El Morro

Guide to enjoy Old San Juan during the Caribe Fest

Old San Juan is the historic district of the capital of Puerto Rico, recognized worldwide for its colorful buildings from the Spanish colonial era, cobblestone streets, and historic sites such as El Morro and La Fortaleza. Art galleries, museums, bars, restaurants, and shops converge in this city that dates to the 16th century and, which is also home to a community that claims its space in the face of excessive tourism and displacement. The “Walled City,” (“Ciudad Amurallada”) as it’s also known, is located on the islet of San Juan, where the Atlantic Ocean and San Juan Bay meet. For Puerto Ricans, it is a symbol of identity and a sample of cultural heritage par excellence. The Caribe Fest will take place from May 4 to 6 at several historic buildings in Old San Juan, such as Casa Blanca, El Bastión, El Cuartel Ballajá, and the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture’s headquarters.

An Airbnb boutique hotel: Opportunity Zones arrive in Old San Juan

The walk is led by Adrian Beales, an Australian sales director for Lifeafar, a company that offers real estate investment options for people from abroad. Behind him is a group of 20 investors. They left El Convento hotel on Cristo Street in Old San Juan after the second day of the 2019 Lifeafar Investors Conference: three days of talks — from April 23-25 — about the advantages of investing in Puerto Rico. At 4:30 p.m. they go down Luna Street toward San Francisco Street under a clear sky. Upon reaching Plaza Colón, they form a semicircle, some of them cover their face from the sun and contemplate building 405.