Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with puertorico

What to do with recaito (cilantro/culantro/recao paste)

k. — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:03:02 -0800

What can I cook with this Puerto Rican (?) recaito, aka "cilantro cooking base"? It's a paste made of cilantro,* onion, garlic, green pepper, and salt. (unfortunately it's kind of salty, and may also have MSG). I have a whole jar of it.

*I can't tell if it's made from cilantro, or from something similar to cilantro called culantro, or both. One of these is also called "recao" and gives recaito its name, but I don't know which. I hope someone can enlighten me on this!

Best snorkeling in Puerto Rico?

exhilaration — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:17:13 -0800

What are the best beaches for snorkeling in Puerto Rico and Vieques? I visited this amazing beach in PR two years ago and am looking for something similar... When I visited Puerto Rico back in 2007, I stood in waist-deep water at the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve at Steps Beach in Rincón and watched tropical fish swim around my legs. I'm looking for other snorkel spots in PR that are equally accessible and family-friendly: they don't require a boat or even good swimming ability.

Bonus points for the eastern side of Puerto Rico and especially Vieques!

Trying to locate this awesome villa

widdershins — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:04:53 -0800

I am trying to locate a villa rental property I read about in a traveler magazine in my doctor’s office some time ago. Problem is, I don’t remember a lot of the specifics... Might you be able to identify the villa I’m talking about based on the few things I do remember? Here is what I do remember:
- Located in either Costa Rica or Puerto Rico - I think (sorry)
- Villa/property with multiple bedrooms and affordable (the article focused on how affordable villa rentals could be when shared with other couples)
- Access to a natural underground cave with stalactites & stalagmites
- I believe this underground cave was in effect a pool – and for some reason I think there was a slide going into it?
- Villa came with a personal chef who prepared all meals
- Transport to/from airport was also provided
- Family-friendly (the writer had small kids)
- Possibly located somewhat inland, but could be wrong on that

Ridiculously vague, I know. I can't remember which doctor's office it was or I'd just ask them which traveler magazines they subscribe to and narrow my search that way. Any help would be appreciated!

72 Hours in Puerto Rico

shrimpsmalls — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:10:52 -0800

72 hours in San Juan - should we rent a car and explore or stay put? BF and I are going to San Juan for 3 days next week (leaving Easter Sunday). We are planning to stay at the AT WIND CHIMES IN near the beach in Contado for the 3 nights. My question is this: Will our trip be 10 times better by renting a car and getting out of San Juan, or will we be ok walking and relying on public transport to get a good feel of PR in those three days. (note, we would prefer not to drive, but are willing if its really worthwhile.)

I've heard we can do some hiking in the national park and arrive by bus. Is this true? That might give us at least one day out of the city without renting a car.

Also, in general, for those of you who have spent lots of time in PR (and SJ specifically), what would you plan for 72 hours? Overall, we would like at least one day in the beach/sun, one day in nature, and one day immersed in history. I have read the other posts with related tags, but I still feel a bit lost, so thank you in advance for any tips. Restaurant recommendations are also welcome.

Getting around in Puerto Rico

indyz — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:26:40 -0800

How do I format Puerto Rican addresses for Google Maps, or any other online mapping service? I get that addresses are a road and a distance (for example, El Yunque National Rain Forest is apparently at Route 191, kilometer 4.2). What I can't figure out is how to put that address into any online mapping services.

Passport needed for travel to Puerto Rico from the US?

Wet Spot — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:21:48 -0800

A friend from China is planning a trip to Puerto Rico. She is now in the US on an F1 visa, but it is not multiple-entry. If she flies directly from the US mainland to PR and back, does she need to show her passport and visa? Is there a possibility she will be denied entry to PR, or back to the mainland? I would assume there should be no issues, since PR is a US territory, but I'd like to hear the personal experiences of noncitizens who have made this trip.

