Explore Puerto Rico Fifth Edition - Softcover

Pariser, Harry S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1893643522 ISBN 13: 9781893643529

Publisher: Manatee Press, 2015

Synopsis

Harry Pariser gives you detailed information on little-known towns, parks, reserves and offshore islands. His ecologically-aware perspective provides a refreshing look at archaeological sites, preserves and rugged rainforest environments. Old San Juan, El Yunque and the Caribbean National Forest, Palmas del Mar, Ponce, Guanica, Mayaguez, Mona Island, Vieques, Culebra, Arecibo, Camuy, Barranquitas and San German are but a few of the chapters in this book. Each region is covered extensively, with details on where to stay and eat, sailing, chartering and deep-sea adventures, snorkeling and diving, and the best birdwatching and hiking spots. Practical travel tips abound, and the introductory sections on the island's culture, history, geography, religion and customs will stand you in good stead for your next trip. Color photos and maps round out the picture.

About this title

About the Author

Harry S. Pariser has been writing travel guidebooks to Puerto Rico since 1983. His guidebooks have sold tens of thousands of copies.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Sample review of attraction (one of hundreds)

Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve
(Reserva Natural de las Cabezas de San Juan)

Purchased in 1975 by the Conservation Trust for $5.7 million, the 316-acre Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve lies on the island s NE tip. It comprises a number of different ecological communities including mangroves, coral reefs, a dry forest and a series of lagoons; the largest lagoon (Laguna Grande) is seasonally phosphorescent. This wide variety of ecosystems in such a small area is part of what makes the reserve so special. It is the only place on the island where all but one of Puerto Rico s natural communities (the rainforest) can be viewed in a single area. The neoclassical restored lighthouse, El Faro, was constructed at the end of the 19th century. Formerly operated and still owned by the US Coast Guard, it now serves as a visitor s center and educational museum. It houses a nature exhibit, a small aquarium, and an observation deck with views of El Yunque and the USVI. It has been restored using 19th-century techniques.
visiting the reserve: Reservations (tel. 787-722-5882, 787-860-2560 on weekends) are required. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Wheelchair access is limited. Guided tours are offered daily at several times, but tours in English are available only at 2. A trolley takes you through the reserve, thus limiting environmental impact. There s a gift shop. To get here take Carr. 26 from San Juan to Carr. 3. where you head E towards Carolina and take the first Fajardo exit. Make a L from Carr. 3 onto Carr. 194. Turn L at the traffic light on the corner of the Monte Brisas Shopping Center and then turn R at the next traffic light. Continue until you hit Carr. 987 where you turn L and head straight until you reach the reserve.

Sample excerpt from accommodations section:

Isabel Segunda Practicalities

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are a few small but not especially cheap hotels in town.

Set on the N Shore Rd. past the ferry landing and the lighthouse, Water s Edge (tel.787-741-1128, fax 787-741-0690; Box 1374, Vieques, PR 00765) is the top in-town pick. It is comfortable yet laid back. The oceanfront location means that you can open your window and let the tradewinds cool you or use the fan or a/c. The (unswimmable but most attractive) beach is just a few steps from the pool.

Rooms have fans and a/c, cable TV, balconies, and (mostly superfluous) mosquito nets. Rates run from around $76.30 d to $150 d (includes tax). The villa is $300 pn or $1800 for the week.

Its gourmet Oasis Restaurant is one of the best in town. There s also a two-bedroom luxury villa ($1,800 and $2,500 pw) for rent. It has a private pool, sun deck, and laundry facilities.
h2oedge@coqui.net

Near the entrance to town from Esperanza and the Airport, the Tropical Guesthouse (tel. 787-741-2449) offers clean but simple rooms for $50 s, $75 d.

The 35-room a/c Ocean View (tel. 787-741-3696/2175, fax 787-741-0545; Box 124, Vieques, PR 00765) is on Plinio Peterson just minutes on foot from the ferry terminal. Rates start from $65 d. Two-rm. suites (hold four) are $75. It has a Chinese restaurant.

near town: Set on a hilltop in Barricada Fuerte and commanding a spectacular view, the 16-room Sea Gate (tel. 787-741-4661, fax 787-741-2978; Box 747, Vieques, PR 00765) is run by the Miller family. They offer free transport to and from the airport and ferry, to and from Sun Bay, or to and from Red Beach. Rates run from $45 to $60 per room. They also have a cottage ($80) which can sleep four. It is, however, not for caninephobes: the Millers have a number of dogs.
seagate@coqui.net

{continued in book text}

Edition details

• Publisher: Manatee Press
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1893643522
• ISBN 13: 9781893643529
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 360