10 of the coolest things you can do in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico may be synonymous with rest, relaxation, and sunburns accidentally received during too much rest and relaxation (up your SPF, bro), but international adrenaline junkies will tell you there are more amped-up activities to be found both on and beyond the beach. We rounded up 10 great ones, with a few slightly less heart-pounding options just so you can catch your breath. Pick your favorite, and pack your suitcase.

Spelunking the Rio Camuy Caves

Where: About an hour's drive west of San Juan

Why: When the world’s third largest underground river carves out more than 10 miles of caverns and 220 caves for you, the least you can do is strap on some gear and go check it out, right? Skip the tram and well-lit paths and instead hook up with an adventure operator like Aventuras Tierra Adentro to experience caving and spelunking the way it was done when the subterranean river was originally discovered.

Bonus: Who knows, maybe you’ll discover one of the 800+ additional caves some experts say might be down there, and they’ll name it after you. “The Steve Cave” has a nice ring to it.

Kayaking the mangroves in La Parguera

Where: Southwest corner of Puerto Rico

Why: For getting up close and personal with tropical wildlife, it’s hard to beat a mangrove islet. Rare birds, crabs, lizards, manatees, dolphins, turtles, all manner of fish -- everything lives in these rich environments. In La Parguera, you’ll find upwards of 30 different islets, the closest around a mile offshore. In some places, the trees join above you, forming eerie tunnels and waterways that’ll have you wanting to film a movie, hopefully starring those manatees.

Bonus: La Parguera is also home to one of the world’s most vibrant bioluminescent bays. After a day of traversing the mangroves, see if you can get a local fisherman to take you out there, so you can jump in and make like a glow stick

Full-moon zip-lining in Mucaro

Where: Due south of San Juan on the edge of the Carite National Forest

Why: Zip-lining over boring terrain by day is so blasé. At night, under a full moon, in the heart of east-central Puerto Rico… that’ll suit your inner Batman MUCH more. Playing the role of Mr. Fox on this adventure is Acampa, who’ll outfit you with everything you’ll need to fly over the treetops in the still of the night.

Bonus: Upon successful completion of your night flight, Acampa fetes its guests with traditional stew, music, and Medalla beer around a campfire

La Vuelta cycling tour around Puerto Rico

Where: All around the entire circumference of Puerto Rico

Why: Because there’s hardly a better way to see every one of Puerto Rico’s 375 coastal miles than from the seat of a bike. More tour than actual competitive race, La Vuelta takes riders all the way round the island in just three late-January days when the temps aren’t quite so torrid.

Bonus: Cyclists are generally sexy, and people tend to party at night once the day’s ride is complete. You do the math. Then stop doing math and start working out your quads

Surfing in Rincón

Where: Northwest Puerto Rico

Why: The 1968 World Surfing Championship was held here, validating Rincón’s tasty waves for generations of surfers to come. Rincón means corner, which fits a northwest location where the rough and churning Atlantic meets the calmer Caribbean Sea. The effect creates conditions considered to be among the world’s best, with winter swells reaching the same 25-30ft heights you’ll find along Oahu’s celebrated North Shore.

Bonus: Whale-watching season coincides with peak surfing months during the winter, so when you’re not riding big waves, you can check out the ocean’s biggest beasts

Hiking and camping in El Yunque

Where: About 45 minutes east of San Juan near Rio Grande

Why: El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Forest System. This rare beauty also has a great set of hiking and walking trails, some more rugged and taxing than others. Some lead to breathtaking views, others to waterfalls you’ll definitely agree are worth chasing.

Bonus: No bears, snakes, or threatening animals of any kind reside in El Yunque, so you can rest here overnight surrounded by nature without worrying about being eaten by anything except mosquitos

Hiking/birdwatching the Guanica State Forest

Where: Southwest Puerto Rico

Why: After all the madness, make a visit to the best dry forest in the Caribbean, designated a Biosphere Reserve by the U.N. in 1981. It’s not just the U.N. that thinks highly of it -- a bunch of birds are also super-keen, as more than 50 percent of Puerto Rico’s terrestrial species can be found here. With 36 miles of trails, you’ll have plenty of ground to cover to find them all.

Bonus: Guanica isn’t just for the birds. There are more than 700 plant species here as well, 48 of them endangered, so watch where you step. Extinguishing something forever isn’t the kind of thrill you want to take on

Diving Las Cuevas of Desecheo

Where: 13 miles west of Puerto Rico

Why: Technically this is another of Puerto Rico’s “Galapagos of the Caribbean”, but the wildlife-populated interior is off-limits, due to the military having long ago used it as a training ground and unexploded ordinance from the 1940s possibly still being about. The real attractions -- and the ones you can take part in -- lie underwater, in the many undersea canyons, caves, and arches that make Desecheo a wet ‘n' wild playground for scuba dudes who love to swim through stuff.