Ayúdenme, Boricu@s!

mynameismandab — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:02:17 -0800

Puerto Rico: Help Me Find Stuff in Ponce. I'm helping a family who is moving to Ponce, PR. This family is in need of English-speakers that provide the following services:

--Orthondontics (orthodoncista)
--Home Remodeling (private residential bathroom and kitchen)
(remodelación de casas residenciales)

--General Handyman (hammering, fixing stuff, etc.)
(servicios de arreglamiento técnico)

Names, phone numbers, and addresses would be very helpful.

¡Gracias!

Help me decide where to stay in Puerto Rico

nougat — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:34:50 -0800

I'm so confused trying to book a romantic getaway to Puerto Rico! Please help me pick a part of Puerto Rico to book a hotel/apartment in. I've never been there before so all of the towns/neighborhoods do not mean alot to me. I'd like an area that we could walk to things like cafes etc and also some other attractions.
I don't want to be reliant on a rental car.

I was going to just go to Vieques island, but it's rather expensive to get there from San Juan airport and no one has been able to tell me exactly what there is to do on the island. It would be $180 round trip per person from SJ to Vieques.

I'm going to go for 5 days and 4 nights. Should I stay in San Juan for 2 and go to Fajardo or Vieques for the other two?

I was looking at the Marriott hotel and casino on Condado beach but hear from reviews that there isn't much to walk to there and I kind of don't want to stay in a hotel with a big loud casino.
I have also been looking into Vacation Rentals By Owner.

Can anyone who travels to PR frequently please help me out?

What to do in our fifty-somethingth state?

jammer — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:33:07 -0800

The missus and I are planning on spending a week in Puerto Rico for our first anniversary. What must-see-or-do things should we consider? The list already includes seeing Arecibo, poking around Old San Juan, checking out the rainforest and the caverns, and perhaps splurging on a fishing charter, but that's quite a lot of money. (<snark>Spending your "stimulus package" money in PR "counts", right?</snark>)

Anything else we should add to the list? FWIW, we're not staying in a resort. We're paving our own way, spending 2 nights at a little guest house in San Juan then going to a B&B in Rincon for the remainder, so we'll be all across the island.

Any great spots to grab a bite would also be appreciated.

History of Puerto Rico

philmas — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:38:38 -0800

I am looking for a comprehensive history of Puerto Rico. Any recommendations? I just visited Puerto Rico, fell in love with the island, but also realized I know little about the islands history. I would ideally like to get a history that brings spans from the beginnings and brings you as close to the present as possible. I would appreciate any recommendations.

SJU to Fajardo

not_on_display — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 05:59:35 -0800

Cheap and reliable way to get from San Juan Int'l to Fajardo Ferry Terminal, PR? Two people in my family have moved down to Vieques, PR. I'm beginning to think that they are really the smart ones in the family. The windfall is that I'll always have a nice, clean, free place to stay in Esperanza.

The last (first) time I visited, I took a reserved publico (met me at baggage claim) from the SJU airport to the ferry in Fajardo. That was $50 each way (including tip). But, as that was by far the 2nd most expensive part of the trip (airline was 1st), I'm looking to cut costs.

A long time ago, a friend went hiking in the PR rainforest/mountains, and I remember she had told me about how she got around PR cheaply. But I forget the details, and haven't seen her in ages. Phantom cab? Bus service?? She's not the hitch-hiker type... Hmm. Did she steal a bike?

Anyway, my relatives are living in paradise, and we just got a foot of snow--that's why I ask. I think I'm in the wrong climate zone at the moment.

Identify this flag: white cross, blue, red, star.

kidbritish — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:22:40 -0800

What is this flag? White cross, red and blue fields, white star. I saw this flag hanging in a window in Los Angeles. I'm sorry for the poor photograph; it has a white cross (regular, not Scandinavian), and two red sections, and two blue sections. One of the blue sections has a white star, which is hard to see in the picture.

Summer Vacation: Prague, Barcelona, or Puerto Rico

blapst — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 19:32:30 -0800

VacationFilter: The ladyfriend and I are going on vacation for a week this summer. Most likely in July. Maybe August. The leading options: Puerto Rico, Prague, and Barcelona. Which place rules the most? We prefer, if possible, to spend less than $150/night on hotels, and enjoy cheap eats as much if not more so than the fanciness. And we don't really rock the late night club scene.

