Puerto Rico Travel Guide

Palm lined beautiful beaches await you in this island paradise. It may seem like a perfect getaway for just the two of you, but not so fast, it can also be a great beach vacation for the whole family. Since Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, it is very easy to get to, no passports or visas are required. Spanish is the primary language spoken on the island of Puerto Rico, however, almost everyone knows some English, especially near and around the hotels and scenic areas. It is easier to find cheap fares for air and hotels during off peak season usually summer thru fall. Rainy season normally begins in the fall but showers can come and go quickly.

What to Do:

Forts: There are two magnificent forts in Old San Juan, El Morro (the more famous) and San Cristóbal. They are both filled with deep history and are excellent places to run and take in the views. Most mornings you can take a walking tour from San Cristóbal to El Morro which takes you along the city wall.

Plaza del Quinto: Directly across the street from El Morro you will see a plaza with a very tall monument. This plaza commemorates the 500th Anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of the new world. There are fountains for the children to play in so don’t forget the bathing suits.

Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park): Located near the Paseo de la Princesa. This unique park offers the kids a chance to feed hundreds of pigeons and is a great photo opportunity, especially if the pigeons find a nice resting spot on your child’s hand or head. Buy a small bag of crushed corn for a dollar and you will have every bird at your feet.

Governor's Mansion (La Fortaleza): Located just around the corner from the Pigeon Park is the Governor’s Mansion. Try out the free tour which provides a glimpse of certain sections of the Governor’s home (built in the 1540’s) and some interesting Puerto Rican history.

San Juan Cathedral: The cathedral is located on 151 Cristo Street. This church dates back to the early 1500’s. It is one of the most famous churches in Puerto Rico partly because it houses the tomb of Juan Ponce de León and this is also one of the most famous churches for wedding ceremonies.

Children's Museum: With over 27 interactive and educational exhibits you can't go wrong with this museum for the entire family. Learn about everything from hurricanes to recycling for ages 5-15 and for the little ones under five there is a play area. All exhibits are in Spanish, but it is a great learning tool for using and learning the Spanish language. English may be incorporated in the future. 787-722-3791

Free Trolley Rides: While taking in the sites or shopping, take advantage of the free trolley service. Be sure to pick up a schedule at the tourism office (La Casita) located just west of the cruise ship piers.

El Escambron Beach: The closest beach to Old San Juan is El Escambron. It is a public beach with all the facilities. This great beach is perfect for families with small children due to the coral reef that surrounds the beach area, which reduces the wave activity. El Escambron also has a playground and excellent restaurant.

Le Lo Li Folkloric Music Shows: Experience the Puerto Rican culture through music and food at this weekly event located at various locations near San Juan.

Mondays at San Cristóbal Fort (Historic Old San Juan) 6pm-6:45pm
Thursdays at Plaza Ventana al Mar (Condado a district of San Juan) 7pm-8pm
Fridays at Alambique (Isla Verde a district of Carolina, Puerto Rico) 7pm-8pm
Saturdays at Plaza Ventana al Mar (Condado a district of San Juan) 8pm-9pm

Off the Beaten Path:

Piñones: Just east of Isla Verde and San Juan you will find the most beautiful beach landscape easily accessible within the city. This protected area has miles of bike trails and lush scenery. Take a break at one of the many open air kiosks for a Puerto Rican snack. Be sure to try one of the local favorites: alcapurrias (ground plantain with ground beef inside) or bacalaitos (codfish fritters). Avoid going on the weekends when the crowds and traffic can be heavy.

El Yunque National Forest: The National Rainforest located in Rio Grande is filled with winding trails and gorgeous waterfalls. If you have a rental car, El Yunque is an easy trip to do on your own. If you need help be sure to stop at the Visitors Center for guide information. As you make your way up the mountain you will first see a tall lookout tower. Be sure to stop and make the short climb to the top for great panoramic views and for that Rapunzel feel! A short ride up the hill you will come to La Coca Falls on the right side of the road. Feel free to get out and climb the rocks. If you are short on time skip these falls because the best is yet to come. Continue up the mountain and park at the location of the Big Tree Trail. There are restrooms and a Visitors Center at the foot of the trial. Follow the trail down the mountain to la Mina Falls. Make sure you bring your bathing suits for a cool dip into the waters. Be careful on the trails as it is always wet from the constant showers in the forest. If you are a hiking family, you can't miss the El Yunque trail which takes you to the summit of the mountain where you will find another tower (many times covered by clouds). El Yunque is free if you do it on your own.

Luquillo Beach: Located across from the El Yunque National Forest is one of the most famous beaches on the island. It is a picturesque beach with facilities and plenty of parking. The waters at this beach are very calm and perfect for families. We have seen a multitude of wildlife on this beach from various fish to jellyfish. Bring a picnic or pick up some fritters at the kiosk stands just outside the entrance. Picnic tables and pavilions are available.

Islands Culebra and Vieques: If you are in search of a casual, secluded island with some history and nature, take a ferry out to one of these unspoiled island paradises. Both islands are surrounded by crystal clear waters, perfect for any water adventure, and wildlife preserves, just right for the nature loving family. While at Culebra be sure to visit Flamenco Beach, voted one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Ferry rides charge a minimal fee to reach Culebra, however, the ride can take an hour and a half. Vieques is a bit larger then Culebra and has its own unique charm. Vieques has a wildlife refuge where you might catch a glimpse of migratory birds or sea turtles. Vieques is a spectacular island with beautiful beaches and three bioluminescent bays. A one hour ferry ride will take you to the island for a nominal fee.

