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A coastal tour

Description:

This trip takes you into some favorite local spots. Definitely not in San Juan, you'll hear a lot more Spanish. We flew into Ponce and left via Aguadilla, which requires a little bit more planning. You can fly in and out of one airport, but you would have to backtrack 2 to 3 hours, and we preferred to spend the time at the beach. This trip is done by staying at paradores, which are independent inns and guest houses that run about $60 to $100 a night, and were all clean and charming in our experiences. This is a trip for exploration, gorgeous views, and real Puerto Rican character.

Author: Melanie

Day 1 - Puerto Rico

We flew into Ponce and rented a car, a must to get around the island. Ponce is a quaint city, but not much to do. We headed about 40 minutes east to Patillas. The coastal route along the southeast corner is breathtaking. This is one of the least developed areas on the island, and is definitely local (be prepared to exercise some Spanish!).

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Caribe Playa Beach Resort

expert pick

Location:

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Route 3, Km. 112
00723 Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico

Phone:

787-839-6339

Day 3 - Puerto Rico

Heading over to the west side of the island, which means backtracking through Ponce. But we stopped at Tibes, just 10 minutes north of downtown and well worth the detour with informative and enthusiastic personal guides.

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La Montserrate

Location:

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Sector Las Cucharas, Route 2
00716 Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico

Phone:

1 787 841 2740

El Parador Guanica 1929

Location:

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Carr. 116, Int. 3116 Km.2, Guanica
Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico

Phone:

17878210999

Day 4 - San Juan

Guánica Dry Forest

expert pick

Location:

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Off Highway 2
(Rt 333 to RT 334 and follow signs)
00653 San Juan, Puerto Rico

Phone:

+1 787 821 5706

El Bohio

Location:

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Route 102, Km13.9
Joyuda Beach
00623 San Juan, Puerto Rico

Phone:

1 787 851 2755

Day 5 - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Combate Beach (El)

user rating

Location:

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Route 3301
00623 San Juan, Puerto Rico

Phone:

+1 787 721 2400 (Puerto Rico Tourism Company)

Boqueron Public Beach

Location:

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Route 101
Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico

Phone:

+1 787 721 2400

Day 6 - San Juan

Headed North to the west end corner of Rincon. There are more American tourists here, but they tend to be surfers and others looking for an offbeat adventurer. Rincon's got great beaches and some scattered nightlife and excellent (but casual) restaurants.

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