Experiencing Puerto Rico
based on 1 vote
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Explore locations featured in this goList:
Culebra, San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, Carolina, Isla de Vieques
- Category: Perfect weekend
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Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Shopping, Beachgoers
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Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Large groups, Budget travelers, Active/adventure, Tourists
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Tags: San Juan, Puerto Rico, Attractions, Food
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| Culebra is a beautiful island off the coast of Puerto Rico. It is accessible by ferry (about 1 hour) or small plane (20 minutes). Once on the island, a van takes visitors to Flamenco Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Only the days visitors and the few island inhabitants actually occupy the beach, making for a relaxing afternoon. There are few waves in the crystal blue area, so it is a great place for snorkeling. The sand is a powdery white. It is a must-see and a great place to spend a few hours. Accommodations are available if interested. |
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| Old San Juan is a charming city offering culture among modern shopping and dining. While the city has been Americanized, it still retains a beauty that is purely Puerto Rican. The restaurant selection is plentiful offering traditional and modern cuisines. Shops range from top international designers to local tradesmen. The streets are narrow and cobblestoned, making them hard to navigate by car. The city is truly beautiful with a view of the water from certain points. |
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3. Metropol Restaurante & Bar
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| Affordable and traditional Puerto Rican food at affordable prices. My friends and I literally ate dinner here every night. The fish is amazingly fresh, and the sides include staples such as rice and beans. Several locations are available. |
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4. El Morro (Castillo de San Felipe del Morro)
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| El Morro is a beautiful fort in the heart of Old San Juan. It is a great place to explore during a nice afternoon. The fort offers terrific photo opportunities of the sea and the fort itself. |
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5. El Yunque National Forest
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| El Yunque is a large rain forest on a massive mountain. I recommend driving through by car and stopping at the various hot spots. One main attraction is an hour-long round-trip hike down a cliff along a waterfall. At the bottom of the cliff swimming is allowed in the cold water at the end of the waterfall. There is also a large tower offering a 360 degree view of the island. Several rest areas are located along the drive, offering restrooms, food, and souvenirs. |
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6. El San Juan Hotel & Casino
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Ave price:
$391
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The El San Juan is the most beautiful hotel in San Juan. It is across from the Metropol restaurant, which is a plus right there! The multiple bars are always crowded, and their night club offers some of the best dancing in the area. The hotel also offers several restaurants and a casino. I highly recommend a visit even if a stay is not affordable. |
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| Vieques is an island of the coast of Fajardo, PR. It is a bit further from the mainland than Culebra, and not really as pretty. But, it is a larger island offering more restaurants and accomodations. It is still worth a visit...or at least keep it as a back-up if the Culebra ferry/plane times do not match your schedule. I do recommend taking the shuttle flight ffrom either San Juan or Fajardo as it is a much more enjoyable trip. I hate flying, but even I loved flying back to San Juan on a twin propeller plane during sunset. |
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| The Bacardi Rum Plant offers a short tour of the rum plant. The tour provides an education in the methods of rum-making and ends with a shop at the discount shop and trip to their bar. Good times! |
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