Bonus: A ton of Rhesus monkeys were dropped off here as part of a science experiment in the late ‘60s. By now, they might have grown so smart you’ll end up scuba diving next to one

Mona Island, the Galapagos of the Caribbean

Where: 41 miles west of Puerto Rico

Why: The entire 22-square-mile island (bigger than St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands) is an uninhabited ecological reserve. With the exception of a handful of park rangers, nature is fully in charge here, making for some seriously unspoiled eco exploring. Camping is allowed between May and November. For another, even more uncommon thrill, come between December and April when it’s hunting season.

Bonus: Within some of the island’s many caves you can find ancient carvings left by the Taino Indians who once lived there

Hell Mile extreme race

Where: Cerro de Nandy in San Lorenzo; east-central Puerto Rico

Why: “YOU MAY FAINT, ****, PUKE or DIE but GIVING UP is NOT an OPTION! DO you have the GUTS to make the CUT?” This is the challenge/warning for the Hell Mile, an extreme race put on annually by the fine folks at Exxtremixta Adventure Races. The course: A one-mile run up and down a steep mountain that you have to make three times. For round one, you simply run up and down the mountain. For round two, you do the same, lugging a weighted bag (15 pounds for the ladies, 25 for the men). Round three? You guessed it: up and down carrying an even heavier load (25 pounds for the ladies, 50 for the guys). Oh yeah, the race also takes place in July, when it’s sure to be good and steamy. You know, hellish.

Bonus: You just might survive… maybe.

PUBLISHED ON 7/28/2014 BY STEVE BENNETT

Cugino d'America

Paul è il "cugino d'America" che ogni Italiano sogna. La sua ospitalità è quella di un parente lontano che ti accoglie calorosamente, attento a quei dettagli che ti permettono di sentirti a tuo agio come a casa. La moka Bialetti e un delizioso cornetto caldo ci attendevano ogni mattina. L'appartamento è arioso, con una bella veranda, tutto decorato con gusto. La camera da letto era confortevole e pulita. Altri ospiti occupavano le due stanze rimanenti, ma la convivenza e la condivisione degli spazi comuni e del bagno non ha dato alcun problema. Il quartiere è tranquillo, anche di notte, non lontano dalla fermata del bus che porta al centro e nelle vicinanze di un piccolo supermercato aperto 24/24, nonché di alcuni ottimi ristoranti. Paul è stato gentilissimo, sempre molto disponibile ad aiutarci in qualsiasi nostra necessità: basta chiedere e lui si fa in quattro per darti una mano! Torneremo sicuramente a trovare lui, Nacho e Puggy nel nostro futuro viaggio a Porto Rico!

What to pack for Puerto Rico

First things first… try to pack as light as possible. (You want to be comfortable.

• Lightweight clothes – Puerto Rico’s weather is hot and very humid year round, so try to dress as comfortable and as light as possible.
• Shorts… lots of shorts! – With an average of 85°F to 95°F, it is likely you will want to wear shorts every day – plus, it’s time to tan those legs! Still, pack one pair of long pants/jeans for any casual occasion.
• Sandals – You’ll see it’s quite common to see people walking the city with their sandals/flip flops. It’s just comfortable and great for the hot weather.
• Swimwear- You WILL go to the beach. Enough said.
• Sunglasses – Protect your eyes and look cool, you’re in paradise!
• Sunblock – Get one with strong UV protection, Puerto Rico’s tropical sun has no mercy.
• Suntan lotion– Well, if you’re into getting really tanned, this will just speedup the process.
• Aloe Vera lotion – In case you took your tanning a step too far. Will help soothe the burning sensation. Believe me, it’s not a pretty sensation, especially if on your back.
• Beach bag (or day pack) and beach towel – You know, to put all these things I’ve mentioned before and to look very cool, casual, and even sexy while laying on the sand.
• Light sweater/jacket – It is highly unlikely you will use it unless you go during “winter” (notice the quotes, since winter in Puerto Rico is still hot!). But, nights might get in the low 70s or high 60s… I know, I know… this is still so tropical!
• Toiletries and medicines – Pack only the essential. There are pharmacies at every corner where you’ll find anything else.
• Evening wear– For some reason, women (and men) love to dress up when going out at night for dinner or to the nightclub (this is mostly in the San Juan area). Don’t just stand out from the crowd by wearing any random travel attire. Do dress up a bit and you’ll see how awesome a night in Puerto Rico can be!
• Camera – Um, yes, the country is beautiful, so you should take lots of pictures to show your friends back at home and make them jealous.
• ID / Passport / Documents – If you’re an American citizen, you don’t need a passport to go to Puerto Rico; just a photo ID will suffice. For kids, usually a birth certificate is good for travel.

Some extra items for the adventurous ones:

• Mosquito net– If you’ll go camping or stay at a parador deep in the mountains, you’ll probably need this – especially in the rainy season.
• Mosquito repellent – No one like to get bitten by mosquitoes, right?
• Camping gear– You can buy these at any big box store or camping store for a relatively cheaper price, but if you have your preferred camping equipment, bring it.
• Hiking boots– There are lots of excellent hiking trails, so get your feel comfortable because you will walk a lot.
• Waterproof Jacket – During the rainy season, it does rain a lot! Hint:Puerto Rico has the only rainforest in US soil. Know which one it is? El Yunque.

