ON TOP OF THE WORLD: This is my favorite hike by far! Cueva Ventana ("Window Cave") is a beautiful, scenic hole in the side of a mountain that opens up to a lush, green valley down below. You'll trample through mud, hunker down under low hanging stalagmites, dodge around stalactites and never look up (there are bats, of course) while wandering through the cave. All this winding around through two caves leads you to one of the most spectacular views in all of Puerto Rico (but I may be bias). The hike to this cave is half the fun - how about climbing down into a small opening under enormous ancient tree roots??? You certainly get the feel of a tomb raider! But, if you're claustrophobic or don't feel up to lowering yourself down a small cave wall, there's an additional path that bypasses the first cave and leads you straight to the easier hike to Cueva Ventana. There's something for everyone! I'm pretty sure I saw one Puerto Rican woman doing the whole thing in heels! This is a must visit site for anyone touring the north-west central part of Puerto Rico! Want to know another tid-bit? It's practically free! You can find the directions on PuertoRicoDayTrips.com, park in the adjacent Texaco gas station parking, pay just $2.00 (because the station had to benefit from this place somehow; and then you know your car is watched the whole time you're gone), and get some simple basic directions again from the gas station attendant, who also speaks English. My favorite site!

San Sebastian, Puerto Rico As with many other natural wonders in Puerto Rico, there isn't a clearly defined marker or indication of the hidden gem itself. To find Gozalandia, you would usually first have to visit it with a local, because getting directions there can be complicated. Lately, the locals have turned it into a bit more of an accessible area (as there are also plans to turn the waterfalls into an eco-resort). Parking is cheap, but get there early to avoid crowds. There are several muddy paths leading the way to two beautiful waterfalls. I recommend going on weekdays in the morning. Forget going on weekends, it will be way too crowded to enjoy it peacefully. If you go during the wet season (August - Oct), be prepared to just go barefoot. Shoes lose grip, you slide everywhere, you eventually take them off anyways. I always start by hiking to the top waterfall first, as this one usually has less people around it. There's a rope swing for the adventurous and a nice cool water pool for the rest of us. This is definitely a beautiful place and great way to relax in nature.

Flavors of San Juan Food and Culture Tours is a great way to learn about the history and culture of the island while also sampling delicious Puerto Rican food. My favorite things in 1 tour - history, culture, and best of all food!!

Part 2: Cuevas del Indios (Indian Caves) in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Once you've climbed down the cliff side into the rock crevice (it sounds much more daring than it is, I promise), you'll find a ladder that leads to the Taino Indian petroglyphs. I was surprised at the quality of the preservation of these ancient drawings. This cave is protected from the elements, with only some ocean mist and the occasional large surge of water from an excessively massive wave crashing against the cliffs outside. In this image, I stand at the top of a tunnel and look back into the main cavern of the cave. You can see a detailed petroglyph on the left side of the tunnel. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure that involves a glimpse into a lost culture and people of Puerto Rico, this is the best place for you. Only a small $2 fee gains you entrance to the self-guided tour of the caves and views of the seven cliff arches. For a donation, you can utilize a guide. The friendly staff speak Spanish and English and will gladly tell you about the previous motion pictures filmed at the this location, as well as future upcoming films.

We were laying in the sand at Sun Bay beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico. We were told to watch out for horses but nothing could prepare me for this. Just a majestic experience to see wild horses free on the sands of Sun Bay beach.

I had no real expectations, high or low, regarding Puerto Rico when I visited last year. Now I recommend visiting the territory to friends, family, likable co-workers and friendly strangers. The beaches are beautifully tranquil, the fishing wore out my arms for days, and the bioluminescent bay kayaking was like a visit to another planet.

Part 1: Cuevas del Indios (Indian Caves) of Arecibo is a must see site for your Puerto Rican adventure. An easy-to-find natural wonder, with a simple $2 fee for parking. Bring some sunscreen and your camera, because you won't want to miss any part of this. Begin your hike up some sharp and spiky cliff sides (no worries, I was able to do it all in sandals.. in case you happen to come ill prepared). Work your way up to the top of the cliff side and enjoy the fantastic view below. Ocean spray from the massive waves breaking against the side of the rocks will cool you off with a little salty mist. Dare to look over the edge to see a landscape of arches and tunnels, burrowed below your feet. Climb down into the rocks to find a wonderful - and surprisingly well preserved - variety of Taino Indian petroglyphs. A small climb down a somewhat sturdy, handmade ladder lands you at the base of the cave with stone carved images surrounding you. Now is your chance to experience some history. Wander through the smaller tunnels, listen to the ocean making its way inside the cave with every massive wave crashing outside. Ancient history of a lost people.

One of my favorite places in the whole world - Vieques! I'm actually a little apprehensive to share because I'd love to keep it the semi-secret it is. If you time it well, you can have this beach all to yourself.

by Christopher R. Cox While San Juan’s got the buzz and the swagger, Puerto Rico’s second-largest city, Ponce, just a 90-minute drive to the south, maintains a quiet dignity. Gracious municipal buildings exemplify La Ciudad Señorial (The Noble City), especially its centerpiece, the Ponce Art Museum. Designed by famed architect Edward Durell Stone, who also planned Washington D.C.’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the museum reopened in late 2010 after a major renovation. The mid-1960s landmark is notable for its twin marble staircases, hexagonal galleries, and impressive collection of European masters (Rubens, El Greco, and Velázquez). Influential Puerto Rican painters such as José Campeche also get plenty of display space. The grounds showcase Roy Lichtenstein’s sculpture “Brushstrokes in Flight.” (787) 840-1510, museoarteponce.org. Photo courtesy of Ponce Art Museum. This story appeared in the November/December 2011 issue.  

