San Juan Tours b4 Cruise?

[cruiserw/kids]

Staying at the Marriott Beach and Casino Resort, in the Condado area, for 3 Days before our July 4th Cruise on the Golden. Does anyone know if the Hotel (or a third Party) runs tours to the Rain Forest. Thought about renting a car for the 4 of us but don't want the hassel (unless anyone here tells me that that is the best way to do it.) Also, I've crusied from San Juan twice previously, on NCL, the departure pier was within walking distance to Old San Juan (might even have been in OSJ), is that where Princess docks? Hearing from others that Princes may dock a good 20 minute car ride from Old San Juan. Does anyone know?
Thanks in advance for your assistance with these questions.

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Westfield Friends - July 4th Golden Princess

[PeabodyNVL]

Let's just put it this way: I've never known a luxury hotel in a resort area that didn't have a great excursions desk! Call that Marriott directly and ask. They'll be able to tell you all about the tours they have available.

Check out the recent thread about the Golden docking in San Juan to find the answer to that question.

Pea

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[kb9mu]

There are, of course, local tours available for purchase in the lobby.

If it were me, I'd rent a car.

The cost of the tour is around $50/person. You may want to check this by calling the Marriott and asking.

You can rent a Hertz car about a block or two east of the Marriott. There is an Avis agency a few blocks west.

On the down side of renting a car, it is a rough drive of two hours or more. A good portion of the route is on a road (Rt. 3) that has a lot of traffic lights and heavy traffic.

However once you get to El Yunque, it's great to have your own car and go and hike wherever you want.

Tip: just outside of the rain forest on the narrow road that leads into the park property are a couple of little souvenir/food stands. At one of them (on the right as you approach the park) they sell rellenas de papas which is a mashed potato stuffed with ground beef then deep fried. It costs about $1. The also sell bacalitos (sp?) which is sort of a little cod fish and pastry dough appetizer. They also sell beer and other good stuff. It's a fun place to get very authentic local food.

KB9MU