The Caribbean - Puerto Rico in January

Will be in Puerto Rico for thirteen days beginning January 7.

Would appreciate suggestions regarding itinerary, lodging, sights, etc.
Budget is not a major issue, but we like value for cost.

Thanks in advance for all assistance. Florence

Will be in Puerto Rico for thirteen days beginning January 7.

Would appreciate suggestions regarding itinerary, lodging, sights, etc.
Budget is not a major issue, but we like value for cost.

Thanks in advance for all assistance. FlorenceHi Florence,
It might be useful if you provide additional details. Are the bookends of your trip already set (e.g. first three nights in Old San Juan), or is it wide open? Are there any likes/dislikes to take into consideration (e.g. must see the rainforest, need 5 days on the beach, absolutely no casinos, etc.). I'm sure you'll receive plenty of advice.
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13F

PS I suggest 2-3 days minimum for OSJ and area.

What are you interested in seeing? Beaches, history, something off the beaten path? Will you have a car?

Hello-We are really open to anything, history, beaches, casinos(at least once), hiking, exploring, people watching, walking a lot.
We can have a car. Am wondering if it makes sense to rent it at the airport, but I guess that depends on our itinerary(?) The only absolute is our arrival at, and departure from San Juan Airport.

We like to stay at nice places,and are open to hotels, condos. Recently went to the Canadian Rockies, and stayed at Fairmont hotels. We did get fabulous rates thanks to Flyertalk input.

Thank you all for your patience. Florence

My family has done two trips to Puerto Rico, both with young kids, so that drove some of our experiences.

While in San Juan you will not need a car, but we found car rentals to be just as cheap as 2 taxi rides a day so it might make sense to get one.

With 13 days I'd plan on using around 4 or 5 to explore San Juan. The National Park service maintains a pair of old Spanish forts http://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm that are worth a visit, there are plenty of shops, ice cream stands, restaurants, etc in the downtown area. Just be sure and try to spend days in town where there are NOT 2, 3 or 4 cruise ships all docked at the same time.

Pick which ever day will have the LEAST moon light and drive East out of San Juan to kayak in the Bioluminescent bays. We did this last year and it was great. I think this is the company we went with, but I can't be sure: http://www.elyunque.com/KPR.htm Just drive to Fajardo and there will be 3 or 4 stands and pick the one that gives you the best deal (I think we paid $60 for two adults)

If you like to hike, plan two days to explore El Yunque. http://www.elyunque.com/ If not, spend a day to drive to the top and eat at the many road side stands along the way.

We spent a very nice day at Luquillo Beach, 30 miles east of San Juan. It was all local families and much nicer sand than was found closer to San Juan.

Heading west we took a drive to visit Río Camuy Caves, about 3 hours from San Juan which was a nice tour, but could be skipped as well if you have seen the more impressive caves in the US mainland.

While we didn't make it that far, I've seen on TV that the locals vacation on the beachs found on the far west side of the island, so you might want to venture that far if you have the chance.

I agree with everything MKEbound has said. I'd maybe shift it to 1 less day in Old San Juan, and instead spend that day in Condado or if you want to see where the locals go, head to the beach at Ocean Park (residential SJ neighborhood)

I also recommend spending 2-3 days in Rincon on the Northwest of the island or Cabo Rojo on the Southwest of the island, and a day or two in Ponce in the south.

If possible, take a ferry to Culebra from Fajardo (if you get seasick or like me, lack patience, take Air Flamenco) and enjoy a true caribbean gem.