CDuffy

I'm trying to solidify our itinerary for Puerto Rico in mid-November;
We arrive at SJU around 4pm on Sat., 11/13. Pick up rental car (agency undecided), drive to Luquillo where we'll stay for 2 nights. On Mon, 9/13, we'll visit El Yunque and then drive along the coast to Guanica. So:

1) Is that do-able in 1 day? How much time should I allow for driving through El Yunque and walking a couple of (short) trails, knowing that we have a long drive ahead of us? Will a couple of hours be sufficient? Is it reasonable to think that we can reach the Copamarino Resort in Guanica before dark? We want to drive the coast, stopping here and there. (How many miles, and how long will it take?)

2) After staying (hopefully) in Guanica for 2 nights - how long should we allow for the drive (scenic, if possible) to the Rincon area (stay 1 night), and on the last day, driving back to the airport in San Juan.

Thanks for your help.

sassy_cat

We spent about 3 hours in El Yunque. We did the La Mina falls walk (wear a swimsuit so you can enjoy the pool and waterfall) and a couple of other short trails/ lookout points (including the Mt Britten tower see youtube link)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqloECn5PXw

Can't help with the rest of your query though but 2 hours is a little short for El Yunque.

Continental_Drifter

Always double your driving times when driving in Puerto Rico. Traffic can be terrible, as there's only one road. Here's a site we like: http://www.travelmath.com/driving-di...o,+Puerto+Rico

It has driving distances and miles city to city. There's a better interactive one, but I could not locate it.

That being said, we have had terrific travel days there in which we had no trouble going 50 miles in an hour.

Double your expected travel time and be surprised when you arrive early. Keep in mind that you will be in the Caribbean in winter, so if sunset is at 6:00pm, it's dark at 6:00pm. Many people traveling to the area for the first time are surprised by their shortened hours of daylight. However, the sun rises earlier also.

1 - You can do this in one day if you get to El Yunque early and skip the movie. WE found it safe to drive after dark, but beware of people out walking at night, especially if it is Thursday - Saturday. Some topes (speed bumps) are virtually invisible, so take care. Look carefully at the photos of the Copamarina Resort in Guanica. It's surrounded by a dry forest and is very different than the verdant El Yunque. We did not find our trip out to "Gilligan's Island" worthwhile. The docks are picturesque, but we found the snorkeling from the island to be lacking.

2. Rincon is about an hour, perhaps? I think it's only about 45 miles. We love Rincon and can recommend some inns there, but please advise your budget and preferences.

Really .... Don't miss Isabela. The blow hole and beaches there are really something unique. There's an Anthony Bourdain special on Puerto Rico and most of it is filmed in Isabela. (Dang... no longer our secret!)

You'll be surprised at how many Puerto Ricans do not travel around their beautiful island very much. If you ask how long or how far, they'll often say it's too long or too far!

I hope you have a wonderful trip. Let us know if you need any suggestions.

Don't forget to pick up a copy of the new Puerto Rico Fodors guide. I'm quoted!

BellaClaire

Palm Island - is fantastic -but VERY SMALL - you can walk around it in 5 minutes - the history behind it is fabulous - used to be called Prune Island - then bought by a guy named John Caldwell - read Desperate Voyage - an adventure and love story

Grenada - I love Grenada - the people are awesome - the island beautiful - staying on Grand Anse would be nice - but if you are going to the grenedines - might like Bequia or Mayreau better -if you are thinking of Palm Island - then look up Bequia or Mayreau

St. Lucia - I love St. Lucia too - the Pitons are awesome. If you go there -be sure to check out Ladera or Jade Mountain - maybe not to stay - but go for lunch definately.

Both islands take a while to get to. If you go to St Lucia and fly into UVF - take a helicopter to SLU - it's an adventure and a great sight seeing trip

Good Luck and congratulations!

BellaClaire

oops - wrong post -sorry!

CDuffy

Thanks sassy_cat and mom23rugrats -- mom23: I just realized that we can't drive "thru" El Yunque, exiting on the south/west end because the road is closed there. That means we'll have to drive out the way we came, then back toward Luquillo to take the coast road south and west to Guanica. I'm not sure how long a drive it is in the park (?), but this is not good news. I'm still hoping to make it to Guanica, but if that isn't realistic, we might have to stop someplace inbetween for a night and then skip Rincon. Not my first choice, though. But if we can get to Rincon, your suggestions would be great to have. When choosing accommodations we tend toward smaller inns or cottages, clean, quiet (no beach bar or "parties"), with a pool and on the beach, where possible. Ex: In Luquillo we're staying at the Sunrise Beach Inn (although it isn't directly on the beach). But Rincon would be only for one night, so location and quiet would be our top requisites. The Copamarina is a little more upscale than we usually like (unless I'm attending a conference!). Have you stayed there? What's your impression? If you have any ideas for places to stay along the coast after leaving El Yunque and before Guanica (if we have to make that change), I'd appreciate hearing them. Thanks for the distance websites, too. I'm sure I'll have more questions for you!

SurfWestPRcom

Casa Islena in Rincon sounds like it might be just the place.

mlbcruiser

We have driven to Rincon twice, but out of San Juan. It took MUCH longer both times than we anticpated. Last yr. it was the last wk. in Feb. and a mostly overcast,somewhat drizzly day. It was a Thur. and traffic was horrendous the last half of the way. So the poster above is correct. Be sure to allow for extra time!