Is Puerto Rico worth visiting?
 

I visited p.r. before and after a cruise on RCCL and foud the older part of the city pretty trashy. The older forts are interesting but the remainder of the city is not really "visitor friendly"
I wouldn't recommend it as a destination. Good Luck!!!!

try this site
http://Welcome.toPuertoRico.org/

you will find practical travel tips on transport, money and currency, as well as details of government, economy and history.

Puerto Rico is definitely worth visiting, but I reccommend that you get "out on the island" that is , explore the rest of PR apart from San Juan. Especially interesting is the west coast of PR. It's a lot more laid back good beaches, friendly people. Less exspensive, too.

Diving is best on the southside of Puerto Rico. in a town called Parguera... pinnacle reefs and wall dives with a very knowledgeable and easygoing divemaster at Parguera Divers. Recommend reserving in advance of arrival. the western side is less traveled with tourists. you'll need a rental car...beach it early in the day...explore different areas, people friendly,...all American amenities, malls, post office, etc., but not the high prices of San Juan or urban environment. As with any large city, San Juan has it's share of the mixed bag of good and bad places to be...it's basically not unlike Miami. recommend 'playa buye', hole in the wall beach just north of the larger public beach at Boqueron, again in the southwest corner of island. I travel there every year. Parent's live there. If you have more specific interests in mind email me.

Loved P.R. Very interesting island, with a lot to do. Also a gaming island. Get out and check out other areas of the island besides the tourist spots.

I am a single mom, with children, boy 11, girl 6 1/2 and am interested in an April vacation, possibily in PR. Need to know good deals, hotels, places appropriate to visit. Interested in lots of beach time, rainforest, hiking. good food (not expensive), family oriented places. A feel for the culture. children and I knwo some spanish, and have studied Puerto rico.

Yes, its worth visiting. I go there on business. Old San Juan is full of history. They have GREAT restaurants,
The beaches are best at Farhardo, about an hour east of San Juan, and
at the two islands off Farjardo. Th erain forest is
on the way.
They also have great restaurants.
However, dont travel alone.
Tom

I've been to Puerto Rico 9 times. I have a lot of family there. I started "exploring," though, on the last four visits (couldn't explore on my own without a driver's license). Anyway, I love it and can't wait to go back and explore some more. There are two rainforests on the island. The most popular one is called "El Yunque." It's about an hour east of San Juan. If you're into nature, I recommend a book called "The Other Puerto Rico." It is chock full of many great 1/2 day to three day excursions. My parents recently drove half of the Panoramic Route. It starts on the west part of the island in a town called Mayaguez and ends up on the east part of the island. It'll take about three days to see everything, stop and enjoy the sights and stay at a couple of bed and breakfasts. My parents enjoyed it very much (my father's a native and was born and raised in Adjuntas, one of the towns close to the Panoramic Route). There's a lot more to tell. Feel free to write back.

Was dissapointed with P.R. but not totally. Just when we thought our trip was gonna be a total bummer, for reasons that I don't want to go into detail about, I found a brochure on Culebra.
Well, needless to say this was our savior. What a world of difference, and just a short 15 minutes under $30 plane hop from Fajardo. Or even cheeper but slower boat ride. Some say luquio beach is the best PR has to offer, They must be crazy. When you see a tourist ad for PR, look for the small print, most likely it's a photo taken on Culebra. White
sands, seculuded quiet beaches, warm clean waters, friendly people. Go rent a jeep from JOE's explore and have fun!!!!

If you must stay to the main land head west. This side of the island has much more beauty than the east. The one stop to make in the east would be el yunke.

Good Luck.

I am a college student and I wanted to plan an inexpensive trip to Puerto Rico in May. I am just worried that the price of lodging there will be too expensive. I know people who have gone to the Carribean and told me they could find places to stay for only around $10 a night. I looked in many travel books to find information on lodging and all I can find is expensive resort-like hotels. I am intersted in staying anywhere that is inexpensive- even in youth hostels or bed and breakfasts. Please write me back with any information you can give me. Thankyou.
-Heather

We are heading to Puerto Rico this June for our honeymoon. We are staying at a relative's B&B near the SW side of the island. BUT, the first night that we arrive into the SJ airport, we would like to stay overnight to hit Old San Juan the next day.

