Recommendations for Puerto Rico Vacation -- including teenager?

Puerto Rico is a great place to visit, you'll see that 4 or 5 days isn't much. These are the best places to see: Old San Juan: The Morro in the day, at night there are restaurants and shops. Shopping in the Old San Juan during the day is cool too. There is silver, shops like R.Lauren and tie dye stuff which 14 year olds like. Also on the streets they sell hand made jewelry made of metals and leather. Vieques and Culebra are two islands. You have to take a boat to get there. Have to be early and the sea is rough sometimes. Should have dramamine pills for sea sickness. Also, if you go there mosquito repelant. Culebra is the nicest island. It has the most beautiful beach...white sand and clear water. The great part about PR is that the beach waters are warm... If you have more time, on the south side is Ponce, where I live. There is a historical downtown area similar to the Old San Juan. Nice places to take pictures for a while, but it might not be as fun for a 14 yr. old. Nearby the closest beach is in Guanica (30 mins. from Ponce). There is a "balneario" a beach with bathrooms and parking called Cana Gorda, its very nice. And there are two more beaches Playa Santa, very nice but with no facilities, just a beautiful wild beach and Ballenas-a very wild beach with surfing waves. The panorama is breathtaking. Its worth the drive. There are Burger Kings, McDonalds and other fast foods, plus Kmarts and Walmarts along the way....Old San Juan, Ponce and Guanica are not highly dense areas so crime isn't a big issue. About renting.....or taxis, taxis are too expensive if you plan to leave SJ area. Rentals are a good option, its not that bad! Traffic is worst at 6:30 am to 7:45 am and 4:00 to 8:00 pm in the Metro area. So beware, make sure you are resting or at a fun place at these times! Have fun!!!!

The entire west side of the island is absolutely breathtaking...I would most definitely recommend visiting some of the traditional places like San Juan and El Yunque, but there are also places like the Arecibo Observatory, Cuevas de Camuy (a cave tour), and the Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park (which I enjoyed for the beautiful view and life-size replicas of Taino tents).

If you don't mind walking, there is a path up to the tallest mountain, called Toro *****, and it's real easy going, with great views along the way. Once you get to the top, there is an old observing tower, and you will swear you are touching the clouds, and can see the ocean from there :)

There is also a bioluminescent bay on Vieques Island, and another on the Southwest side of the island. You could also check out the black sand beach on Vieques.

And I, too, think you should rent a car...you'll feel better about driving yourself around, than to have someone else drive you around who is already used to the crazy driving on the island.

Last, activities usually run from free (hiking the mountain), to about 14-15 dollars (Camuy). Along the way, don't be afraid to stop at roadside stands and get some food; and definitely stop if you see a "Piragua" sign-- that's a little ice cup with a thick fruit syrup (Parcha is passionfruit and is AMAZING).

You should definitely explore more than San Juan! Ponce is a nice place but there's much more to see. Seven Seas, Vieques, Culebra..all these are beaches in the East Side of the island and all are beautiful with cristal clear waters. El Yunque is also in the East side and if offers the opportunity to hike and appreciate Nature first hand. In that side of the island you can also rent kayaks (which your teenager would love)! In the night you could go see the bioluminiscent bay which can only be seen in seven places around the World and at least three of them are here in the island.

In the South, there are more beaches, clubs and nice hotels. There's a place called La Parguera in Lajas where young people meet. There you can also see the bioluminiscent bay and more. A water park called Las Cascadas which is very fun and although is not as big as in the states it's nice.

If you're or were a military (id holder) you could also visit Fort Buchanan and stay at the hotel on post which is less expensive.

Here are some websites that you and your teeager might like

http://www.expedicionespalenque.com/index_en.html

http://www.guidetocaribbeanvacations.com/puerto_ri...

http://www.enchanted-isle.com/

http://puertorico-guide.info/attractions/beaches/b...

http://www.visit-the-coqui.com/2009/02/seven-seas-...

Hello!

1. Yes! PR is much more than San Juan! Go to El Yunke, its a rain forest; Ponce, great city!

2. You should rent a car, is not too expensive and it will be more confortable for you. Traffic is a little crazy, but you can handle it lol. The worst time to drive would be a little before 8:00am and 5:00pm, since ppl are going to/coming from work, and the traffic jams are crazy!

3. In PR, you can go and ride horses, snorkeling, kayaking, there are bioluminiscent bays, rappeling, climbing etc... There is plenty to do! Of course dont forget the beaches!

www.gotopuertorico.com

Check that out!!!! And enjoy your visit!

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