Eastern Caribbean Cruise Part 2: San Juan Puerto Rico. March 2019
Our Cruise on Carnival’s Ecstasy took us to the Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico where we took an excursion to the El Yunque National Forest and Yokahu Tower with shopping and an afternoon lunch at Don Tako in Old San Juan.
El Yunque National Forest
After arriving to port we easily found our guide for the 3.5 hour excursion we booked thru Carnival called the Rainforest Scenery & Waterfall tour. After that we were on our way. Our guide Luis was knowledgeable and entertaining, and the bus was clean and air-conditioned.
Our tour bus Tour guide Luis Leaving port
Looking out at the scenery on the 45 minute ride to El Yunque was a nice relaxing way to start the morning.
We stopped by the roadside to take a few photos but as Luis explained, there had been little rainfall therefore, the rivers were low.
According to the US Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service website, The El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system. At nearly 29,000 acres, it is one of the smallest in size, yet one of the most biologically diverse of the national forests hosting hundreds of animal and plant species, some of which are found only here.
Its name is a reference to Yuke, what the indigenous Taíno people defined as “white lands.”
Yokahú Tower
We reached the highest point of our journey at the Yokahú Tower. It’s one of the two observation towers located in the park and is at an elevation of 1,575 feet. You can climb to the top for outstanding views.
Donna and I getting a photo together.
Just in case you’re interested, I got my “And Yet I Smile” t-shirt and wrapped palazzo pants from Amazon. If you know who said, “and yet I smile” please mention it in the comments! I’m always looking for others who are fans of the show.
There was a roadside stand at the viewing area that served tropical snacks and smoothies. Yep, that’s Donna in line.
Coca Falls
As our guide Luis had pointed out earlier, the rainforest had received little rainfall, therefore Coca Falls had more tourist spilling around it than water.
Luis and Sally Gift Shop
After we left Coca Falls we headed out of the rainforest and back towards San Juan. Our tour guide Luis brought us here for souvenirs. Coincidence?
It was a nice little gift shop with friendly service and cute souvenirs. I got a few t-shirts and a shot glass. Donna found bells. This was also were I started collecting magnets for my fridge, with my first one saying San Juan, Puerto Rico.
I really liked this store. They had some unusual local art pieces in addition to the usual tourist stuff. I wanted to get the fish-painted coconut but I was worried it wouldn’t fit in my suitcase for the trip home so I didn’t buy it and now I regret it.
If you like something, get it. If it doesn’t fit in your suitcase, you can find a UPS location when you get back to port and have them box and ship it for you.
Wood items Painted Glasses Owls and Cats
Overall Rainforest Excursion
I enjoyed this excursion to the rainforest. Of course it would have been prettier if there had been previously more rain and the rivers were fuller, but the mountain views were beautiful. The activity level was definitely easy but it wasn’t boring, the gift shop was nice and we liked Luis. I would recommend it to others if they want something relaxing to do while in Puerto Rico.
It was time to head back to San Juan.
Downtown San Juan
The excursion ended in the downtown area near Castillo de San Cristóbal, conveniently located next to the port. Since Donna and I picked an excursion that was only 3.5 hours, we had time to walk around and do a little shopping, and also sit down for lunch somewhere before heading back to the ship.
Just a few blocks away was Colon Plaza, located between the cruise port and the Castillo de San Cristóbal. Friendly merchants sold things under white canopies and tents. At the end of the plaza there’s a fountain and statue of Christopher Columbus. This large statue also serves as the gateway to Old San Juan.
You can stop and have your picture taken with the local parrots while at Colon Plaza.
We continued walking around and found a few gift shops to check out. I loved the narrow colorful streets of San Juan.
Some of the older homes reminded me of New Orleans.
This adorable pink building is the Visitors center, with the port behind it.
Outdoor Lunch
It was way past lunchtime and we were hungry. Fortunately we found this cafe-lined street near the port.
Looking good so far.
Each cafe offered a dining area outside. They used potted plants to keep these area separate from each other, which created little semi-private dining areas.
We chose Don Tako, and found a table under an umbrella that had a great breeze.
I had a Sangria while waiting for lunch. However, it wasn’t very good. Hopefully lunch will be better.
This guy was walking around talking with the diners. It might have annoyed others but I thought he was amusing and polite. Maybe it was the Sangria.
Donna and I shared beef and chicken mini Chimichangas. I thought they tasted good, but were dry. I’m pretty sure they were made in advance and then microwaved to order.
One last look before we had back to the ship.
Interesting little side note: Donna had family members taking a different cruise on MSN and they were scheduled to arrive at the San Juan port about 30 minutes before we were scheduled to leave! Their ship was 2 ships down from us however, Donna was able to visit with them for a few minutes as soon as they got off their ship.
Leaving San Juan, Puerto Rico
The view of the city of San Juan and port area as we were leaving.
The last thing you see leaving San Juan’s port is Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
Overall San Juan
I think we both had a very enjoyable day in downtown Old San Juan. The Rainforest excursion we had booked had began early that morning. Therefore, it gave us time to enjoy some downtown exploring on our own. Everywhere we walked had colorful streets and buildings, and wonderful people. I wish the food at El Tako had been made to order. However, the outdoor dining area was nice.
Back on the Carnival Ecstasy
Time to hang out with good friends around the pool.
We headed back to the room for a little relaxation before dinner, giving me some time to look at what I bought at the gift shops earlier. I love these necklaces I found! I still wear the red one all the time.
Dinner in the dining area.
After dinner we went to the Metropolis Bar before heading back to the room. Shannon (aka Sparkles) was also our group’s travel agent and she tried her best to keep everyone on track. For instance, going over the next day’s excursions with us.
That’s right Shannon, you’re on vacation too. Therefore, have a drink and let them figure it out for themselves. lol. I love this picture of Sparkles, isn’t she just adorable!?
As always, there’s a towel animal waiting for us when we return to our room. I think it’s a frog.
See more on our video of the El Yunque Rainforest and exploring around the downtown area!
Ready for Part 3? We’re heading to Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
Missed Part 1? Be sure to check out our disembarkment from Charleston SC and visit to St. Thomas Virgin Isles.
