bizprof

Has anyone been to both? My husband and I have 6 days in Jan (without the kids!) and are trying to decide. We aren't sit on the beach types. We prefer architecture, history, kayaking, hiking, and excellent food. I think both Curacao and Puerto Rico have the mix of culture and warm weather but I worry Old San Juan is too touristy and Willemsted won't keep us busy for 6 days. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

KVR

Went to PR in the 80's. We are returning in November. Went to Curacao in 2009. We found it difficult to get to Curacao from Texas. All flights on AA had us overnighting in Miami. We finally flew United (Continental then) to Aruba and then Insel air to Curacao.

Have to say we didn't care for Curacao. There are no long stretches of beach. They are coves/inlets. Most are on the West side of the Island, so you need a car and a good map to get to them or take a tour. The sand is made up of crushed coral, so we felt water shoes were a must. You are correct there was nothing there to keep us busy for 6 nights. You also need a car to get to dining options. The downtown area was very nice and clean with real stores not just tourist trap souvenir shops. No hasseling.

We did enjoy the Aquarium. We did the dive encounter. No certification required, and it was the highlight of the trip. We had fun and was glad we went, but it didn't make our return list. Many people say the snorkeling there is great. Compared to Grand Cayman, Cozumel and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere out side of Playa del Carmen, Mexico is was meh.

If you are interested I have our vacation pictures posted:

http://kvrlvnphotogallery.shutterfly.com/pictures/2375

The Aquarium Dive:

http://kvrlvnphotogallery.shutterfly.com/pictures/2616

click "all" to just scroll down through all of them without going through multiple pages.

coqui_07

Personally don't find Old San Juan too touristy (and I live here in PR) regularly go there with my 5 year old son to check out the forts and just wander around

If you prepared to explore outside of San Juan there are lots of things to see and do

are you looking to do anything in particular?

bizprof

Many thanks, KVR & Coqui_07.

We definitely are open to exploring outside of San Juan. I would like to hike in El Yunque and see Ponce and San Germán but I'm not sure how too put that all together without changing hotels four times in six days. Any suggestions on prioritizing or coordinating those places (or other ideas) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again!

KVR

You might want to read the forums on Trip Advisor regarding seeing multi areas. A rental car will be a must to do that. We are only staying 6 nights. We have some mobility issues and do not rent cars on vacation. We like guided tours and have planned some sightseeing tours, the El Yunque rain forest and day trips to Culebra and Vieques.

bizprof

Thanks, KVR. I realize that we'd be into a rental car. We're in our 30s and enjoy independent travel, non-resort hotels, etc. And I'd appreciate any additional suggestions and feedback from others.

coqui_07

Quick intro to the various regions of PR http://www.discoveringpuertorico.com...f-puerto-rico/

plus more info on that site - just search aroun it

bizprof

Thanks so much, coqui_07.

fishee

My recent trips to Curacao and San Juan were brief since we continued on to Bonaire and Culebra, respectively. But Curacao did not have much going on and I felt that the slavery museum in Willemsted, while laudatory in terms of acknowledging slavery - a rarity in the Caribbean, felt a bit like a tax write-off on the part of the wealthy owner who put it together.

Based on your description, I'd think there is a much more diverse range of things to do in Puerto Rico if you rent a car. Also, the duration of flying to Curacao is not to be discounted -- it's a long connection. I loved Bonaire but that was for the endless snorkeling and biking options on that island (good food too...).