Arecibo Observatory: Take a twisty ride through the mountains to view the world's largest radio telescope. This monstrous telescope was built into the mountain for scientific research. Be sure to learn about the fascinating research using the hands on exhibits and the observation deck. Arecibo Observatory has been featured in many films and television shows such as Contact, James Bond’s Golden Eye and the X-Files.

Rio Camuy Cave Park: Home to one of the largest river cave systems in the hemisphere. You are sure to enjoy a trip into these beautiful caves via tram and then by guided tour. Step inside the large caverns and view the sinkholes. The paths through the caves are paved which makes it perfect for strollers. If you feel like you are in the "Bat Cave", it is because Rio Camuy Cave Park was the inspiration for the "Bat Cave" in the Batman movies, even the bat sounds in the movie came from here. Try to go early to beat the crowds.

Whale watching in the city of Rincón: The waters off the island town of Rincón are known to be rough which makes it perfect for surfers. In fact, Rincon is known best for world class surfing. However, during the months of January to March the best views might just be of the migration of Humpback Whales.

Bioluminescent Bay (La Parguera): One of only seven bioluminescent bays in the world (Puerto Rico has four of the seven), you will marvel at the unique glowing waters of La Parguera. Try a day tour for snorkeling and a night tour to view the glowing waters. The night tour takes you on a small boat out into the bay. As you make the trip you will begin to see the moving water glow in the night. At a certain point you will stop and there is a demonstration of the glowing water. Children have a great time splashing it around and even putting it on themselves to see themselves glow. It is a fascinating and educational experience. Night tours begin around 9pm.

Shopping:

There is plenty of shopping and souvenir hunting in Old San Juan. You will find jewelry, outlets, top designer shops and one of a kind art. If you are searching for a mall experience, try Plaza las Américas for a selection of typical stores from the United States. Plaza las Américas is located just outside of Old San Juan in Hato Rey. Puerto Rico also has many of the same brand name stores that you will find in the United States for all your needs, such as Walgreens and Walmart (located throughout the island).

Hotels:

There are so many choices on various accommodations throughout the island and near Old San Juan. Two of the most popular locations within the city of San Juan are Condado and Isla Verde. Here you will find dozens of hotels on the beach with plenty of casinos, night life and crowds. Our picks are the Caribe Hilton (Condado) and El San Juan Hotel (Isla Verde). However, when visiting Puerto Rico we recommend you do not stay in or around Old San Juan. To really enjoy the beauty of the island we recommend you venture out to some of the great resorts along the coast and take day trips into Old San Juan and the other sites. Our top pick areas to stay while visiting the island are located on the East Coast. We find these are more centrally located to the many attractions Puerto Rico has to offer. These family friendly resorts are located in secluded areas with private gated entry and include golf course, beach, pool and kids club.

Wyndham Rio Mar Resort: Located about 30 minutes from the San Juan International Airport, this resort is a slice of heaven with its spectacular views of the lush rainforest and the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. When you walk into the main entrance at the top of the staircase make sure you turn around and take in the beauty of El Yunque National Rainforest. The Wyndham Rio Mar Resort is an excellent resort with exciting pools (equipped with slide and kiddy pool with fountains), a clean and tranquil beach, a fun kids club and good service. The food in the main dining room was not the best, so you may want to venture outside the hotel for dinners. The poolside cafe had better food.

El Conquistador Resort: Located about 45 minutes from the San Juan International Airport, this resort is nestled on a cliffside, located in Fajardo. The views from the rooms and pool side are amazing. Since the hotel is located on a cliff, you must take a cable car or elevator to the base of the cliff to reach the marina. If you plan to go to the beach, hop on a 12 minute ferry which takes you out to the resorts private island, Palomino Island. Although the hotel has a nice setup on the island with lounge chairs, water sports, horseback riding and a restaurant, it is inconvenient to go so far from the hotel to get to the beach. El Conquistador Resort is adding on to their family friendly activities with a water park scheduled to open in 2008 (extra fee required).

Dining:

Café Puerto Rico: If you are looking for very good local food, this is the place to go. They are known for their mofongo (mashed plantain mixed with various meats or seafood). It is truly the best in town. Go early because this restaurant will fill up in the later evening. 208 O’Donnell Street in San Juan, tel. 787-724-2281

Café Manolin: For a quick, cheap and tasty breakfast head over to the Café Manolin. The prices are great! 251 San Justo Street in San Juan, tel. 787-723-9743

Shaved Ice Vendors (Piragua): This is not the name of a restaurant but a tasty snow cone treat. Be sure to stop a vendor along the streets of Old San Juan for one of these local favorites. You can choose among a variety of flavors. Try something different, go for the passion fruit (parcha) or tamarind (tamarindo).

Other fabulous meals to try while visiting Puerto Rico are lechon- roasted pork, arroz con gandules- yellow rice with chick peas, and platanos- fried plantains which can be ripe (sweet) or green (salty, more like a chip).

Yearly Calendar Events:

March: Whale Festival located in the city of Rincón
October: Annual Caribbean Tennis Open located at the El Conquistador Hotel
October: Discover the Caribbean is the biggest sailing event located at the Ponce Yacht and Fishing Club
October: National Open Paso Fino Championship, an equestrian event located in the city of Ponce
December: Festival of Masks, a popular folkloric festival located in the town of Hatillo
December: New Year’s Eve Celebration: Complete with concerts and kids activities at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan. The event is free but be sure to stay until midnight to watch the pyrotechnics display and fireworks!

Tips:

During the evenings, listen for the beautiful song of El Coqui. El Coqui is a small tree frog found nowhere else in the world except for Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican people are quite proud of this little frog and it can be seen all over the island on t-shirts and souvenirs. However, you may never catch a glimpse of the real thing. El Coqui’s song can be heard best at night after a nice rain shower.

Last update : 03-03-2008 17:44