We need to find a cozy type of guest house or B&B for under $150 or under $100 for that first night. We are thinking of staying in the Isla Verde or Condado area to wake up and head to OSJ. Any suggestions? We are NOT interested in the busy San Juan casino area....nature and history type of people. THANK YOU!!!!

The best site I had of PR was just after take-off when I looked over my right shoulder and I saw Old San Juan distancing away ... I saw the whole island and after much search I only found one isolated accessible beach with not too much garbage. I know I'll never be going back.
But I did enjoy the Puerto Ricans ....

I am planning to visit Puerto Rico in July. What I want to do is hike around the island. I don't have much money, but want to practice my Spanish. This means not staying in resort hotels, but getting as far from the cities as possible. Anyone have advise on hiking in Puerto Rico and camping on beaches or in the rain forests? What are some small towns which are not frequented by tourists?

Yes, PR is very much worth visiting. Those above who say otherwise have most likely not gotten out of San Juan (could you imagine anyone saying they did not like the Northeastern U.S. because the area around the ship terminals in NYC was "trashy" -- would you take travel advice from such a person??). Or perhaps they are not interested in, or adept at, working to make a vacation worthwhile. World class golf, diving, hiking, biking, swimming (there are beaches with trash in San Juan and Carolina, but I had no trouble finding beautiful clean beaches elsewhere), and all sorts of water sports. The small towns are also very cheap places to vacation. On the other hand, perhaps this mis-impression can help keep it un-crowded (in which case you should go, but tell your friends you didn't enjoy it).

My wife and I are going to Cancun with another couple this July. Do you know anything about Cancun, or the Diamond Resort Playacar? Interesting to see someone I "know" at this website. Hi!
Lee

Yes, PR is worth visiting. If you're looking for the nightlife and shopping the San Juan metropolitan area is your best bet. On the other hand, if you want to really enjoy all aspects of the island you should visit the west coast of the island and stay in small hotels called "Paradores". Desecheo Island has world class diving as well as Parguera. The beaches in this part of the island are clean, clear and not crowded. Also on the west coast you can visit the Arecibo Observatory, which is the largest radio telescope in the world and where the movie "Contact" was filmed and based on. Another great destination are the "Cuevas de Camuy" with impresive and beautiful caves.
On the east coast there is Culebra, an island off the coast of PR. I have never been to a more beautiful beach than Culebrita. I've been visiting beaches in PR and the Virgin Islans for most of my life. Culebrita is like a large salt water swimming pool where you can occasionaly see "careys" or sea turtles. Another east coast destination is "El Yunque" the only national rainforest in the US is great for hiking and relaxing. You can also go horseback riding with "Hacienda Carabalí".
If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. Good Luck!

We are going to PR for the first time for a week in August. We've rented a condo in Isle Verde. Can one do a day trip by car to Ponce, or should we plan to stay the night in a Paradores? We also plan to do day trips to the rain forest and the caves. Any advice n the best day of the week to do that rather than stay in San Juan? Thanks in advance .

We are going to PR for the first time for a week in August. We've rented a condo in Isle Verde. Can one do a day trip by car to Ponce, or should we plan to stay the night in a Paradores? We also plan to do day trips to the rain forest and the caves. Any advice n the best day of the week to do that rather than stay in San Juan? Thanks in advance .

Puerto Rico is exceptionally beautiful, it has its good places and its got not so good places. Just like the good old US of A. Plan your trip or stay in the tourist areas which are quite nice. If you have the good fortune to meet some of the non-urban people in the island you will feel like you are in a different world. They are very nice and extremely generous and loving as long as you show respect. So don't act like the typical arrogant American tourist who thinks their feces does not have an odor.

Any suggestions for restaurants in Peurto Rico? We're staying at the El San Juan in Sept. We'd like to spend not more than $30/pp for dinner.

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to PR sometime late Dec early Jan. We are looking for places to stay. 1/2 of the trip we want to do the whole tourist thing, the other 1/2 we want seclusion. Any suggestions to great places not to expensive to stay???? THANKS!!

Looks like that question above was answered in various different ways.

My husband and I are planning on going to Puerto Rico sometime next year, and all these responses were a big help in terms of what to do (stay OUT of San Juan) and what not to do (don't be an ugly American). If the initial poster won't say it, I will: THANKS FOR THE TIPS, GUYS!!!!

