Significance. La Fortaleza (The Fortress) was the first true fortification in San Juan, established in 152l. The Spanish built it between 1533 and 1540 for protection against raids by Carib Indians and by English and French freebooters.

Fortaleza has a typical tropical climate, with warm to hot temperatures and high relative humidity all throughout the year. Ethnic Groups: 97% white and mixed (majority Portuguese descent, minority Italian and Spanish descent), 3% black or Afro-Brazilian.