Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Last night marked the first night I couldn't sleep with the excitement, stress, and anticipation of the next few days. I'm enjoying this process so much, feeling so loved by my family and my friends. And I cannot wait for the big day!!!

Today I went to finalize the details with Jardines del Castillo. When we got there around 9am the entire mountain smelled like food. The aroma from the site's kitchen was unbelievable. I was hungry for lunch right there. But we had work to do. Everything is in motion. I met

the bartender and he is the nicest most complacent man on earth. Everyone at Jardines has been amazing. I'm very pleased with their service so far and I'm excited they are hosting my party.

After Jardines, Lorena, Lydia and I went to lunch at El Meson de la Roosevelt. It hit the spot. A sandwich with fried pork, onion, and ripe plantain. I am going back there tomorrow night to meet the guy who is singing at the reception.

But the highlight of my day was surprisingly, not the food, but visiting the Puerto Rico Tourism Company in Old San Juan. I had communicated with them early this summer but I had trouble contacting them again these last few days. So I just showed up, only to be welcomed by an invitation to join the employee's Christmas lunch. It smelled amazing and if I had not finish my delicious sandwich just minutes before I would have accepted the invitation. Anyhow, my contact at the PRTC did not remember me. But we had to wait only a few minutes for him to prepare me a box full of goodies for my out of town guests.

So, I'm encouraging everyone to make the visitor's office of the PRTC office in Old San Juan their first stop when they get there. They are located on the first floor of the Ochoa building, which is on the waterfront, just across the street from Pier 1, right next to Casa Don Q. They have great staff to help you plan your day in town, with maps, and brochures. Their horus are Monday - Wednesday 8:30am - 8:00pm. Thursday 8:30am - 5:00pm, Friday 8:30am - 6:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-8:00pm and Sunday 9:00am - 8:00pm. They have some delicious Puerto Rican rums, with a free bar open from Saturday - Wednesday from 1:00pm-5:00pm. And there's even more free rum next door at Casa Don Q!

What else to do in Old San Juan at night?

So I've told you about the Christmas Lights in Old San Juan... what else can you do while you are visiting the historic city at night? Here it goes....

EVERY NIGHT

Live Salsa Music and Salsa Lessons
Where: The Latin Roots in Old San Juan
When: Every night- Salsa lessons from 7pm, live music from 8pm (9pm on Saturday and Sunday nights)
Cost: free for music and lessons! There is a restaurant and bar for drinks and dinner/late night snacks
Contact: call 787-512-9050 for information

MONDAY NIGHT

Juan Carlos Flamenco Guitarist & Flamenco Dancers
Where: Escambron Beach Club in Old San Juan
When: Monday & Tuesday nights at 8:00pm during high season (Nov-April)
Cost: $28/person, which includes one drink
Contact: call 787-409-5376 for tickets and reservations

Live Jazz at Carli Cafe Concierto
The owner of Carli Cafe, Carli Munoz, is the ex-piano player for the Beach Boys. Carli plays Jazz on the acoustic grand piano most nights.
Where: Carli Cafe, located on the first floor of the Banco Popular Building, corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets in Old San Juan
When: Monday nights from 8:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-4927 for more info or reservations

Beginner Salsa Lessons
Learn some Salsa dance moves in a class designed for tourists.
Where: The Tablao de Paulette – 1st floor Ballaja building in Old San Juan (by El Morro)
When: Monday nights from 5:00pm until 6:00pm
Cost: $5 per person
Contact: call 787-775-9438

TUESDAY NIGHT

Le-Lo-Lai Folkloric Dance Show
The Le-Lo-Lai Festival demonstrates traditional music and dance.
Where: Fort San Cristobal, Old San Juan
When: Tuesday nights at 6:00pm
Cost: free with admission to the fort ($3)
Contact: call 787-721-2400 for information

Juan Carlos Flamenco Guitarist & Flamenco Dancers
Where: Escambron Beach Club in Old San Juan
When: Monday & Tuesday nights at 8:00pm during high season (Nov- April)
Cost: $28/person, which includes one drink
Contact: call 787-409-5376 for tickets and reservations

Live Jazz at Carlis Cafe Concierto
The owner of Carli Cafe, Carli Munoz, is the ex-piano player for the Beach Boys. Carli plays Jazz on the acoustic grand piano most nights.
Where: Carli Cafe, located on the first floor of the Banco Popular Building, corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets in Old San Juan
When: Tuesday nights from 8:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-4927 for more info or reservations

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Beginner Salsa Lessons
Learn some Salsa dance moves in a class designed for tourists.
Where: The Tablao de Paulette – 1st floor Ballaja building in Old San Juan (by El Morro)
When: Wednesday nights from 5:00pm until 6:00pm
Cost: $5 per person
Contact: call 787-775-9438

Roger Rodriguez Live Music
Where: Mojitos Restaurant on Recinto Sur in Old San Juan
When: Wednesday nights from 5:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended

Jazz Jam Session at Carli Cafe Concierto
Where: Carli Cafe, located on the first floor of the Banco Popular Building, corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets in Old San Juan
When: Wednesday nights from 8:30pm until 11:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-4927 for more info or reservations

THURSDAY NIGHT

Anna Rocio (dancer) & Flamenco Guitar / Ladies Night
Live Flamenco music at the Tasca
Where: Restuarant Botin in Old San Juan
When: Thursday nights from 8:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-6644 for more information

Roger Rodriguez Live Music
Where: Mojitos Restaurant on Recinto Sur in Old San Juan
When: Thursday nights from 5:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended

Live Blues & Funk Music
Where: Cafe la Princesa, on Paseo la Princesa
When: Thursday nights from 7:00pm until 12:00midnight
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-724-2930 for more information

