This is a very full day and a real ADVENTURE, but well worth the experience. (May want to have map in hand)
Get up early and head west on PR2 towards Arecibo.
Possible Side Trip:
If you are into science and space you can visit the Arecibo Radio Telescope, which is the largest of its type in the world. The telescope is built into the valley of mountains.
Arecibo Telescope was also featured in the movie Contact and James Bond Golden Eye. If you decide to go there, you will have to back track to Arecibo to continue on Hwy 10.. If the telescope is not interesting continue below.
The Trip continues:
The ride of your life and to see the beauty of PR take Highway 10 from Arecibo across the mountains to Ponce. It has been a long time… (30 years) since we have done it, but the views and sights are amazing. This ride is not for the weak of stomach if one is prone to car sickness.
Possible Side Trip off Hwy 10
Puerto Rico is known for their coffee and there are a few plantations along the way. You would have to research their hours. The towns of Utuado and Adjuntas are along the way for short respites. The flora and fauna are amazing. Take it slow and make sure it is a pretty day when you do it.
Possible Side Trip off Hwy 10
If you are feeling really adventurous and comfortable with the drive once can cut off on highway 143 to Cerro de Punta. It is the highest point in PR and if it is a clear clear day you can see about 90% of the island from the top. It is about 30-45 minutes off Highway to 10 to get there and the same to get back.
** There are folks on the side of the road selling chicken and ribs and much like the lolos in SXM some of the best food can be found there.
Time to go to the hotel: Ponce Back to San Juan
It is the second largest town on the island and does have a nice art museum if that is your kind of thing. If not, continue on PR 52, which is a much nice highway over the mountains via Caguas and back into San Juan. Pretty sure it is 4 lane all the way now. If it is San Juan rush hour you may want to stop in Caguas.
This will be a lot of car time, but you will truly get to see Puerto Rico. Do not do on a rainy day!
