Driving in Puerto Rico
 

I'll be driving a rental car Jan. 6-9 in Puerto Rico. San Juan to Ponce (2 nights) then to Rincon (1 night), then back to San Juan stopping at Arecibo to see the observatory. I'd appreciate any ideas on:

(1) Other suggestions to see on the way.

(2) Driving tips - insurance, roads, etc.

(3) Places to eat --- "cheap eats"

(4) Anything worth noting related to Three Kings Day - Jan 6.

Thanks.
SS

On Jan 6 there are a lot of parades honoring the Three Kings, a number of businesses may be closed. I believe Rincon and the nearby town of Moca have very lively parades.

Near Ponce I suggest a visit to Hacienda Buena Vista, one of the best preserved coffee plantation in Puerto Rico, excellent tour. There are limited sales of their ground coffee. It probably be one of the best coffee you'll ever have. For the best seafood in that area I suggest the area of la Parguera in Lajas. It is about 45 mts. to one hour drive from Ponce, lively town on Saturday nights; highly recommend La Casita Restaurant. If you go to La Parguera, do not leave without having a glass of Sangria Cono Brand; just ask for sangria near the boat rentals and they will know you are looking for Sangria Cono.

As far as driving tips, just drive safely, let agressive drivers go their way, specially the younger ones.

Unless you are into architecture, I'm not sure why the extended stay in Ponce. I'd probably stop there 'en route' & just spend the time in Rincon, pobably my favorite spot in PR. http://www.rincon-pr.com/ http://www.rincon.org/

Try the Calypso Cafe on Maria's Beach for Dinner & Sunset.

sanParis,
Rincon, your links are good. I am thinking of four nights in PR. You can see my recent post, trying to decide. I looked at Yacao(can't spell it right now) near the national forest, the dry one. Would you suggest same? I really am thinking solo, but if the good folks on here think some of this is good for an 11 year old, will take my son. He has an adventurous spirit and loves international food. So, Rincon, would you say it is a must? Or any other place a must? I read about the condado in SJ .... not my idea of fun at all. I like comfort, but authentic is more appealing. Thanks for your help.

miacara-- I think you meant Yauco and the national park is called Bosque Seco (Dry Forest). Yauco is about 25 minutes from Ponce (Ponce Hilton is gorgeous)or 20 minutes from La Parguera with the Parador Villa Parguera (quaint). Even closer is Copamarina Resort (very nice) in Guanica. All of the above are highly recommended for an 11-year old. If you decide to head out to La Parguera, there are snorkeling trips that your son will go nuts about! A lot of tourists that go to PR stay near San Juan without realizing that the most beautiful beaches, awesome snorkeling, best food, and most wonderful people are actually away from San Juan! Rincon is a very good rec as well.

Gracias! So would you go to OSJ and spend a night or two then venture towards Ponce thru the mountains? Maybe a night at the thermal water place...cant recall and then stay near the dry forest, finally end up in a place near the airport to leave from? I really want to meet people, of course, but not a boat load off the carnival cruise line, also, I need to practice spanish. Thanks!!

miacara-- your latest post sound like an awesome plan. The Thermal waters are in Coamo, there is a very nice parador next to the baths, also an awesome restaurant. Coamo is vry close to Ponce, remember the rec to snorkel in La Parguera.

I think you'll enjoy Rincon, I know my kids did & they were younger. San Juan, we usually stop in coming or going. In Rincon there is a little place on the beach, kind of like little apts. really. Get one on the beachfront & your son can sleep on the pullout. Its the Coconut Palms. You just don't want the room that opens onto the street.

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