Live Jazz at Carli Cafe Concierto
Carli plays Jazz on the acoustic grand piano, with special guests.
Where: Carli Cafe, located on the first floor of the Banco Popular Building, corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets in Old San Juan
When: Thursday nights from 8:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-4927 for more info or reservations

FRIDAY NIGHT

Le-Lo-Lai Folkloric Dance Show
The Le-Lo-Lai Festival demonstrates traditional music and dance.
Where: Plaza Darsena, Old San Juan
When: Friday nights at 7:00pm
Cost: free
Contact: call 787-721-2400 for information

Bohemia Night
Where: Restuarant Botin in Old San Juan
When: Friday nights from 8:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner and/or drinks recommended
Contact: call 787-725-6644 for more information

Flamenco Dance Show
Enjoy a free dance show with dinner featuring live music.
Where: Barrachina Restaurant, 104 Fortaleza Street in Old San Juan
When: Friday nights from 8:00pm until 9:00pm, dinner seating for show starts at 7pm
Cost: reservations for the dinner show are necessary
Contact: call 787-725-7912 for more information

Carli Munoz Jazz Trio at Carli Cafe Concierto
Where: Carli Cafe, located on the first floor of the Banco Popular Building, corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets in Old San Juan
When: Friday nights starting around 8:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-4927 for more info or reservations

La Rumba Party Cruise
La Rumba is a Floating Night Club featuring a full service liquor bar.
Where: San Juan Bay – departs from Plaza Darsena right by La Casita in Old San Juan
When: Friday nights at 10:30pm, 12:30am and 2:30am
Cost: adults $14, children (over 6 years old) $7, seniors $10
Contact: call 787-375-5211 or 787-525-1288 for more info

Flamenco Dance Show
Where: Rosa de Triana Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 72 Caleta de San Juan (across from El Convento Hotel and the Cathedral) in Old San Juan
When: Friday nights at 8:30pm
Cost: dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-722-1144 for more information

Live Jazz Music
Where: Cafe la Princesa, on Paseo la Princesa
When: Friday nights from 8:00pm until 12:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-724-2930 for more information

Belly Dancing Show
Where: Makarios Mediterranean on Recinto Sur in Old San Juan
When: Saturday nights at 9:30pm
Cost: dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-723-8653 for more info

SATURDAY NIGHT

Beginner Salsa Lessons
Learn some Salsa dance moves in a class designed for tourists.
Where: The Tablao de Paulette – 1st floor Ballaja building in Old San Juan (by El Morro)
When: Saturday nights from 4:00pm until 5:00pm
Cost: $5 per person
Contact: call 787-775-9438

Cadencia Andaluza- Flamenco and Music
Where: The Tablao de Paulette – 1st floor Ballaja building in Old San Juan (by El Morro)
When: Saturday nights at 7:00pm
Cost: $21.40/person, which includes tapas and refreshments
Contact: call 787-775-9438 for tickets and reservations. Tickets may be available at the door.

Flamenco Dance Show
Enjoy a free dance show with dinner featuring live music.
Where: Barrachina Restaurant, 104 Fortaleza Street in Old San Juan
When: Saturday nights from 8:00pm until 9:00pm, seating for dinner show starts at 7pm
Cost: reservations for dinner show are necessary
Contact: call 787-725-7912 for more information

Flamenco Show
Where: Restuarant Botin in Old San Juan
When: Saturday nights from 8:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-6644 for more information

Carli Munoz Jazz Trio at Carli Cafe Concierto
Where: Carli Cafe, located on the first floor of the Banco Popular Building, corner of Recinto Sur and San Justo Streets in Old San Juan
When: Saturday nights starting around 8:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-4927 for more info or reservations

Live Jazz Music
Where: Cafe la Princesa, on Paseo la Princesa
When: Saturday nights from 8:00pm until 11:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-724-2930 for more information

La Rumba Party Cruise
La Rumba is a Floating Night Club featuring a full service liquor bar.
Where: San Juan Bay – departs from Plaza Darsenas right by La Casita in Old San Juan
When: Saturday nights at 9:30pm, 11:30pm, 1:00am and 2:30am
Cost: adults $14, children (over 6 years old) $7, seniors $10
Contact: call 787-375-5211 or 787-525-1288 for more info

Belly Dancing Show
Where: Makarios Mediterranean on Recinto Sur in Old San Juan
When: Friday nights at 9:30pm
Cost: dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-723-8653 for more info

SUNDAY NIGHT

Romantic Sunsets Trio Concerts
This is an enjoyable evening attended by many older locals who all dance and sing along. Presented by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
Where: Plaza Darsena, on the waterfront next to La Casita in Old San Juan
When: Sunday nights from 5:30pm until 8:00pm
Cost: free

Flamenco Show
Where: Restuarant Botin in Old San Juan
When: Sunday afternoons from 2:00pm until 4:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, lunch/dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-725-6644 for more information

Roger Rodriguez Live Music
Where: Mojitos Restaurant on Recinto Sur in Old San Juan
When: Sunday nights from 5:00pm until 10:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended

Live Salsa Music
Where: Cafe la Princesa, on Paseo la Princesa
When: Sundays from 3:00pm until 5:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-724-2930 for more information

Live Trio Music
Where: Cafe la Princesa, on Paseo la Princesa
When: Sundays from 5:00pm until 7:00pm
Cost: no cover charge, dinner recommended
Contact: call 787-724-2930 for more information

La Rumba Party Cruise
La Rumba is a Floating Night Club featuring a full service liquor bar.
Where: San Juan Bay – departs from Plaza Darsenas right by La Casita in Old San Juan
When: Sunday nights at 7:30pm, 9:30pm, and 11:30pm
Cost: adults $14, children (over 6 years old) $7, seniors $10
Contact: call 787-375-5211 or 787-525-1288 for more info

Things to do after a trip to El Yunque

If you want to take the most out of your day, I recommend you combine your trip to El Yunque with a few other stops.

