I think that we have overlooked Puerto Rico as a great vaca destination. Always thought of PR as the airline stop between the U.S. and Caribbean destinations. El Yunque post has piqued our interest. Any recommendations or travel advice on rain forest adventures and beautiful, uncrowded beaches? Local flavor a plus. Not especially interested in all inclusive type resorts.

Out the door to visit friends on a long weekend. Hope you get lots of responses, but I have a bunch options, but will not have time till next week.

My family had a fantastic vacation in Ricon one Christmas. The locals welcomed us into their community parties, we had a great time buying fish off a guy in a parking lot, drove all over the place to explore, did the little bio bay nearby. Rincon is a very small town--you wouldn't choose it if you can't make your own entertainment or need a hopping night life, although they are a social bunch and there was both surfing and snorkeling in the area. My parents did San Juan a few years later and didn't have the same great time we all had in Rincon.
Lann

I used to have the same attitude about PR that you do -- a necessary layover en route to someplace else. I've since changed my attitude, and will be taking my 5th PR-only vacation later this year. Although not responsive to your questions about El Yunque (other than seeing it from a distance), I have several PR trip reports on my webpage here: Islandtime. I've stayed once in Fajardo (near El Yunque) at El Conquistador; stayed in Rincon at the Horned Dorset; and twice sailed the SVI. Also have added many days at the end or beginning of other trips in San Juan, which is a beautiful city.

PR has the benefits of being relatively easy to get to from the US, and being, in fact, part of the US. But it is distinctly Latin in flavor and style, and Caribbean in geography. And it's a pretty big island (for the Caribbean), with lots to explore.

Thanks for the responses! Now for some research....

I was the poster that started the thread about planning a trip to El Yunque.

On the way to STJ in Feb 2012, we stopped over in PR for three nights. A few in our group wanted to see something new and on a whim, we booked rooms at the El Convento.

We had a fantastic time. We spent the trip on foot, walking everywhere in the old city. We did both of the forts, a tour of the governers mansion, and a lot of strolling around. We are loved the historic El Convento. It is on the higher price end but we felt the location and the extras like a fantastic nightly reception was worth it. There is a small but lovely rooftop pool with a seating area that has nice views over the old city and harbor. It was a great spot to cool off at the end of the day before getting ready for dinner.

Now I am trying to plan a February 2014 trip to El Yunque. Our plan is to stay for 4 nights on our way to STJ (again). We like smaller accomodations and I like a clean, well-run place. We would like a place with nice outdoor areas to relax in the evenings. Would welcome any suggestions.

We started out that way, too -- just seeing Puerto Rico only from SJU. Then we did a 2-night stay enroute to St. Martin one year and then a 3-night stay the following year, and then two 9- or 10-day visits in subsequent years dedicated to seeing PR. Here's a link to a trip report I wrote a few years back. Hope it gives you some insights!
Jamie's Puerto Rico Trip Report

Thanks everybody!

Try Palmetto Guest House on Culebra , Puerto Rico. Owners formerly lived in BVI .I''ve been trying to get there for years. Just didn't work out. Maybe too Relaxing for you but have a look at their website www.palmettoculebra.com

Palmetto is under new ownership as Teri and Mark have sold it and moved on.

I would love to find a lowrise on PR, small unit on the beach, doesn't have to be in town, I would rent a car and drive. I would like to just walk out the door to the beach, cooking facilities, good view, quiet and private.
I am open to all suggestions.
Ellen

Ellen,

I think I would start here Jobos Beach Isabella PR

Not far from Aguadilla - Very quiet area

Trying to plan a Christmas vacation trip with family. I know it's crazy then so willing to go out into January. Two adults, three kids 8,6 and 4. Heard that luquillo beach is very nice. Any recommendations for
places to stay? Either villa or all inclusive is fine. Just don't want a condo.
Any suggestions?...
Thanks

first time I saw this post, I was asking why does he care about Puerto Rican cows? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Luquillo is nice but I wouldn't want to spend my whole vacation there...

Don't stay anywhere at Luquillo. It's a state beach and there aren't any nice places to stay on or near that beach. It is very crowded on weekends.

Sorry not quite accurate as the Luquillo Beach Resort is very nice and run well. Don't be so all encompassing in your opinion.

I would say gjconsultant is right on the money. I go over one weekend a month to shop & we generally stop in Luquillo to eat & it is very crowded on the weekends. Still fun & good food, but very crowded. Lots of campers also. If anyone wants to pm me, I have lots of options & advice.