question on car rental and drive to rainforest

[coco6]

My husband and I were thinking about renting a car to drive to the rainforest. We are staying at the intercontiental resort and casino and the nearest places to rent a car is the airport. So my questions are as follows:

 

how much of a pain is it to rent the car from the airport? we are flying contiental airlines. Are there long waits to get your car? is it confusing or smooth sailing?

 

How is the drive to the rainforest? are you driving up moutains? are the roads paved? is any part of the drive dangerous? like are there any parts of the drive that we could fly off the side of a mountain if our tires go slightly off road?

 

Do they take american money for the toll roads? does it have to be exact change?

 

How is the parking in old san juan? is it plentiful and easy to find?

How long is the drive from old san juan back to the airport?

 

Thanks

[rainforestgirl]

I think Charlie's car rental is just down the road from the Intercon.

 

You need to take a shuttle to all the car rental agencies from the airport. We have great reviews and horror stories about all the agencies- I think it depends on who is working etc.

 

The drive to the rainforest from SJ is easy and safe (roads are all paved (mostly highways even!).

Directions: Take RT 26 E to rt 66 to RT 3 E until you see the sign for the rain forest RT 191.

RT 66 is a toll road- $1.50 each way. Yes, US money (we are like a Territory of the US). You can do exact change or get into the "C" lane if you need change. DON'T get into the "e" lane- it is an express pass lane.

Once you get to RT 191, you are going up a mountain, it is curvey, but just take it slow and it is fine. There are some steep drop off points along the drive, but nothing to worry about.

 

Parking in OSJ is ok- use the parking decks. The ride from OSJ to the airport is about 10-15 mins, depending on traffic.

Here is a map with the parking decks marked on it.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&om=1&msa=0&msid=116969536791656461166.00000111c2647d9ad5cbd&ll=18.465342,-66.112204&spn=0.009912,0.018775&z=16

[coco6]

When you say winding roads and steep drop off points, you mean on the way to rainforest or once we get in the rainforest? do they have guardrails on the steep drop off points?

 

what about if it starts to rain? I heard people talk about how they roads get muddy and not passable? if the roads are paved, then what are they talking about?

 

we are planing to get to the rainforest by 8:00. and once we finished which should be about 11:30, we are heading to old san juan, we just plan to see el morro and get some don q rum and then head back to our hotel...what time of day is the worse traffic in old san juan?

 

any tips on driving in old san juan or anywhere in puerto rico? what not to do and what to do?

 

how much is gasoline over there now days?

 

Thanks

[rainforestgirl]

The road up into the rainforest can be steep and winding, but it is fine. There are guardrails.

About the mud??....I assume you read a post about the landslide that happened earlier this year- the road was closed for about 2 days until they could clear it. It is a paved road, maintained well.

Really, don't worry so much- it is easier than the road to Hana!

 

Your timing sounds fine. You may run into some traffic leaving OSJ - rush hour during the week is between 4:30-7pm. But you will only be going a very short distance where it backs up.

 

Driving: the only real tip is to be extra aware of the other drivers. People sometimes do the unexpected and rarely use turn signals.

 

Gas is $0.99/liter today at our local place, it will be a little higher closer to SJ.

[coco6]

Thank you so much for your information, you have been a great help.

[coco6]

oh wait, I forgot one more question. where in puerto rico is the best cardiac hospital? My husband is know to have artery blockages sometimes and they are unpredictable. So I like to be prepared. Is there any emergency number for ambulance just in case we are driving to the rainforest and he starts having chest pain?

[rainforestgirl]

oh wait, I forgot one more question. where in puerto rico is the best cardiac hospital? My husband is know to have artery blockages sometimes and they are unpredictable. So I like to be prepared. Is there any emergency number for ambulance just in case we are driving to the rainforest and he starts having chest pain?

 

Interesting question.

I would just call 911. I know they do post an emergency contact number on signs while you are up in the forest, but I think it is just for the Rio Grande police. I will check next time I go hiking.

There web site gives these numbers:Patrol Captain: José Ayala

Telephone: 787 888 5675 (office), 787 549 0075 (cellular). He is Police, but I am sure he can help!

 

It is a Federal Park, there are Rangers and workers and lots of people around that can help if needed.

 

If I had my druthers, I would go to Auxilio Mutuo Hospital in SJ (but there may be better hospitals for cardiac specialties- I don't know for sure). Problem is (like in the States) when you call the ambulance, they take you to the closest center. You can then be transfered if you are able.

Rio Grande has a small ER in town. They usually send you UPR in SJ if it is not too serious. For cardiac conditions, I don't know where they would send you- maybe Aux Mutuo after all.

 

PR is associated with the States, so we have Dept of Health rules etc. Decent healthcare here- the best in the Carribean.

[coco6]

Thank you very much. I have been so worried about my husband having an attack while we are on vacation so its nice to know puerto rico is like the states. Not saying that everything over here is that wonderful but it helps me feel a little more comfortable. Thank You very much for all your information and advice. I can't wait to see Puerto Rico.

[javier]

Just in case, in the town of Fajardo there are two hospitals, Caribbean Hospital and San Pablo Hospital. I have been at the rainforest when the call 911, municipal & state police, plus paramedics will show up.

[coco6]

Thank you so much for the information on the hosptials. It makes me feel so much better and not so scared. Thanks

[cruz-lovin-family]

Will we have enough time to visit El Yunque and get back to the Carnival Triumph if we get a car at 9:00 and have to be back to the ship by 3:00?

[RayInPR]

Assuming that _get_ the car and are on the road @ 9am and that you'd want to be back in the area of the ship around 2:00 or 2:30 pm ... that gives you about 5 hours.

 

Figure 1.5 hours driving _each way_ between OSJ and El Yunque National Forest ... that leaves you about 2 hours of "free" time.

 

You'll have some time to see some stuff in the rain forest, but not enough time to do any serious hiking like to the top. But you'll be able to see La Coca falls and Yokahu Tower (both right on road 191). You'd even have time for a _quick_ hike to La Mina Falls (and a quick swim) or Mount Britton Tower.

 

I'd skip El Portal Visitor Center, given your time constraints.

 

So, in a nutshell, you'll probably see more on your visit to the rain forest than you would see with a "ship" tour. And it will cost a whole lot less than going with the ship.

 

We've covered El Yunque National Forest in a lot of detail, including trail descriptions and a trail map, in our travel guide ... http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/2007/02/19/el-yunque-rain-forest-an-overview-of-the-carribean-national-forest/

 

Enjoy!

[frito58]

Wow I was thinking of renting a car this year on our pre cruise stay and you guys have answered almost every question I had. I do have one question, I have read that there is a nice shopping mall somewhere near San Juan is closer to the airport or OSJ or is it not worth going to. Thought It might give us something to do Friday evening when we get in.

[RayInPR]

I'll have to assume that you're asking about Plaza las Americas Mall - it's the biggest mall in the Caribbean. It's just like any large State-side mall. Lots of the typical mall chain stores ... and a few local stores.

 

It's just a little south of San Juan.

 

We've put a fair amount of detail about the mall in our travel guide ... http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/2008/03/15/shopping-at-plaza-las-americas/

 

You can see where it's located on our interactive map at http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&om=1&msa=0&msid=116969536791656461166.00000111c2647d9ad5cbd&ll=18.439797,-66.05341&spn=0.08175,0.130806&z=13&iwloc=0004483dcedb8e5e8f88f

[frito58]

Yes thats the mall I was talkiing about , looks like a cool place there are not many malls in the states that big. We just like to to walk around and see the sights. Thanks fot the maps and the info they are a lot of help.