Food Stop

Soon after you leave the forest and continue west on PR-3 you will reach the town of Luquillo. On your left, right by the beach you will see a stretch of 60 kiosks that sell Puerto Rican food. This is a great place for a snack and one of the best places to taste authentic Puerto Rican fried food! The kiosks are numbered, the best ones are 50-60.

Beach: Balneario La Monserrate

A great way to relax in the afternoon, is to visit Balneario La Monserrate in Luquillo, just a short drive from the 60 kiosks. The Balneario, which has been designated a Blue Flag Beach, is gated – you pay $4 for parking. The walk from the parking lot to the beach, which takes you past the camping/picnic area. The beach itself is wide, a cresent of fine sand, with lots of mature palm trees for shade. And behind that, you have the Rain Forest – it’s picture perfect.

The lifeguard schedule that is posted on the beach says that lifeguards are on duty 8:30am – 5:00pm Wed – Sun. The beach is “closed” Monday and Tuesday, but you can still park park outside the gates and walk in. There will be no services available, but the beach is still lovely and it will be almost empty. The water is very calm, since there is a reef way out that breaks the waves. This is a great beach for children. For more information about this beach you can contact the Administration Office of the Balneario La Monserrate: 787-889-5871.

Beach: Seven Seas

If you are okay driving a little farther east you will reach the town of Fajardo, and Seven Seas Beach, also a Blue Flag Beach. This beach is spectacular, and one of my favorites growing up. Its name is no coincidence as it features 7 shades of blue and green. There is a coral reef some distance from the beach, making a natural wave break. This makes for a nice protected beach, with calm waters that the whole family can enjoy.

Seven Seas is officially open Wed- Sun, from 8:30am to 5:00pm. But since all beaches in PR are public, you can use the beach (without facilities) any day by just parking along the road and walking in.

Bioluminiscent Bay Tours

Just a short drive from Seven Seas you will find Las Croabas, a fisherman village. This is a another great spot for snacks at the end of the day and to taste very fresh fish! Kayaking and boating tours to the BioBay depart from here. For more info about the biobay tours, click here and here.

Visiting El Yunque, National Rain Forest

Located in Rio Grande, El Yunque is the only rain forest reserve protected by the Federal Forest Reserve. More recently El Yunque has become one of 28 outstanding international finalists (out of 261 nominees) in the exciting New 7 Wonders of Nature Competition! You cannot go to Puerto Rico and skip this natural attraction!

It rains every day at the forest, so be prepared with comfortable clothes, shoes, and your swimsuit. Always wear your tennis shoes for walking, but if you have wet shoes I highly recommend bring them and wear them when you get into the water. Also sunblock and mosquito repellent. There's a few kiosks along the way where you can buy food, but I highly recommend you bring your own snacks and water also.

Your first stop when you go to el Yunque should be El Portal Rain Forest Center (open 7 days a week 9am-5pm). The visitor center is right before you enter the forest reserve. There you can explore interactive exhibits and watch a 15 minute video (alternating between English and Spanish) narrated by Benicio del Toro. Admission to El Portal is $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, and free for children under 16. The visitor's center will be closed on Dec. 25th.

You can see a lot of the forest by just driving through. The forest gates are open 7 days a week from 7:30am-6:00pm. Your first stop after El Portal should be La Coca Falls, one of the most popular photo ops in the forest.

Next up is Yokahu Tower. A spiral staircase takes you 69 feet up for one of the most spectacular views of the forest and the coast.

La Mina Falls is not far from the tower. To see this you need to park and walk the trail down to the falls. It is about a half hour hike going down... going back up is much harder. There are a few picnic tables along the way so you can stop to catch your breath. The trail is paved, but slippery in some areas. Big Tree Trail is gentler and much better suited for children. Once you get to the falls you can relax on the rocks, get in the water, and if you dare, get a massage under the falls!

If you still have some energy left after your hike to La Mina Falls, you can continue driving up the road to Mount Britton Trail, which leads to another observation tower in the peak elevations of El Yunque. Known as a cloud forest, this section is the coolest, windiest and wettest of El Yunque. Its trees are stunted and gnarled, and dozens of varieties of orchids grow there.

Palo Colorado Visitors Center offers one hour guided tours of the forest. Prices for this tour are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children 5-12. You will probably see some of the most dramatic plant life in this tour. The impatiens in El Yunque are pale pink, some growing more than two feet tall.

For more inforamtion about El Yunque, call 787-888-1880.

Another way to do the Bioluminiscent Bay in Fajardo

I just found out about this opportunity to tour the bioluminiscent bay. This is a walking tour of the lighthouse that sits by the bay. The tours are operated by the fideicomiso, which is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the Island’s natural resources. The reserve were the lighthouse sits includes the bay and 6 other ecosystems. I have toured the facilities during the day and it is very beautiful. I hear very cool things about the night tour. Here is more info, taken from www.fideicomiso.org.

NIGHT TOUR OF LAS CABEZAS DE SAN JUAN NATURE RESERVE
Multiple Dates
Fajardo - Puerto Rico
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Share the secrets of the night at Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve. During this moonlit tour, you will see firsthand the nighttime operation of the Lighthouse and experience the phenomenon of bioluminescence, as you observe the majestic Laguna Grande and learn about its valuable role and the importance of conserving this ecosystem.

Thursdays through Saturdays, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, by reservation only.

