Puerto Rico, the Shining Star!

[AlteredEgo]

I've never been to Puerto Rico before. I'll be there this September for a whole week from the 10-17th. What must I absolutely see? I'm going with a native, and visiting his relatives, but his relatives are in their 50's and up, and may not know everything 20-somethings might want to check out, and he hasn't lived there in over five years.

So far, my itinerary includes a phosphorescent beach, and a cave system in the jungle, and a boat ride on a river, as well as a pool party and a trip on their tiny train system.

I want to see a concert, try great restaurants, check out some historical sites, and maybe a bar hop or two. Have you got any advice?

 

[D_Rufus Rodzilla]

Don't miss the rain forest. It's beautiful and you'll love the sound of the coqui frogs. My preference is the beaches on the southwest side of the island. It's dry and sunny there almost all the time. Cheers!

 

[AlteredEgo]

Ooh! I'm sure I can get my hosts to take me for a hike in the rain forest. As for coquis, their house is surrounded! I remember the first time I heard them over the phone. It's beautiful! Thanks for the tip.

 

[2322]

Old San Juan! It's the oldest European settlement in the United States, founded in 1509 (499 years!!) by Ponce de Leon. It's an amazing piece of history and on the UN's World Heritage list.

 

[Balljunkie]

Try to get to Vieques. Absolutely beautiful beaches. If you are gay, you will love Condado beach and the Atlantic Beach Club. The club Eros is also fun.

If you are straight, try Laser in Old San Juan. A truly fun place.

The food is really good, and I found a restaurant in Santurce that served amazing pastelon de carne. And the empanadillas on the street stands are incredible.

You may also like the Bacardi factory. They give samples. If you into gambling, there is a casino.

You will love Fajardo (that is where the phosphorescent beach is.)

 

[kalipygian]

Ooh! I'm sure I can get my hosts to take me for a hike in the rain forest. As for coquis, their house is surrounded! I remember the first time I heard them over the phone. It's beautiful! Thanks for the tip.

I would recommend also going into the forest at night, it's wonderful to listen, and to watch the fireflies.

 

[AlteredEgo]

Old San Juan! It's the oldest European settlement in the United States, founded in 1509 (499 years!!) by Ponce de Leon. It's an amazing piece of history and on the UN's World Heritage list.

I think their train system ends a short walk from Old San Juan. I definitely have to see that. I had no idea it was that old, though, or that the UN had a World Heritage List. Thanks!

 

[AlteredEgo]

I would recommend also going into the forest at night, it's wonderful to listen, and to watch the fireflies.

Is there anything I need to know about the forest at night before I go? Anything special I need to pack in my suitcase that I might forget?