going to puerto rico..cluesless about everything...?

Question

i am planning for april...we are planning on staying at a hotel in san juan...i heard people mention san juan beach hotel is nice place..any where else?..can i get food and drinks including in my stay?...can i drink the water?...please tell me anything i everything i need to know....

Answer 1

In terms of the beaches, many are very nice. However, you must take caution because many of the areas around San Juan have strong undercurrents or have rocky areas around them. Most of the major hotels have pools and you can play on the beach, but you should check on the swimming before you go in.

There are many great opportunities in and around San Juan. There are many clubs and casinos, if you like that. Old San Juan is great and you can spend a lot of time in the forts and shopping. The most common spots in Old San Juan are the Paseo de la Princessa, which is Passage of the Princess. It's just a really nice walk. While there, you can get Piragua, which is like italian ice. It's really great and is an authentic snack. Also in Old San Juan, you can go to El Morro and the Fort of St. Christopher. These are cool to walk around. Everyone flies kites at El Morro. There are trolleys that run all around the island so you can get around easily.

Day trips from San Juan include going to the Bicardi Ron Factory (Rum) in Catano. It's a really nice tour. It's historical but not too boring, the grounds are beautiful, it's entertaining, you can sample the flavors, get an ice cream, and do some discount shopping. Tours to El Yunque, the rain forest, are offered. There are many trails at El Yunque, which is beautiful, the most famous of which is a descent to La Mina Falls. It's a bit of a walk, and slippery at times, but it's beautiful. You can swim in the falls.
Also, I recommend Castillo tours if you'd like to do some snorkeling. You can find information about this at your concierge. They will pick you up from your hotel, take you to Fajardo, which is where you'll board the catamaran, and you'll sail to Icacos, where you'll snorkel and have lunch (it's a little abandoned island and it's great). Snorkeling is really great. They give fresh fruits on the ride in. Then you'll get back on the bus and return to San Juan.

There isn't much public transportation in Puerto Rico, but there are many tours that can be taken from your hotels. Other options are Arecibo, the world's largest radio telescope (where scientists listen to outer space in hopes of finding et), the Camay Caves (which I didn't do because the bat thing freaked me out), and you can fly from San Juan International to Vieques or Culebra, small islands off of PR that are gorgeous-- Culebra has some of the best beaches in the world.

Food is plentiful all over the tourist areas and you can find Burger King, Ruby Tuesdays, and other "American" restaurants if that's your fancy. Puerto rican food consists of a protein and rice and beans or mofongo (a plantain dish)-- usually chicken is served. Other choices include empanadas, pork, and churascarria food.

Are you renting a car? If so, you can access some nice beaches in Dorado, to the west, and Luqillo, to the east. They are great and safe. But, as stated before, driving in PR can be a bit crazy because cars are everywhere-- PR has the highest car-per-capita rate in the world. Stick to main roads and, at night, be extra-cautious because people don't really obey traffic lights (specifically stops) after dark.

In terms of price, the prices are similar to ours, especially if you're eating in american restaurants. The activities can be pricey, too, however you have to enjoy it while you're there.

I hope this helps! Enjoy so much. *If you have additional questions, email me. I can give you more information if you're interested in some local places.

Answer 2

Not sure about 'all inclusive' hotels in Puerto Rico, but if you stay in any of the hotels in San Juan or the Condado area (check expedia for prices or use priceline to make an offer), you will not be short of food options. Food choices range from the usual fast food chains, usual american family restaurants (chili's, longhorn etc.), upmarket restaurants and local Puerto Rican restaurants.

If you are going in a group think about getting a car (just watch out for the local drivers, it can be hectic) and try to see some of the island (away from the tourist beaches).

Check out these guides (online) - do a search for:
frommers+puerto rico
roughguide+puerto rico
lonelyplanet+puerto rico

also check out

visitthecoqui.wordpress.com

Places to see:
Beaches
Old San Juan
El Yunque (rain forest)
Rincon (West Coast)
Ponce (south Coast)
to name a few

Answer 3

The water is safe to drink...cheap hotels in San Juan are hard to find...the only all inclusive hotel is in Rio Grande...The Paradisus...

You can check www.welcome to Puerto Rico .org