Reservations by phone:
787.722.5844
787.722.5882

MODERATE: Requires enough physical condition to carry out hikes along fairly inaccessible areas. Children participation is left up to the parents and/or legal guardians’ discretion

Individuals $20.00
Seniors (65 years or older) $20.00
Students $10.00

Groups of 20: individuals $15.00, seniors $15.00, students $7.50.

Amigos: individuals $10.00, seniors $10.00, students $5.00.

Canopy/Ziplining

Ok, so I know a lot of people want to do a canopy/ziplining tour. I decided to do some more research and post some options for you to consider.

Batey Zipline Adventure:
I can recommend these people from experience. They are amazing. They are a family owned company and have been doing this for about 6 years. They are located in Utuado, which is about 2 hours away from San Juan. When we went we did the "Batey Classic Tour". This option is for those that want to do everything in a half day adventure. Included: Visit a cave (in the water if weather permits, or in the ground ), a rappelling of approximately 70 feet of height, six different ziplines (three of them over the Tanamá Rivera) and a long walk through interpretative paths for approximately 45 minutes. This adventure has duration of 4 1/2 hours approx. For groups of six (6) to eight (8) people. The price of the Batey Classic Tour is $109.00 p/p.

http://bateyziplineadventure.blogspot.com/

La Marquesa Original Canopy Tour:

This is the same company that started canopy tours in Costa Rica. They are located in Guaynabo, so 20-30 minutes from San Juan. The tour consists of 8 traverses and 14 platforms and a rappel of 15 feet, and lasts about 2 hours. The website says it is $155 with transportation, but you probably don't need that so you may want to call to ask for a better fare.

http://www.canopytourpr.com/

Regardless of what you choose, make sure you make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance.

Things to do with kids in Puerto Rico

I have been asked this question a few times... I tried to remember what I did growing up.... I remember going to the beach, the forest, climbing rocks, riding my bike, and running around the street. That's the life of a kid growing up in an island.... So I had to dig in and do some research to find out some new attractions for young kids. Here's what I came up with:

In Old San Juan:

• Fly a Kite: This is a must! There is always a nice breeze (wind) up on the North shore and since El Morro (Spanish Fort) has a large open yard it makes a perfect spot to fly kites. Either bring your own, or there is usually a vendor on the street nearby selling the cheap plastic kites and string. They can get really high! Lots of fun!
• Museo del Niño (From Frommer's): In the late 1990s, the city of San Juan turned over one of the most desirable buildings in the colonial zone -- a 300-year-old villa directly across from the city's cathedral -- to a group of sociologists and student volunteers. Jointly, they created the only children's museum in Puerto Rico. Through interactive exhibits, children learn simple lessons, such as the benefits of brushing teeth or recycling aluminum cans, or the value of caring properly for pets. Staff members include lots of student volunteers who play either one-on-one or with small groups of children. Nothing here is terribly cerebral, and nothing will necessarily compel you to return. But it does provide a play experience that some children will remember for several weeks. http://www.museodelninopr.org/

Outside San Juan:

• La Marquesa Forest Park: La Marquesa Forest Park is located in 600 acres of land in the town of Guaynabo. There is a train-trolley that will give you a tour through the park. Its first stop is in an artificial cascade and a gazebo with a spectacular view to the mountains and the metropolitan area. The second stop is in an area with swings for children, gazebos and restrooms. From this point you can walk to the observation 70-feet tower, the highest point of the park. Around the observation tower there are more gazebos and recreational areas for children. In order to return to the entrance you can take the trolley or walk 20 minutes throughout the forest's trails. This is about a 20-30 minute drive from San Juan. http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/la-marquesa-forest-park/
• Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park: Located in a beautiful beach area, the lighthouse has been restored and integrated into a new recreation facility featuring an expansive deck as well as a children's play area. Replicas of Indian huts, African quaters, Christopher Columbus ships, Huge Pirate's ship & cave, cafeteria, museum & mini-zoo. A breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean (one of the few "passive whale-watching" views in the world)and the surrounding area. Salt-water aquarium with Sharks, Stingray, Nemos, Seahorses and more! This is about 1-1.5 hours drive from San Juan. http://www.arecibolighthouse.com/

I hope this was helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions or want me to write about a specific topic. I'd be glad to help you with some more ideas! =D

Bioluminiscent Bay Tours

So, I've been digging up more information about the Bioluminiscent bay tours in Fajardo, PR. Las Croabas Lagoon has 500,000 to 700,000 of dinoflagellates (plankton) per gallon, so when you wave your hand through the water you trigger so many of them that your hand lights up with a thousand tiny stars. A trip to the biobay is a great way to end your day after a trip to El Yunque Rain Forest. There are two ways to visit the biobay: kayak or boat. Trips are about 2 hours long. The biobay is a protected ecosystem. This trips are regulated by the Coast Guard so they follow very tight guidelines and safety regulations. Trips depart from Las Croabas, a fishing village. I highly recommend you snack on fresh fish and Puerto Rican fitters before and/or after your trip.

Kayak
There are many companies that offer kayak trips into the bioluminescent lagoon. I recommend Kayaking Puerto Rico because I've used them before. Their trips are $45 per person. Here's more information: http://www.kayakingpuertorico.com/pages/biobay.html


Boat
If you would rather take a boat to the lagoon, you can contact Charlie at 787.422.7857. He offers two or three narrated tours (in english) per night for $49 per person. The boat fits 6 people.

Below is the lunar calendar. I recommend you schedule your tour between Dec. 20-26. Less moon = better view. You should make your reservation at least a week in advance.

Private Surf Lessons

Wanna schedule a private surf lessons while in PR? Contact the PR Surf Academy.

