San Juan Travel Forum

Hi Everyone,

We are making a stop by air to San Juan for about 3-4 days in April of 2008. Need advice on hotels, not necessarily beach-front though that is appreciated, restaurants, local attractions (we'd rather experience some 'real' PR rather than the commercial one) and things you've enjoyed doing there. Let me know how long ago you went and any other info you can put down I might find helpful!

Thanks in advance!
Monty

Hi!!!

My suggestion is to stay around the Isla Verde area, where you can usually find hotels at different rates. I wouldnt miss places like: Old San Juan and Condado area (harbours and history at Old San Juan and casinos and clubs at Condado area), the Bacardi tour, and the Yunque rainforest, which for me are "must see". Staying around Isla Verde you can enjoy of one of the best beaches. You only have 4 days so if you plan it well, maybe you can also enjoy part of the South area like Ponce and the South-West areas (Cabo Rojo and Mayaguez), which for me are beautiful. At the Nort-East, you can find Vieques with the biofosforescent bay. If you want to see the real Puerto Rico you dont need to go far; next to San Juan are cities like Guaynabo and Caguas (my hometown) where you can see the not so commercial PR. Talking about commercial, if you like to shop, dont miss Plaza las Americas, the greatest shopping center in the Caribbean. Wow, so much to see and few days, good luck in your choices, but one thing I am sure about: no matter what you choose to visit, you will feel warm and welcome in this beautiful island.

I would highly recommend visiting the Yunque National Rainforest. Along with Old San Juan I would rate it as a must see while in Puerto Rico. The beaches are nice but in my opinion they rate as pretty average as beaches go. However visiting the rain forest is being in a whole different world. With its winding roads and the jungle hanging over the road like a canopy. There are several magnificent waterfalls you can see right from the road and some waterfalls you can hike to as well. There is also an old watch tower that you can climb that gives you panoramic views of the rain forest stretching all the way out to the ocean. Roberto Clemente even had a vacation home in the area. Its definitely worth a visit!

Check out the hotels in Isla Verde / Condado such as Marriot, Intercontinental, Ritza, El San Juan, Condado Plaza. From here you will be a short taxi ride from the airport and also to Old San Juan.

Must sees:
Old San Juan (both forts, cathedral, san juan gate, paseo la princesa promenade)

El Yunque rainforest - get there early and do one or more of the trails, then spend the afternoon at Luquillo beach (best way to get there is by rental car)

Ponce in the south is also nice and you could also do a day trip to Culebra or Vieques (but this would be a long day)

More ideas at my blog www.visit-the-coqui.com

enjoy

I really enjoyed The Andalucia Guest House when I visited Puerto Rico this past summer, here's a link to there page:
http://www.andalucia-puertorico.com/

also while i was there i really liked my day trip to old san juan, el yunque rainforest, camuy caves, snorkling. be sure to check out The Kasalta Bakery while you are there, as for restaurants, for a quick bite and great smoothies (fruit shakes) try pinky's. Uva's is great for a more upscale meal.