This Blog mainly covers Where to stay and What to Do. We will cover the History and the Culture of Puerto Rico in a future Blog.
Getting There.
Getting to San Juan is easy. Luis Munoz Marin airport is serviced by 17 different airlines. Travel from the U.S to Puerto Rico requires no passport. All that is required is a government issued photo ID, a driver’s license.
Get out and explore the island. The best way to get around is to rent a car. There are several agencies at the airport. The roads are well marked and it is easy to get around the entire Island. Also, there are taxis, ferries, trolleys and busses. FYI, the traffic in San Juan is very heavy; suggest you add the rental agencies insurance to the rental. It obviously adds to the cost of the rental but will save you if you do have an accident.
Where ever you are staying leave early if you are going into the city and expect to have to look for a parking place. There are parking garages close in. You should expect to have a short walk; we usually find spaces up by the fort if the garages are full.
For road maps of Puerto Rico go to Google and enter- San Juan Puerto Rico- in the search box. Good source for road maps of the Island and the City. Also this is another good map of Old San Juan that shows where all the attractions are located. Print the maps before you leave home, these are better than most maps you can find on the Island.
A good source for information on Puerto Rico is see puerto rico.
Where to stay.
There are so many choices, from relative inexpensive to lavish all-inclusive resorts. At the time of this writing rooms were available starting at $70 per night. Also the “Puerto Rico Sparkles” promo was in effect, every third night free when you book four nights, depending on the particular resort promotion. Some of the larger resorts are starting at $335 per person for three nights.
This is a list of just a few of the top places to stay. If you do a Google search of the property you can view their details and rates. Also look at the reviews and make your choice, the list is not a recommendation. Always check the reviews for lodging or tours. Trip Advisor is a good place for reviews . We stay at two that are on the list when we are in San Juan.
We can book any lodging for you from Caribbean Travel Adventures site or you can search and book your own travel plans from our MTravel booking link.
Listed under B & B’s ...
We can book any lodging for you from Caribbean Travel Adventures site or you can search and book your own travel plans from our MTravel booking link.
Listed under B & B’s ...
Coqui Del Mar, Andalucia Guest House and Caleta 64 plus about 22 more. Also Posada Colonial has great reviews.
Listed under Hotels and Resorts …
Doubletree by Hilton, Hotel El Convento, La Concha Resort, Marriott San Juan Resort and Caribe Hilton Resort. El San Juan hotel and Casino, Hilton Ponce Golf and Casino Resort. Plus many more.
If you enjoy golf, there are several stunning beach and golf resorts to choose from for your stay.
What to do.
There is so much to do and see a week is not enough, if you can, stay longer. Puerto Rico is such a wonderful vacation destination.
A great vacation idea is to spend a week and also take a Southern Caribbean Cruise from San Juan. Carnival and Royal Caribbean both have 6, 7 and 8 day cruises out of San Juan. If you want to go cruising, there are several other cruise lines out of the port. There are a few Southern Caribbean Cruises out of Florida.
Beaches are everywhere, you can surf, go windsurfing or find a quiet beach to just relax or swim in one of the bioluminescent bays.
Puerto Rico is rich in Art, History and Culture. To absorb all there is to learn, hire a guide. They will be able to take you on very informative tours. They can take you to the great Cultural and Historic Places. There are also “walking tours” of Old San Juan. Most of the streets in Old Town are paved with cobblestones that are cast from furnace slag. The old part of the city is “considered” safe to walk in. The Visitors Center in Old San Juan is just west of the Cruise Dock.
At the Eastern end of the island are the two islands of Culebra and Vieques. The snorkeling and diving are great in these locations. You can also find great lodging on these islands, everything from small beach front cottages to lavish resorts. For an all day snorkel trip with lunch, try Spread Eagle II.
Enjoy a round of golf at one of 24 courses on the Island. Visit El Yunque, the only rain forest in the US. Go to the Cave Park or the Wildlife Refuse. Go on a tour of Bacardi and sample the rums. You must visit El Morro, Castillo de San Felipe del Morro. The fort was started in 1540 and not completed to its present form until 1786. The 20 foot thick walls rise 140 feet. Walk thru the Cathedral de San Juan built in 1540.