Surfing

I was recently asked about surfing in Puerto Rico. For those of you who would like to try it, you are in luck because surfing season starts in October and goes through mid-April. I have not done any surfing myself, but I know the town of Rincón is famous for surfing. Rincón is in the island's west coast, about 2 hours from San Juan. Below is a recent article about the town. If you want to view the original article, click here.

Puerto Rico's west coast: Beaches, byways, coquis

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-18 15:50

In this photo provided by Danny Harpaz, a beachgoer heads into the ocean on a surfing bodyboard in Rincon, Puerto Rico, in Feb. 2009 picture.[Agencies]

RINCON, Puerto Rico – So many beautiful beaches around the world are ringed by high-rise condos, trinket shops and traffic, with the same fast-food and hotel chains as all the other beaches.

But Puerto Rico's west coast is different. It has sand, sun and sea, but so far, it's avoided the overdevelopment that can turn beach towns into generic megaresorts. Instead, on a recent family trip, we found friendly cafes, funky surf shops, small towns and tranquil beaches on the byways.

Rincon, on Puerto Rico's northwest coast, has the laidback vibe of a surfer town. But the chirping of the coquis — tiny tree frogs that sing dusk to dawn — leaves no doubt that you are in Puerto Rico.

Peter Aviles, who grew up in Rincon and is the editor of the Rincon-PR.com Web site, says surfers put Rincon on the map, when teams from around the world showed up to compete in the 1968 World Surfing Championship. Rincon is located on a peninsula, with waves from the Atlantic on the north side of the point, and calmer Caribbean seas on the southern side.

Aviles said there was only one hotel in town when the surfers arrived, Villa Cofresi, and when that filled up, locals started renting out rooms. "That was the beginning of the lodging industry here," he said.

Today Rincon has about 1,000 rooms among various hotels, B&Bs and rentals, but it retains a small-town feel, with a year-round population of about 15,000 and zoning that prohibits buildings over four stories on the beach, Aviles said.

Between November and February, surfers come for the big waves at beaches like Tres Palmas and Domes Beach, and North Americans come to escape the cold. In March and April, migrating humpbacks make whale-watching a major attraction. From May through August, it's a summer beach town.

"We were just there watching the whales from our back porch," said Clifton Elgarten, who lives in Washington D.C. and owns a home in Rincon. He flies down with his family a half-dozen times a year. "I like the town because it feels like a town, not a resort."

He added that "there's always a threat of development," and new condos have recently sprung up, "but so far the town hasn't lost its character, and we are grateful."

Our group, ranging in age from 11 to 60, stayed at Villa Cofresi, which has just 69 rooms, but is one of Rincon's three largest hotels — further evidence of the town's small scale. Cofresi is by no means fancy, but it offers a beautiful beachfront location and comfortable rooms. It's named for Roberto Cofresi, a 19th century pirate. At night, the hotel bar and restaurant pulse with music, the click-clack of balls on the pool tables, and a fun party vibe, but at the breakfast buffet and on the beach, you see mostly couples and families — from the U.S. and from Puerto Rico — many of whom return each year.

"The hotel is like home to me," said Celeste Crockett, who, with her husband, has been escaping New York winters at Villa Cofresi for six years. "Each time we go, we have to stay there longer. It's laidback and wonderful."

Next to Cofresi, Coconut Water Sports rents paddleboards, $15 an hour. These are similar to surfboards, but you row with a long oar while standing on them. Coconut's proprietor jumped on his own board and gave an impromptu lesson to my sons, ages 11 and 16, and my niece, 25, as they learned to stay upright amid the rolling waves. They then spent hours rowing along the shore, silhouetted like stick figures in the bright sun.

Winding roads around Rincon lead to various public beaches. One day my sister and the kids went parasailing. Another day, we rented snorkeling gear for $10 and went snorkeling at Steps Beach. At a friendly little surf shop just up the road from Maria's Beach, we arranged for surfing lessons. Nearby, a man sold coconuts for $1, which he hacked open with a machete and stuck a straw in.

One morning, we headed for The English Rose cafe. A sign directed us up a steep road. It seemed impossible that anything was up there, but there it was at the top, serving wonderful meals of fresh fruit, breakfast tortillas and French toast, with a great view of the hills and sea. The cafe stopped seating guests at noon that day, and the wait for tables was long (though worth it) so go early.

We also drove down the west coast from Rincon to Cabo Rojo in search of Bahia Sucia. We thought we might be lost when the paved road gave way to a bumpy dirt road. Then suddenly we beheld the beach, a stunning crescent with turquoise water and white sand as fine as sugar. The name Bahia Sucia translates as "dirty bay," and I heard various explanations for it — a long-ago oil spill, the dirt road, seaweed — but the place appeared pristine.

"You encounter this dirt road, where you practically need a Jeep," said Osvaldo Caban, a New Yorker with Puerto Rican roots who first went to Cabo Rojo as a child with his dad, but now takes his own kids there. "You drive through this swamp area, and then all of a sudden, over this mountain, it's like paradise! That's why the name 'dirty beach' is so crazy."

Egrets fish in a marsh behind the beach, and Los Morrillos, a 19th century lighthouse, towers in the distance atop a cliff. We swam, relaxed in the shade of a few small trees, and the boys and my husband hiked along the cliffs that circle the beach.

The beach is undeveloped, which is part of its charm, but we hadn't brought drinks, so after awhile, we needed refreshments. A hotel we'd passed on the way, Bahia Salinas, looked unremarkable from the outside, but inside, it was a serene oasis with an infinity pool, cabanas draped in gauzy white curtains, and a parrot that says "Ola!" We ordered drinks and enjoyed the view, which reminded me of the Everglades.

