Puerto Rico

We flew into San Juan and did our first couple of days there in New San Juan.  We spent some time here at Condado Beach, and also checked out Old San Juan.  We rented a car and it was really easy to get around.  Taxis are also easy.

We then drove to Fajardo (about 1hr drive from San Juan) and took a ferry across to the island of Vieques.  Fajardo was easy to find.  Its pretty much one road all the way from San Juan.  We had a little trouble finding the port, but we asked someone and they gave us great directions.  There is a place to leave your rental car for cheap, and the lot is gated.

Vieques easily had the most beautiful beaches we saw.  We rented a beat up old Tracker jeep when we were on the island.  It was run down, missing windows, and filled with mosquitos, but it was definitely a great part of the experience.  All the tourists on the island drive them and its so funny to see how much worse other people's jeeps are!  You can take taxis on the island, but I highly recommend renting a car. 

You can take a map and drive across the small island and explore different beaches.  If we pulled into a beach that had people on it, we simply drove a bit further down the coast and found a different spot.  It was really easy to get a private beach.  Also while on Vieques, we did a kayak tour of the bioluminescent bay.  The BioBay is the brightest on the planet and is a MUST SEE.  Pictures cannot describe this experience.  It was only $30 to take a kayak into the bay and swim around in the amazing glowing water.  If beaches aren't your thing, the BioBay alone makes the trip to Vieques worth it.

After two nights on the island, we took an early ferry back to Fajardo and picked up our car where we left it.  We then drove to El Yunque Rainforrest.  It took a little over an hour from Fajardo.  We took one of the trails to La Mina Falls.

Once at the falls you can swim in the water.  Its VERY cold, but feels good once your in after the hike!  The hike was less then a mile each way and can be done by just about anyone.

After the rainforest, we continued driving back through San Juan and to the other side of the island to Puerto Rico.  It took us about 5 hours from the rainforest to get there, but we got lost.  It should be possible to do in 3-4 hours.    This is the lighthouse in Rincon at sunrise.  When we were there, there was a Whale Festival going on with food and rides.

Other than the whales that can be seen from the shore, Rincon is known for its good surfing.  When we were there, there was a surfing competition going on.  It made the beaches a bit crowded, but it was fun to watch the professional surfers. Rincon also has lots of great outdoor bars, a good nightlife, and lots of young folks and surfer types.  It had a very Hawaii-type laid back feel.  We loved Rincon.

After a couple of nights in Rincon, we drove back to San Juan for our final night.  We spent some more time in Old San Juan which has narrow cobblestoned streets and the cutest buildings.  There is great shopping spots along here.  It also has some great bars and a good nightlife.

The last thing we did in San Juan was see the El Morro Fort.  Its on the very tip of the island.  We drove there easily and there is a good parking lot not too far.  This is a must for any history buff.  The fort used to protect the island.  There are lots of pretty views of the island from here as well.

After this, we headed home, but we loved our itinerary and the trip was great!