See more of Puerto Rico with a self-drive holiday
An island packed with adventure at every corner, Puerto Rico is the perfect destination for those travelers who enjoy coastal and mountain drives and plenty of variety.
It is possible to remain in one holiday base throughout, with day trips never more than a two-hour drive away from the capital, San Juan.
San Juan base (north coast)
With its rich culture and historic attractions, Old San Juan has undergone a transformation in recent years into one of the hottest places to be seen in the Caribbean. Visitors can enjoy the art deco architecture alongside upmarket shopping districts, chic new hotels and bars and salsa beats.
Suggested day trip destinations from San Juan:
PONCE (south coast)
“The pearl of the south”, the second largest city in Puerto Rico enjoys stunning colonial architecture from the late 17 century. An hour and thirty minutes from San Juan makes it a relaxing day trip, with the town's inner core small enough for everything to be visited on foot.
Visit the Castillo Serralles Museo, one of the largest and most imposing buildings in Ponce, heralded as an architectural gem of Puerto Rico and symptomatic of the sugar boom at the turn of the 20th century. Art lovers can glimpse the best and most extensive art collection in the Caribbean at The Ponce Museum of Art, designed by Edward Durrell Stone, which holds works by Velasquez, Rubens and Rodin. Those keen to travel further afield can visit Isla Caja de Muertos (Coffin Island), located 8 miles off the coast, and home to some of the best beaches in US territories.
Drive time from San Juan: 2 hours
El YUNQUE (central)
The only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and a United Nations World Biosphere Reserve, El Yunque is a must-see. More than 100 billion gallons of annual rainfall account for lush plant life and an unusual tropical combination of sparkling leaves & rocks and shadowy paths pierced by sunlight.
Drive time from San Juan: 45 minutes
RINCON (west coast)
The Island’s main surfing town, famed for its stunning sunsets is a big change in scenery and architecture from San Juan. Rincon is peppered with little fishing villages, small paradores, fantastic beachfront views from most of the B&Bs and restaurants. Activities available in Rincon include horseback riding, bike rental, hand gliding and surfing.
Every year, the Humpback Whale migrates just off the coast of Rincon. From the perch of Lighthouse Park, you can watch the whales frolic in the Rincon waters. February is high-season for Rincon whale watching, and you can even see the great humpbacks from your spot on the beach. Day trips on charter boats and sailing vessels can get you almost as close to the whales to touch.
Drive time from San Juan: 2 ½ hours
FAJARDO (west coast)
Famous for its sailing scene, this small city boasts the largest marina in the Caribbean. Perfect for hiring a day trip on the water, visitors can explore its coves and bays which house tropical fish and coral reefs at shallow depths. Seven Seas beach is recommended for relaxing and snorkelling, while nature lovers are spoilt for choice amongst the seven different ecological systems including lagoons, mangroves and dry forest created by the city’s imposing headlands.
Drive time from San Juan: 50 minutes
Spend a day in San Juan, Old San Juan, Rincon, Ponce and El Yunque with the Western & Oriental (W&O) tailor-made self drive itinerary, available from 15 August to 8 December 2011. Prices start from £1419.
For further information on this W&O package, visit: wandotravel.com
For more on Puerto Rico, visit: seepuertorico.com