Recently in Puerto Rico Category

This one's not for the claustrophobic: Angel's Cave and Camuy Cavern at Rio Camuy in Puerto Rico are just an hour's drive from San Juan, but with miles and miles of subterranean tunnels and even a tropical underground river, you'll feel like you're in another world. For those looking to take a leisurely approach to caving, a special trolley takes visitors into a sinkhole lined with dense tropical vegetation. There they can witness the rushing water of the underground Camuy River, which carved these tunnels over thousands of years, and walk along ramps and bridges through Cueva Clara.

Another tram connects Cueva Clara to the Tres Pueblos sinkhole, where visitors can gaze down into the 400-foot abyss from the safety of two observation decks. For the more adventurous, outfitters such as Adventuras Tierra Adentro run guided spelunking tours of the cave, including equipment and expert instruction. It helps to be physically fit and a little bit fearless, as the tours involve a zip-line swoop through the forest canopy, a 250-foot rappel into the mouth of Angel's Cave, and plenty of exploring among the stalactites and stalagmites of the underground world. Don't be surprised if you find yourself mud-sliding, body-rafting, or making a free jump into the darkness. It's all part of the adventure. If you can handle a couple of tight squeezes, you'll have the underground time of your life. Tours meet at San Patricio Plaza, a quick jaunt from the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel.

Puerto Rico means many things to many people. Some enjoy its lovely beaches. Others appreciate its rain forest, El Yunque. For those who wish to experience Puerto Rico's earliest history, Old San Juan is the place to go. The San Antonio Express-News points out in an enjoyable story that the city really begins at El Morro, Puerto Rico's most well known fortress. Spanish King Carlos V ordered construction to begin on the fort in 1539, and in 1595 the fort successfully defended an attack by Sir Francis Drake's English forces, lobbing a cannonball through the cabin of Drake's main ship. Today, visitors can see for themselves the strategic position and heavy armaments of this ancient fortress. The 1863 Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is located nearby, in a beautiful spot between El Morro and the cliffs above the ocean. The Fortaleza, home of the governors for more than 500 years, is worth a visit to see the oldest continually operating executive mansion in the New World. Of course, one of the most enjoyable pastimes in old San Juan is simply wandering the blue-cobblestoned streets, enjoying impromptu music concerts, and dancing under the stars. Guests at the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel can enjoy fine Latin American food in the Fogata steakhouse, and then dance the night away in the Fogata Lounge (pictured). A perfect day followed by a perfect evening in Old San Juan.

Enjoying a great first year since its opening in March 2005, the Four Points by Sheraton Palmas del Mar Resort in Puerto Rico offers upscale rooms at moderate rates. The spacious rooms are kitted out in contemporary and comfortable style, and the hotel itself sports a restaurant, three bars, and heated outdoor pool (with "infinity pool" for contemplating the horizon). Beaches and golf are close by, and the hotel can arrange scuba excursions as well. Internet room rates start around $145 per night.