"Asturnut's Puerto Rico Page" Puerto Rico by asturnut

Puerto Rico Travel Guide: 2,311 reviews and 5,976 photos

Underrated tropical paradise

For anyone living in North America, Puerto Rico is an ideal tropical destination for several reasons.
Obviously, the location is a real plus, especially if you live on the eastern side of the continent. It isn't a fiasco of long flight after flight, like for example, trying to get to Hawaii or other Polynesian delights. Another bonus is that unlike many other carribean destinations, it hasn't been overrun with commercial tourism garbage. If you desire luxury accomodations, you can find that on Puerto Rico too, but without having the experience stripped of all it's culture. In PR you can have meaningful interaction with locals whether you are staying in modest hotel or opulent casino. And the #1 reason I love PR, is frankly, it's cheap without being cheap. Puerto Rico is an inexpensive and underrated tropical destination. You can have a traditional resort vacation or a "through the back door" travelers vacation for a real bargain on this wonderful little island. The airfare is extremely inexpensive, especially coming from the East Coast. I have seen fares as low as $150 roundtrip.

But to be honest, Puerto Rico is a beautiful island that is contrasted by the poverty of the people who live there. To get a real feel for Puerto Rico, you have to leave the resorts in San Juan and go into the countryside. You will be struck by how people, despite their destitute circumstances, can be so warm and friendly. If you happen to live in a city that has a large Puerto Rican population (as I do, with 45%), you may think you know something about them and their history and cultural identity. I can tell you, you're probably wrong. Until you see the Boricuas/Boriquen (the name for the indigenous population of PR- "Puerto Rican" is an english term) in their "natural habitat" you can't really appreciate what a special and interesting population they are. PR will give you the perspective you need to wear some of the raw edges off your predjudices and preconcieved notions about Puerto Rican culture.

More to PR than just San Juan

While San Juan, especially the old part of the city, has many sites worth seeing, you should make a concerted effort to visit sites away from the capital city. Another popular destination is Camuy Caverns, which is worthy of a visit. Of course, guided tours are available to see the most popular sites. But Puerto Rico is a small enough island that you can rent a car and drive around yourself to see the sites off the beaten path on your own, which is what I recommend.

A good place to start:
http://welcome.topuertorico.org/

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Paradise without a bunch of annoying tourists and long flights

Last visit to Puerto Rico: Dec 1993
Intro Updated Jan 13, 2005
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Reviews (9)

Shadows of ferns & palms in El Yunque - Puerto Rico

El Yunque Rainforest Off The Beaten Path (3)

El Yunque Rainforest is beautiful and wonderful-- you just have to see it for yourself. My pictures came out terribly... more travel advice

A waterfalll in the El Yunque Camuy area - Puerto Rico

Camuy Caverns Off The Beaten Path (3)

I was also suprised to discover that Puerto Rico is positively littered with caves and caverns. For such a small island,... more travel advice

Statue of Jesus on the campus of Sacred Heart - Puerto Rico

Sacred Heart University Off The Beaten Path (3)

more travel advice

Governor's mansion in Old San Juan - Puerto Rico

Old San Juan Things to Do (1)

Old San Juan is charming. The buildings are beautiful and the promenade has a lovely view of the sea. Old San Juan is a... more travel advice

What to Pack (1)
Packing List
Favorites (2)
See All El Coqui

Comments (22)

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kuper1 Mar 22, 2010 at 12:09 PM

What kinds of small gifts should i bring for people. Also, have you been or heard about misquito bay?? Please write back soon. Thank you. jen
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mrclay2000 Jan 4, 2004 at 9:49 PM

I think this is my first Puerto Rico page on VT. Interesting portrayal.
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Luchonda Nov 29, 2003 at 9:53 PM

Short but nice page !! Greets from Belgium !
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Drphoto Oct 29, 2003 at 10:46 PM

A lovely page...
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tpangelinan Sep 13, 2003 at 7:47 AM

Very nice page! The rain forest sound beautiful, we went thru one in Jamaica and loved it! Caving sound like fun! Great information and photos! :-)
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nomorewars Aug 23, 2003 at 8:40 PM

El Yunque Rainforest was one of the many highlights of my trip to Puerto Rico in 1988. Thanks for bringing me back.
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pili Feb 18, 2003 at 2:59 PM

Nice page. Your intro is very informative. Thanks.
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craic Jan 6, 2003 at 6:43 PM

Cutie little frog!
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traveldave Jan 6, 2003 at 7:32 AM

Puerto Rico looks like a beautiful island. I agree about getting away from the touristy areas to really appreciate a country.
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frankcanfly Sep 18, 2002 at 10:34 PM

El Yunque is a great daytrip!!