Dotted about the island, travelers will find locally-run lodging located near natural points of interest, such as hot springs, the rain forest or cave tunnels. Room charges are well below what is normally charged at first class city and beach hotels.
Paradores
A group of moderately priced country inns called Paradores is sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Borrowing a concept adopted by the Spanish government, the Paradores system was created in 1972 as a way to encourage visitors to travel beyond busy San Juan. Eighteen Paradors can be found along the coast, the countryside and in the mountains. It is an enlightened way to see the island, as well as an economical one.
Parador Posada Porlamar
This Parador is located the small fishing village of Lajas in southwest Puerto Rico. It has 27 colorfully decorated rooms and a large porch overlooking the waters of the Caribbean.
Room rate: $170. includes full breakfast
Nearby Attractions
Each evening, boats leave for the 30 minute trip to the glowing waters of Phosphorescent Bay, where millions of dinoflagellates light up the water. This phenomenon can best be seen on a moonless night.
For a daytime tour, visitors may hire a local guide for a boat trip through the La Parguera mangrove channels.
Hacienda Gripiñas
This 200-year-old bed and breakfast inn is perched in the hills of the Cordillera Central near the town of Jayuya. A narrow road leading up to the inn, overhung with mango trees, promises travelers a retreat from city life. The Hacienda Gripiñas is in a restored 19th century coffee plantation opened to guests in 1975. The simple wooden white and green island home is surrounded by gardens of tropical flowers and fruit trees.
The more energetic can venture along a path bordered by bamboo and tree ferns leading into the woods, where guests can pick their own breakfast fruit. An enormous swimming pool is fed by a waterfall and behind that, coffee mill equipment from days past may be seen. Coffee is one of Puerto Rico’s principal exports.
Regional food is served in the inn’s restaurant. Breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate of $93 - $125
Nearby Attractions
Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park
Jayuya Cultural Center
Banos de Coamo
A favorite hotel in the south coast town of Coamo features hot spring thermal baths, which according to legend are the fountains of youth that Juan Ponce de Leon sought but never found. These springs have been a place of pilgrimage since pre-Columbian times for their healing effect. Photos of Franklin Roosevelt, who visited numerous times, can be seen gracing the walls of the restaurant. Room rate: $80 - $150
Nearyby Attraction
Coamo is a half-hour away from historical Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second largest city.
About Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the U.S. located 1000 miles southeast of Miami. About the size of Connecticut, mountains cover more than half of the island. Most people speak English and Spanish, and the dollar is used as currency. The average temperature is 82 degrees.
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