San Juan, Puerto Rico, US Territory

SAN JUAN : Overview

OVERVIEW

The charming city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a famous Caribbean port known for its impressive defense system and beautiful buildings. Touring the city by foot can be challenging, as the elevation changes rapidly, and many streets are paved with cobblestones. And while many of the buildings in old San Juan are not wheelchair accessible, exploring the city is still well worth the effort. There is also a free public wheelchair accessible transit system which makes getting around a little easier.

LANGUAGE

The official languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English, but Spanish is predominantly spoken.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Puerto Rico is the US dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

SAN JUAN : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport: The airport is located southeast of San Juan, approximately 9 miles away. Assistance at the airport is available for people with disabilities, and travelers should contact the “Travelers Aid desk” on the first level of Terminal D for help. This airport has been under major renovation since 2006 and is targeting 2011 for completion – hopefully these renovations will include more accessible features. As a rule of thumb, passengers who travel with a wheelchair or who need other special assistance should always notify their airline prior to traveling to make special arrangements for assistance.

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FERRY

Aqua Espresso Old San Juan (Lancha de Cataño): The ferry runs between Old San Juan and Cataño. It’s a convenient way to get to the Bacardi Distillery across the bay. We have not been able to confirm that the ferry is wheelchair accessible. The ferry service can be contacted at (787) 729-8714, and it is located at Wharf Two (Muelle 2). Ferries run frequently seven days a week (15 minute increments weekdays, 30 minute increments weekends and holidays), and they operate between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Please note that the ferry does not go directly to the Bacardi Distillery. A cab must be taken from the landing to the distillery or other transportation should be arranged.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

Taxis are available in Puerto Rico, but there are not currently any wheelchair accessible van taxis.

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SHUTTLE

There are currently no wheelchair accessible airport shuttle services available in San Juan.

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TROLLEY

San Juan Trolley System: San Juan has a trolley system in place, and some of the trolleys are wheelchair accessible. It is worth noting that these “trolleys” are actually just buses painted to look like trolleys. The system has stops located all over Old San Juan and near the forts, most of which are wheelchair accessible. There are two different routes one can take, depending on the desired destination. Trolley stop (terminal one) is located across the street from cruise ship terminal 4. The trolley is free and people are able to get on and off at marked trolley stops. Since San Juan is a city full of hills and cobble stones streets, taking the trolley makes it convenient to get to a destination. Also, Old San Juan can get extremely hot! Most of the trolley cars are equipped with air-conditioning, but a few are open air trolleys.

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

There are no wheelchair accessible rental vans on the island of Puerto Rico. Wheelchair Getaways used to offer wheelchair vans for rent, but they are no longer serving the island of Puerto Rico.

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BUS

AMA: The AMA operates 54 buses for people with “physical and mental” limitations. Contact the Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA) for additional information: 787 767-7979.

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SAN JUAN : Accommodations

HOTELS

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LUXURY RESORTS

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SAN JUAN : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Rico Sun Tours: Rico Sun Tours has a fleet of wheelchair accessible full size vans. These vans are equipped with a rear power lift, and the vans are large enough to accommodate a wheelchair user and 16 passengers plus luggage. The company is flexible around planning, and can provide a wide variety of tours to meet the travelers’ interest. Wheelchair accessible transport arrangements with this company should be booked well in advance.

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ACTIVITIES

Accessible Beach: Playa Luquillo, known as the “Sea Without Barriers,” is Puerto Rico’s only wheelchair accessible beach. It has a ramp to access the water. Note that as of February 2009 the beach was not accessible, as a hurricane destroyed the ramp that leads to the beach. Playa Luquillo is about a 45 minute drive from San Juan. Call 787 889-4329 before visiting to verify the accessible beach has been restored for use.

Casa Bacardi Rum Distillery: Casa Bacardi is located in Cantaño, a short drive or ferry ride from Old San Juan. Casa Bacardi offers tours of the distillery featuring the history of Bacardi, the rum production process, and of course, a free tasting or two.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro: This impressive fort overlooks San Juan Bay, and is a must see while visiting San Juan, especially if you’re a history buff. Most of the fort is wheelchair accessible except for the lower level, as there are stairs and a steep ramp which was once used as an artillery ramp. There are also wheelchair accessible “family” bathrooms inside the fort on the main level near the park entrance.

City Walls: The city walls that surround the island are another amazing site to see while visiting San Juan. Most of the paths are wheelchair accessible; however, some are bumpy and steep.

Fort San Cristobal: Known as the largest Spanish fort in the New World, Fort San Cristobal was established to protect the city from land-based attacks. Most of this amazing fort is wheelchair accessible, including its tunnels. The top level is also accessible, but the access ramps are very steep, any visitor with mobility limitations should seek assistance. There are also bathrooms with wheelchair accessible stalls located inside the fort on the plaza level.

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (art museum): The museum website is currently written in Spanish only. The museum is wheelchair accessible through the front entrance and all floors can be accessed by elevator. The museum also has wheelchair accessible restrooms, each with an accessible stall. Restrooms are located on all floors of the museum. Loaner wheelchairs are available free of charge. Simply exchange a photo ID at the ticket counter in exchange for a loaner wheelchair. The museum also offers guided tours for visitors in wheelchairs and for the seeing and hearing impaired. Personal guided tours must be scheduled in advance.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Many of the restaurants in Old San Juan are not wheelchair accessible, as they are situated in very old buildings that unfortunately have stairs to enter. There are plenty of restaurants that feature outdoor dining, which is a great option if stairs inhibit entrance.

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SAN JUAN : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Hospitals in San Juan include: Pavia Hospital Santurce, Ashford Presbyterian Community Hospital, and Auxilio Mutuo Hospital.

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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SAN JUAN : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

San Juan can be very hot, and the elevation around the city can change rapidly. Many walking surfaces are unevenly paved with cobblestones and the sidewalks can be very narrow in places. Also, curb cuts tend to be located in strange places, such as around corners. If possible, it can be very beneficial to have someone walk ahead to verify a path is accessible.