From there we headed to La Parguera, a harbor town on Puerto Rico's southwestern coast with a phosphorescent bay, where you can swim at night amid microscopic organisms that glitter when the water is disturbed. But we found no signs or storefronts advertising boat rides. We wondered if we were in the right place when a man came up to our car and asked if we were looking for the biobay. Through him, we bought tickets, $6 each, for the after-dark excursion.

I wasn't brave enough to jump in the black lagoon, but the kids did. We'd been warned that the sparkling effect is not as bright as it once was, due to pollution; a luminescent bay off Vieques is said to be more spectacular. But it was certainly noticeable, and for $6, it was a heck of an adventure. We tipped our captain and his assistants well.

We got lost driving back to Rincon, but just like every other time, we found our way after a few wrong turns and directions from the locals. An early flight the next morning precluded a last swim in the sea, but we did have one final "you know you're in Puerto Rico" experience: The coquis serenaded us in the predawn darkness.

El Yunque National Rain Forest

Article below is from New York Times Travel Section. Talks about El Yunque National Rainforest. Thanks Alison for bringing this into my attention. :)

In Puerto Rico, a Rain Forest Full of Easy Adventure

By LISA W. FODERARO

Published: June 28, 2009

“I FEEL so small,” bleated Amelia, my 10-year-old, as she surveyed her surroundings in El Yunque National Forest inPuerto Rico. Not exactly the feeling a mother wishes to instill in a child on vacation, but in this case, it was the right response.

Compared with the diminutive leaves and blooms that had been unfurling back home in suburban New York, everything seemed super-size: giant ferns, majestic candlewood trees, towering stands of bamboo, coral-hued blossoms the size of grapefruits.

Set among the Luquillo Mountains in Puerto Rico’s northeast corner, El Yunque is the only tropical rain forestin theUnited States national forest system. Occupying a relatively modest 28,000 acres, but with more than 1,000 plant and animal species, El Yunque was an ideal choice for a family that wanted adventure — but perhaps not too much.

The trails are not only easy on inexperienced hikers, but also paved and well marked. (In some areas, where the terrain drops sharply from the path, there are even railings.) To the relief of our 7-year-old son, Sawyer, there are no poisonous snakes — or monkeys or large cats, for that matter.

In all other respects, El Yunque provided the full jungle effect. Mists drifted down verdant hillsides. Mysterious clicks, peeps and trills emanated from the canopy. Lizards skittered along tree trunks. Afternoon downpours erupted from thin air. And plant life emerged from every crevice: a simple rock face sported a fuzz of moss and a profusion of tiny ferns and other shoots.

Some of the more than a million people who visit the forest each year never leave their cars, taking in the roadside waterfalls and dense landscape from Route 191, the only road through the preserve.

“It’s a drive-through experience, with stops along the way,” said Carolyn Krupp, a Forest Service employee who manages the special use and lands program, whom I had contacted in advance of our trip in April.

And stopping is a must, starting at El Portal Rain Forest Center at the entrance to El Yunque. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and watch a 15-minute video about the history and ecology of El Yunque. Alternating between English and Spanish, the video is narrated by the actor Benicio Del Toro, who grew up in Puerto Rico.

The video is the one place you are likely to see the iconic Puerto Rican parrot, an elusive electric-green symbol of the island whose numbers dwindled to a dozen or so in the 1970s, from a peak population of nearly one million. Now bred in captivity, the parrot has rebounded slightly, with 30 to 40 in the forest, but it is still one of the most endangered birds in the world.

From the center, it was a short drive — about two and a half miles — to La Coca Falls. We passed a cluster of souvenir shops selling skimpy beach towels imprinted with skimpily clad women. But mostly the road had us riveted to our windows, gazing up at thickets of bamboo.

It’s worth getting out at La Coca Falls to appreciate the massive rock face and its subtle cascade of four distinct streams. But don’t expect a solitary communion with nature: just feet from the road, the 85-foot-high falls is one of the most popular photo-ops in the forest.

Next up was Yokahu Tower, a round stone lookout 1,575 feet above sea level. Amelia and Sawyer had no trouble ascending the spiral staircase that led to a windswept observation deck 69 feet up. The broad vista stretched from the coast to the mountains, including El Yunque Peak — a forested circumflex poking through the clouds.

The name has an interesting story. Christopher Columbus, arriving in Puerto Rico in 1493, encountered the Taino Indians, who believed that their gods inhabited theLuquillo Mountains. Yuquiyu was the name of the “Good God” watching over them, as well as of the high peaks. But the Spanish explorers, through a sleight of mistranslation, came up with Yunque, which means anvil, and since the peaks are anvil-shaped, the name stuck.

A highlight of El Yunque is La Mina Falls, accessible by foot along a twisting trail. Of the two trails that will get you there, the gentler and better suited to young children is Big Tree Trail, not far from Yokahu Tower. It meanders through the shady heart of El Yunque. Moving at a moderate pace, you will reach the falls in about a half hour.

While you may not see many creatures (save a few lizards) along the path, you certainly hear them, especially the sonorous two-syllable call of the coqui, a tiny tree frog that trills “co-KEE.” The sporadic notes turn into a chorus as evening approaches or right after a rainfall.

When we arrived at La Mina, I found a flat rock, removed my shoes and dipped my feet in the water. Sawyer was content to climb on the rocks, while Amelia waded in up to her knees, trying not to slip. The late-afternoon sun bounced off the white spray of the falls, which were smaller than I imagined but had a pleasing roar.

We returned the next day and headed to the Palo Colorado Interpretive Center, where guides leave with visitors on hour long hikes. Most of the structures in this part of the forest were built during the Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Hundreds of Puerto Ricans enrolled in the corps to blaze trails, build picnic shelters and carve out roads

At 2,300 feet above sea level, the Palo Colorado area’s temperature averages an idyllic 73 degrees, while rain falls at a robust 100 to 150 inches a year (still far less than at higher elevations). Some of the most dramatic plant life is there.

