Our Most Popular Articles

These 10 articles have been our top "most read articles" over the past month.

Andrew travels to Puerto Rico where the flavors of the food tell the history of the island, from the deep-fried treats brought in by Africans to the roasted pork made popular by the Spanish. Tune in on June 9 @ 10pm on the Travel Channel.

To really see Puerto Rico, you need to get out and explore. Whether you are in port for the day with a cruise ship or you’ve flown in for a couple weeks, renting a car is a great way to get around. There are loads of agencies that have all types of cars and vans, so even with a large family, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.

In the past, if you wanted to go ziplining here in Puerto Rico you had to go to the Río Abajo Forest, Toro Negro Forest or La Marquesa Forest. In March 2009, Yunke Zipline Adventure opened for business in the foothills of El Yunque National Forest close to many areas that are on most visitors’ must do list.

Traveling with kids changes everything. You need to find a place where there are things that everyone in the family can enjoy. Luckily, you are planning to visit Puerto Rico where there are many activities for every member of your family. We’ve put together this list with families and convenience in mind. All of these activities are within about a 1-hour drive of the San Juan area.

East Island Excursions offers trips from Fajardo to Vieques so you can experience the bioluminescence in Mosquito Bay.

Fly from tree to tree on a zip line with La Marquesa Canopy Tours, only 30 minutes from San Juan.

If you like a little excitement while on your vacation, you should take a trip to Hacienda Carabali. This 600 acre facility, located in the foothills of the El Yunque National Forest, offers a wide range of activities. They have horseback riding, ATV, mountain bikes and go carts to get your [...]

An economical way to get to the out-islands of Culebra and Vieques is by using the passenger ferry (La Lancha). These ferries, operated by the Port Authority Maritime Division, carry about 200-400 passengers and run during the day hours, 365 days a year.
Depending on the particular ferry they’re using the day you go, you [...]

There are three bioluminescent bays (bio-bays) in Puerto Rico. One in the SouthWest - "La Parguera", one on Vieques - "Mosquito Bay", and the one in Fajardo - "La Laguna Grande". Out of all three, Mosquito Bay is the brightest, and La Parguera is the least bright. La Laguna Grande [...]

We took a trip to Bacardi Rum Factory to see the tour. I admit, the free drinks were also a draw for me! I have been on other sugar cane and rum tours on other islands and always enjoyed them. This was different, more of a tour about Bacardi that takes place at [...]

Of Interest to Cruise Ship Visitors

You'll be in port in San Juan for just one day. Maybe you're getting in early. Maybe you're getting in late. Here are some things that you can do when you only have a limited amount of time in port.

For reasons that I can’t figure out, of the trails right along Road 191 in El Yunque National Forest, La Coca Trail is seemingly unknown. It is as if someone found out how beautiful it is and decided to keep it a secret! But if you invest some time and effort in hiking this trail, you will be handsomely rewarded with rivers, waterfalls and swimming pools galore!

Anyone who visits Puerto Rico can’t help but notice that we have a stray dog problem. These strays, which are usually mixed breed dogs, are locally called satos. There are a number of wonderful, non-profit organizations on the island that help these animals by finding homes for them in the States. They need your help, too. Read this to find out how you can help.

Rocaliza’s Half-Day El Salto Adventure in the Carite rain forest crams a whole-day of hiking, waterfall climbing and ziplining into a half-day excursion. It’s perfect for cruise ship visitors or other people who don’t want to spend a full day on an adventure excursion.

To really see Puerto Rico, you need to get out and explore. Whether you are in port for the day with a cruise ship or you’ve flown in for a couple weeks, renting a car is a great way to get around. There are loads of agencies that have all types of cars and vans, so even with a large family, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.

If you have always wanted to see the underwater world up close, but can’t swim or get the hang of breathing through a snorkel or regulator, then helmet diving may be just what you need. Sea Trek San Juan just opened for business in April 2009 in San Juan, providing an easy way for visitors to Puerto Rico to explore the underwater world from a different perspective.

It had been a while since we took the actual "tour" at the Bacardi Factory in Cataño. When we took it recently, we found that the movie has changed and the tour is less commercial and more informative overall. And they still give you 2 free drinks! Not bad for a free tour!

The Cadencia Andaluza: Espectáculo de Flamenco Puertorriqueño show at the Tablao de Paulette is a traditional Flamenco music and dance show with a Puerto Rican flair. It’s an enjoyable way to spend a couple hours on a Saturday night and to experience a slice of real Puerto Rican life.

If you’re embarking on your cruise from San Juan, then you’ll be able to purchase duty free liquor and cigarettes at the pier before you board the ship. We were in Old San Juan the other day and came upon a copy of ad for the duty free store at the cruise pier, which we’ve scanned so that you have some idea of what’s available and how much it will cost.

Finding a restroom while visiting a strange city can be difficult. We’ve scouted out some of the public (and not so public) places you can find a restroom during your time in Old San Juan. This is one list that you’ll want to keep with you!

Biking on the boardwalk in Piñones is a favorite activity of locals and tourists alike. It’s just minutes from Isla Verde, and it has bike paths go along the beach and through the mangrove forest, where the views are fantastic.

Enjoy a free Flamenco dance show while eating dinner at Barrachina Restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights in Old San Juan.

We attended another performance of the Le Lo Lai Festival and were delighted to find that they update the show from time to time. The latest installment contains Salsa, Bomba and some "country" music & dances that make for an enjoyable hour of free entertainment.

