PUERTO RICO ROMANTIC ACTIVITIES

The attractions of Puerto Rico are as vast as the island itself, ranging from eco-tourism jaunts to historic sites that date back to the days of Spanish explorers. Undoubtedly, the most popular stop on the island is Old San Juan. Dotted with museums and historic sites and rich with the atmosphere of Spanish explorers and conquistadors, this region is a must for every visitor. You can take a self-guided walk among the historic streets, strolling hand-in-hand where lovers have literally walked for centuries. The city's best shopping is also found in this area.

The most recognized site in Old San Juan is Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, better known as El Morro. This fort, one of the most photographed spots in the Caribbean, contains a museum and is administered by the National Park Service. Built in 1539, the Spanish constructed this formidable structure to protect the entrance into San Juan Harbor, a point from which the Spanish monitored their shipping between the Caribbean and Europe. El Morro means promontory or headland in Spanish.

The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; there is no admission charge. Start with a video on the site then take a self-guided tour. You'll find a map at the entrances, and exhibits throughout the park are posted in both English and Spanish. Even if you're not a history buff, this site is a romantic place where the two of you can look out on the sea and enjoy a gentle tradewind. Bring along your camera for this scenic stop.

Nearby, Casa Blanca ,787-724-4102, contains two separate museums: the Ponce De Leon Museum and the Taino Indian Ethno-Historic Museum. The former features exhibits on 16th and 17th century life and on its most famous residents: Ponce de Leon and his family. (Actually Ponce de Leon died before the home was completed.) Built in the 1520s, the home was the city's first fortress and is now open for tours Wednesday through Sunday.

Not all of San Juan's attractions are man-made; for a look at the natural beauty the island enjoys make a stop at the Botanical Garden of the University of Puerto Rico 787-763-4408. This 75-acre garden blooms with 30,000 orchids as well as heliconias and water lilies. For a peaceful lunch away from the city crowds, bring along a picnic and enjoy it in grounds shaded by cinnamon and nutmeg trees. The garden is a popular site for wedding photos and even for ceremonies themselves, many which take place in a small chapel on the grounds. For more information, call 787-250-0000 ext. 6580.

If the two of your are history lovers, then make time for a trip south to the city of Ponce. Ninety minutes south of San Juan, Ponce boasts more than 500 restored buildings. The Ponce Art Museum, 787-848-0505, features the most extensive collection in the Caribbean, with over 1,000 paintings and 400 sculptures. Ponce is also home to Hacienda Buena Vista, 787-722-5882, a restored 19th century coffee plantation today open as a museum.

If your interests run more toward eco-tourism, you're in luck in Puerto Rico as well. One of our favorite excursions is a snorkel trip out to Monkey Island. More fun than a barrel of monkeys, this island of curious primates is located off the southeast coast of Puerto Rico. It's a sanctuary for hundreds of monkeys, and access to the island is prohibited. Visitors cannot actually step on land, but you can snorkel around the fringes of the island while excited primates hoot and holler at the intrusion. We found the snorkeling here excellent as well, full of colorful fans and bright corals. Coral Head Divers at Palmas Del Mar (787)850-7208 offer scuba and snorkel trips to Monkey Island.

Another natural attraction is El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest administered by the US National Forest Service. Forty-five minutes east of San Juan (close to El Conquistador resort), the rainforest boasts 240 species of trees and flowers, including 20 varieties of orchids and 50 types of ferns. Walking trails carve through the dense forest, and guided tours are available.

If you're interested in a quiet walk beneath Puerto Rico, the island also offers what is called one of the finest cave systems in the world. The Rio Camuy Cave Park 787-898-3100, located 2-1-2 hours west of San Juan, was carved by large underground rivers. Today the park includes a new visitors center with reception area and cafeteria and a theater with AV presentation. Visitors reach cave level by trolley then follow walkways on a 45-minute guided tour.

Puerto Rico has earned a reputation as the "Scotland of the Caribbean" because of its many golf courses. Over a dozen courses, including those at Hyatt Dorado Beach, Hyatt Regency Cerromar Beach, Wyndham El Conquistador Resort and Country Club, Doral Palmas del Mar, offer golf enthusiasts a variety of golf experiences in a tropical setting.