Biking Adventures
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Cooking Light
Puerto Rico
Colorful history, Latin style, and Caribbean flair mingle breezily in this nearby American commonwealth.
By Lucy Eastman
Photography by Douglas Merriam
March 2004
Puerto Rico is only a 90-minute flight from Miami, and you don't need a passport because it's been a commonwealth
of the United States since 1952. But with its heady blend of Spanish, African, and Taíno Indian influences, plus
Colonial history dating to Columbus's arrival in 1493, Puerto Rico offers far more than the typical Caribbean travel
experience.
More than half of the population lives in the capital, San Juan, where you'll find bustling nightlife and rich troves of
cultural history. The rest inhabits a diverse 3,345-square-mile landscape that ranges from mist-shrouded rain forests
and cathedral-sized caves to peaceful, white-sand beaches that invite surfing, snorkeling, and diving. Yet what truly
defines a visit to Puerto Rico are the surprises you're sure to encounter—the museum tucked into a tiny village chapel,
a century-old lighthouse shrouded in morning mist, or perhaps a sea turtle paddling out of the surf to share your patch
of sand.
Lucy Eastman is a freelance writer based in New York City.
Published March 2004.
Puerto Rico's Best Slideshow
Puerto Rico's Best
The Best Side Trip
Although it requires a four-hour boat ride over churning Atlantic seas, a visit to Mona Island is worth the journey. The
25-square-mile nature preserve between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic is known as the Galapagos of the
Atlantic. It teems with rare and endangered species, including leatherback sea turtles, red-footed boobies, and
imposing Mona iguanas. You'll also find pristine beaches, crystal-clear snorkeling spots, Taíno petroglyphs, and a
labyrinthine cave network said to contain buried pirate treasure. Divers will discover a bounty of black coral, tropical
fish, and Spanish galleon wrecks. Visitors will enjoy potential whale sightings (five species of cetaceans migrate past
the coast). But if you want to visit, plan ahead. Since only 100 people are allowed on the island at any given time, guide
companies like AdvenTours (787-832-2016; two-night trips from $399 per person) require reservations three months
in advance.
NEW PHONE, (787) 530-8311 - For 2007 prices, please send us an email.
Puerto Rico
Colorful history, Latin style, and Caribbean flair mingle breezily in this nearby American commonwealth.
By Lucy Eastman
Photography by Douglas Merriam
March 2004
Puerto Rico is only a 90-minute flight from Miami, and you don't need a passport because it's been a commonwealth
of the United States since 1952. But with its heady blend of Spanish, African, and Taíno Indian influences, plus
Colonial history dating to Columbus's arrival in 1493, Puerto Rico offers far more than the typical Caribbean travel
experience.
More than half of the population lives in the capital, San Juan, where you'll find bustling nightlife and rich troves of
cultural history. The rest inhabits a diverse 3,345-square-mile landscape that ranges from mist-shrouded rain forests
and cathedral-sized caves to peaceful, white-sand beaches that invite surfing, snorkeling, and diving. Yet what truly
defines a visit to Puerto Rico are the surprises you're sure to encounter—the museum tucked into a tiny village chapel,
a century-old lighthouse shrouded in morning mist, or perhaps a sea turtle paddling out of the surf to share your patch
of sand.
Lucy Eastman is a freelance writer based in New York City.
Published March 2004.
Puerto Rico's Best Slideshow
Puerto Rico's Best
The Best Side Trip
Although it requires a four-hour boat ride over churning Atlantic seas, a visit to Mona Island is worth the journey. The
25-square-mile nature preserve between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic is known as the Galapagos of the
Atlantic. It teems with rare and endangered species, including leatherback sea turtles, red-footed boobies, and
imposing Mona iguanas. You'll also find pristine beaches, crystal-clear snorkeling spots, Taíno petroglyphs, and a
labyrinthine cave network said to contain buried pirate treasure. Divers will discover a bounty of black coral, tropical
fish, and Spanish galleon wrecks. Visitors will enjoy potential whale sightings (five species of cetaceans migrate past
the coast). But if you want to visit, plan ahead. Since only 100 people are allowed on the island at any given time, guide
companies like AdvenTours (787-832-2016; two-night trips from $399 per person) require reservations three months
in advance.
NEW PHONE, (787) 530-8311 - For 2007 prices, please send us an email.
SAN JUAN B. Sherbanenko - 8/14/2002
We really enjoyed the old San Juan Biking Adventure. Angie, our guide, could not have been more accommodating
and we loved her narration. El Morro was very interesting, and what a view! The biking was a little strenuous than
expected, so when we needed to stop and rest we would. We had a snack and went on. They tailored the trip around
us when they realized some of us were having a bit of a hard time. I work out, so I was fine, after the tech adjusted my
seat. Having a tech riding along is a great asset! My only problem was that I was a little leary on the down hills. My
family was conspiring against me after the first 20 minutes, they were dying! I think it was a combination of the heat
and humidity, along with exertion. My husband isn't in the best of shape but he hung in there and actually enjoyed it,
my daughter is 18 and my sons are 25 and 15, the 15 yr. old is always active and he absolutely loved it! We took the
bikes back a few minutes early and Angie escorted us shopping which was very helpful, along with the maps of the
shops that you had sent to me. We went to the coffee museum to get what we were told was the best coffee, but they
were closed. Angie talked them into opening the gift shop for us!!! Afterwards, everyone was glad that we did it the way
we did. The cruiseline offers a bike tour which is more expensive, less time and the bikes aren't as nice as yours. I
have given your website to our travel agent for recommendations. I will definitely contact you for all future trips. Thanks
again for all your help to make our cruise complete!
P.S. My older son wanted to take Angie home with us, she is such a sweetie!!!
We really enjoyed the old San Juan Biking Adventure. Angie, our guide, could not have been more accommodating
and we loved her narration. El Morro was very interesting, and what a view! The biking was a little strenuous than
expected, so when we needed to stop and rest we would. We had a snack and went on. They tailored the trip around
us when they realized some of us were having a bit of a hard time. I work out, so I was fine, after the tech adjusted my
seat. Having a tech riding along is a great asset! My only problem was that I was a little leary on the down hills. My
family was conspiring against me after the first 20 minutes, they were dying! I think it was a combination of the heat
and humidity, along with exertion. My husband isn't in the best of shape but he hung in there and actually enjoyed it,
my daughter is 18 and my sons are 25 and 15, the 15 yr. old is always active and he absolutely loved it! We took the
bikes back a few minutes early and Angie escorted us shopping which was very helpful, along with the maps of the
shops that you had sent to me. We went to the coffee museum to get what we were told was the best coffee, but they
were closed. Angie talked them into opening the gift shop for us!!! Afterwards, everyone was glad that we did it the way
we did. The cruiseline offers a bike tour which is more expensive, less time and the bikes aren't as nice as yours. I
have given your website to our travel agent for recommendations. I will definitely contact you for all future trips. Thanks
again for all your help to make our cruise complete!
P.S. My older son wanted to take Angie home with us, she is such a sweetie!!!
Old San Juan Biking Adventure
Mona Island
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