Better than San Juan?
We've been asking top guidebook writers to recommend alternatives to well known tourist attractions.
Today, we talk with Stephen Keeling, author of the first-edition of The Rough Guide to Puerto Rico. We asked him:
If you had to recommend an alternative destination to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where would you recommend?
The island of Culebra, off the coast of Puerto Rico, is a stunningly gorgeous alternative to well-trafficked San Juan, where most tourists go. The island is a short plane or ferry ride from the main island of Puerto Rico. Unlike much of the Caribbean, Culebra remains low-key and unspoiled by resorts. Culebra's Playa Flamenco is one of the world's best beaches, but there are others, like Playa Soni, that are almost always deserted and just as beautiful.
The bioluminescent bay in Vieques also off the coast of Puerto Rico is another reason to move past the main island. This mind-blowing phenomenon is best experienced during a nocturnal swim, with water glowing in the dark and dripping from your fingers like sparkling gems—quite amazing and totally underrated outside Puerto Rico.
Think we've slighted San Juan? Please don't! San Juan is a terrific destination, both Budget Travel and The Rough Guides agree. We're just pointing out alternatives for some travelers.
If you think San Juan deserves more credit, let us know!
Each month, we pick one of our favorite cities and ask locals to show us around their all-time favorite spots. So, residents of Puerto Rico's coastal capital, we need your help! Fill out this online form and then watch for your town in an upcoming issue of Budget Travel.
MORE TRAVEL ALTERNATIVES