San Juan offers some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, great attractions, some of the finest resorts and spas, the liveliest bars and night clubs along will friendly people. Music is a mix of Salsa, Meringue, Jazz and Tropical all with that wonderful Latin, tropical beat.
The Criollo Cuisine is a mix of Spanish, Taino and African. Besides the many fine restaurants, try the local food carts for some really great local food.
We have only touched on some of the many exciting places on Puerto Rico. A few pages can not do justice to an adventure you must experience firsthand.
This is a article that appeared in USA Today...
Puerto Rico may only be the size of Connecticut, but this tiny island nation of 4 million boasts a colorful array of tropical beaches and verdant jungles to rival any in the Caribbean. Brimming with the beats of salsa, reggaeton and plena, Puerto Rico offers a diverse range of travel destinations to explore in each of its regions.
San Juan
The capital city of San Juan sits on the north coast of Puerto Rico. The Old Town center was founded in 1521 and still features many of its original Spanish colonial buildings, including the surrounding city walls which date from 1633. This area is now a US National Historic Zone, and visitors flock here to see prominent sights like the San Juan Bautista Cathedral and the Forts of San Cristobal and San Felipe del Morro. Travelers will encounter more modern attractions in New San Juan outside the historic city center. Tourist districts like Santurce, Condado Lagoon, Ocean Park and Isla Verde have everything from high-rise hotels and chic shopping malls to booming discos and upscale restaurants.
Central Puerto Rico
The Cerro de Punta in Puerto Rico's Cordillera Central ranks as the highest mountain peak in the country. Trekkers hike to the 4,349-foot summit for stunning views of the wilderness. Also of interest are the Camuy Caves near the town of Arecibo. This is the third-largest cave system on the planet, according to iExplore. Nearby lies the Arecibo Observatory, which houses the biggest radar-radio telescope in the world. Slightly south of the observatory sits the Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park, which was constructed by native Taino Indians as a gathering place for sport and worship over 800 years ago.
Eastern Puerto Rico
Eastern Puerto Rico encompasses El Yunque, the only rainforest within the US National Forest network. El Yunque sprawls over 28,000 acres of pristine jungle, offering visitors a chance to see some exotic flora and fauna while hiking the park's 13 trails. Farther east lies the port town of Fajardo with its yacht-filled marinas. Also in the region is the Balneario La Monserrate. This government-maintained beach brings in throngs of vacationing families, thanks to its attractive facilities and close proximity to San Juan and Fajardo.
Western Puerto Rico
Mayaguez, the third-largest city in Puerto Rico, functions as a commercial center for the western half of the island. The Mayaguez Botanical Garden stands out as the city's premier attraction. The nearby town of San German remains a tranquil place off the beaten tourist path, but visitors that make the journey will find the charming Porta Coeli church, which dates back to 1606. Also worth visiting are the coastal towns of Rincon and Aguadilla, both of which feature ample tourism infrastructure and excellent surfing beaches.
Southern Puerto Rico
The city of Ponce in Southern Puerto Rico is the island's second-biggest urban center behind San Juan. Trolleys and horse-drawn carriages rumble along the streets and the main square of Plaza las Delicias. Area attractions include Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, the Castillo Serralles mansion and observation tower. On the outskirts of town, travelers can check out the Centro Ceremonial IndÃgena de Tibes with its museum and pre-Taino ruins. Farther west on the lower heel of the island stretches Guanica State Forest, which is a United Nations Biosphere Reserve.
Islands of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has several islands off the mainland, three of which receive modest tourist traffic. Culebra and Vieques sit only a few miles east of the mainland. Both offer secluded beaches and coral reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving. Vieques has a more sizable and developed tourism infrastructure, according to Frommer's. Off the western coast of Puerto Rico lies the uninhabited island of Mona. Cliff-ringed Mona lacks facilities, but it does provide an ideal setting for day-trip cruises and sea-bird watching.
Caribbean Travel Adventures can book all your travel arrangements for you and save you a lot of time and trouble. We will take care of all the details.
This is a article that appeared in USA Today...
