ROAD TRIP
An Outdoor-Lovers Guide to Puerto Rico
There's a lot more to Puerto Rico than San Juan--including a spectacular rain forest, scruffy beach towns, and locals who really know how to roast a pig.
We drive north to the coastal city of Arecibo. Ice-cream trucks and food vans line the road nearArecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park, and dozens of cars are parked at all angles. But where is everybody? After climbing the steps of Los Morrillos Lighthouse, we're still baffled--until we spot La Posa, a packed, crescent-shaped beach. When we go down for a closer look, we see a massive tidal pool. It's jammed with kids and other shallow-water swimmers; Josh and I are convinced that we're the only tourists.
It's our last chance for a swim before our drive to San Juan, so we dash for the water. A little while later we visit a food truck formofongo al ajillo--made with mashed plantains and garlicky shrimp--then drive east on scenic Route 681. The ocean-hugging road doesn't last as long as we'd like it to, but neither did our time in Puerto Rico.
Food
- La Rosa InglesaEnsenada, Rincón, 787/823-4032, larosainglesa.com, eggs $7
Activities
- Río Camuy Cave ParkRte. 129, 787/898-3100, $12
- Arecibo LighthouseRte. 655, Arecibo, 787/817-1936, arecibolighthouse.com, $9
Finding Your Way
To get a copy of Puerto Rico's tourist mag, Qué Pasa!, in advance, contact Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (800/866-7827, gotopuertorico.com). Also, a GPS navigation system like the Garmin StreetPilot will come in handy. As for your rental car, stick with an economy or compact, especially if you're driving along La Ruta Panorámica. The one-lane roads can be fairly difficult for larger vehicles.
Budget Travel Real Deals
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