While the guide had already left with his last group of the day, another employee pointed out some of the showiest specimens. Our favorite was the torch ginger (also called a torch lily), a perennial originally from Indonesia that features a big, rosy multipetaled flower atop a fat green stalk.

I also discovered the natural habitat of the impatiens, which is such a favorite among gardeners in the Northeast that my first reaction was, what are they doing here? It turns out they are just as lovely in the wild: the impatiens in El Yunque are pale pink, some growing more than two feet tall.

We were nearing the end of the road; our final stop was the Mount Britton Trail, which leads to another observation tower in the peak elevations of El Yunque. Known as a cloud forest, this section is the coolest, windiest and wettest of El Yunque. Its trees are stunted and gnarled, and dozens of varieties of orchids grow there.

The children were quickly running out of steam, however, and the pool at our hotel beckoned them more than an hour long uphill trek. Leaving them with my husband, Don, I set out alone — just 15 minutes, I promised — to get a taste of this strange ecosystem, one of four distinct microclimates in the forest.

I hiked for 10 minutes, then 15. Still no signs of changing vegetation. I would have to go much higher for any such payoff, I realized. Turning back, I consoled myself: at least we’d have reason to return some day.

Suddenly, a small flash of green tore across my line of vision. My chest thumped as I scanned the nearby brush. If it was the quasi-mystical Puerto Rican parrot, it was gone.

Wait until my poky children heard what they’d missed.

Video

Here's a video about Puerto Rico put together by the Tourism Company. It's a little long but it is a great introduction to the island.

Golf in Puerto Rico

If you love golf, you're going to love Puerto Rico, the golf capital of the Caribbean. There are currently over 23 spectacular golf courses. In fact, last month, the island hosted the Puerto Rico Open, part of the PGA tour, at the Trump International Golf Course in Rio Grande.

Puerto Rico's own Juan A. "Chi Chi" Rodriguez, has a golf resort on the south side of the island -- El Legado. Chi Chi, now retired, has won eight times on the PGA TOUR and enhanced his profile on the Champions Tour, as he wowed his fans with 22 victories and his signature sword move. He was also the first Puerto Rican to be inducted in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Bank/WireImage ~ Chi Chi Rodriguez

But you don't need to be a world champ to appreciate the beauty and variety of our courses. All of Puerto Rico's courses share the island's year-round summer weather, tempered by the cool, gentle breezes of the trade winds. You are almost guaranteed a brilliant tropical sky and glimpses of sparkling white sand beaches backed by the blue Atlantic or the turquoise Caribbean. The greens are truly green, planted with strains of Bermuda grass adapted for our climate, including Tiff Dwarf and GN1, a new hybrid, developed in Florida by Greg Norman.

Many of our golf courses are part of world-class resorts, so after you have played to your heart's content, you can relax in the pool and recharge your batteries in the spa before getting back to breaking par. You don't have to be a hotel guest, however. All courses - except those on military installations, which are limited to authorized personnel - are open to the general public.

Information from:
http://www.pgatour.com/2008/tournaments/r483/03/20/chi.chi/index.html
http://www.gotopuertorico.com/puerto-rico-golf.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_%22Chi-Chi%22_Rodr%C3%ADguez

Island Hoping - Part I

Puerto Rico is actually an archipelago. Going island hoping to one of over 100 offshore islands and cays is a great day trip idea... And most certainly you will find yourself in one of the most beautiful beaches you've ever seen and have the entire place for yourself.

Vieques

The island municipality of Vieques is six miles the eastern city of Fajardo. You can get there by air from San Juan or Fajardo or by sea in a government ferry, or you can join a group with a tour operator or charter a private vessel. Compared to the other outer islands, Vieques is large and lively—some 10,000 people live on the strip of land that straddles the center of the 21-mile long by five-mile-wide island. The settled part of the island has unique and interesting hotels and guesthouses, a score or so places to dine, a picturesque lighthouse, and a Spanish colonial fort. Most of the land is a wildlife refuge and a haven for fishing, boating, hiking, swimming or soaking up the sun. You’ll want to rent a jeep to navigate the refuge’s rustic roads to some of the most gorgeous and colorfully named beaches in the Caribbean (Red, Blue, Green, and Purple Beach are some examples). Sun Bay, a popular Puerto Rico National Parks Company beach, has changing facilities and allows camping (with a permit, call 787-741-8198). The most famous attraction in Vieques is the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, where the waters are teeming with microscopic dinoflaggelates that light up with an eerie glow when disturbed. To plan your tip to Vieques, click here.



Culebra

Culebra is also an island municipality, with about 2,000 residents. Much of the seven-mile long by three-and-a-half-mile wide island—and all of the surrounding cays—are a wildlife reserve, open from dawn to dusk. Many of the beaches are accessible only by jeep except for the truly exceptional Flamenco Beach, a vast horseshoe of soft, white sand, a seemingly endless expanse of clear, waveless, turquoise water framed by emerald hills and backed by an impossibly blue sky. Flamenco Beach has been rated the second most beautiful beach in the world by the Travel Channel. To get there you can take a shuttle from the ferry terminal for a small fee. Flamenco also has wonderful camping facilities (787-742-0700). A slightly more remote (you will need to rent a Jeep) but no less impressive beach is Zoní. It is not as placid as Flamenco (there are waves) but you are more likely to spot a turtle than a crowd there. To plan your trip to Culebra, click here.

