Puerto Rico

[boomguy57]

I'll be in Puerto Rico for 2 weeks at the end of November/start of December. I haven't ever been, and although I'll be working I will have some time for myself too. Suggestions on things to see, things to do, local eateries, etc?

Also, camera-wise: I will take either the X100 or the MP & lenses--what focal lengths should I bring with? I have 21, 28, 35, 50, and 90 available.

Thanks in advance!

-Trevor

 

[kxl]

In addition to the above,

1. The Rio Camuy caves are a MUST-SEE.

2. A walk through the El Yunque rainforest is nice.

3. If you're there on November 19th (Discovery of PR Day), go to Aguada for the parade.

IMO, in PR, wider is better.... from your set of lenses:

21-35-90 makes the most sense, although you'll probably hardly use the 90.

When I went 3 years ago, I brought 25-35-75 (with a ZI), and I hardly used the 75.

The Condado area has a lot of bars if you're into that sort of thing.

Have fun...

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Another vote for Old San Juan. Lots of really cool old cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, not to mention the El Morro and San Cristobal forts.

El Morro Fort

Old San Juan Skyline from El Convento Hotel

View of Old San Juan from San Cristobal fort

As to lenses, I had my Contax G2 with me, with the 21, 28, 45, and 90. I used all of them, but as mentioned previously, the 90 saw the least use. The lenses for that system are so compact and light that it wasn't an issue bringing all of them just in case.

 

[dasuess]

Ditto all the recommendations for Old San Juan. Here is a link to a Blurb book I did from a quick walkaround there while on a work trip last May. Since I did not bring my normal camera rig, these are all iPhone 4 images.

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3261521

 

[ktmrider]

Ponce and Arecibo Radio Telescope

Ponce and Arecibo Radio Telescope

Ponce on the south coast is worth a visit as is Arecibo Radio Telescope. I lived there for four years chasing drug smugglers as a pilot for US Customs. Had a great time.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

As for places to eat, DON'T eat at the restaurants in most hotels - at best they're the same as what you'd get at home. At worst, they're bad approximations of what you'd get at home. My dad and I were down there and we had dinner at the BLT Steak in the Ritz Carlton (because dad was too lazy/timid to leave the hotel). We had the prime rib special - one of the very worst pieces of steak I ever had. I've had better at Outback. Heck, I've had better at a greasy spoon diner! Try little neighborhood places. There was a neat little cafe right off the plaza in Old San Juan with the Columbus monument. I can't recall the name of it right now, but they had a courtyard-ish seating area in the back, excellent sandwiches, and killer desserts. If I can find out what their name is, I'll post it up here.

 

[yossarian123]

Foodwise, You have to try Kasalta bakery in Old San Juan. Amazing sandwiches.

And there's a lechonera in Cayey that has great food plus an interesting atmosphere for local street shots.

 

[yossarian123]

When I went I took a D700, 24-70, 70-300, and a couple of primes. That trip and the gear weight was one of the reasons I switched to Leica.