Can an I-485 filer go to Puerto Rico?

rbs — Thu, 17 May 2007 19:13:23 -0800

Does Puerto Rico count as international travel for the purposes of a US Immigration form I-485 filer? A good friend asked me to post this for her. Maybe y'all can help?

I am currently in graduate school on an F-1 student visa.
I recently got married to an U.S. citizen. We have filed
an I-485 application for status change. I want to know,
since my application has not been processed, am
I allowed to travel to Puerto Rico under my current visa
next month in June?
I know that once my I-485 has been processed, I am
not allowed to leave the country. Is traveling
to Puerto Rico considered "leaving the country" for F-1
students?

Camping in the Caribbean

killyb — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 12:33:26 -0800

I'm looking for some suggestions and advice for a short camping trip to Puerto Rico this month. My self and two others are planning a quick escape from the cold to Puerto Rico Feb. 18-21 or 25-28. I understand Culebra is the hot spot in the area for beach camping but we'd like to stay on the mainland as we're short on time and want to make the most of it. Are there any nice, safe beaches to camp? Ideally we'd like a place with no one around where we can sit on the beach all day/night and relax. Is this possible? If we're only able to find that on Culebra so be it. If you have other island suggestions (Virgin Islands, St. Croix) with the above conditions please let me know, the only requirements are a place which is accessible w/out a passport and we can camp on/near the beach with few others. Yes, I found this. Thanks

Puerto Rico 2006

ZackTM — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:11:17 -0800

Hey remember me? (http://ask.metafilter.com/mefi/46595) I finally got our trip set up! We are going to San Juan, PR Oct 18-21st. Travel tips and hotel suggestions? Me and my ladyfriend (23 and 22 years old, young dumb and adventurous) are going to be there from weds to Saturday afternoon. I am pretty damn excited. We've got a rental car for the trip, so the entire island is open to us. After reading previous Askme's about San Juan, I think I've got some great plans (but let me know if i'm missing anything). i've still got questions! Most importantly, hotels!

Hotel:
Where should we stay?
We want a cheap hotel room we can come back to after exploring the island for the day. We'd really really like this hotel to be within walking distance (or a cheap bus ride?) of the night life i've heard such good things about. Also, are there any inexpensive hotels on Vieques?

Any tips for our itinerary?

Weds:
- Exploring Old San Juan (http://www.topuertorico.org/city/sanjuan.shtml)
- Enjoying the beach
- Out on the town that night

Thurs:
- Caribbean Rain forest (http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/caribbean/)
- Camuy Caves Park (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camuy%2C_Puerto_Rico#Tourism)
- Beach (any awesome secluded beaches we should drive to see?)
- Out on the town

Fri:
- Drive to Fajardo
- Take ferry to Vieques
- Lay on the beach
- explore Viques (http://www.vieques-island.com/)
- visit Bio Bay (any suggestions about kayak tours?)
- Camp? Hotel? (seems like the only way to see the Bio Bay at night since ferries wont run at night)

Sat:
- Enjoy our last day at the beach
- Fly out at 4pm

Are there any good adventures we should go on that I haven't thought of? I'd love to go kayaking in vieques, etc if its not too expensive.

(if you cant tell, i'm really excited about this trip. didn't expect to be able to go!)

I am become Shiskabob, destroyer of tires

phearlez — Thu, 20 Oct 2005 08:48:46 -0800

The car rental company wants money and I don't want to pay. Does it get any simpler? Well, it gets more complicated - I've been told the country in question reimburses for pothole damage and I like the idea of them paying much more than me paying. But is it true? So my Puerto Rican vacation was a fantastic adventure filled with the kind of expensive traumatic moments you expect from a vacation, including not one but two pothole-caused rim bendings and tire rendings.

I'm okay with accepting responsibility here, except on my way to return the car I stopped to gas up and asked if they could simply repair the rim. After an initial yes, the mechanic said "Oh, no, that's an alloy rim. If I try to bang that back out it'll just crack."

Aside - why does a DODGE NEON need snazzy rims? Which the rental company claims costs $270. Give me a break.

