Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Fajardo  is a rapidly growing city in the northeastern side of Puerto Rico. It is home to the luxurious Wyndham El Conquistador Resort. It is also home to an active sea-sport crowd. The patron saint for Fajardo is "Santiago Apóstol", celebrated on July 25. Population is estimated at 40,700 (2000 census).

Fajardo features a large marina and is the usual starting point for sea trips to the neighboring island-municipalities of Vieques and Culebra, and several uninhabited small islets which are the favorites of many among the sea-going crowd.

Public sunning and swimming are possible at Seven Seas Beach and at the famous Luquillo Beach, a few minutes away. Luquillo Beach has been called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Pay a minimum fee (about two dollars) to enter in your vehicle and park at any of the two locations. Facilities inside include an unsophisticated cafeteria, bathrooms and, at Luquillo Beach, lockers. Lifeguards are on duty during beach hours which normally run from about 9:00 AM to about 5:00 PM. State and municipal policemen patrol the area frequently during periods of heavy attendance.

Hotels,  Hotels in the Fajardo area include:
Parador Fajardo Inn (787-860-6000)
Hotel La Familia (787-863-1193)
Scenic Inn (787-863-5195)
Las Casitas Village & Golden Door® Spa
Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door ® Spa

Las Cabezas de San Juan  is a natural reserve of beautiful marshes which are home to beautiful birds and other native fauna and flora. A 2-hour long tour takes you deep into the marshes, with frequent stops to get into even closer contact with nature. English usually spoken on request. The tour includes a stop at El Faro, one of the oldest lighthouses in the New World. The views are spectacular. Bring your cameras. A souvenir shop features many items of interest to the ecology-minded. Reservations are mandatory. Call (787) 722-5882. On weekends, call (787) 860-2560. Or write Fideicomiso de Conservación de Puerto Rico, P O BOX 4747, San Juan, P. R. 00902-4747.

Laguna Grande  in Fajardo is one of three bioluminiscent bays widely popular among tourists from Puerto Rico and elsewhere.

Nightlife  The Wyndham El Conquistador Resort features pub, restaurant, casino, artistic shows and other night entertainment. There are very good restaurants in the area, featuring fresh seafood, Puerto Rican and international cuisine. The free tourist guides available at most tourist stops are usually a good source of to-the-minute information on current activities throughout the city and neighboring vicinities.