We've returned from our week in Puerto Rico, and we were overall very pleased. Our Condo on Isla Verde was quite nice overlooking a mile or so of very clean beach. At least in August it was not crowded at all--and was very pleasant to take morning or evening strolls in the surf.
We rented a car and took day trips. Avoid being on the highway in San Juan between 3 p.m. -7p.m.--the rush "hour"s very long. Finding a place to park in Old San Juan is a challenge...best to do it on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Our only disappointment was driving 1.5 hours to the Rio Camuy caves to find the workers on strike and the caves closed. I felt like we were in Italy.
You do need a basic understanding of Spanish. Many people did not speak English...and all the road signs are in Spanish. But everyone was very gracious if you tried.

We found Puerto Rico interesting. My husband spent 6 weeks on the island, and found plenty to do. You can visit El Morro Castle, and Old San Juan, which we found clean. The only thing is the people tend to drive on the sidewalks, as the streets in Old San Juan are narrow.

We have been there for vacation, although the last time we took a cruise.

How easy is it to travel around the island by bus? Do you think we can see the whole island by bus? We are planning to stay at Fajardo, but a lady had told us that we had to rent a car to get around that area. Does anyone have suggestions about cheap transportation in PR.
P.S. Has anyone heard anything about the Wind Chimes Inn in San Juan?

I lived there for a year. There are many nice places to go. I have to agree though, Keep out of the city.

going to PR in the spring. would like to tour the island by motorcycle. know of any rentals available? thinking of staying west part of island (rincon?) any tips on accomadations,?

We spent a week there a year ago and before going thought the same thing that the first writer did. Why do so few people talk about P.R. as a Caribbean destination? Our trip gave us some insight as to why. It is not a "typical" Caribbean vacation destination like most of the smaller islands. Puerto Rico is large, with superhighways, toll roads, industry, cities, etc. It also has a magnificent topography of mountains, villages, etc. When is came to beaches, we found it lacking. The west coast (Rincon) has some pretty beaches, but nothing dazzling. In fact, nowhere on the island were there drop-dead beaches. These are to be found on the islands of Vieques and Culebra off the east coast of P.R. which is where all pictures for the Puerto Rican tourist brochures are shot. Old San Juan is lovely if you are interested in architecture and history, and it has some cool bars as well. The coast down around Ponce is pretty, but candidly the island's beaches were often overrun with people (we were there at a holiday period). Traffic is also a problem -- more than once we were stuck in major traffic jams. One of the surprises of our trip was the food, which was often excellent. I did not know that Puerto Rico had a cuisine and further that it was so superb. It really depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. If it is something akin to the Virgin Islands or other smaller islands, than Puerto Rico is not the right place (again excepting Vieques and Culebra). If you are more into culture, cuisine, history, and driving around looking at mountainous scenery, then this may be a good spot for you.

Spent five days at the RioMar Resort (40 min east
of San Juan). It was glorious. Beautiful accommodations, incredible resturants, service was topnotch. We just were there for R & R but
did make it for a 1/2 tour of El Yunque..not to be
missed! Must admit hotel and food quite pricey but
worth it. It is worth the trip.

Dear Jeff: I am from Puerto Rico (PR) and whenever I visit with my American husband, I asked myself why would anybody want to spend more than 24 hours in the San Juan area. PR has 78 municipalities (towns), and most of then have an incredible wealth of history, sightseeing potential and great people!!. If you visit PR, stay one day in San Juan. Walk the Old San Juan section, visit El Morro Fortress, Casa Blanca (Ponce de Leon's House), the Governor's Mansion (La Fortaleza), and El Parque de Las Palomas (a central square with beatiful doves all over the place). You can walk to all this places in the Old San Juan area. Then rent a car, pack and go to Fajardo on the east side of the island (45 minutes away). Take a on-day trip to Vieques (Ferry ride from Las Croabas, Fajardo). Spectacular beaches!!!, visit El Yunque (the only tropical forest in the US). Pack and go to Ponce (beautiful examples of Colonial architecture and history). Take a one-day trip to the center of the island; the towns of Utuado and Adjuntas and larn about the indigenous history of the island (inhabited by the Taino Indians). Please e-mail me and I will give you names, phone numbers, other suggestions, etc...I could also give you my sister & husband phone number in case you need any assistance. She speaks very good English.
Give the real Puerto Rico a chance!!!

