Fajardo
Fajardo is known as “La Metropolis del Sol Naciente” or the city that guards the sun of the Caribbean. Founded in 1772, Fajardo is located on the eastern side of the island and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Only an hour drive from the capital, San Juan, Fajardo has become a major boating center and one of the biggest water-activity centers of Puerto Rico. Relax and enjoy the sun or snorkel the tranquil waters of the beaches of Fajardo. Seven Seas Beach offers a variety of activities including snorkeling and scuba diving.
Fajardo is home to one of the most important natural areas in Puerto Rico- Las Cabezas de San Juan. The 316 acre preserve includes seven different ecological systems and is the habitat to many endangered species. Las Cabezas, which means headlands, refers to the three promontories that extend into the Atlantic Ocean. Admire the spectacular view of El Yunque from the observation deck of a restored 19th century light house, El Faro de las Cabeszas de San Juan.
We can not wait to welcome you to Fajardo!
Climate: Tropical Marine, average temperatures year round between 80 °F (26.7 °C) and 70 °F (21.1 °C).
Puerto Rico has a rainy season which stretches from April into November. - See more at: http://www.fajardoinn.com/about/travel-planning/local-weather During the hottest season, July through September, Fajardo, Puerto Rico weather temperatures often top 95° F (32° C).
July 89 °F 77 °F 95 °F 69 °F- Avg H Avg L Record H Record L
For up-to-date weather information, please visit www.weather.com
Time zone: Atlantic Standard (UTC - 4:00)
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) (EST +1; GMT -4) all year around, which means that the island does not observe Daylight Saving Time (one hour later than Eastern Standard Time (EST) and four hours earlier (-4) than Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) from October to April, and the same as Eastern Daylight Saving Time from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October).
Currency: United States Dollar (USD) $
Currency Exchange can be arranged through many institutions in Puerto Rico, including:
- Banco Popular. Foreign currency exchange: any branch. International division, second floor, 1500 Ponce de León, corner Europa, Santurce, (787) 723-0077.
- Caribbean Foreign Exchange. 201B Tetuan, Old San Juan. (787) 722-8222.
- Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange. International Airport, Isla Verde. (787) 791-1960, (787) 791-2233. Popular Center Building, Hato Rey (787) 754-2228.
- Scotia Bank of Puerto Rico. Canadian exchange only. Any branch. (787) 758-8989.
- Western Union. Cable money transfer. All Pueblo supermarkets (800) 325-4046.
Banking hours are 9am to 3:30pm.
Travellers' Checks, Debit and Credit Cards
All major credit cards are widely accepted: American Express, Visa, Diner's Club, Discovery, Master Card and other Bank credit cards. You can also access your money at thousands of ATMs throughout the island.
Language: Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico.
Taxes & Tips
Puerto Rico has a 10% sales tax. Municipalities have the option of imposing an additional sales tax of up to 1.5%. In addition, in the event that the governor determines an insufficiency in collections for the general fund an additional 1% to the central government will be imposed.
Tipping is much the same as in the States. In hotels, major restaurants and nightclubs services charges are usually included. However, many inexpensive restaurants do not add service charge. If it isn't, tip between 15% and 20%.
Liquor Laws
You must be 18 years old to purchase liquor in stores or buy drinks in hotels, bars, and restaurants. A municipal statute forbids alcohol consumption on the streets of many cities, like Sn Juan. It is illegal to operate motor vehicle at or above .08 blood alcohol level.
Business Hours
Most commercial businesses operate from 8:30am or 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Government offices are open 8:30am to 4:30pm. Banking hours are 9:30am to 3:30pm. Department stores and malls are generally open Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 8am to 6pm On Friday, stores have a long day: 8am to 9pm. Many stores also open on Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
Below are sites to visit for more information on Fajardo or Puerto Rico:
http://www.topuertorico.org/city/fajardo.shtml
http://www.topuertorico.org/tinfo.shtml
http://vieques.com/getting-from-san-juan-to-fajardo/