Ferry Information:

FEES:

Passenger Ferry
Fajardo to Vieques round trip = $4 per passenger
Fajardo to Culebra round trip = $4 per passenger
Children ages 3 to 11 = $1
Senior Citizens 60 to 74 = $1
Senior Citizens over 75 get to ride for FREE

Note: There is an extra fee for beach equipment going to Culebra, i.e., tent $2, sleeping bag $1

Car and Cargo Ferry to both islands
Compact cars = $15
Large cars = $19

Visa and Master Cards accepted.

ITINERARY:

VIEQUES

Passenger Ferry - Fajardo to Vieques
Monday(non holiday) thru Friday 9:30AM, 1:00PM, 4:30PM, 8:00PM
Saturday, Sunday and Monday(holiday) 9:00AM, 3:00PM, 6:00PM

Passenger Ferry - Vieques to Fajardo
Monday(non holiday) thru Friday 6:30AM, 11:00AM, 3:00PM, 6:30PM
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday(holiday) 6:30AM, 1:00PM, 4:30PM

Car and Cargo Ferry Fajardo to Vieques
Monday thru Friday 4:00AM, 9:30AM, 4:30PM

Car and Cargo Ferry Vieques to Fajardo
Monday thru Friday 6:00AM, 1:30PM, 6:00PM


CULEBRA

Passenger Ferry - Fajardo to Culebra
Monday thru Friday 9:30AM, 1:00PM, 4:30PM
Saturday and Sunday 9:00AM, 2:30PM, 6:30PM
Schedule may vary on local holidays.

Passenger Ferry - Culebra to Fajardo
Monday thru Friday 6:30AM, 11:00AM, 3:00PM
Saturday and Sunday 6:30AM, 11:00AM, 4:30PM
Schedule may vary on local holidays

Passenger Ferry - Culebra to Vieques
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00AM, 4:30PM
Tuesday and Thursday 4:30PM

Note: On weekends if you are in Vieques and want to go to Culebra, you'll have to take the ferry to Fajardo and then to Culebra.

Note: You are subject to be searched as per federal and local laws while using or traveling in Puerto Rico Port Authority facilities.

*going to Vieques and Culebra on weekends might be near impossible, please arrive very early to get your tickets.
*Report to the terminal one hour before departure.
*Itinerary is subject change due to availability of passengers and weather

Things to do in Puerto Rico

Old San Juan

You could spend an entire week exploring this historic colonial town, which also happens to be the oldest settlement within the United States. The city, almost entirely surrounded by stone walls built by the Spaniards, is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Stop by the emblematic Fort San Felipe del Morro, visit the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, and La Casa Blanca. At the end of the day you can relax at one of the many tree-shaded plazas or grab a bite to eat at a street cafe. A free tourist trolley serves the city.

El Yunque National Forest

A trip to Puerto Rico would not be complete without a stop at the only rain forest reserve in the United States. Just about an hour away from San Juan, this place has spectacular views of the island, waterfalls and nature trails. Go ready to walk around and get wet! After the rain forest, you can visit one of the nearby beaches. We suggest La Monserrate public beach, best known around the world as Luquillo Beach. It is one of the most photographed beaches in Puerto Rico and has won many awards for its excellent water and sand quality.

Bacardi Distillery

You will find the largest rum distillery in the world just 20 mintues away from San Juan. Tour the "Cathedral of Rum" to learn the history of the product and how to make your favorite drinks. Bonus: you get two free drinks at the end of the tour!

Bioluminescent Bay

Imagine the blackness of the sea on a moonless night. Now watch it sparkle with the darting lights of a million fireflies. The phosphorescence is actually bioluminescence generated by microscopic organisms in the water. The phenomenon occurs sporadically in warm seas around the world, but Puerto Rico is one of the only places on the planet where you can depend on it every evening at two different protected bays and a lagoon. If you want to experience this phenomenon, we suggest this kayaking tour of the lagoon. TIP: This trip could be combined with a trip to El Yunque in the morning.

Canopy Tour

If you are up for an adventure, take a Canopy Tour. We suggest Batey Zipline Adventure in Utuado. It is about a two hour drive from San Juan but it is worth it! They have different tour options that include visiting a cave, zip lining, and rappelling.

Horseback Riding

Puerto Rican Paso Fino horses are prized for their smooth, natural, four beat, lateral ambling gait and are used in many disciplines, but are especially popular for trail riding. Hacienda Carabali offers a two hour scenic tour through the foothills of El Yunque and includes a half hour swimming and refreshment break at the Mameyes River.

Casinos

Players consistently rate Puerto Rico as the most enjoyable gaming destination in the Caribbean. Almost a score of hotel and resort casinos are currently in operation, from Old San Juan, Condado, and Isla Verde in the metro area to Dorado, Fajardo, Humacao, Ponce, and Mayagüez out on the island. All casinos feature state-of-the art slot machine technology, most are open until 4:00 AM or 6:00 AM, and a few are open 24 hours a day. You don't need to be a hotel guest to play; indeed, many locals and visitors make a day or evening of hopping from casino to casino. There was a time when you needed a jacket to enter, but today dress is casual during the day, and elegantly casual during the evenings - meaning no cut-offs, t-shirts or shorts. For a list of Casinos in Puerto Rico click here.

Cockfighting

Cockfighting in Puerto Rico is a gentleman's sport. The game has been legal in the island since 1933 and its considered a beloved tradition dating from Spain's colonization of the island more than five centuries ago. Club Gallistico de Puerto Rico in Isla Verde is a great place for turists to experience the sport. On Saturdays the fights go from 2-10 PM. Aside from the fights, you can watch the birds being prepared for their matches, an art in itself. As a tourist, you pay $5. They have friendly tour guides and translators to show you around. To read more about cockfighting at Club Gallistico click here.