San Juan area

[LDIdeals]

Will be in San Juan on a cruise stop beginning of Feb. 2015 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and we've been to PR a few times and have really enjoyed walking around Old San Juan. This time we'd like to venture out and see something we haven't seen before... either Arecibo Observatory, El Yunque Rainforest or something that is doable within that time frame. As long as they drive on the same side of the road as we do in U.S. I would be fine with renting a car. Any suggestions? We love natural beauty and are not lay on the beach types. Thanks in advance!

[seashinesunshine]

Will be in San Juan on a cruise stop beginning of Feb. 2015 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and we've been to PR a few times and have really enjoyed walking around Old San Juan. This time we'd like to venture out and see something we haven't seen before... either Arecibo Observatory, El Yunque Rainforest or something that is doable within that time frame. As long as they drive on the same side of the road as we do in U.S. I would be fine with renting a car. Any suggestions? We love natural beauty and are not lay on the beach types. Thanks in advance!

 

Sounds like you would like the rain forest. I would not rent a car to do it in that time frame though. You have 8 hours, and you need time to get the car etc, traffic is horrible, even though they do drive on the same side as us, it's nothing like driving in the US. It is about an hour drive there and back and that wouldn't leave you a ton of time at the rainforest. I would want to give myself at least a 2.5 hour cushion to leave the rainforest and get the car returned and get back. I would recommend taking a tour to the rain forest If you aren't interested in the ship tours, there are plenty of private companies you could book with. :)

[kcdancerkc]

Get a guide,

We LOVED Hector

Found him on trip-advisor,

2 Years later saw him on Travel Channel !

 

Give guide your time frame,

And skip the 20 min. Movie to save time!

 

Get a recommend guide, and while on the road,

Grab a quick snack at a road side stand where locals eat!

 

So picturesque at the top!

 

Also as mentioned.....don't drive yourselves! Relax and enjoy the scenery..... Stop and take a picture or 2,

On the way to the rainforest.

Edited December 10, 2014 by kcdancerkc

[ozarkmama]

We used Ellis last November to go to the rain forest and had a great time. We highly recommend him. IN fact, my DD and I are going back for a week in January and have scheduled another tour.

 

http://puertorico.en.craigslist.org/trv/4756096324.html

[kayakgranny]

We are also going to be in San Juan in January and are looking for reliable tour company....so you were pleased with Ellis tours?

 

 

 

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[ozarkmama]

We are also going to be in San Juan in January and are looking for reliable tour company....so you were pleased with Ellis tours?

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

YES!! we loved Ellis. He picked up the 3 of us at our hotel promtly at 9am. He took us to the rain forest, showed us the sights and then took us to a hidden swimming hole where we swam and the fish come up and eat out of your hand. He even provided towels and bread to feed the fish. When we were done there, he took us to the kiosks for some lunch and explained what the different food items were. After lunch, he took us to the cruise ship.

 

We enjoyed him so much. He is friendly and knowledgable about the area. My daughter and I are spending a week in Puerto Rico next month and one of the first things we did was book another tour with him.

[cruzngrl]

What was the charge for this? We will be in San Juan the week before our cruise and this sounds exactly like what we are looking for!

[ozarkmama]

He charged us $100 for 3 people plus gas and tolls. (which was $30-40 if I remember correctly. He is on Craigslist and has many different tours he offers. Send him an email, I am sure he can come up with something.

 

fleisherellis@aol.com

 

Tell him Terri Martin referred you ;)

[Pookeybear1966]

We are looking for a tour to the rainforest while in San Juan a few days before our cruise in June. We are staying at the OSJ Sheraton so do you know if Ellis picks up from there?

 

Thanks!

[ozarkmama]

Yes he will pick you up at your hotel.