I'm going to PR in March. I would like to know the availablity & pricng of Dominican cigars.
Thanks jh

Hi. We will be visiting San Juan from our cruise ship in Nov.98. I just read your message about horseback riding in the rain forest. Have you done this before? I can book a tour with the cruise line to do this. Would you recommend?
C.

My family is taking a cruise in November 98. We are planning on staying two nights prior at the Hyatt Cerramar Beach. If you have visited this resort I would appreciate your feedback. My sons 13 and 17 would also like to visit the rain forest via horseback, has anyone out there tried this excursion? Please advise the safety of this trip.
Your thoughts are appreciated. Debbie

We are planning a trip to PR in April 98, we are staying at The Hyatt Cerramar but need one night in San Juan as we arrive too late for shuttles. Am looking at the Hampton Inn by the airport. Has anyone ever stayed there? We are taking our children, any ideas for good activities? Thanks !

I went to Puerto Rico for the first time (and alone) during Thanksgiving. It was all that I dreamed of and more. Having travelled to other Carribean islands PR was a welcome change. It has it's own history and culture and the convenience of being a U.S. commonwealth. So there is no currency exchange and driving is on the right-hand side of the road. I stayed at an inexpensive guesthouse in San Juan and rented a car and drove all over the island. The people were very friendly to me and most spoke some English, and those that didn't helped me struggle by with my high school level Spanish. I definitely recommend visiting Puerto Rico, but don't just stay in the tourist areas around the shipyards. In my opinion you never get to see the true beauty of any island by visiting for 8 hours off of a cruise ship. I'm planning on going back in late Fall againg, it's low season and the weather is absolutely marvelous.

P.R. is beautiful. The areas away from San Juan are better, although there is a lot to see in San Juan for a day or two. The north east tip of the island is where the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans meet, so the east is not to be missed. The rain forrest (El Yunque) is NE around Luquillo. The El Conquistador Hotel is around 15 min. from there, so if you want to get away from the tourists but still have the casino, snorkeling, sailing. fishing, etc. go there. Many good restaurants around there, too. Puerto Rican people are very friendly and a pleasure to meet. No money to exchange, no customs to hassle you. A good experience.

I am getting ready to go to San juan Puerto Rico. Is it worth it. My sister has wanted to go there but should we. She has a ticket from Pan Am and it is either San Juan or Miami and I have been there so much. Can someone give me a decent hotel or help me with any information. Is it safe there or should I worry. I myself haave't heard anything bad. Please reply as soon as possible.


Thank you so very much

I am getting ready to go to San juan Puerto Rico. Is it worth it. My sister has wanted to go there but should we. She has a ticket from Pan Am and it is either San Juan or Miami and I have been there so much. Can someone give me a decent hotel or help me with any information. Is it safe there or should I worry. I myself haave't heard anything bad. Please reply as soon as possible.


Thank you so very much

I am getting ready to go to San juan Puerto Rico. Is it worth it. My sister has wanted to go there but should we. She has a ticket from Pan Am and it is either San Juan or Miami and I have been there so much. Can someone give me a decent hotel or help me with any information. Is it safe there or should I worry. I myself haave't heard anything bad. Please reply as soon as possible.
Hi, I am looking forward to arriving in San Juan Puerto Rico the second week of March of 98. I have scrolled through all the questions and answers on the internet and I am more confused than when I first started. I am takaing my sister who has been very ill and now she is well enough to travel. I have noticed that some of the hotels are like $225 a night. I could never afford this. I would like a nice hotel with maybe breakfast included if not it is not a big deal. We will grab something. Some people say that the Old San Juan is trashy and boring and old looking. Is tyhis true? Where do you think we should stay? Please help, I really need it. Can you think of any restaurants that are reasonable to eat in in the area. Do I need to rent a car. I would also prefer to stay close to the beach if possible. I understand there is a ferry boat to go where? I speak enough Spanish to get by even though (yes) I am polish. I need to make the reservaTIONS AS SOON AS possible. We would probably be coming for 6 or 7 days. Please help us, we will really appreciate it. You have no idea how much 5his would help us.

Gracious

Thank you so very much

We are planning a family trip to the Westin this June. Can you tell me the following please: How was the golf course-greens fees? How available are the jet skis-water facilities? Which restaurants do you recommend, family vs. fancy-any hot bars(my kids questions) transportation recommendations. shopping, especially jewelry?

Thank You Tom