For many people coming to Puerto Rico (and to the Caribbean in general) the visit is a resort experience. Although (to my knowledge) we do not have a glut of "all inclusive" walled-in resorts like some Caribbean destinations, many visitors congregate in San Juan or Isla Verde, or dash straight away to Viequez or Palmas del Mar. Personally I think this is a mistake.
A good example is our former hometown in Puerto Rico, San Lorenzo.
About thirty minutes south of San Juan (and just a hair beyond Caguas) San Lorenzo offers charm, nature and unquestionable hospitality. The famed Rio Grande de Loiza begins it journey to the Viequez Passage in San Lorenzo, and roars through the municipality over boulders and rapids, cataracts and waterfalls. Our own home there had a waterfall in the back yard, and even going to the grocery store was an adventure as we wined downwards along the river with beautiful vistas of farms, cattle, horses and chickens in every direction.
San Lorenzo is also where many Puertoricans go for their summer day trips. The cool river beaches and natural spring-fed swimming holes offering refreshment from city cares and heat. Local restaurants and bars are packed on Sundays with live music and revelry and certainly no trip to Puerto Rico (let alone San Lorenzo) is complete without an attempt at Cerro de Nandy.
Then there is Hacienda Muñoz. There are those that think the food is a bit overpriced for what it is, but I still love taking people there (I did so even before we lived in San Lorenzo). The tranquil setting is a delight and I greatly recommend the tour, but best of all is the coffee. Make sure you pop into the gift shop and get some to take home. If you ask your server they will even go get some for you and tack it onto your check!
In short, if you rent a car the next time you are in Puerto Rico, make the effort to go to San Lorenzo. You won't regret the experience!!!
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