Puerto Rico may only be the size of Connecticut, but this tiny island nation of 4 million boasts a colorful array of tropical beaches and verdant jungles to rival any in the Caribbean. Brimming with the beats of salsa, reggaeton and plena, Puerto Rico offers a diverse range of travel destinations to explore in each of its regions.
San Juan
The capital city of San Juan sits on the north coast of Puerto Rico. The Old Town center was founded in 1521 and still features many of its original Spanish colonial buildings, including the surrounding city walls which date from 1633. This area is now a US National Historic Zone, and visitors flock here to see prominent sights like the San Juan Bautista Cathedral and the Forts of San Cristobal and San Felipe del Morro. Travelers will encounter more modern attractions in New San Juan outside the historic city center. Tourist districts like Santurce, Condado Lagoon, Ocean Park and Isla Verde have everything from high-rise hotels and chic shopping malls to booming discos and upscale restaurants.
Central Puerto Rico
The Cerro de Punta in Puerto Rico's Cordillera Central ranks as the highest mountain peak in the country. Trekkers hike to the 4,349-foot summit for stunning views of the wilderness. Also of interest are the Camuy Caves near the town of Arecibo. This is the third-largest cave system on the planet, according to iExplore. Nearby lies the Arecibo Observatory, which houses the biggest radar-radio telescope in the world. Slightly south of the observatory sits the Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park, which was constructed by native Taino Indians as a gathering place for sport and worship over 800 years ago.
Eastern Puerto Rico
Eastern Puerto Rico encompasses El Yunque, the only rainforest within the US National Forest network. El Yunque sprawls over 28,000 acres of pristine jungle, offering visitors a chance to see some exotic flora and fauna while hiking the park's 13 trails. Farther east lies the port town of Fajardo with its yacht-filled marinas. Also in the region is the Balneario La Monserrate. This government-maintained beach brings in throngs of vacationing families, thanks to its attractive facilities and close proximity to San Juan and Fajardo.
Western Puerto Rico
Mayaguez, the third-largest city in Puerto Rico, functions as a commercial center for the western half of the island. The Mayaguez Botanical Garden stands out as the city's premier attraction. The nearby town of San German remains a tranquil place off the beaten tourist path, but visitors that make the journey will find the charming Porta Coeli church, which dates back to 1606. Also worth visiting are the coastal towns of Rincon and Aguadilla, both of which feature ample tourism infrastructure and excellent surfing beaches.
Southern Puerto Rico
The city of Ponce in Southern Puerto Rico is the island's second-biggest urban center behind San Juan. Trolleys and horse-drawn carriages rumble along the streets and the main square of Plaza las Delicias. Area attractions include Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, the Castillo Serralles mansion and observation tower. On the outskirts of town, travelers can check out the Centro Ceremonial IndÃgena de Tibes with its museum and pre-Taino ruins. Farther west on the lower heel of the island stretches Guanica State Forest, which is a United Nations Biosphere Reserve.
Islands of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has several islands off the mainland, three of which receive modest tourist traffic. Culebra and Vieques sit only a few miles east of the mainland. Both offer secluded beaches and coral reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving. Vieques has a more sizable and developed tourism infrastructure, according to Frommer's. Off the western coast of Puerto Rico lies the uninhabited island of Mona. Cliff-ringed Mona lacks facilities, but it does provide an ideal setting for day-trip cruises and sea-bird watching.
Caribbean Travel Adventures can book all your travel arrangements for you and save you a lot of time and trouble. We will take care of all the details.
Call us at 1-866-802-2292 or mailto:caribta@hotmail.com. You can also book your own travel from the booking links on the web site. Travel Impressions and Funjet have links to Puerto Rico.
We specialize in Caribbean travel, Cruises, Destinations, All-Exclusive’s, Tours, Weddings and Vacation Packages. Western Caribbean Cruises and Eastern Caribbean Cruises are the most popular.
HAVE A GREAT VACATION, Tom and Karen
This is LINK 1 and LINK 2 to a YouTube videos of Puerto Rico
If you have an update, would like to add information or feel there are errors on the page,
please email us at caribta@hotmail.com
If you have an update, would like to add information or feel there are errors on the page,
please email us at caribta@hotmail.com
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