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.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, November 30, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Regardless of what you choose, make sure you make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
We had lots to be grateful this year: health, family, friends, love!
The Thanksgiving Holiday started with the arrival of Gaby from San Francisco. Monday and Tuesday I spent hours at her house finishing up my wedding dress patters and learning how to cut fabric. The process has been so much fun for me! I'm so thankful that Gaby is giving me such a great gift!
On Wednesday, my brother drove down from Iowa with some friends. Our first Thanksgiving stop was at Ryan's grandparents were we joined his whole family for the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Best part was the desserts: a variety of everything pumpkin! After Ryan's family, we went to my friend Shelagh's house were we joined her family and some friends from the MBA program for an international Thanksgiving. When I say international I mean it. We had representation from China, India, Kenya, Puerto Rico, and of course, the US. Everything was very delicious and by the end of the night we were all about to burst!
We woke up Friday around 4:15 am to hit the stores for black Friday deals. Ryan and my brother finally got the suits they will be wearing at the wedding! We had a lot of fun shopping but by 8:30am we were all so tired we could no longer bare the lines, no matter how good the deals were.
Friday night, Ryan's family joined us for a Puerto Rican Thanksgiving at our house. I really enjoyed cooking for everyone. :)
Christmas decorations are now up!!!! Only 28 days 'til the big day!!!!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Last Minute Airfare and Car Rental Info
Ok, so I know some people are still looking for airfare. If you are booking with American don't forget to use our discount code: A23D9AC.
For car rentals, I just did a quick search and EZ Rent a Car, U-Save Car and Truck Rental, and Thrifty have the best deals. If you book with Avis, use our discount code D003737.
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