Lights & Shadows is a new nighttime show that just opened at Fort San Cristobal in Old San Juan. The show uses special lighting, sound, laser and water effects to bring important moments in Puerto Rican history to life.

El Morro Fort, or officially Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, stands guard at the entrance to San Juan harbor as a reminder of a by-gone era when invading countries would attempt sea attacks to take this prized city and harbor. No trip to Old San Juan is complete without a visit to this UN World Heritage Site.

A beautiful collection of aerial photographs by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, called Earth from Above, will be on temporary display along the Paseo de la Princesa in Old San Juan, beginning November 19, 2008 and running through April 30, 2009.

Twice a year the restaurant community in Old San Juan pulls together for their SoFo Culinary Festival. These festivals, typically in June and October, feature lots of great food & drinks, live music, outdoor dining and artisans selling their wares. This fall the festival is being held from October 29 - November 2, 2008.

Old San Juan is a 400 year old city, that has come into the modern age with original great old buildings that blend well with the modern conveniences. You can see art all over as you walk around outside in Old San Juan. There are sculptures galore, in all sizes and styles, depicting all sorts of people and things. So explore the old city and see what wonderful art you can find!

The Cataño Ferry, also called La Lancha de Cataño, is a small commuter ferry that runs between Old San Juan and Cataño. It can be used as affordable transportation, or as a quick sunset cruise.

Traveling with kids changes everything. You need to find a place where there are things that everyone in the family can enjoy. Luckily, you are planning to visit Puerto Rico where there are many activities for every member of your family. We’ve put together this list with families and convenience in mind. All of these activities are within about a 1-hour drive of the San Juan area.

We get asked time and time again about things to do in Old San Juan in the evening. And you know what? There are actually lots of things to choose from! In addition to the usual ideas of walking tours or having a drink, we complied a list of live music and dance shows that you can enjoy around town.

After dark, on the first Tuesday of the month from September through May (except January), Old San Juan comes alive with art. Many art galleries, art museums, and the art school stay open late and welcome people in to see the art, sometimes offering wine and hors d’oeuvres. And after the art galleries close, the party scene begins!

If you’re looking for some casino action, Puerto Rico has something for you from Slots, to Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold’em and Baccarat. Casinos are located in most of the resorts and large hotels all around the island.

There are plenty of things to do with kids in Old San Juan. Whether you explore an ancient fort, fly a kite, feed 100s of pigeons, taste some local ice cream, or just enjoy one of the many family-friendly activities on the weekend, you’ll be sure to keep busy.

Take a snorkel/kayak trip with Kayaking Puerto Rico and learn all about the different ecosystems in the northeast corner of Puerto Rico, both above and below the water. They offer trips for all levels of experience, from beginner to experienced kayakers and snorkelers. It’s a great way to spend a half-day getting close to nature on your vacation.

The water around Puerto Rico is deep, rich, and full of some of the world’s best big game fishing. The Puerto Rico trench runs just beyond the north shore of the island. In this deep water swim loads of big fish, such as mahi-mahi , wahoo, tuna, white marlin, and blue marlin. [...]

You can capture some of the history of Old San Juan, while moving about town like in the old days, while taking a horse and carriage tour through the Old City. The horse and carriage rides start near the Casita area, on the Bay of San Juan, just west of the cruise ship [...]

Segway Tours of Puerto Rico offers 45-minute and 2-hour tours of Old San Juan. Riding a Segway is fun, easy and a unique way to see the city and forts.

Fly from tree to tree on a zip line with La Marquesa Canopy Tours, only 30 minutes from San Juan.

To get around the metro area, your best bet is to take a taxi. You can hail a taxi in the street, or you can call one to come pick you up. Taxis are generally available at the airport, hotels, and major tourist attractions.
For trips anywhere in San Juan, except to/from the SJU International Airport [...]

There is something about Old San Juan at night that is really magical. It may be the way the lights cast shadows on the old buildings that make them come to life. It may be knowing that the buildings and cobblestone streets have seen hundreds of years of history. Getting a glimpse of [...]

Old San Juan now has a free trolley service to help you get around the city. The trolley runs Monday through Friday from 7:00am until 7:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am until 7:00pm. Just stand at any of the marked trolley stop signs and wait for the next trolley to come [...]

Ask anyone about what they consider a “Must See” while visiting Puerto Rico and they will most likely say Old San Juan. That is because this old historic city offers so much. There is literally something for everyone: beautiful views (great for photographers), architecture, restaurants, art, museums, shopping, history, sculptures, people-watching, music, dance, [...]

The Le-Lo-Lai Festival is a wonderful cultural program of traditional music and dance, sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
The Festival consists of 3 different performances, showcasing different dances and music of the island and its heritage. These shows are free of cost and are amazingly high quality. They are offered [...]

There are three bioluminescent bays (bio-bays) in Puerto Rico. One in the SouthWest - "La Parguera", one on Vieques - "Mosquito Bay", and the one in Fajardo - "La Laguna Grande". Out of all three, Mosquito Bay is the brightest, and La Parguera is the least bright. La Laguna Grande [...]

This is the first of many articles on the Rain Forest.
El Yunque Rain Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the US National Parks system. Ample rainfall (over 200 inches a year in some areas) creates a jungle-like setting - with lush foliage, waterfalls and rivers. Hike along the trails that cover [...]