Anyway, he went on to say that the Puerto Rico road situation is so horrid that the government will pick up the tab if you document where the incident happened. Yes, I accept that my source is perhaps not the most credible but at the same time this rental company told my friend the previous day that there'd be no charge for her identical incident.

Perhaps it's complicated by my returning the car to a franchise where hers went to the company main location. Perhaps my dent was simply worse (which it was). Maybe it was phase of the moon or I smelled funny. But I'm on the hook for major bucks and she got off scott-free.

To make a long story marginally less painfully long, I'm looking for two things here.

One, is this claim of a reimbursal program baloney? If it's not I don't see why I'm being soaked for $360 for a small non-performance tire & rim. I can find no mention in my googling.

Two, has anyone had any luck haggling with rental firms over this? I don't believe for a second they are actually paying $259 for that rim when TireRack has a variety from $89 and up for me, the non-fleet buyer.

Any and all strategy advice is welcome.

How shall I spend my Puerto Rican vacation?

phearlez — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 09:16:53 -0800

What are the "don't miss" things in Puerto Rico for a first-time visitor? On Saturday my girl and I wing off to San Juan for a week. (I can hear the celebration already - a week with no phearlez postings!) A good friend was sent there for work and put up in a 2 bedroom condo in San Juan and provided with a car, both of which she is graciously sharing with us during our stay.

We've already booked tickets for the three of us to go to Vieques on the first day we arrive to enjoy the bio-bay and we come back the following day. Our generous host has already seen the San Juan forts so we'll be doing those on our own during the week when she's at work. What else shall we make sure to see?

While our host is okay with us pissing off with the car I'd like to somewhat minimize the number of times we force her to bum a ride to and from work. So overnight or long driving trips are okay but I don't want to do that more than once or twice. Host and I are SCUBA certified, my dear is not, so SCUBA outings need to offer snorkeling as well. Physical activity is great but I run only when chased.

What are you most glad you did? What did you hate? Are you there now and interested in having a beer some evening or lunchtime?

Puerto Rico

leapingsheep — Tue, 04 Oct 2005 09:11:40 -0800

What does Puerto Rico gain by being part of the US? What does the US gain by having Puerto Rico as a possession? The question could apply to other non-state territories of the US as well, but my interest was sparked by the recent assassination of a Puerto Rican separatist in his home.

Looking for Housing in San Juan, Puerto Rico

buddha9090 — Thu, 09 Jun 2005 22:50:36 -0800

Help me find residential (NON-vacation) housing in San Juan, Puerto Rico please In September, I'll be moving to San Juan, P.R. for two years. I am trying to figure out the best way to go about finding housing for atleast the first month or two of my stay. I'll be in Florida until I move and I don't think I am going to have a chance to go down to San Juan before September. Looking around online yields tons of vacation rentals, but not so much for plain old residential housing. I'm open to subletting for a while or moving in with roommates, but haven't had much luck online yet. Any suggestions?

Culebra?

_sirmissalot_ — Wed, 06 Apr 2005 10:24:37 -0800

Has anyone vacationed in Culebra, Puerto Rico? What did you think? Thinking of going there to lay on the beach for a week; any advice would be much appreciated.

Fun stuff in Puerto Rico

adampsyche — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 08:30:33 -0800

What to do in Puerto Rico? Besides the obvious (beach, scuba, surf, but if you have suggestions along those lines, feel free). I'll be staying at a friend's in Rincon, on the west side of the island, but I'll have a car.

Puerto Rican Dream Team

milkman — Sun, 15 Aug 2004 18:13:53 -0800

So the US basketball team got handed it's hide by the Puerto Ricans.

My question, and of course I understand many of the complex issues surrounding the soverignty of the territory, is...why are they allowed to have their own team? I mean, the guys on the PR team that just pummeled the dreamies are all US citizens, right?

What's the rule?

What to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico

anathema — Fri, 23 Apr 2004 08:55:11 -0800

What should not be missed in and around San Juan, Puerto Rico? Looking for suggestions for my mother who will be there next week. Restaurants, markets, beachs, etc. Thanks in advance.