STOP: If you suffer from Ornithophobia (a fear of birds), then Parque de las Palomas in Old San Juan is not for you…
For those who are okay with being in close proximity to Pigeons then Parque de las Palomas makes for a great stop during your walking tour of Old San Juan.
The park is located next to Capilla del Cristo at the end of Cristo Street. It is only a small park but offers a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Old San Juan and provides the pigeons of the area a great place to find shelter and food. As is typical in cities around the world, where there is a large gathering of birds, there will be someone selling bird food. For $1 you can continue this worldwide tradition.
The park is very picturesque with a couple of large trees whose trunks have twist and intertwine over the years to make really interesting trees. The back wall of the park provides special shelter to the pigeons by way of cut out holes all along the wall. I am not sure if these holes have been there since the park was opened, but the pigeons appreciate them.
There are several benches, where you can sit (at your own risk) and the park offers some great views of the San Juan Bay.
What: Parque De Las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
Where: Old San Juan
When: 7 days per week