We took a trip to Bacardi Rum Factory to see the tour. I admit, the free drinks were also a draw for me! I have been on other sugar cane and rum tours on other islands and always enjoyed them. This was different, more of a tour about Bacardi that takes place at [...]

Must See Things for First Time Visitors

This is your first visit to Puerto Rico? There are tons of things to do here, and depending on your interests you won't be bored. Here are the top must see attractions for first-time visitors to Puerto Rico.

Anyone who visits Puerto Rico can’t help but notice that we have a stray dog problem. These strays, which are usually mixed breed dogs, are locally called satos. There are a number of wonderful, non-profit organizations on the island that help these animals by finding homes for them in the States. They need your help, too. Read this to find out how you can help.

The Luquillo kiosks (or kioskos) are a much loved part of Puerto Rico. This long row of humble (think almost ramshackle) buildings are right on Route 3 along the beach in Luquillo. But don’t let their appearance discourage you — stop in and you will be in for an experience that is uniquely Puerto Rican.

To really see Puerto Rico, you need to get out and explore. Whether you are in port for the day with a cruise ship or you’ve flown in for a couple weeks, renting a car is a great way to get around. There are loads of agencies that have all types of cars and vans, so even with a large family, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.

It’s been almost 5 years since the last time we went out on a snorkel catamaran trip. We recently had the opportunity to spend the day on the Fun Cat that sails out of Fajardo to the reefs near the island of Icacos.

Until recently, the only way to access any of the bioluminescent lagoons in Puerto Rico was either in a kayak or aboard a boat. But now there is another alternative! The Fideicomiso de Conservación de Puerto Rico now offers night-time walking tours of Las Cabezas Nature Reserve and Laguna Grande.

Fort San Cristobal is often considered the other fort in Old San Juan. For reasons that I can’t fathom, people flock to El Morro and rarely visit Fort San Cristobal. But they don’t know what they’re missing - it is a definitely worth a visit!

El Morro Fort, or officially Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, stands guard at the entrance to San Juan harbor as a reminder of a by-gone era when invading countries would attempt sea attacks to take this prized city and harbor. No trip to Old San Juan is complete without a visit to this UN World Heritage Site.

Traveling with kids changes everything. You need to find a place where there are things that everyone in the family can enjoy. Luckily, you are planning to visit Puerto Rico where there are many activities for every member of your family. We’ve put together this list with families and convenience in mind. All of these activities are within about a 1-hour drive of the San Juan area.

A day sail aboard the Erin Go Bragh III offers an intimate option for accessing excellent snorkeling spots near the islets of Icacos, Lobos, Palominos, and Palominitos, located off the coast of Fajardo. Longer overnight trips are available to the islands of Culebra and Vieques.

There are plenty of things to do with kids in Old San Juan. Whether you explore an ancient fort, fly a kite, feed 100s of pigeons, taste some local ice cream, or just enjoy one of the many family-friendly activities on the weekend, you’ll be sure to keep busy.

OK, with all this day-tripping around, you will eventually get hungry! And in your travels you’ll see countless people cooking fried food or frituras by the side of the road, at the beaches, and in little kioskos or kiosks. The food certainly smells good. But it looks a little funny. It’s all fried. And [...]

East Island Excursions offers trips from Fajardo to Vieques so you can experience the bioluminescence in Mosquito Bay.

As compared to most other Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico is a big island and most of the "must see" attractions are not concentrated in one particular area. Understanding the "lay of the land" can be a daunting task for the first-time visitor.
To provide some perspective on where things are on the island, we’ve put together [...]

So you decided to spend some time exploring Old San Juan? You will not be disappointed! The old city is a small area, only 7 square blocks. But there is so much to do and see in that small area that you can spend days there and never see everything. Or if you [...]

Ask anyone about what they consider a “Must See” while visiting Puerto Rico and they will most likely say Old San Juan. That is because this old historic city offers so much. There is literally something for everyone: beautiful views (great for photographers), architecture, restaurants, art, museums, shopping, history, sculptures, people-watching, music, dance, [...]

There are three bioluminescent bays (bio-bays) in Puerto Rico. One in the SouthWest - "La Parguera", one on Vieques - "Mosquito Bay", and the one in Fajardo - "La Laguna Grande". Out of all three, Mosquito Bay is the brightest, and La Parguera is the least bright. La Laguna Grande [...]

There are a number of snorkel boat tours that leave out of Fajardo and visit reefs and the out-islands. The boats are all very similar, follow a similar schedule, serve a similar lunch and beverages, go to the same snorkel spots, and are the same price - give or take a few [...]

I go to this beach quite often (being it is the closest swimming beach to my house). It is one of my favorites too, just due to the scenery - it is a cresent of fine sand, with lots of mature palm trees for shade. And behind that, you have the [...]

This is the first of many articles on the Rain Forest.
El Yunque Rain Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the US National Parks system. Ample rainfall (over 200 inches a year in some areas) creates a jungle-like setting - with lush foliage, waterfalls and rivers. Hike along the trails that cover [...]

Some of Our Favorite Off the Beaten Path Attractions

You've been to Puerto Rico before. You've been to the forts and the rain forest. What else is there for you to do? Lots! Here are some of our favorite things to do that are off the beaten path.

For the real Puerto Rican local market experience, you need to head to Rio Piedras. There, you will find a large indoor Mercado de Rio Piedras (Rio Piedras Market) and blocks of outdoor sidewalk shopping where the locals go to shop!

