We are world travellers and were really disappointed with all the trash everywhere. Rather than get on another flight to St. Croix, we figured we'd try Puerto Rico. Never again. While in a two and a half hour traffic jam, islanders were throwing trash out their car windows. There was trash floating in the beautiful water (very cloudy on the north and east side because of the rivers entering the ocean) and even embedded in the sand while snorkeling. UGH!! The host of our condo (Loiza-Aquatika) was congenial, but dishonest in his listing and was non-commital until mid-week about any repairs. UGH!! We even had to buy our own toilet paper! The complex was gorgeous, clean and well guarded

I just returned (Apr 14, 2009) with my family from our first and probably only visit to PR. The island has much to offer and we saw and did some awesome things, but I must say that there is a complete lack of pride in keeping the place litter free. I am a Texan and we once had an unkempt attitude until a couple of things happened. Used the carrot and stick approach - first instilled a sense of pride in Texas by adopting the phrase "Don't Mess with Texas" and also the stick of a $200 fine for littering. Within a couple of years Texas was and continues to be cleaned up.

Why not "Limpio Puerto Rico". I went to see what was described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world - Lupillo. What a joke. It was the most trashed out place which made the kiosks very unappetizing. We went a couple miles further east and thankfully found a cleaner more pleasant setting. I have traveled to 62 countries (many 3rd world) and all US states and PR is like a 3rd world country when it comes to litter. The people have no sense of pride regarding this matter. It is easy to institute cleanup campaigns by business and civic organizations to take a mile or two of roadway or beach to keep it clean and litter free. There are plenty of other places in the world that I prefer to see or see again rather than come back to PR. If I hear that things have gotten better, then my mind could be changed. PR may reach its goal of $19 billion in tourism by 2014, but it won't be from repeat business from me and I suspect many others. Good luck on your litter issue.

My daughter and I visited San Juan in April 2009 and we went on a Snorkeling adventure with Castillo tours. We had such a good time! The crew was very nice ,knowledgeable, hospitable and funny. The picnic with rum drinks was awesome. I would definitely recommend Castillo Tours and will go with Castillo tours again.

I returned last week from 7 wonderful days in Puerto Rico. I am looking forward to returning.
A little background, my husband started working in San Juan a few months ago and was able to see some sites before the family vacation. I think that helped us plan well.
We rented a villa in Rio Mar, Costa Real: http://riomarvacation.com/Costareal.html

Here was our schedule:
Arrive Sat am –
Breakfast in San Juan, sorry forgot the name.
The El Yunque Rain Forest, hiked to the amazing La Mina Falls. Families were already setting up for the day at 10 am in the various shelters, cooking and hiking. The food smelled wonderful!
Liquillo kiosks, tried the first of many Pinchos, chicken and pork (or pollo y cerdo). We bought ours from a man with a grill and a blue tarp over his grill. We ended up buying from there 2 more times.
Seven Seas Beach, we hiked a ways to see Escondida beach and snorkel. Very quiet. We almost had the beach to ourselves until 6 teenagers arrived. They were very polite. I think we would have gone again if it wasn’t for the hike. http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/seven-seas-beach-fajardo/
We did all that with hardly any sleep on our overnight flight from Minnesota.

Sunday –
East Wind Sail and Snorkel http://www.eastwindcats.com/
I loved this! So did my husband and my 13 year old. My 10 year old got a little tired. But he enjoyed the slide off the boat. The do call it a “booze cruise” because of the free drinks, but no one over indulged, even the birthday party in attendance. We snorkeled in two spots. One was Icacos Island, with the second spot being too choppy, they took care of us and found a suitable spot for more snorkeling. A truly amazing day, even if it was shared with approximately 40 other people.

Monday –
We took the first morning ferry to Culebra. The water was very choppy and they handed out barf bags. Several people on the boat ended up needing them, including my oldest son. He was fine once we arrived. We hopped on Willy’s van and took the ride to Playa Flamenco. By far the most beautiful beach I have ever seen, even in the rain. By afternoon the rain and clouds dissipated and it was heaven. I can’t wait to return. If I have the opportunity to go back, I would try to stay a night or two on the island. The ferry back was smoother and we stopped at the Liquillo Kiosk for dinner at kiosk #2, La Parilla. Wonderful dinner. It was not cheap, but good enough to go back on Friday for dinner.

Tuesday –
It was pouring rain when we woke at 6 am to get to our kayak reservations. We kept our plans any way and headed south to Humacao to kayak and bird watch. Again, I loved this!! Carlos and Yolanda are wonderful! I would recommend them to anyone. My 10 year old wasn’t enjoying the trip and Carlos managed to engage with him in his crabby state and turned his attitude around. It helped that he was offered his first baby banana! http://www.pureadventurepr.com/

Wednesday –
We went back to the rain forest; the guys swam in La Mina Falls this time, too cold for me! Then Liquillo beach again before heading to the Bioluminescent Bay trip:http://www.eastwindcats.com/ The experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity, even if you decide not to go in the water, you will see more starts in the sky than ever before.

Thursday –
We took time for Old San Juan, El Morro was closed because they had found a beehive, but the kites were fun and the view is amazing. Also bought some passion fruit slush, yum. Liquillo beach again and dinner at Antijitos, near our rental. Another good meal.

Friday-
I wish we would have gone back to Culebra, but we thought we should try something new. We headed to Gilligan’s Island. It was a long drive and the drive back through the mountains was scary. The snorkeling was good, we didn’t stay long. Dinner at La Parilla again.

Final thoughts: Every morning we started with awesome coffee and breakfast from the very friendly Isamar Bakery. You must go if you are near the rainforest. We ordered sandwiches for our lunch on Friday, which worked out great.
We are thinking of moving to Puerto Rico for the summer or longer, so of course, I loved Puerto Rico.