Puerto Rico

Never Yawn’s Guide to Puerto Rico

Downloadable Version: Puerto Rico in One Page
There is so much I love about Puerto Rico, but I’m going to try to keep my list short for those who are here on vacation, only recommending what I think is the best way to enjoy your time.

What to Do:

Old San Juan:

Great old town for walking around, taking photographs of the beautiful architecture (houses and forts), shopping, and eating.
Eat at: The Parrot Club. Everything on the menu is awesome. Or at Cafe Manolin. A local place for breakfast and lunch, with traditional Puerto Rican food at great prices. Trying to speak Spanish here is really appreciated.

El Yunque:

Drive or hike through the rain forest. Don’t miss the waterfalls.

Fajardo:
Kayak in the BioBay with Kayaking Puerto Rico

Pinones:

A short ride from the Isla Verde area. Beautiful beaches, with many kiosks for local foods (mostly friend, but all delicious) and drinks (try the fresh fruit frappes). Great for witnessing real Puerto Rican life, especially on weekends. A beautiful bike trail follows the beaches.

Guavate:

Probably a better bet if you have a rental car. You get a beautiful view of the mountainous interior of Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans head here on Sundays for the lechoneras (restaurants selling roasted pig).

Best Beaches:

All the beaches are fantastic but these are some of my favorites: Pinones, Mar Chiquita, Isla Verde, Dorado

Where to Stay:
Coqui Inn
A BUDGET hotel in Isla Verde. Has a nice pool, free wireless internet, and a good snack bar by the pool (although it doesn’t have a regular schedule). You can walk to the Isla Verde beach from here in about 5-10 minutes (using an overpass over the highway). Walk to Sweet Ann Cakes down the street for a great meal anytime of day.  If you don’t like budget hotels, this place isn’t for you.