Travel journalist Suzanne Van Atten covers the best of Puerto Rico—from the spectacular beaches and classic golf courses to its rich Spanish culture. Van Atten includes fun and creative travel ideas for a variety of travelers, including Thrillseekers Tour, Romantic Getaway, and Family Fun. With expert advice on exploring the El Yunque rainforest and the underground caves at Cavernas del Rio Camuy, Moon Puerto Rico gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Taste the rum and practice the Salsa on the Caribbean island paradise of Puerto Rico. The islands are located in the Caribbean sea, just east of the Dominican republic, with about 3/4 Spanish and 1/4 English speaking natives. But don’t worry: all tourist areas are primarily English speaking. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States which includes one main island, Greater Antilles, and several smaller islands and keys. While largely mountainous, you’ll find spectacular, sandy beaches along the northern coastline.
Imagine sunbathing, surfing, kayaking and golfing by day, then partying by night within mild, tropical marine climate ranging between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Escape from the rat race and experience some of the finest dining, gaming, pulsing discos and bars.
Indulge on the finest Spanish cuisine with a unique American, African and Taino twist. Taste succulent corn and fruits, crunchy cod fritters, black bean soup, kettle-cooked stews, lamb, fried beefsteak and onions, plus barbecued pig. For desert, island guests enjoy some of the finest banana cupcakes, custard and nisperos de batata, or sweet potato balls with cloves, coconut and cinnamon. Then, don’t forget to tantalize your taste buds with Puerto Rican coffee, beer or rum of any shade, the national drink.
As the sun sets, the fun explodes from the cobble-stoned city of San Juan to Santurce and the Condado-Isla Verde strip. Place your bet at hotel casinos, enjoy fantastic live jazz and wild nightclubs. Then take a midnight dip in the temperate tropical waters. Visit Mosquito Bay in Vieques and watch the bioluminescence display among beach-lined mangrove trees. Tour the Phosphorescent Bay in La Parguera, where affordable boat rides escort you into darkness to watch a thrilling display of underwater fish flashing neon-green lights.
(276 Pages, $13.46)
