"The Main Island" Top 5 Page for this destination Puerto Rico by PA2AKgirl

Puerto Rico Travel Guide: 3,018 reviews and 5,889 photos

La Coca falls at El Yunque - Puerto Rico

I didn't get to spend too much time on the main island--most of it was spent on an island off the east coast, called Vieques. Therefore, I'm going to put everything about Vieques on its own separate page and just combine everything else. Unfortunately, I didn't get to the south coast to Ponce or to the west coast to Rincon...places I really wanted to see. Just not enough time...I'll get it done next time, though:)

On my last day, we did get to El Yunque, the rainforest--even though we had to do a whirlwind tour of it, it was amazingly beautiful.

At Galeria San Juan in Old San Juan

I spent my 1st night, my last afternoon and a portion of another day in San Juan. I definitely like the city--the architecture and colors, specifically. Also the people are very nice and helpful here. Even though it ended up I was never on my own here, I wouldn't have felt uncomfortable at all if I would have been.

Isla Verde skyline

My last 15+ hours were spent in Isla Verde, part of Carolina near San Juan. It's pretty nice--a typical suburb in some ways but the people there are also very sweet. This is the only time I was traveling alone, but I just started talking to some people and spent the remainder of the evening with them. They were all from Pennsylvania too, so it could be they just felt responsible to take care of me. Either way, it was a good night and I enjoyed Isla Verde.

The rest of my time on the main island I was in Fajardo, which I will certainly comment on--my least favorite place...I heard it called either the New Jersey of Puerto Rico or the Staten Island. Regardless of what it can be compared to, I am sure there are some good things about it. The only reason I was there multiple times is because that's where the ferry from Vieques docks or where Vieques Air Link flies into. OR my time was spent on the Autopista trying to get from San Juan to Fajardo.

Last visit to Puerto Rico: Mar 2004
Intro Updated Jun 27, 2004
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Reviews (14)

The best hotel ever (in San Juan) Hotels (3)

Ahhh, if I could have stayed here, it would have made my trip even better. But, I just got to meet some of the people... more travel advice

The Bar and "get drunk, fall down" sign - Puerto Rico

I think I'm getting old Tourist Traps (1)

I stayed at the Wyndham in Old San Juan and my flight got in late. I thought we were going to experience Pinones, so I... more travel advice

Definitely a local hangout - Puerto Rico

Definitely a local hangout Nightlife (2)

My first night in town, my flight arrived a bit late into San Juan. By the time I got to my hotel, it was pretty late... more travel advice

To get to or from the islands Transportation (2)

The Fajardo airport makes me laugh. It's about the size of my house and has NOTHING in the way of security. The only... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (26)

sachara Apr 6, 2007 at 1:09 PM Report Abuse

Katey, nice to read about El Yunque rainforest. During my one day stop I only visited the old town of San Juan.
wcph Aug 28, 2005 at 5:52 PM Report Abuse

Great page - enjoyed reading it and the photos.
chiara76 Jul 3, 2005 at 1:22 PM Report Abuse

Nice page, wonderful pictures, useful infos, good job! Greetings from Poland.
jadedmuse Oct 20, 2004 at 9:16 PM Report Abuse

You pretty much nailed some of the P.R. specialities and quirks, too...I have family in Puerto Rico. It can be both a challenge and a delight!
f1unland Oct 10, 2004 at 10:21 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic pages - the "get drunk fall down sign" really made me LOL!! Excellent work, tips, and first-class photo's :-))
Allikatac Oct 4, 2004 at 8:11 AM Report Abuse

Really great tips, especially the driving! I wish I would have had the chance to visit Vieques... Happy traveling
micas_pt Aug 13, 2004 at 4:05 PM Report Abuse

Interesting and honest descriptions! Enjoyed reading your page about PR.
cheekymarieh Jul 15, 2004 at 10:33 AM Report Abuse

I don't think I'd be able to choose between plantains with crab, the coconut shrimp with a pineapple sweet and sour sauce. I'd like to try them all!
Cabana_Boy Jul 14, 2004 at 5:51 PM Report Abuse

hahaha....I remember all the bloody stop lights on route 3 between San Juan and Fajardo.....that drive did suck...
kazander Jun 30, 2004 at 10:37 AM Report Abuse

Doen't sound nearly as fun as Vieques! What driving nightmares!