Posts Tagged ‘puerto rico’

Puerto Rican Destinations Not to be Missed

Written by MichaelZ on June 13, 2010 – 11:59 am -

Puerto Rico is a fabulous travel destination that is sometimes overlooked in favor of better-known locales.   Puerto Rico has many advantages over other international destinations; for example, for those who are American citizens, no passport is required to enter the country.   It has all the feel of an international locale, with none of the hassles entering the country. This Puerto Rico travel guide is here for you to determine some great places to visit on your trip to this beautiful island destination.

The Castillo de San Felipe del Morro – also known as the El Morro – is the best-known gem of Old San Juan.   It has been Old San Juan’s most recognizable landmark for over 400 years.  Its primary function was to protect the valuable shipping route taking sailors from the Old World to the New.  To take a walk through the citadel gives visitors a fascinating journey through Puerto Rico’s military history.   From the cannons atop  the El Morro, still pointing out to sea, or the amazing sentry boxes, you can experience what it felt like to be a colonial era soldier.

Next on your list is the Vieques Biobay – perfect for a moonless night.  Begin by paddling your kayak through the mangrove trees into Mosquito Bay. What begins as a routine little trip on the water ends as you emerge into one of the most stunning bioluminescent bays in the world.   

“The Anvil” or El Yunque is the one and only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.    This mountainous terrain is lush and gorgeous, two hours from San Juan and a world away from the sandy beaches.   You’ll find beginner and advanced hikes at El Yunque, and you can end your hike with a dive under a waterfall.

Your next trip should be to Culebrita, a fairly isolated and unspoiled destination on Culebra Island.   There is but one manmade structure on Culebrita – a lighthouse – so it is the perfect place to relax.  Frolic among the turtles at Playa Tortuga or snorkel along West Beach for a memorable experience.  

Finally, the Camuy Caves should be on your “to do” list.   Since it is the third largest cave system in the world today, you’ll find plenty to see and do there. Options include mud-sliding, body rafting, free jumping, or just touring and exploring the 600 foot deep cave system.  There is absolutely nothing like it in the world, and will make for a wonderful and memorable experience.

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Gay Travel To Puerto Rico - A Trip Worth Going

Written by MichaelZ on November 13, 2009 – 5:37 pm -

You may be wondering if there is a welcome spot for a gay man or couple to travel in Latin America.  Look no further; the people wecome gay vacationers in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is one of the most enchanting Caribbean islands that one can visit. It is an unincorporated territory of the United States. This means that US citizens can travel to this island without the extra hassle of obtaining visa and immigration documents. It is one of the few areas in the world to legalize gay partnerships. Due to the tolerant outlook of the government, this island is known to be a safe haven for gay couples who want to spend quality time together.

Being in close contact with the US the major language spoken here is English, and dollars are the reigning currency. Winter and spring time forms the tourist season, as people from all over the frozen northern states hurtle down to this tropical paradise. This island is easily accessible via air or sea from most of the major cities in the US.

The best way to experience Puerto Rico as a gay travel enthusiast is to stay in one of the numerous lodgings along the beach and to soak in the activity and culture of the place. The gentle pace of the beaches belies the passionate zeal of the people of this island.

San Juan one of the oldest and most important cities on the island has a host of hotels and accommodations for the inveterate tourist. There is a wide range offered from the basic facilities at cheap prices to expensive luxury hotels. This city is best experienced with waves lapping at ones feet on the beach, or by walking past old churches along narrow, winding cobblestoned pathways.

Once out of the cities, one can head to the many scenic spots on this wonderful island. It is a true tropical paradise complete with an underground river and subterranean cave systems, as well as private beaches and coves. The Rio Camuy Cave Park is the site of the subterranean river, which has carved out the astonishing Cathedral Caves. The El Yunque rainforest is another special reserve of exquisite tropical flora and fauna, as well as extensive hiking trails, streams and waterfalls.

The island boasts a number of natural beauty spots like the Cathedral Caves with staggering natural formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Also to be seen is the Rio Camuy Cave Park, which is a feature containing the tropical surrounds of an underground river. Nearby is the island of Vieques, which has a sheltered inlet bay filled with bio-luminescent flora and fauna.

Puerto Rico is the favored destination for work weary people all over the globe. But especially for gay people, this island provides a safe haven for self expression and freedom. Tourists are venerated on this island. And the friendly people go out of their way to welcome the guests to this island and its magnificent culture.

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Travel Adventure To Puerto Rico

Written by MichaelZ on October 28, 2009 – 7:06 am -

Puerto Rico is a friendly island on the Eastern Caribbean, it appeals to travelers for many reasons. As a USA territory so it does not require a passport or visa for US citizens. You may arrive to the island as if they were arriving to any US Port. Puerto Rico is the most visited island in the Caribbean, and also the easiest to get to. Flights are arriving to San Juan from all over the United States, Canada, Europe, as well as from Central and South America and the Caribbean. Puerto Rico all inclusive hotels are a popular vacation option. These resorts in Puerto Rico offer the best value for the vacation dollar.

You will find white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, but also lots of shade under the coconut palm trees and all the facilities required for a great day at the beach like Showers, bathrooms, food stands, drinks and more. The other area of beaches that have become a must is the west coast called Porta del Sol. Here the main attraction is the beaches of Rincon where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic are rough and idyllic for Surfing. Surfers from all over the world flock to Porta del Sol for the greatest surfing in the Caribbean. One thing you might try is to consult a beach directory to get some tips on great beach vacation package ideas and recommendations.

Puerto Rico has a calendar of events all year long. The most popular events will be held during the Patron Saint Festivals or Fiestas Patronales, in honor of the patron saint of each town. They involve religious processions that originated as a Catholic tradition. Held in the town square, the festivals offer colorful displays of pride and joy, featuring parades, games, rides, regional food and live entertainment. The island does offer a wide variety of sports including golf, tennis and hiking. For the water sports enthusiast there’s scuba diving, snorkeling and deep sea fishing off San Juan’s coast could prove to be an experience of a lifetime. 

In the towns you will experience 400 years of Spanish heritage seen in the architecture and the beautiful Town Plazas that you can find in each town without exceptions. San Juan, the walled city that has been maintained and refurbished to look exactly as it was built by the Spanish, the British and others that left their mark on this beautiful city. Old San Juan is a peninsula and to get there you have to border the Atlantic, which by itself is a great experience. The city is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas.

 

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