Hey guys and gals Going to San Juan, Puerto Rico in about 2 and a half weeks, just looking for feedback from anyone that has already been. Currently will be staying beachfront near Old San Juan for 4 nights and then probably renting a car and going to stay near the base of the rainforest for 2 days. Food or activity suggestions if you've got em?
it's a great place to play pick-up ball. they are bball crazy, with courts in every neighborhood packed till way past dark.
One of my favourite things to do is visit the Botanical Gardens in the Universite de Puerto Rico area. Make sure you bring or use a GPS because some of the roads and signs get confusing if you don't speak Spanish. I'm going to PR towards the end of August actually as well.
If its your first time there, you have to go to "El Morro" Fort, is amazing!! its the most popular historic site in Puerto Rico. Its very interesting.
Jaja, I just clicked on the thread to say try the vaca acostada, all 9 lbs. Mess with the bull and you get the horns.
As far as food, you have to try the rice and beans or some arroz con pollo. It's probably the most popular food on the island, something like BBQ would be to Texas. The beans are called habichuelas, they're different from what you would find in in Texas usually. Rice and beans can be served with tostones which are like flattened fried plantains, tasty. You might also want to try mofongo which is like a mound of plantains stuffed with whatever type of meat or vegetables you want. Lechon is roast pork and is really good also, it's a popular meal on the island for big get togethers. On the beach and in old San Juan there are lots of street type vendors and their food is usually pretty good, don't be afraid to try it out... it's safe to eat. A lot of the best places to eat are mom and pop type places that don't look like much. Basically follow the locals. Try an alcapurria, they're like homemade hot pockets. Fried plantains stuffed with beef or crab or shrimp, really good. Or try a bacalaito, it's like a fried cod fritter, really tasty. Especially on the beaches they sell piraguas which are like shaved ice cones with flavoring, really popular. In general the food in Puerto Rico has more seasoning than you'd find in the US, especially the meats, and a lot of the food is deep fried. If you're going to drink, rum is their liquor. Bacardi works out of there. There's a soft drink called Malta, drink it at your own risk. It's awful really but it's popular there. Coco Rico is like a cononut flavored soft drink, it's not bad. Oh yeah, some drug dealer just got arrested down there so I would be careful where you go late at night. There's speculation there could be a wave of violence down there because of the jostling for power in the drug scene. It's nothing like Mexico but people have been known to disappear on late night walks on the beach if you catch my drift.
Lived there for 8 years of my life during the championship years. El Yunque - The rain forest El Morro - The Spanish fort (stay away from "La Perla" next to the fort as it is dangerous. It is very safe to go to the fort Playa Flamenco or Zoni in Culebra Island - Go to Fajardo and take a Ferry ($2-3) and then take a bus to the beach (this is a whole day event...but it is worth it because it is rated in the top 5 beaches in the world Arecibo observatory - Seen in Contact and James Bond movie Camuy Caves Phosphorescent Bay in Cabo Rojo Ocean Park for the best view of water and ppl. Let me know if you have further questions... You can email me through CF.net
Is El Yunque a whole day trip? Can I stay in San Juan and drive over or should I book an hotel closer toward that area?
Drive to El Yunque, this will probably be the only real time you will use a rental car. Parking in Old San Juan and driving is not fun at all. Also going to El Yunque does not have to be an all day trip unless you really plan to hike that whole thing. Just remember it will be fun as hell hiking down, but notice the faces of everyone coming back up that is hell. A fun hotel to stay at http://www.elsanjuanhotel.com/index.cfm This following company has a slew of good restaurants in and around San Juan, http://www.oofrestaurants.com/ especially dragonfly, aguaviva, and koco Also a Great shop, for spices, jams, sauces etc. http://www.spicycaribbee.com/ Also the Bacardi rum tour is not that bad, it is a cheap trip and you get free drinks. You can also buy 12 year old rum that is only available in the Caribbean. http://www.casabacardi.org/
No its not...I usually get to el Yunque early in the morning (less traffic) ... start at the bottom and work my way to the top. If you want to cheat you can drive and park your car halfway through and get to the top. After I am done, which is around noon I go to Playa Luquillo to eat and relax. They have tons of Kioskos where they sell food. Mostly fried good yummy food. Piononos are great sweet plantain filled with ground beef. Alcapurias are fried tubers with meat inside. Empanadas and pastellillos. It is cheap and worth trying.
Something to add... I live in the states now...so last time I went i rented a car. It was $240 for 9 days. Driving in PR is quite crazy! Traffic jams suck and people do not obey the law. However, it is a cheap alternative. Food is really cheap too. Mom and pops are safe to eat at. Food is savory not spicy. Arroz con gandules or arroz con pollo are the most popular. Our French fries are plantains. Try to eat the different ways that they are cooked (tostones, arañitas, mofongo, amarillos, platanutres. The other staple is a roast succulent pig (lechon).
