Thursday, August 7, 2014

Puerto Rico --- Jan 2014


Puerto Rico (together with Puerto Rican sister islands Culebra and Vieques) is absolutely beautiful with pristine white sand beaches minus crowd. Water is of amazing color, and is warm with higher density. I loved floating and enjoying drinks in ocean.  Old San Juan has amazing vibe and one can feel that life is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. Drinks allowed on streets and nobody checks your ID. First time sat directly under the fall and it was amazing; didn’t feel like leaving the El Yunque rainforest.

Currency and Language-

  •   US Dollars is the main currency in Puerto Rico as Puerto Rico is US territory
  •   Credit cards are accepted at all places
  •            You can easily get around with English, but may come across only Spanish speaking people
  •          Drink bottled or boiled water only as water there can cause diarrhea
 High-level Transportation Tips-
  • Ferries (2 hrs max) to islands- Culebra and Vieques start from city- Fajardo
  •           Ferry tickets are super cheap
  •           There are big lines at ferry terminal so better come one hour early from ferry start time. Make sure to buy the return ticket as well at the same time
  •           Flights also go to islands and this option can be considered in case ferries are full or ~$80 (flight) vs ~$2.50 (ferry) don’t bother you
Detailed Planner for Culebra-
  • Don't miss world famous Flamenco beach
  •          There are cheap shared taxis to Flamenco beach from Culebra ferry terminal and airport
  •           Flamenco beach have rest rooms, change rooms and food/drink
  •           If renting the car (Jeep is the only option) in Culebra, please be aware that driving is not easy when people drive rashly on narrow roads with parked vehicles
  •           Kayaking, snorkeling and swim with turtles (Not much reefs though so will suggest to do snorkeling some other part of the Puerto Rico than Culebra) 
  •           Suggestion: 1 day is enough unless you want to be in a beautiful place with nothing to do but relax
Detailed Planner for Vieques-
  • Caracas beach- Absolutely gorgeous, you will see horses too
  •          Sun bay- A very long beach with variety of terrain, lie on rocks or sand
  •           Blue beach- Another beautiful long beach
  •           Mosquito bay kayaking or boat tour to see the bioluminescent organisms (stars look beautiful at night above the bay, plan to go on darkest of the nights)
  •           Rental car is needed  and easy to drive here
  •           1 or 2 local bars turn into nightclubs at night- don’t miss it 
  •           Suggestion: Rent a house
Detailed Planner for Puerto Rico Main Land

San Juan- A lot to do in this happening place and try to spend most of your time here in Puerto Rican main island.
  • Old San Juan with castle, museum and court
  •  Old San cobble streets along with blue ocean and green grass - mesmerizing
  •            Pubs/clubs in San Juan
  •            Bacardi Rum factory near San Juan, plan carefully so that last tour is not missed. The last tour goes in late afternoon
  •            El Yunque rainforest (La mina waterfall and rainforest trails hiking and Luquillo beach)
Arecibo-
  •  Window Cave
  •  Arecibo telescope
- Cabo Rojo-
  • Palaya Sucia and lighthouse- mesmerizingly beautiful
- Fajardo-
  •  Bioluminescent tour can be done from here as well
  Must Do-
  • Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
  •           Bacardi Rum factory, Puerto Rico
  •           Flamenco beach, Culebra
  •        Kayaking/snorkeling/scuba diving




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