristobal in Puerto Rico

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One of the first places the Traveling Mamas went to see in Puerto Rico was the Castillo San Cristobal, part of the larger Fort San Cristobal, and a San Juan National Historic Site. We’d never traveled to Puerto Rico together as a group before, and it adds value to a vacation to experience and appreciate the culture, history, and natural environs of the destination.

We all know that the Spanish were the first Europeans to discover Puerto Rico, although there were indigenous Arawak and Taino Indians there already. As so often happened, the original natives of the island were enslaved and they did much of the manual labor to build fortifications against the Dutch and other Europeans who might try to claim Puerto Rico as theirs. The Castillo de San Cristobal is the largest fort (and castle) built by the Spanish in the New World. Construction started in 1508 or so, and the Spanish Empire spent over 250 years building the fort. Castillo San Cristobal is fortified to guard against land attacks, whereas Castillo del Morro – about a mile away – protects the port from sea attacks.  Our guide told us that there are underground tunnels connecting the two, but these passageways have been closed. They’re not geologically safe, apparently. Too bad! That would’ve been an exciting trek.

All-you-can-eat (and drink) inclusive vacations are tons of fun, and great breaks from our everyday lives. But to add meaning and depth to traveling, it’s important to experience the culture and history of a vacation destination too. The Traveling Mamas are glad we took the time to explore the forts of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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April 3, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Destinations, Girlfriend Getaways, Videos 

Comments

11 Responses to “Historic and Cultural Travel – Castillo San Cristobal in Puerto Rico”

  1. Brian says:
    April 3, 2009 at

    Nice insight into San Cristobal.

    Just wanted to add, for any one planning on visiting the fort on a Tuesday, there is a weekly music and dance show ‘Le Lo Lai’ that starts at 6pm just after the fort closes. If you happen to be touring the fort, it’s worth checking out (no extra cost to see the show).

  2. Samantha says:
    April 3, 2009 at

    I have never been to South America before and reading your report definitely gives me an urge to go!

  3. Juancav says:
    April 3, 2009 at

    Congratulation Travelling mamas, a wonderful place.

  4. Juancav says:
    April 3, 2009 at

    Congratulation Travelling mamas, a wonderful place.
    Should say good post! Can’t wait to reading the next post!

  5. Brian says:
    April 3, 2009 at

    Good article, Mamas…I lived in Puerto Rico durante dos años and still learned some new facts from you. Sounds like an enjoyable trip….beautiful place with such unbelievable climatic and ecological variety. Culture, history and the people too…very friendly and hospitable.

    Best…Brian

  6. Melanie says:
    April 4, 2009 at

    Great article – Now I know what to do the next time we take a cruise and we stop in San Juan!

    Thanx!

  7. History and Culture in San Juan, Puerto Rico « The Travel Educators says:
    April 6, 2009 at

    [...] http://travelingmamas.com/2009/04/03/historic-and-cultural-travel-castillo-san-cristobal-in-puerto-r... [...]

  8. Carnival of Cities for 8 April 2009 | Family Travel Guide says:
    April 12, 2009 at

    [...] Juan, Puerto Rico, USA Jennifer Miner presents Historic and Cultural Travel – Castillo San Cristobal in Puerto Rico posted at Traveling [...]

  9. Jimmy Coleman says:
    April 25, 2009 at

    Hey Mamas,
    Great article I just came back from a vacation in Puerto Rico and I loved every minute. I went to Castillo del Morro which was great but not to Castillo San Cristobal. Thanks for letting us know about it and I can add it to the list of things I need to visit on my return trip.
    Cheers,
    Jimmy

  10. Barrachina Puerto Rico Birthplace of Pina Colada says:
    April 30, 2009 at

    [...] misstep – that all I got was a blur. This show, with dinner, makes for a special night out while on vacation in Puerto Rico. Share and [...]

  11. Paul J says:
    June 16, 2009 at

    I totally agree that some depth and historical or cultural discovery are important when traveling. There are a million resorts in the world, but what makes the location of each one unique? Discovering that is the fun part of travel.

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