After much consideration about where to spend my 40th birthday I have decided to go for sun and sand and head to Puerto Rico. Have never been, but DH and I figured it's a nice blend of stuff to see and do (old san juan, el Yonque, etc. . .) and beach and sun. we're spending 3 nights at the El Convento and 4 nights at the Horned Dorset Primavera. We are in our LATE 30s, and usually travel more to europe then the caribbean, but I am in the mood for sun and sea. We love history and natural beauty, and food and wine and beaches. Any suggestions for don't miss sites or experiences in PR? We're going in May. Thanks!

Take the ferry to Culebra or Vieques (2 small islands off the coast of PR)...... Go on an all-day or half-day catamaran trip. I'm sure you can find info at your hotel or brochures. Or just Google.......... A rental car is recommended; since PR is the 4th largest island in the caribbean. You can grab a map and explore. Hope this helps..

Our favorite restaurant in PR is Pikayo. It's an easy cab ride from el convento. It's a truly special eating experience. It's a don't miss for us when we travel to PR. have a great trip!

If I wanted to plan a city/beach itinerary in PR and money were no object, your plan is *exactly* what I would choose!

I've not yet had the pleasure of the Horned Dorset, but I loved El Convento and thought it was the perfect home base for exploring Old San Juan. Not to miss experiences would be:

-- the two forts, El Morro and San Cristobal.
--just walking around the old city, taking in the architecture, the hidden courtyards, the old city wall, and goggling at the odd juxtaposition of the cruise ships in port with the 16th century cobblestone streets.
--a day trip to El Yunque for hiking and waterfalls and for seeing a bit more of the island
--it's not for everybody, but there's a museum dedicated to the history of the Spanish language book in OSJ--with beautiful manuscripts, early codices, and even early maps of the area. I found it fascinating.
--dinner at Agua Viva for a loud but fun atmosphere and fantastic seafood--their mojitos and their watermelon sangria are out of this world, too!

thanks everyone!! this is all very helpful info!!

Have a great time! This must be the year for fortieth birthdays. My husband and I are planning a trip to celebrate our 40th B-days this year also. I'll post something when we've decided where to go.

Congrats Travelenthusiast! Are you thinking Caribbean? or somewhere else?

I would also venture into other parts of the island. Not everything is in Old San Juan. If you rent a car you can visit the Cavernas de Camuy. Visit el Yunque, the rainforest for a little hicking or a dip in the waterfall. The best beaches are either in Culebra or on the west side of the island. Aguadilla and Cabo Rojo has very nice beacher. At the lighthouse of Cabo Rojo you have a very beautiful beach called Playa Sucia.

Cavernas de Camuy are temporary closed

Wow, why are the caves closed?

Caves are closed due to a tragic accident a few weeks back.

A large rock fell and hit a lady and she died.

For ideas in and around San Juan including El Yunque check out my blog http://www.visit-the-coqui.com

The west side of the island is more relaxed.

You will have an awesome time

Ivy - We're going to St Martin. We've gone there twice in the past and we love it. The beaches, the food and the people there are all great.

Hi all! Perhaps someone can share a little info:
coqui wrote: the west side of the island more relaxed.
Any info on where to stay on the west side, beautiful beaches, activities, and how to get there would be greatly appreciated.

Happy trails,
Aranda

Lots of neat places to see in the West.

I would visit Isabela and Aguadilla where they have great beaches.

I would go in to the interior and visit mountain areas like ciales and morovis (My family is from there) where they grow coffee and then to the Southwest which is one of my favorite areas.

Cabo Rojo has el faro (The lighthouse) and you can drive to San German which is kind of a mini Old San Juan without the tourists.

Then go South to Guanica where there is a nice resort and lovely beaches and a dry forest. Nearby is La Parguera which is where the ilumno plankton and great seafood restaurants. Another nice beach is Boqueron.

Tell me more of stuff you like to see and do and I will give you suggestions.

Dario

Dario:
Your info was priceless regarding the west coast of PR. Thanks!

Here is what I am looking for:
relaxing time spent on beautiful beaches that are not built up or mainly for tourists, calm clear water, hiking as I am a nature lover, I love the mountains and views, I also birdwatch, for accommodations I prefer smaller more intimte places but well kept, safe, and reasonably priced ($250 range), cool towns or villages safe to roam around.
Does that give you some idea?
I did read about Racon, or something like that, a surfing spot somewhere on the west or south coast.

I did go to PR many years ago and stayed in San Juan, my memories were such I decided I would never go again: disrespectful men, getting ripped off in the shops, everything tasted of fish (and I don't eat fish) and cockaroaches as big as a cigarette pack. But I'm willing to try once again. I did enjoy a beautiful beach outside of San Juan, I think it was a public beach.

Thanks again for your help!

Aranda

OK let me respond.

The best view in the mountains in my opinion is on the other side between Cayey and Aibonito which is called the Parnormanico. I rode my bicycle up that hill and it almost killed me. LOL

As for hiking, I love the dry forest near guanica, the swamp forest near salinas, Cabo Rojo lighthouse, the scenic rodes between aguadilla and isabela, and of course Yunque.

My favorite beaches are playa santa near Guanica and Boqueron. I always avoid Luquillo in the north as it is soooooooo touristy. Arroyo Beach near Salinas is also beautiful. If you like snorkling, Gilligan's Island is OK. The truth is that there are many other places better than PR for diving and snorkling.

I love San German as it is a mini version of Old San Juan with the small town atmosphere.

I would break up my trip to spend 3-4 days in the Southwest and maybe a few in the Northeast. Fajardo is expensive. I would stay in Humacao to get away from the tourists.

I usually avoid San Juan. I have never really liked Area Metro (San Juan Area)

Have a great vacation and enjoy the island.

On last thing, I mentioned a million places which might confuse you.

Listed below is a link to a great map (mapa de carreteras - Road Map) which can help you figure out the geography of the island. Click on the map's different parts and a large PDF file shows up.
http://www.dtop.gov.pr/act/mapaisla.htm

Dariow - Thanks for the map! I have been reading alot of these posts lately as my husband and I are going there for the first time in Nov. and renting a car. I also have a map from AAA, but will "scrutinize" this one also. I find this country a bit daunting with route numbers changing left and right, if somebody can be assuring it's not as difficult as it looks. Ivy, have a nice 40th!

Dariow, thanks for the info, the map, and sharing your experiences, it will make all the difference.
Ivy, enjoy your 40th!

deep peace,
Aranda