Visiting Vieques is usually best done as a multi-day trip — when you have time to rent a car and explore the most remote beaches. But what do you do if your vacation schedule only allows time to spend one day on Vieques? Head on over to Vieques and spend the day at Sun Bay, one of the many beautiful beaches on the island.

For reasons that I can’t figure out, of the trails right along Road 191 in El Yunque National Forest, La Coca Trail is seemingly unknown. It is as if someone found out how beautiful it is and decided to keep it a secret! But if you invest some time and effort in hiking this trail, you will be handsomely rewarded with rivers, waterfalls and swimming pools galore!

Andrew travels to Puerto Rico where the flavors of the food tell the history of the island, from the deep-fried treats brought in by Africans to the roasted pork made popular by the Spanish. Tune in on June 9 @ 10pm on the Travel Channel.

Rocaliza’s Half-Day El Salto Adventure in the Carite rain forest crams a whole-day of hiking, waterfall climbing and ziplining into a half-day excursion. It’s perfect for cruise ship visitors or other people who don’t want to spend a full day on an adventure excursion.

If you are planning a trip to Vieques, you need to plan on renting a car or jeep while you’re there. This may seem odd because it is such a small island, but be forewarned — things you want to do can be spread out across there island. There are limited routes servied by the local public transportation, and many things of interest to tourists are not on these routes.

Have you ever wanted to learn to surf but never had the chance? People staying in the north-east part of the island can easily get a private surfing lesson without having to travel very far. Bob Roberts, a NSSIA-certified surfing instructor, offers lessons right in the Luquillo area. He can have you catching a wave long before your vacation is over.

Located across from El Morro on the western side of the San Juan Bay, El Cañuelo fort was built in the late 1500s to help protect the entrance of the bay. Today, this fort is part of the San Juan National Historic Site that you visit on Cabras Island.

What is vacation for if not to try different things and experience something new? If you are the adventurous type, Rocaliza offers an excursion along El Salto river in the Carite rain forest that includes hiking, rappelling & ziplines.

In the past, if you wanted to go ziplining here in Puerto Rico you had to go to the Río Abajo Forest, Toro Negro Forest or La Marquesa Forest. In March 2009, Yunke Zipline Adventure opened for business in the foothills of El Yunque National Forest close to many areas that are on most visitors’ must do list.

At 4.6 miles, Trade Winds Trail is the longest single trail in El Yunque National Forest. It starts at KM 13.5 on Road 191 and climbs about 1100 feet to El Toro Peak, the highest peak in the rain forest. This hike is both challenging and enjoyable as you walk along one of the least-used trails in the forest.

Guaynabo City has created a beautiful forest reserve of approximately 600 acres for the enjoyment of future Puerto Ricans and visitors to the island, called La Marquesa Forest Park (or Parque Forestal La Marquesa in Spanish). Take a couple hours to enjoy the natural beauty of this forest.

The Luis A. Ferré Science Park in Bayamón houses an eclectic collection of attractions — a Planetarium, a Zoo, an Observation Tower and museums ranging from Natural History, to Transportation, to Telecommunication, to Archeology, among others. It’s an enjoyable way to spend a few hours of your vacation.

For an unobstructed view of north and east coasts, hike El Toro Trail to the highest point in El Yunque National Forest. It’s an enjoyable day of hiking, though it can be muddy and strenuous at times.

Las Piedras is the home of an interesting Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave) that has hundreds of petroglyphs etched into the rocks by Taíno Indians centuries ago. A visit to this site provides a glimpse into the ancient Taíno culture.

Playa Escondida is the perfect beach if you’re looking for a secluded spot with calm water and decent snorkeling. But you will have to do some work to get there! It’s about a 25-minute walk through the mangrove forest from Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo.

Biking on the boardwalk in Piñones is a favorite activity of locals and tourists alike. It’s just minutes from Isla Verde, and it has bike paths go along the beach and through the mangrove forest, where the views are fantastic.

Until recently, the only way to access any of the bioluminescent lagoons in Puerto Rico was either in a kayak or aboard a boat. But now there is another alternative! The Fideicomiso de Conservación de Puerto Rico now offers night-time walking tours of Las Cabezas Nature Reserve and Laguna Grande.

Have you ever wanted to soar above the mountains and trees under your own power like a bird? You can do just that during your vacation in Puerto Rico on a Tandem Discovery Flight with Team Spirit Hang Gliding. It’s really cool!

You will see many neat things in Puerto Rico, but wild animals are not usually one of them - except if you visit Monkey Island. Monkey Island is a small island off of the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, that is home to about 1200 free-roaming Rhesus monkeys. The island is not open to tourists, but you can get an up close view of the monkeys from the water.

Though it feels like worlds away, Pinones is only a sort distance from the San Juan area. If you enjoy kayaking, you can rent kayaks at COPI, which is just over the bridge from Isla Verde. You can spend one, or many, hours paddling around Torrecilla Lagoon watching birds and iguanas going about their business.

Acampa offers a day-long adventure in the Toro Negro Rainforest that includes hiking, swimming, waterfall-climbing and zip lines. We recently took this trip and had a blast!

For the horse lovers in our audience, have we got a show for you. The Puerto Rican Equestrian Art School (Escuela Puertorriqueña del Arte Ecuestre) puts on a beautiful Paso Fino horse show on the first Friday of every month.

People always want to know where they can find good snorkeling on the island. We found a cute secluded beach that offers decent snorkeling, just a short 25-minute walk from Seven Seas Balneario in Fajardo, called Playa Colora.

