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Junior Member
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These are the places that you must visit when traveling to Puerto Rico:

I recently when to Puerto Rico with my girlfriend and we cannot wait to go back. First of all, we did not stay at any fancy hotel because our intention was to get on the road early every day so my suggestion is to go to check the Puerto Rico tourism page (www.gotopuertorico.com) and make a reservation in what they call "parador".
Now our trip started on the East side of the island.

1) Fajardo - Here is where we took the ferry to Culebra, the nicest beach Ive been. I wanted to go because of the reviews I have seen everywhere; we were impressed by how soft and white the sand was and the cristal clear water.
In Fajardo, there is a very nice beach called "Seven Seas" and althouh the sand is kind of hard, the surroundings are beautyful. There are quite a few seafood restaurants nearby.
The best part in Fajardo was the flourecent bay!! It is the most beautyful natural light show I have ever seen!! They take you in a Kayak through a swamp and into a bay. The water is full of microscopic (harmelss)insects that glows in the dark when you get in contact with them. The trip is only $25.00 p/p - PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE ISLAND WITOUT TAKING THIS TRIP!!You get to swim into the bay with a lot of friendly folks. You will have a blast!

2- Rio Grande- you must visit the Rainforest!! It is at least 2 hrs to climb to the top but it is worth it! Very close to the Rainforest there is the city of Luquillo where there is a famoust place called 60 bars. Well you can try to have a beer on each of the bars but I do not recommended. Good local food and music is to be found here. The last restaurant in the corner is the best one.

3- Old San Juan - WOW!! Nice pictures can be taken from Fort El Morro and San Cristobal Ft. We visited The house of the Pina Colada; here is were the Pina Colada was invented. On the same day we walked "El Paseo de la Princesa and went around for sightseeing (and there is a lot to see!!). My girlfriend wanted to do some quick shopping so we went to a place called Plaza Las Americas, which later I discovered is the biggest mall in the Caribbean. Very nice place with good local restaurants.

3- Manati - I have to ask for directions to get to this place. I looked into the website I mentioned before and found that in Manati there is an International Music Festival every year!! So I wanted to check it out before my next trip. The festival is apparently done near a beach with gold sand. Yes, awesome gold sand and here I watched the sun go down.

4- Arecibo - the biggest radiotelecope in the planet. Although is a short experience you must go and see this impresive architecture. A couple of movies have been shot here.

5- Isabela - There is a beach called Playa Jobo, which is famous for Surfing. We headed to this beautiful beach and ate a a restaurant called Happy Bellies. Most of the restaurant in the area are open so you can see the beach. There is nothing better than eating "Mofongo con Camarones" and a cold Medalla (local beer) with a great view and ocean breeze. We falled in loved with this place!! At night they had live music but there were also other places in the area with live music or to go partying. Great place!!

Ponce - a funny story: I told a local that Ponce was beautiful. She replied saying:"Ponce es Ponce lo demas es parkin"(Ponce is Ponce..everything else is parking). I laughed for hours.
Here in Ponce you can go to the Ponce Museum. Downtown Ponce is where the Firestation is (see the column review). There is a lot to do in Ponce: Serralles Castle (Rum makers)/ Cruz del Vigia - Cross shape guard post from the Spanish colonial times / La Guancha for eating and music.

There is a lot more to do!! But the places I mentioned before are a good way to start if you do not have a lot time. I found a magazine called Que Pasa! where I found all the events that were taking place. The towns in PR are quite small so there are a lot of events year-round to do. I am planning to go during the Christmas season since there is a lot of activity on those dates.

I hope my review helped you a little...have fun!
 
Posts: 1 | Registered: 07-09-07Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
Junior Member
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Muchas Gracias!!!!!!You've said almost everything,but you should go to Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas,is very nice, in Guavate, you'll eat the best lechón ever!!!and the Bosque Seco de Guánica
 
Posts: 1 | Registered: 09-16-07Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
Junior Member
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Also, you didn't mention the west coast: Mayaguez, Cabo Rojo, Añasco, Rincón,and Joyudas. This last place has the best sea food restaurants on the island. Not to be missed, is the "mofongo relleno." This is stuffed mofongo, the smashed plantain dish Anthony had, but this one has a seafood stew over and it is served in a "pilón,' a mortar. Definitely, not to be missed. Also, go to Mayaguez to a place called Ricomini in town for the best jelly rolls in the world. They are filled with just about any sweet filling you can think of. (Try the chocolate.)
 
Posts: 2 | Registered: 07-31-08Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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I spent two weeks on Vieques in August, it was amazing. Absolutely beatiful deserted beaches. Next time you must visit Vieques.
 
Posts: 13 | Registered: 11-18-08Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
Junior Member
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I had a great time in PR also. However, beware of some of the companies that offer tours.
Do not book with this company!
For example:
I booked a Biobay tour with this EcoAction Tours through one of its representatives. Later that same day, I called to cancel the reservation because my son got ill. I was told by its representative that I would not be charged for the tour. Once I got back home to the US, I noticed that I was charged for the tour. I contacted the company, and I was told by the owner that I was charged because I failed to give them a 24-hour notice (even though I had booked on the same day) and that the representative had no right to cancel the tour because it was their policy to charge with less than a 24-hour notice. Even though their employee told me I would not be charged, the owner would not credit my account.
DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY, THEY ARE FRADULENT.
Other than that, the trip was great.
 
Posts: 1 | Registered: 01-13-09Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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