There's more to this island than San Juan's metro area and that's the bonus waiting that most travelers never bother taking advantage of - beautiful beaches, a mountainous middle, the rain forest and caves. There's the arid south and northern gold coast - all dotted with small towns and villages; locals eager to make a guest feel at home.
Puerto Rico's size is 100 by 35 miles - small enough to get anywhere in less than half a day; large enough to keep you occupied once you get there.
Nowhere else in the world will you find little green tree frogs called "el Coqui". They're the pride of Puerto Ricans; frog replicas often appearing on island merchandise. You'll never see Coqui, but at night they'll sing you to sleep in a heavenly concerted effort.
Salsa is the island's music. General movements appear all but choreographed in rhythm to this infectious Latin beat that's played everywhere.
Get ready to join the party! Puerto Ricans know how to live life to the fullest. When finished with a hard day's work, they're ready to relax and spend time with people in this culture driven by socialization.
Quick Tips:
Puerto Rico is an excellent "breaking in" destination for travelers wanting to explore the Caribbean. If you don't like or aren't comfortable with what you find here, I wouldn't recommend other islands.
The island offers all the creature comforts of home in addition to favorite shops/eateries including Wal-Mart Supercenters, Tony Roma's ribs. Such Americanization can be a blessing or curse when searching for "authentic" experience. Places can have a Florida feel.
In San Juan, you can survive without speaking a word of Spanish. English also can usually suffice in most countryside establishment unless you're looking to "get real" with the locals.
Currency is U.S., but doesn't go very far. Cost of living is high in PR. It's also been passed along to the booming tourist industry; prices sky-rocketing across the board over the last few years.
If you base island exploration from the capital, don't get sucked into the exciting, relaxing, carefree atmosphere. (Read my San Juan journal to find out just how good it is!) I've squandered many plans, intentions here. Likely you will, too!
The tourism board I reference can be reached at 800-233-6530 or www.prtourism.com". Branch offices are located in NYC/LA/MIAMI.
Best Way To Get Around:
Domestic carriers fly to San Juan-(SJU) daily; AirTran Airline, Blue Jet, United, American Airlines among others. East coast flights are inexpensive; less than round-trip with advance purchase traveling Tuesday-thru-Thursday. Midwest/West coast travelers - ask agents to "break" rates between departure city and the east, and your connecting flight to PR for often cheaper rates.
SJU is connections hub for other Caribbean destinations. Flights fill up quick! Book early while dates/rates are available.
International & Local car rental agencies are found everywhere; competition driving prices down. Weekly rentals are cheapest; day deals often below including tax/insurance.
Five "Tourist Routes"/interstates conveniently cover the island; secondary roads also in good condition. Back roads are treacherous. Be prepared for flats.
Maps! Gave up, threw them in the backseat, and simply followed instincts. PR maps are poor; not one of them the same. Roads dead-end in the middle of nowhere; principal through ways nowhere to be found. If you're looking for adventure, have any sense of direction - Go with It! PR's not big...you can't get that lost!
See my Free Form hints section for additional Travel tips.
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