The Cataño Ferry, also called La Lancha de Cataño, is a small commuter ferry that runs between Old San Juan and Cataño. It can be used as affordable transportation, or as a quick sunset cruise.

Juan Diego Falls is a series of beautiful waterfalls located a short (but demanding) walk from the road. We feel that the largest of the falls is better than the more popular La Mina Falls. Especially since Juan Diego Falls is virtually undiscovered by tourists!

What could be more refreshing than taking a swim in a crystal clear river on a hot day? If you are in El Yunque and want to do some swimming, you need to try Angelito Trail. The trail leads to Las Damas pool in the Mameyes River.

A day sail aboard the Erin Go Bragh III offers an intimate option for accessing excellent snorkeling spots near the islets of Icacos, Lobos, Palominos, and Palominitos, located off the coast of Fajardo. Longer overnight trips are available to the islands of Culebra and Vieques.

Weekends in Puerto Rico are a family affair, especially Sundays. Locals love to get together for meals and family activities. Places that offer cooler temperatures, great food and live music are always popular with locals looking for some fun. If you, as a tourist, want to experience some of that fun and [...]

Puerto Rico is rich in history and culture. It also has a perfect climate to grow some of the prettiest flowers and plants imaginable. Caguas decided to put these things together and opened the Botanical and Cultural Garden (Jardin Botanico y Cultural) in April 2007.

Take a snorkel/kayak trip with Kayaking Puerto Rico and learn all about the different ecosystems in the northeast corner of Puerto Rico, both above and below the water. They offer trips for all levels of experience, from beginner to experienced kayakers and snorkelers. It’s a great way to spend a half-day getting close to nature on your vacation.

Experiencing new things is part of what makes traveling fun. This includes tasting local flavors of fruit and foods. To get to try local flavors, and eat ice cream at the same time, now that is a vacation!
El Rinconcito Dulce is a small, local ice cream store in Rio Grande that makes [...]

Puerto Rico is an island with many different faces. It is both urban and country, modern and historical, laid-back and hurried, built-up and natural. If you visit Arecibo and La Cueva del Indio (Cave of the Indian), you will see it all - modern, country, nature and history - all in one day. [...]

The typical visitor to Old San Juan visits the major "touristy" historical sites in the old city, including the forts (El Morro and San Cristobal), La Princesa, La Forteleza, and the Cathedral, to name a few. In fact, our 3-part walking tour will guide you past all of these places.
But there are a number of [...]

As compared to most other Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico is a big island and most of the "must see" attractions are not concentrated in one particular area. Understanding the "lay of the land" can be a daunting task for the first-time visitor.
To provide some perspective on where things are on the island, we’ve put together [...]

Currently, the main entrance to this reserve is closed due to construction/refurbishment. However, the reserve is still open and you can get in easily and legally through the beach entrance. We expect the nature reserve main entrance and renovation to be completed in in the few months. Kayaks are still available for [...]

Pinones mangrove forest (Bosque de Pinones) offers a unique experience for tourists and locals alike. No matter what you like doing, you can spend an enjoyable day or evening in this area.
Even though this area is located just east of the airport and Isla Verde, it seems like a totally different world. [...]

The Conservation Trust of PR owns this nature reserve in Fajardo, at the north eastern-most tip of the island. Encompassing hundreds of acres, the Conservation Trust offers tours to explain the different eco-systems that are in the reserve.
On our most recent visit (we have taken the tour a number of times with [...]

We went to Icacos for a day of quiet beach time and snorkeling. Icacos is a small island off of Fajardo. The boat ride took us only about 10 minutes from the boat launch in Las Croabas. It was a bit windy, but the trip was not bad at all - very few [...]

Some of Our Favorite Things to do With Kids

You have the little ones in tow and can't figure out what to do that might be interesting to both you and them? Here are some things to do that will be fun for everyone in the family.

Visiting Vieques is usually best done as a multi-day trip — when you have time to rent a car and explore the most remote beaches. But what do you do if your vacation schedule only allows time to spend one day on Vieques? Head on over to Vieques and spend the day at Sun Bay, one of the many beautiful beaches on the island.

For reasons that I can’t figure out, of the trails right along Road 191 in El Yunque National Forest, La Coca Trail is seemingly unknown. It is as if someone found out how beautiful it is and decided to keep it a secret! But if you invest some time and effort in hiking this trail, you will be handsomely rewarded with rivers, waterfalls and swimming pools galore!

The Luquillo kiosks (or kioskos) are a much loved part of Puerto Rico. This long row of humble (think almost ramshackle) buildings are right on Route 3 along the beach in Luquillo. But don’t let their appearance discourage you — stop in and you will be in for an experience that is uniquely Puerto Rican.

If you can tear yourself away from the beautiful beaches on Vieques, you should make a quick stop at the wonderfully restored Count Mirasol Fort (or Fortin Conde de Mirasol in Spanish) high above the town of Isabel II. In addition to the view, it offers art exhibits and a nice museum of Vieques artifacts. The view alone is well worth the admission price!

Rocaliza’s Half-Day El Salto Adventure in the Carite rain forest crams a whole-day of hiking, waterfall climbing and ziplining into a half-day excursion. It’s perfect for cruise ship visitors or other people who don’t want to spend a full day on an adventure excursion.

Have you ever wanted to learn to surf but never had the chance? People staying in the north-east part of the island can easily get a private surfing lesson without having to travel very far. Bob Roberts, a NSSIA-certified surfing instructor, offers lessons right in the Luquillo area. He can have you catching a wave long before your vacation is over.