The utmost quality experience

"I had such an incredible stay with Paul in Miramar. His charming and friendly demeanor will make you feel immediately right at home. Paul pays such close attention to detail to ensure his guests have the utmost quality experience. From the soothing aromatics in the most unexpected places, to an immaculately clean apartment, Paul does a fantastic job of creating a spa-like experience for his guests. The bedroom was serene and private, had its own air conditioning unit and plenty of airflow. The bathroom and kitchen are shared spaces; however, Paul was very accommodating and pleasant, creating space for my toiletries and groceries. I felt like I had open and free access to both areas at all times. The neighborhood felt extremely safe even at night. Everything is within walking distance. Beaches were about a 20 minute walk; grocery shops, cinema, and great authentic cuisine is within steps. Paul recommended top-notch, local dining & beaching spots, as well as recreational activities. I left feeling like I experienced everything San Juan had to offer, and then some. I wouldn't think twice before booking my next stay with him, it doesn't get better than this!"

13 Ways To Be A Great Host

The basic genius of this list is in the understanding that guests don't need or want to be pampered; it's that being a guest is, at its root, a deeply uncomfortable experience, and being a great host is about removing all of these discomforts so that your guest can relax and you can both enjoy sharing your home together. In addition, if you want to have frequent guests (or friends simply come to stay often) and not exhaust yourself, the more you can structure the experience the better off you all will be. Guests, like children, appreciate a clear orientation as well as a few good choices, as opposed a totally open situation.

And finally, there are really two kinds of guests in the world: those that have come to visit with you personally, and those that need a place to stay. While we may sometimes mix the two, it is this second category into which most guesting/hosting falls. It is helpful to remember this and pay attention to tip #4!

1. Eat or Wash: Upon arrival, always ask your guest whether they'd like to eat something or wash up first. This takes care of their most immediate needs, removes discomfort and gives them something to do right away.

2. Get Settled: Next, show them to their room and leave them to get settled and rejoin you after they wash up or need something to eat. Having a little alone time immediately after arrival is very comforting and useful.

3. Connect: After getting settled it's important to THEN sit down, share a drink, connect and go over the evening and days ahead. This is the true and proper time for greeting, and best done AFTER the first two steps. Do this too soon and you've got overload.

Take fifteen to thirty minutes to find out where your guest is coming from, what they're hoping to do during their stay and share with them what your plans are as well - even if they're your parents! This is not necessarily the time to launch into hours of conversation (unless you're both ready for that), but the time to get a good download, orient your guest and know exactly what the shape of the whole visit will look like.

4. Start With The End In Sight: Ironically, the most uncomfortable part of hosting/guesting is knowing the endpoint. Be sure to bring this up right away so that you are both comfortable about how long the visit will be and if your guest needs any help with his or her departure. Many guests worry about how to get back to the airport or train station right at their arrival, so it's good to bring this up now.

5. Be Consistent: If you always offer your guests the same treatment and the same orientation it's very comforting, and particularly welcome after a disorganized day of travel. I have friends in Chicago who always put me up in the same spare room and greet me in the same way, and I love it and feel like I know just what to expect.

6. Mi Casa Es Su Casa: The best feeling you can give your guest is truly that your home is their home, so make sure they know everything they need to know and don't need to trouble you too often. The next few tips speak to this.

7. Towel, Water, Bed, Bathroom: These are the basic needs of any weary guest. Make sure they have a towel on their bed, water by its side and a clear path to the bathroom you'd like them to use.

8. Kitchen Orientation: It's really nice to tell your guests to help themselves to whatever they need in your fridge, but also let them know how to take care of their dishes while you're at it. :)

9. Flowers: It's an extra touch, but placing fresh flowers in the room or by the bed where your guests are staying is super nice and spreads the message that you really honor your guest and their place in your home. It will also signal to them to join you in taking care of your home.

10. Allergies: These can be a real problem for some people, so - if you have pets - do let your guests know AHEAD OF TIME and give the room they're staying in an extra vacuum with the windows open. Extra care in cleaning can make a big difference, but bringing extra allergy medication may be necessary too.

11. Privacy & The Air Mattress: Even if you don't have an extra bed or bedroom, do what you can to give your guest a private space and a good air mattress (or sleeper sofa). I've slept on many floors with an air mattress in rooms with a little privacy from the main room and been totally happy, especially with really soft, comfy sheets!

12. Know Your Personal Goal: With every guest that comes into your home, be sure to know what you'd like to do with them personally before they leave and then schedule it with them. Visits can get rushed and busy, and it is super important to have a real quality connection with friends and/or family staying in your home. You'll both be really happy that you do.

13. Fold Them Into Your Life: With everything you do while you have guests, try to run your life as you always would and fold them into it. It's a great sign of trust that you can do this with them, and it will make both of your visits more enjoyable and more often to happen again soon if you feel like having guests enlarges your life instead of taking wind out of your sails.