Although its part of the USA, Puerto Rico has a distinct Caribbean twist. While the American influence is at times all too obvious, heading a little off the beaten track one can find a more authentic, hispanic culture.
Puerto Rico's Best Beaches
On the North coast of the island, the sea is a lot rougher - as such most of the beaces here are less crowded.
Isla Verde is a decent beach near San Juan, while nearby Luquillo beach is a little less crowded.
Probably the most picture perfect, relaxing beach is Flamenco beach on Culebra Island.
Puerto Rico offers some decent surfing beaches - consider Pine Beach Grove (Isla Verde) and La Pared in Luquillo. For windsurfing head to Condado Lagoon, Boqueron Bay or Ocean Park beach.
Best things to do in Puerto Rico
1. Visit the Tibes or Caguana Indian Ceremonial Centres for displays of traditional Amerindian culture and society.
2. Head to Mona island for some lovely beaches populated by huge iguanas and a plentitude of bird life.
3. Go rafting or explore the caves and pre-columbian art around Rio Camuy.
4. Many a deep sea fishing record has been set in Puerto Rico, and the excellent fishing remains a prime reason to take a vacation here.
5. There's also a plentitude of top quality golf courses - over 20 it total.
6. Horseriding is also a popular activity in Puerto Rico - the country prides itself on it's many paso fino horses.
7. Visit El Yunque National Park -a huge park of tropical rainforest with much birdlife and other wildlife to see.
8. Just relax and appreciate Puerto Rico's lovely beaches.
Accommodation & Where to Stay
If you're on a budget, there's very few options for you. The cheapest hotels in Puerto Rico cost from $50 minimum - most being larger, luxury all inclusive resorts. Look a little harder though and you will find a range of smaller, more intimate luxury hotels.
San Juan is the capital city. The old quarter is a charming old blend of cobblestone streets, but the modern section is a less attractive, sprawling city. The international beach resorts here are huge, and lacking in character.
Fajardo is a boating centre with various marinas and fine beaches nearby. There's various enormous resorts nearby.
The South East of Puerto Rico is less touristy and one of the prettiest regions. Patillas, Maunabo, Guayama and Punta Guilarte all offer more intimate, smaller hotels.
Flights
Almost all the major American airlines offer flights to Puerto Rico. Airlines that fly from Europe include Condor and Iberia. From elsewhere in Latin America, Copa has flights from Panama, while LIAT and American Eagle offer flights to other destinations in the Caribbean.
Flights within Puerto Rico are offered by both American Eagle and Vieques Air Link - San Juan, Ponce and Mayaquez are served.