If you have always wanted to see the underwater world up close, but can’t swim or get the hang of breathing through a snorkel or regulator, then helmet diving may be just what you need. Sea Trek San Juan just opened for business in April 2009 in San Juan, providing an easy way for visitors to Puerto Rico to explore the underwater world from a different perspective.

In the past, if you wanted to go ziplining here in Puerto Rico you had to go to the Río Abajo Forest, Toro Negro Forest or La Marquesa Forest. In March 2009, Yunke Zipline Adventure opened for business in the foothills of El Yunque National Forest close to many areas that are on most visitors’ must do list.

It’s been almost 5 years since the last time we went out on a snorkel catamaran trip. We recently had the opportunity to spend the day on the Fun Cat that sails out of Fajardo to the reefs near the island of Icacos.

Guaynabo City has created a beautiful forest reserve of approximately 600 acres for the enjoyment of future Puerto Ricans and visitors to the island, called La Marquesa Forest Park (or Parque Forestal La Marquesa in Spanish). Take a couple hours to enjoy the natural beauty of this forest.

The Luis A. Ferré Science Park in Bayamón houses an eclectic collection of attractions — a Planetarium, a Zoo, an Observation Tower and museums ranging from Natural History, to Transportation, to Telecommunication, to Archeology, among others. It’s an enjoyable way to spend a few hours of your vacation.

Las Piedras is the home of an interesting Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave) that has hundreds of petroglyphs etched into the rocks by Taíno Indians centuries ago. A visit to this site provides a glimpse into the ancient Taíno culture.

Biking on the boardwalk in Piñones is a favorite activity of locals and tourists alike. It’s just minutes from Isla Verde, and it has bike paths go along the beach and through the mangrove forest, where the views are fantastic.

Until recently, the only way to access any of the bioluminescent lagoons in Puerto Rico was either in a kayak or aboard a boat. But now there is another alternative! The Fideicomiso de Conservación de Puerto Rico now offers night-time walking tours of Las Cabezas Nature Reserve and Laguna Grande.

Fort San Cristobal is often considered the other fort in Old San Juan. For reasons that I can’t fathom, people flock to El Morro and rarely visit Fort San Cristobal. But they don’t know what they’re missing - it is a definitely worth a visit!

We attended another performance of the Le Lo Lai Festival and were delighted to find that they update the show from time to time. The latest installment contains Salsa, Bomba and some "country" music & dances that make for an enjoyable hour of free entertainment.

Have you ever wanted to soar above the mountains and trees under your own power like a bird? You can do just that during your vacation in Puerto Rico on a Tandem Discovery Flight with Team Spirit Hang Gliding. It’s really cool!

You will see many neat things in Puerto Rico, but wild animals are not usually one of them - except if you visit Monkey Island. Monkey Island is a small island off of the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, that is home to about 1200 free-roaming Rhesus monkeys. The island is not open to tourists, but you can get an up close view of the monkeys from the water.

Though it feels like worlds away, Pinones is only a sort distance from the San Juan area. If you enjoy kayaking, you can rent kayaks at COPI, which is just over the bridge from Isla Verde. You can spend one, or many, hours paddling around Torrecilla Lagoon watching birds and iguanas going about their business.

The Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park is a cultural theme park based on the history of Puerto Rico. Within the park, you’ll find the lighthouse, the Pirates’ Hideout cave, Taino village recreation, aquarium, mini-zoo, replica sailing ships, and kids’ playground.

El Morro Fort, or officially Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, stands guard at the entrance to San Juan harbor as a reminder of a by-gone era when invading countries would attempt sea attacks to take this prized city and harbor. No trip to Old San Juan is complete without a visit to this UN World Heritage Site.

A beautiful collection of aerial photographs by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, called Earth from Above, will be on temporary display along the Paseo de la Princesa in Old San Juan, beginning November 19, 2008 and running through April 30, 2009.

For the horse lovers in our audience, have we got a show for you. The Puerto Rican Equestrian Art School (Escuela Puertorriqueña del Arte Ecuestre) puts on a beautiful Paso Fino horse show on the first Friday of every month.

Traveling with kids changes everything. You need to find a place where there are things that everyone in the family can enjoy. Luckily, you are planning to visit Puerto Rico where there are many activities for every member of your family. We’ve put together this list with families and convenience in mind. All of these activities are within about a 1-hour drive of the San Juan area.

What could be more refreshing than taking a swim in a crystal clear river on a hot day? If you are in El Yunque and want to do some swimming, you need to try Angelito Trail. The trail leads to Las Damas pool in the Mameyes River.

There are plenty of things to do with kids in Old San Juan. Whether you explore an ancient fort, fly a kite, feed 100s of pigeons, taste some local ice cream, or just enjoy one of the many family-friendly activities on the weekend, you’ll be sure to keep busy.

Take a snorkel/kayak trip with Kayaking Puerto Rico and learn all about the different ecosystems in the northeast corner of Puerto Rico, both above and below the water. They offer trips for all levels of experience, from beginner to experienced kayakers and snorkelers. It’s a great way to spend a half-day getting close to nature on your vacation.

Experiencing new things is part of what makes traveling fun. This includes tasting local flavors of fruit and foods. To get to try local flavors, and eat ice cream at the same time, now that is a vacation!
El Rinconcito Dulce is a small, local ice cream store in Rio Grande that makes [...]

