Puerto Rico's Cordillera Central (Travel Adventures)

Product Review

To find the real Puerto Rico – the one that shopping malls and condos have yet to reach – head for the towns and villages of the Cordillera Central, or Central Mountains. Bisected by the Ruta Panoramica (Scenic Route), the mountains provide a relaxing getaway with an atmosphere so unlike the coast that it feels like an entirely different island.

The Ruta Panorámica is a driving adventure covering more than a hundred miles of countryside, including coffee plantations, old jíbaro country and four forests: Carite, Toro Negro, Guilarte and Maricao. Along the route are valleys, canyons, wide-open terraces and views of the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Visitors who don't have time to do the whole Ruta Panorámica might consider a driving tour starting out from San Juan to the San Cristobal canyon in Aibonito, returning via Barranquitas – easily doable in a day if you start out early. Or take a few days to enjoy secluded swimming holes, hiking trails, cloud forest and the hospitality of the mountain locals.

This guide also includes extensive details on Puerto Rico as a whole, its history, culture, how to get there, how to get around.

Following are reviews of the complete guide to Puerto Rico from which this book on San Juan & Environs is drawn:

"It offers a mix of practical travel information along with details of adventurous activities, which should be fun for everyone no matter what their age or ability. The volume provides information on the history, culture, climate and geography of the area, covering its people and their roots, museums, historic sites and local attractions. The adventures include birdwatching, hiking and cycling. Then there is advice on where to eat and stay, transportation, practical concerns, useful websites, e-mail addresses, tourism offices and detailed regional and town maps, that feature walking and driving tours. This fourth edition explores archaeological sites, preserves and rugged rainforest environments. It includes tips on how to manage the local bus system and advice on safety for women travellers.
By far the best guidebook ever to have been published about the island, and the most complete." --Rosario Ferré, acclaimed Puerto Rican novelist

"The most complete book that I have seen about my island. These guys have been everywhere. I'm impressed...." --Javier Gomez, musician with Vivanativa, a popular Puerto Rican rock group

"This is a strong guide for active, nature-loving travellers but also includes information on Internet cafes, bicycle rentals, and the bus system in San Juan. We especially appreciated the list of unusual accommodations. Our favorite was Casa Cubuy on the south side of El Yunque. We had a lovely and memorable stay at this guest house thanks to a friendly host, interesting guests, and stunning views of the rain forest. Other accommodations we enjoyed included Hotel Belgica in Ponce and Villa Cofresi, an affordable resort in Rincon. The book also includes detailed information on the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan, live music spots, and the Arecibo Observatory. The volume shortchanges the striking Rio Camuy Cave Park and lists Old San Juan attractions in a confusing order, but it has interesting extras, such as the blurb about the curious Boiling Nuclear Superheater in Rincon and an explanation of a local pirate, Roberto Cofresi. The concise road maps helped us navigate smaller highways while the hiking maps for the Guanica Forest Reserve and El Yunque helped us guestimate the time needed for an adequate visit. We were especially glad we didn't miss the Bahia Fosforescente (Phosphorescent Bay). The tabs along the edge of the book (south coast, etc.), made for particularly quick reference." --Amazon.com reviewer

"A down-to-earth guide. Information-packed, offering comprehensive and interesting facts about every aspect of the island." --Anton Community Newspapers