Hello. I will be in San Juan on the last week of January and will bring my wife with me. I have seen some postings talking about Vieques and the biobay. While I snorkel/dive my wife is does not, so I would like to know if the place is just about this experience or have something else to offer. Related to that: Can it be done in a day trip? I have already booked hotels in San Juan so I am not so keen about staying there overnight.

Apart from Old San Juan, anything interesting in the area that is worthwhile? How far is the rain forest tour?

Also, my wife is big into restaurants. What are the places of great puerto rican cuisine?

Thanks for the replies!

Vieques is not just about snorkeling/diving and no, I would not try to do it in a day trip. Vieques is about exploring awesome, awesome empty beaches, wild horses and great restaurants. Think of how the Caribbean was 30-50 years ago and you have Vieques.

To answer your questions in order:

1. I agree with ccc about Vieques.

2. Apart from Old San Juan, Condado and Isla Verde are worth a trip. Those are the hip areas with the great restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

3. The rainforest (El Yunque) is 45 minutes away east of San Juan. It may be done as a day trip. You can go walking, hiking or you can bathe at one of the rainfalls. It's great!

Also, the Camuy Caverns are definetely worth the trip. It's also a 45 minute drive west of San Juan.

4. For excellent Puerto Rican cuisine, check out Parrot Club and Mojito's, both at Old San Juan and also check out El Metropol at Isla Verde.

Cheers.

Thanks ccc and pinkfloyd18,

I will definitely follow you recommendations. Last question:
Is it worth renting a car or should I just hire an agency and relax?

Happy New Year!

I've been to PR twice and I would say a car rental is a must, simply b/c the island is so large. There are a lot of other places besides SJ. Check'em out w/ your rental.

I also think that you should rent a car. This is the only way that you can enjoy all that Puerto Rico has to offer, at your own pace.

Happy travels!

Pink Floyd is right, however, Metropol is Cuban. If you want the best PR cuisine, it is Ajilli Mojilli (spelling?) in the Condado area. I've been going to PR for 18 years, and it's still the best in the San Juan area, about 10 minutes from Isla Verde, and in between Old San Juan and Isla Verde. The Parrot Club is good also, ask to sit outside in the courtyard area.