Fly from tree to tree on a zip line with La Marquesa Canopy Tours, only 30 minutes from San Juan.

If you enjoy animals and are in the Mayaguez area, you might consider spending a few hours at the Mayaguez Zoo. Formally, this little zoo is called the "Parque Nacional Zoologico de Puerto Rico Dr. Juan A. Rivero" (or the Dr. Juan A. Rivero National Zoological Park of Puerto Rico). Wow! That’s a long name [...]

Take a refreshing dip in clear rain forest water. Swim under a waterfall. It sounds like a dream. But it is actually a very popular and fun thing to do during your trip to El Yunque National Forest. The waterfall is called La Mina Falls, and it can be accessed by either [...]

If you like a little excitement while on your vacation, you should take a trip to Hacienda Carabali. This 600 acre facility, located in the foothills of the El Yunque National Forest, offers a wide range of activities. They have horseback riding, ATV, mountain bikes and go carts to get your [...]

Pinones mangrove forest (Bosque de Pinones) offers a unique experience for tourists and locals alike. No matter what you like doing, you can spend an enjoyable day or evening in this area.
Even though this area is located just east of the airport and Isla Verde, it seems like a totally different world. [...]

This is the first of many articles on the Rain Forest.
El Yunque Rain Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the US National Parks system. Ample rainfall (over 200 inches a year in some areas) creates a jungle-like setting - with lush foliage, waterfalls and rivers. Hike along the trails that cover [...]

Some Ideas for Visitors on a Budget

The current economic situation is on everyone's mind these days. But the economy is no reason to think that you have to cancel your plans to travel. There are many things that you can do in Puerto Rico for free, or almost for free. Here's a list of some of our favorites.

For the real Puerto Rican local market experience, you need to head to Rio Piedras. There, you will find a large indoor Mercado de Rio Piedras (Rio Piedras Market) and blocks of outdoor sidewalk shopping where the locals go to shop!

My favorite Puerto Rican dish is Arroz con Habichuelas, or rice and beans. The beans are actually a stew, with potatoes, squash, other veggies, some ham and, of course, beans. Everyone here makes Habichuelas, so it was only a matter of time that I was able to find a good recipe. I got this recipe from a local woman and it’s really easy and delicious. Give it a try and enjoy!

For reasons that I can’t figure out, of the trails right along Road 191 in El Yunque National Forest, La Coca Trail is seemingly unknown. It is as if someone found out how beautiful it is and decided to keep it a secret! But if you invest some time and effort in hiking this trail, you will be handsomely rewarded with rivers, waterfalls and swimming pools galore!

Anyone who visits Puerto Rico can’t help but notice that we have a stray dog problem. These strays, which are usually mixed breed dogs, are locally called satos. There are a number of wonderful, non-profit organizations on the island that help these animals by finding homes for them in the States. They need your help, too. Read this to find out how you can help.

The Luquillo kiosks (or kioskos) are a much loved part of Puerto Rico. This long row of humble (think almost ramshackle) buildings are right on Route 3 along the beach in Luquillo. But don’t let their appearance discourage you — stop in and you will be in for an experience that is uniquely Puerto Rican.

To really see Puerto Rico, you need to get out and explore. Whether you are in port for the day with a cruise ship or you’ve flown in for a couple weeks, renting a car is a great way to get around. There are loads of agencies that have all types of cars and vans, so even with a large family, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.

It had been a while since we took the actual "tour" at the Bacardi Factory in Cataño. When we took it recently, we found that the movie has changed and the tour is less commercial and more informative overall. And they still give you 2 free drinks! Not bad for a free tour!

It’s possible to find budget lodging in Puerto Rico - it just takes a little research and planning. In this article we present some ideas to kick-start your planning effort.

The Luis A. Ferré Science Park in Bayamón houses an eclectic collection of attractions — a Planetarium, a Zoo, an Observation Tower and museums ranging from Natural History, to Transportation, to Telecommunication, to Archeology, among others. It’s an enjoyable way to spend a few hours of your vacation.

Playa Escondida is the perfect beach if you’re looking for a secluded spot with calm water and decent snorkeling. But you will have to do some work to get there! It’s about a 25-minute walk through the mangrove forest from Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo.

Biking on the boardwalk in Piñones is a favorite activity of locals and tourists alike. It’s just minutes from Isla Verde, and it has bike paths go along the beach and through the mangrove forest, where the views are fantastic.

Until recently, the only way to access any of the bioluminescent lagoons in Puerto Rico was either in a kayak or aboard a boat. But now there is another alternative! The Fideicomiso de Conservación de Puerto Rico now offers night-time walking tours of Las Cabezas Nature Reserve and Laguna Grande.

A beautiful collection of aerial photographs by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, called Earth from Above, will be on temporary display along the Paseo de la Princesa in Old San Juan, beginning November 19, 2008 and running through April 30, 2009.

I am always looking for ways to save some money, especially on vacation, and I thought that I would share this with our readers. The San Juan edition of the Entertainment Book is filled with 50% discount coupons for restaurants and activities across Puerto Rico.

People always want to know where they can find good snorkeling on the island. We found a cute secluded beach that offers decent snorkeling, just a short 25-minute walk from Seven Seas Balneario in Fajardo, called Playa Colora.

You might think that all beaches in Puerto Rico are the same. If you do, then you couldn’t be more wrong. Every beach has something different that makes it special, so you will want to visit a few different beaches during your time on the island. If you are looking for a nice light [...]

