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I’m looking into a trip to Puerto Rico for next spring break (Easter). We decided on PR because of the variety of attractions it has to offer, reasonable prices, and ease of travel. Our kids will be 7 & 10 and we aren’t quite ready for just sand/surf at this stage and would like to mix in some activities as well some beach and pool time. I’d prefer to avoid the big time resorts and the costs associated with them.
The 3 musts are OSJ for the forts, El Yunque and Bio Bay.
Day 1 – arrive in San Juan from Indianapolis
Days 2-4: San Juan Base
• Old San Juan (castles, city walking tour, etc.) – two ½ days along with beach/pool time
• Possible day trip to Arecibo & Rio Camuy Caves
Torn on where to stay at this point: Old San Juan for action (but no beach/pool), Isla Verde for the beach but further from OSJ or Condado as a compromise between the two.
Days 5-6: Farjado area base
• El Yunque
• Baineario La Monserrate / Luquillo
Another day here?
Considering Farjado Inn, Luquillo Sunrise Beach Inn or Sue’s Place (near El Yunque). I need to decide how important a pool is at this stage of the trip.
Days 7-9: Vieques
• Bio bay tour
• Beaches
• Snorkeling
No clear cut lodging options here. I’m concerned about how rustic/clean some of the places seem to be. Most of the highly rated places don’t allow kids during high season or require a 7-day stay. May have to fork up the $$$ here.
Day 10: return to San Juan
Day 11: return to Indianapolis
We might be able to do 12 days if the budget allows. Vieques needs to be at the end of the trip to time the moon (full on day 2).
In looking at this, perhaps we should slice an OSJ day off the front and add it to the back since we need to get back that way for the flight out anyway. It might be nice to add a day for a boat trip as well.
Will the fact that this will bracket Easter throw a wrench in the plans?
Thoughts on itinerary and suggestions on places to stay for < $200/night (with pool??).
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PR Itinerary and Loding questions
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Fajardo Inn is OK but Fajardo itself is little more than a jumping off point. Also, San Juan is by far & away the most expensive place to stay, so, rather than daytrip from there I would stick to San Juan 'stuff' while staying there. We really liked this place www.casacubuy.com which is on the 'back side' of the rain forest but you do have to take your own food in, or purchase items that are there...If the owner has enough guests, she may fix dinner or breakfast but you have to reserve ahead. We also like Rincon www.rinconpr.com which has a surfer vibe. We did a similar trip a few years ago (w/kids) & went around the island (did not do Vieques). It is big compared to other islands in the Caribbean, but easy to get around once you get out of San Juan. San Juan to Rincon is maybe 100 miles. We rented a car for a week (for the best rate/deal) dropped it off, & then stayed San Juan until time to leave. SJ is also busiest on weekends when the cruise ships come & go. You may get better deals during the week, in the city, when they are not as busy.
Thanks for the response, SAnParis2. I've been toying with the around-the-island idea but thought that might be a little much. I'm not sure I can fit in Rincon and Vieques on this trip.
Casa Cubuy sounds interesting. There are some very good and not so good reviews on Trip Adviser. I might want to be near the "front" of El Yunque but I'll look into it some more.
I think I will move 1 of the San Juan days to the back and I plan to look into 1 day with Erin Go Braugh during our middle (Luquillo) stay.
Any other suggestions, Fodorites?
Just FYI the owners of Casa Cubuy have opened a restaurant down the road next to Sierra Palms that serves dinner Wed through Sun nights. We ate there one night while staying at Casa Flamboyant (which was great BTW but unfortunately doesn't accept kids) last week. We loved it up here but this side is very quiet and about a 45 min drive back to Fajardo so may not be suitable if you're looking for varied activities and services.
On Vieques you could try Hectors by the sea. We stayed in casita number 2 (coqui) a couple of years ago with our 2 kids. They have a pool and horses on the property plus it's beachfront. The beach is nice to walk on but not as stunning as others on the island.
It's about $185 a night for your dates.
www.hectorsbythesea.com
I'd add an extra day to Vieques and hire a car rather than an extra day to the Fajardo part of the trip.
I wish we could. Unfortunately the kids have to be at least 12 y.o. during high season (the time we are visiting). Esperanza Inn and Casa de Amistad look like reasonable options. Renting a car/jeep looks like a must to really enjoy Vieques.
Did you call the owners? When we stayed my daughter was 9 or 10 and although she wasn't allowed in the hot tub she enjoyed the pool.
I think the owners prefer to keep the pool more adult orientated (no horseplay) but it's worth checking to see if they can accommodate you.
Perhaps they already have another family booked in with kids a little older than yours and would therefore feel 2 more kids would be ok.... perhaps not if they have honeymooners.... check!
It was a lovely place to stay.
We've since been back to the island but chose to rent a house for a week for more space.
Yep, confirmed. No kids then.
The search goes on!
Good luck with your search!
Casa Lanchita was our back up choice but we've not stayed there yet. They have a minimum of 4 nights though ...but have reasonable rates for families of four plus they have a pool.
Personally I prefer to stay in Esperanza but otherwise this place looks good.
http://www.isla-vieques.com/puerto-rico/casa-la-lanchita.htm
The website also lists many other vacation rentals.
Casa Cubuy would best be described as 'spartan' & you will share your room w/a few geckos or chameleons, but we kept our doors open the whole time we were there, & could see 3 waterfalls from our balcony.
topping for DebbieH