DARK_MAGIC

My wife and I were/are planning a mini vacation to San Juan, Puerto Rico, specially the old town for a few days before the start of a cruise. I have read some things about the crime in San Juan. Now, I realize that all cities have their bad parts. But then I read about a part of town called “LA PERLA”. It sounded pretty bad. But what made it a worse was when I found out just how close it is to Old San Juan and where I would be staying (El Convento) and the historical sights I want to see. Now I know that the town is way lower than the old town which looks to be protested by a wall. I read that you pretty much have to be purposely going there and that it is near impossible to accidently wander in there. With that being said, Old san Juan might be safe from La Perla, but what’s keeping the trouble in la Perla from bleeding into Old san Juan? Any opinions or thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

MmePerdu

I did end up accidentally in La Perla when I lived there and as you can tell, lived to tell the tale. I don't necessarily recommend it and you're right, it's unlikely it would happen to a visitor. It's actually outside Old San Juan although adjacent, runs down the hill to the water on the north (Caribbean) side. I don't think there's any more to worry about than in any metropolitan area. Just be aware of your surroundings as you be anywhere. There are always people around in OSJ and El Convento is a beautiful and safe place to stay. Lucky you!

eastenderusvi

Everyone will let you know where La Perla is, and it is easy to avoid. Staying at El Convento is wonderful. The bar and restaurant area is in the other direction and safe to walk to and from....

DARK_MAGIC

I was looking at Wikipedia and it looks like La perla is REALLY close to old town. Is this a misleading picture?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:-L...PuertoRico.jpg

genio67

La Perla is close to OSJ but it is easily avoided and really not an issue. I have never felt unsafe in San Juan (including OSJ, Condado and Isla Verde). I like places that are more than just a pretty beach so for that reason San Juan is probably my favorite place in the Caribbean. I love the diversity it offers in terms of history, restaurants, ability to meet locals and proximity to natural beauty (beaches, rain forest etc)

MmePerdu

DARK_MAGIC, it REALLY isn't an issue, get a grip. Or obsess and worry, your choice. Given your name in all caps, I'm assuming you're an extreme personality so you may want to find yourself a private island. Or stay home.

amer_can

We were very curious about an interesting looking house in the area and wandered on down..broad daylight, few people around, cages of fighting cocks, battered cars and some new ones too, and the last house on the street was indeed very interesting.Was told by an oldtimer sitting in the sun that someone had bought it and had reno'd it for rent to tourists!! Maybe?? Read about the dangerous area of la Perla on return home, apparently the police decine to traverse. Probably wouldn't do it again but there seems to be no danger overflowing into OSJ and I wouldn't miss OSJ with the blue cobblestone streets for any reason... a delightful place. El Convento worth many kudos and their gazpacho is outstanding!!

Dorgal

We traveled to PR a year ago. We spent two days touring OSJ - it was wonderful! As a photographer...I REALLY wanted to shoot photos in the beautiful cemetery adjacent to LaPerla. I was forewarned by locals and guide books NOT to go into LaPerla or the cemetery---since they share a common wall with openings into that community. I was disappointed but we avoided LaPerla....which is very easy to do.....it is down a large hill behind a wall and you would know you were driving into it if you were there. I would not let this stop me from exploring OSJ which is a lovely city. Crime is everywhere - just be smart and don't walk around there after dark - you will be fine.

amer_can

Dorgal so sorry you missed the cemetery..Just lovely and beautifully maintained. Just use your head when travelling and caution all places and no worries. You can ruin your trip by fretting about everything.

incognitochic

We were on vacation and accidently wandered, by foot, into LaPerla. I hadn’t read about this place prior to going to San Juan so I didn't know this shotty neighborhood existed. We were going from fortress to fortress and thought I had read on the Internet that there was a shortcut to get to the other fortress by walking along a road by the ocean. WRONG. While we strolled this rundown neighborhood, we had no idea that this is a place that even police avoid; I found that out once we got home and I tried to duplicate how we got lost. Luckily, this happened during the daytime. We continued walking through the neighborhood to find the fortress. We figured we were on a bad path but couldn't find our way "up" to street level after some time. We did not see many people, but, eventually, we found a woman (non English speaking) who appeared to know we were lost and she pointed to a walled field with steps leading up to the streets of San Juan where it is an entirely different atmosphere. We were glad to leave that place.

While we obviously made it out safe, I would never return to that place. Luckily, our “adventure” happened during the day, because, I can only imagine at night when all the gangs hang out, our story could have taken on a completely different ending. Being well-dressed, white Americans, it was obvious we didn't belong.

BTW, the cemetery was the most beautiful cemetery I’ve ever seen.

ekscrunchy

It is just a poor barrio that used to be known for drug dealing. Being afraid to walk around OSJ because of the proximity of La Perla is like being afraid to wander around New York's Lower East Side because the area contains public housing projects.

There are neighborhoods like this on many islands....and many tourists would be afraid to enter those, too, I imagine. You will not accidentally enter the area....it looks quite different than the rest of OSJ.

When I stayed on Condado recently, the hotel staff warned us not to walk to Santurce, as that area was also considered dicey.