DEL.ICIO.USFROM ATLANTA TO ... SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
Three ways to see San Juan, Puerto Rico
For The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, December 07, 2008
BUDGET
Getting there: Daily nonstop AirTran or Delta flights to San Juan start at $119 one-way with an advance notice of one week or more.
Della Smith & Associates
The Church of San Juan, where Ponce de Leon is interred, is among the sights of Old San Juan. (Atlantans, you’ll want to pronounce his name correctly if you go!)
Rain Forest Inn
Tourists can hike on 24 miles of trails in the El Yunque rain forest, a 28,000-acre preserve.
Perla Restaurant
Perla, at the La Concha Resort, serves New American cuisine inside a giant clam shell beside the sea.
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Stay: The Numero Uno Guest House, in residential San Juan, is a charming beachfront hotel with a restaurant and pool. Doubles from $102 through Dec. 14; from $143 Dec. 15-April 30, with continental breakfast. Sample the house drink, a Lemon Squeeze. 866-726-5010, www.numero1guesthouse.com
Eat: Raices in Old San Juan serves authentic mofongo, the country’s signature dish of garlic-infused mashed plantains served with meat, veggies or seafood; average meal is $20. 315 Recinto Sur, 787-289-2121, www.restauranteraices.com
Experience: Stroll the narrow, cobbled lanes of Old San Juan for a taste of the island’s 18th-century history. Although it’s tiny at just seven square blocks, exploring may take all day with stops at museums, churches, shops and cafes. Find free walking tour guides at puertoricodaytrips.com. Don’t miss a visit to the colonial fortifications on San Juan Bay. Both forts $5 adult; children 15 and under free. nps.gov/saju
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MODERATE
Getting there: No advance purchase walk-up rates with AirTran or Delta start at $179, one-way.
Stay: The family package at the cliff-top oasis El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa, 30 miles east in Fajardo, includes full buffet breakfast, airport transfers and four park passes for the resort’s new Coqui Water Park. From $305 on three-night minimum stays. Garden-view room-only double rates from $239. 866-317-8932, elconresort.com
Eat: Find the perfect duo of fine dining and live jazz in Old San Juan at Carli Cafe Concierto. The owner/host plays his grand piano most evenings and is often accompanied by guest singers or musicians. Enjoy Mediterranean-Caribbean specialties al fresco in the courtyard. Entrees $14-$34. Recinto Sur and San Justo streets, 787-725-4927, carlisworld.com
Experience: Visit the El Yunque rain forest about 25 miles southeast of San Juan. The 28,000-acre preserve has 24 miles of clearly marked hiking trails. Half-day tours from San Juan cost about $55 adults; $50 children age 11 and under. Let your hotel staff make a tour recommendation.
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SPLURGE
Getting there: Business Class one-way rates on AirTran or Delta flights start at $429.
Stay: One name conjures up luxury without surprises — the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Spa & Casino. The Resort Reconnect package, suitable for families or romantic stays, includes city-view accommodations, daily breakfast for two and a daily resort credit of $110 on room rates from $604; $634 pool-view. Valid Jan. 1-April 30. 6961 Avenue of the Governors, Isla Verde, 787-253-1700, ritzcarlton.com
Eat: Dine seaside inside a giant clam shell lit with glowing Murano glass lamps. The luxury seafood restaurant Perla at the La Concha Resort serves refined New American cuisine. Start the experience at sunset; entrees to $39. Condado, 787-721-7500, Ext. 6800, perlarestaurant.com
Experience: Get in a full day of high adventure climbing and swimming in waterfalls, hiking and zip lining in the Toro Negro forest reserve (moderate level of fitness required), home to some of the island’s highest mountains. $149 per person includes transportation, lunch and all necessary equipment. Acampa leads this nature adventure. 787-706-0695, acampapr.com
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