Puerto Rico Vacations

For an island-scene buzzing with tourists, lively beaches and restaurants, book your Puerto Rico vacation between Christmas and late February. Peak season continues through mid April -- and you can snag some great Puerto Rico deals if you plan ahead.

A laid-back vibe holds sway in May, just as rain season begins. Puerto Rico's north coast gets twice as much rain as the south coast, and cheap hotel rates are easy to find. Off-peak season coincides with hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30.

Mingle with the locals at this favorite hang-out. Enjoy excellent mojitos, natural juice drinks and fritters stuffed with meat or seafood.

Check out the world's best Salsa dancers during July's Salsa Congress or the lively Puerto Rico Jazzfest in June. The annual gastronomy event Saborea Puerto Rico draws quite a scene, including Food Network stars Anne Burrell, Robert Irvine and Marc Forgione.

This resort has quite a celeb following. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker were guests while they shot Fast and Furious 5, and rock band Kiss, who recently energized the Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot, stayed here as well.

Learn about the history of sugar cane, the Bacardi family and that famous bat on a guided tour.

If you take on the La Ruta Panoramica, break for a meal along this tasty stretch of road in Guavate. Be sure to try lechon (a Puerto Rican staple), arroz con gandules (rice and peas) and a crispy piece of cuerito (marinated pigskin).

Put on your shades and grab the cocoa butter. The locals prefer Luquillo Beach, near El Yunque, for its calm waters, eateries and palm-studded shoreline. Surfers dig Crashboat, an expert "hang-ten" spot on the island's northwestern tip. The serene Flamenco Beach in Culebra offers great snorkeling up the long horseshoe coastline.

Discover this island gem's 17th century history with its cobblestone streets, churches and old city walls. But the modern era isn't lost here: Criso, Fortaleza and San Francisco Streets are dotted with trendy boutiques, cafes and restaurants. And don't miss authentic, delish street eats ("cornida criolla") such as alcapurrias.

Bring your stargazers to check out one of the world's largest radar-radio telescopes. Hands-on exhibits explain astronomy, atmospheric science and the reason this mysterious telescope, large enough to fit 12 football fields, sits in an enormous sinkhole in Puerto Rico. And James Bond fans, you may experience deja vu -- this observatory starred in Goldeneye.

Only have time for one day trip outside San Juan? Then the Rio Camuy Cave Park should be it. Descend to subterranean paradise aglitter with stalactites, stalagmites and one of the largest underground rivers in the world. A tour guide leads you through the Cueva Clara, Tres Pueblos sinkhole and tiny openings to the center of the earth. Advanced cavers can arrange rappelling trips to Cathedral Cave, home of mysterious petroglyphs etched by the ancient Tainos.

Get up-close-and-personal with nature at El Yunque Rain Forest. Located about an hour east of San Juan, this eco-tourism haven offers lush rewards. Enjoy a picnic beside a cool river pool as the calls of exotic birds echo through the forest. Walk trails suited to your skill level that lead to waterfalls, dramatic rock formations or sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Hard-core hikers: Put some muscle into El Yunque Peak Trail, a strenuous hike to the 3,496-foot summit.

This rugged 16th century fortress (formally named Castillo de San Felipe del Morrow) impresses with its sea vistas and labyrinth of tunnels, dungeons, barracks and lookout towers. Gear up for climbing lots of steps and steep slopes. Pack a picnic and bring kites for the kids -- the sea winds (and ocean views) at El Morro are perfect for sending kites aloft.

Church-goers and history buffs will marvel at these religious grounds: The cathedral, the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere, contains the tomb of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon and the relic of San Pio, a Roman martyr. Dating back to the mid-16th century, this church has survived hurricanes, looting and other assorted damage and has undergone several restorations. The cathedral as seen today is the result of work done in 1917.

Ever hear of bioluminescence? Some say Mosquito Bay offers the best on the planet. Disturb the locals -- millions of teeny water organisms -- and they'll glow, creating a blue light in the water. For an extra-magical encounter, jump in the bay and make "water angels" with your arms and legs. Kayak and boat tours depart at night.

This sweet mountain-bike tour takes visitors on the muddy trails, beaches and back roads of Puerto Rico's former U.S. Navy territory. Bat colonies now dwell in huge bunkers that were once ammo storehouses. Part of the trail winds through the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, where cyclists can break for a dip in the Caribbean Sea.

Cruise the island from east to west on this stunning 120-mile network of highways. Hugging the Cordillera Central, you'll see dense forests (Mointe del Estado, Toro Negro, Carite), Salto de Dona Juana Waterfall, incredible overlooks (Villalba, Piedra Degetau) and more.