Old San Juan now has a free trolley service to help you get around the city. The trolley runs Monday through Friday from 7:00am until 7:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am until 7:00pm. Just stand at any of the marked trolley stop signs and wait for the next trolley to come [...]

The typical visitor to Old San Juan visits the major "touristy" historical sites in the old city, including the forts (El Morro and San Cristobal), La Princesa, La Forteleza, and the Cathedral, to name a few. In fact, our 3-part walking tour will guide you past all of these places.
But there are a number of [...]

The El Yunque National Forest is a large, lush and interesting place to visit. It easy to see the beauty, but to really know about the rain forest, an educational guided tour is great. The Federal Forest Rangers offer “Rent-a-Ranger” or “Forest Adventure Tours”, that are hour-long educational walks designed to teach [...]

So you decided to spend some time exploring Old San Juan? You will not be disappointed! The old city is a small area, only 7 square blocks. But there is so much to do and see in that small area that you can spend days there and never see everything. Or if you [...]

No visit to Puerto Rico would be complete without visiting some of its beautiful beaches. Seven Seas Beach, located in Fajardo on the northeast corner of the island, is a gem waiting for your discovery. And since it’s a Balneario, it has gated parking, facilities, and lifeguards. New in 2007, it has been [...]

If you are a sun worshiper, a beach lover or snorkel fanatic, no trip to Puerto Rico would be complete without a trip to Culebra. It can be done as a day trip or stay for longer (there are a few hundred hotel rooms and vacation rentals available).
Culebra is an island 20 miles [...]

An economical way to get to the out-islands of Culebra and Vieques is by using the passenger ferry (La Lancha). These ferries, operated by the Port Authority Maritime Division, carry about 200-400 passengers and run during the day hours, 365 days a year.
Depending on the particular ferry they’re using the day you go, you [...]

The Le-Lo-Lai Festival is a wonderful cultural program of traditional music and dance, sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
The Festival consists of 3 different performances, showcasing different dances and music of the island and its heritage. These shows are free of cost and are amazingly high quality. They are offered [...]

Currently, the main entrance to this reserve is closed due to construction/refurbishment. However, the reserve is still open and you can get in easily and legally through the beach entrance. We expect the nature reserve main entrance and renovation to be completed in in the few months. Kayaks are still available for [...]

Pinones mangrove forest (Bosque de Pinones) offers a unique experience for tourists and locals alike. No matter what you like doing, you can spend an enjoyable day or evening in this area.
Even though this area is located just east of the airport and Isla Verde, it seems like a totally different world. [...]

For a quick and tasty stop, go to Casa Don Q in Old San Juan. Don Q brand is the rum preferred by Puerto Ricans - stop in and taste for yourself, and see why!
Casa Don Q is a small “museum” that has information about rum making and the history of the Don [...]

I go to this beach quite often (being it is the closest swimming beach to my house). It is one of my favorites too, just due to the scenery - it is a cresent of fine sand, with lots of mature palm trees for shade. And behind that, you have the [...]

This is the first of many articles on the Rain Forest.
El Yunque Rain Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the US National Parks system. Ample rainfall (over 200 inches a year in some areas) creates a jungle-like setting - with lush foliage, waterfalls and rivers. Hike along the trails that cover [...]

Some Ideas for More Adventurous Visitors

Are you daring? Do you like to live on the edge? Here are some activities that are sure to get your adreline pumping! We've personally done each of these. They're all exciting, safe and, most importantly, fun!

Rocaliza’s Half-Day El Salto Adventure in the Carite rain forest crams a whole-day of hiking, waterfall climbing and ziplining into a half-day excursion. It’s perfect for cruise ship visitors or other people who don’t want to spend a full day on an adventure excursion.

Have you ever wanted to learn to surf but never had the chance? People staying in the north-east part of the island can easily get a private surfing lesson without having to travel very far. Bob Roberts, a NSSIA-certified surfing instructor, offers lessons right in the Luquillo area. He can have you catching a wave long before your vacation is over.

If you have always wanted to see the underwater world up close, but can’t swim or get the hang of breathing through a snorkel or regulator, then helmet diving may be just what you need. Sea Trek San Juan just opened for business in April 2009 in San Juan, providing an easy way for visitors to Puerto Rico to explore the underwater world from a different perspective.

What is vacation for if not to try different things and experience something new? If you are the adventurous type, Rocaliza offers an excursion along El Salto river in the Carite rain forest that includes hiking, rappelling & ziplines.

In the past, if you wanted to go ziplining here in Puerto Rico you had to go to the Río Abajo Forest, Toro Negro Forest or La Marquesa Forest. In March 2009, Yunke Zipline Adventure opened for business in the foothills of El Yunque National Forest close to many areas that are on most visitors’ must do list.

Have you ever wanted to soar above the mountains and trees under your own power like a bird? You can do just that during your vacation in Puerto Rico on a Tandem Discovery Flight with Team Spirit Hang Gliding. It’s really cool!

Acampa offers a day-long adventure in the Toro Negro Rainforest that includes hiking, swimming, waterfall-climbing and zip lines. We recently took this trip and had a blast!

Fly from tree to tree on a zip line with La Marquesa Canopy Tours, only 30 minutes from San Juan.

If you like a little excitement while on your vacation, you should take a trip to Hacienda Carabali. This 600 acre facility, located in the foothills of the El Yunque National Forest, offers a wide range of activities. They have horseback riding, ATV, mountain bikes and go carts to get your [...]