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The Paradores of Puerto Rico
By Michael DeFreitas
 

Affectionately known as the "Isle of Enchantment," Puerto Rico attracts millions of visitors to its shores each year. Most come to savor the island's spectacular palm-fringed beaches, championship golf courses, luxurious resorts and casinos, world-class shopping and the quaint cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. But to really experience the enchantment of this tropical paradise, you must sample Puerto Rico's countryside or as the locals call it "en la isla."

Venturing beyond the big resorts of San Juan reveals a tranquil beauty -- the envy of other Caribbean islands -- and scattered throughout the countryside are an array of charming inns called Paradores Puertorriquenos. Best known for their hospitality, affordable rates, traditional Puerto Rican cuisine and picturesque locations, paradores are the favorite choice of Puerto Ricans when they travel "out on the island."

Here are a few recommended paradores around the island.

Greater San Juan Area
The quiet neighborhoods of Ocean Park, Condado and Isla Verde, just east of San Juan, are fringed with great beaches and offer an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the resort areas. These neighborhoods are rich in old colonial homes and a few of the larger ones have been converted into small inns and guesthouses.

Northwest
The rugged northwest is karst country with rolling limestone hills called mogotes. For this reason most of the paradores are located along the narrow coastal plain. Two of the islands major attractions, the Arecibo Observatory (the world's largest radio-dish telescope) and the Rio Camuy Caves are located in this region

South
Puerto Rico's south side is the driest and least populated area on the island. The historical city of Ponce is rich in colonial architecture and contains a number of world-class museums. Just north of Ponce is the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center an ancient Taino Indian village.

East
Puerto Rico's mountainous and windblown east side offers breathtaking scenery and the islands main natural attractions. The Caribbean National Forest and El Yunque are the most visited sites on the island. This is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest Service and it contains two of the islands highest peaks: El Toro (1,075 m) and El Yunque (1,065 m). Many of the paradores in this area cater to hikers and nature lovers.

Interior
The least explored, but most rewarding side of Puerto Rico is its interior. The cool mountain air, panoramic vista and the friendliness of the people make this a must experience. A scenic road called the Panoramic Route runs east to west along the island's Cordillera Central mountains and there are many paradores and attractions along the way.