Barcelona, Spain is surely one of the beautiful cities of the world, but if you have a chance get to Barceloneta and slow things down a bit. Just 15 mins out of city is this old, sleep village-esque area which is being crept upon by modernity. It is nestled up against the beach and esplanade area, which is great, but you'll find the charm by getting lost in its' little narrow colonial streets meandering through bread shops, fruit stands, historic buildings and the best seafood restaurants you can imagine, run by families of generations. The old balconies and white wash decor makes this area a must visit when in Barcelona.... oh and there is a Little surf shop just at the beach on esplanade. Get a board and experience some waves when there is swell.......

This old city is one of my favorites. I love the character and the artsy atmosphere. It's like NOLA but Caribbean style. I was eating lunch outdoors one afternoon and heard the sweetest accordion music. At first, I thought it was coming from hidden speakers somewhere. I later realized it was played by this older man. Quiet and reserved, he performed beautifully and it was a wonderful addition to my afternoon stroll in the city. Do it all here in San Juan: shop, eat, drink, stay and see some lovely historic sites!

Lighthouses are a common site in any coastal town or island. Many are still in working conditions, others are simply sites for the eyes. Cabo Rojo is a must visit cliff side on the southwest corner of Puerto Rico. Your view of the Caribbean ocean is spectacular. Not to mention the picturesque reds, oranges and browns of the constantly eroding cliff side where this lighthouse is situated. Try snapping photos from all angles. Don't forget to search the cliff for the green Cuban iguanas - a common site, but an invasive species on the island. They'll be sunning themselves on the ledges and may even be a more brownish color as they try to blend with their environment. Work your way around the lighthouse and find one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on the island - Playa Sucia. The name means "dirty beach", which I believe was an attempt to keep tourists and others from this hidden gem. On a calm day, you may even see the West Indies Manatee and calf, playfully swimming out in the bay. Look for their characteristic "footprints" of the ring shaped water coil on the surface of the ocean.

I found this street vendor off of 413 in Rincon, Puerto Rico. His name is Alturo and he makes some killer quick Mexican food. All the chicken is slow cooked in a specialty marinade that he prepares every morning. Then of course there is his signature salsa to top every dish. It's quick, it's cheap and it's delicious, especially as you make your way home from the bar. He's open late - around 11PM and he'll wait up for you as you eat and relax after a long night out on the town. Find various food vendors during the high season in Rincon (November - April). Alturo is actually open all year long, which is convenient and unusual as this town usually quiets down in the summertime. He doesn't have much of a sign, but you'll recognize his Mexican flag colored food truck along the side of the main road 413.

This always reminds me of Mary Poppins. Pigeon Park is a hidden wonder of Old San Juan. Walk amongst the birds who claim this area as their home. And why wouldn't they? For a tiny fee, you can feed them from your hands, your head, on the ground... they'll come. And in gentle swarms. But I love the more cryptic corners of this park where the birds have their own hole-in-the-wall to nest. Special treatment? Spa for pigeons? Perhaps. Entertaining? Certainly.

In Calvache, a smaller subdivision of Rincon Puerto Rico, there is a house made entirely of bamboo. A work of love by two artists living in the area, this place is up close and personal with nature. The house itself features two outdoor bedrooms, beautiful landscaping, gardens galore and lots of trails throughout the property that lead to rivers, ponds and lush green jungle. But the most interesting part of this house is the completely outdoor bathroom. There are some small, winding stairs that lead down to this landing, but there are no walls, no windows, no curtains or bushes. You can sit on the throne and have an uninterrupted view of the wild Puerto Rico while you conduct your business. Hopefully the owners don't have company while you try out this outdoor bathroom, or you may just have an accidental visitor wander down to explore!

RITUAL. Every day, I fix myself a small pot of tea and indulge in a wonderful book. My ritual location is the strung up hammock across my Caribbean porch, or down in the sand by the little marine reserve that features a fantastic view of Desecheo Island, off the west coast of Puerto Rico.

La Parguera, Puerto Rico 100 feet below the surface of the ocean lies a world teeming with beauty and grace; full of color and life, just waiting to be explored. This is one of my favorite dives - The Black Wall, named for the black coral that grows along the 1000 foot drop off the shelf edge. This photo was taken on my very first dive to this site. We had 100 foot visibility this day - a perfect dive, filled with colorful tropical fish and invertebrates. This photo features the Feather Duster, situated amongst other brightly colored invertebrate fauna and flora. I love this dive site because it represents a colorful Caribbean that is quickly becoming less abundant and diverse in both plants and animals.

Cabo Rojo is a must visit cliff side on the southwest corner of Puerto Rico. Your view of the Caribbean ocean is spectacular. Not to mention the picturesque reds, oranges and browns of the constantly eroding cliff side. Try snapping photos from all angles. Don't forget to search the cliff for the green Cuban iguanas - a common site, but an invasive species on the island. They'll be sunning themselves on the ledges and may even be a more brownish color as they try to blend with their environment. This landing is perfectly situated to watch the storms roll in from the west. Sit by the edge, or back in the meadows, and just relax. Feel the wind and the salt air on your face. Marvel at nature's ability to turn hardened rock into miniature mountains, standing alone in the ocean.

This was the experience of a lifetime. We were fortunate to be there on the required dark night with no moon. We used see-through canoes to paddle to the middle of this inlet off the Caribbean at midnight. All wildlife in the very clear water was luminescent -- we could see fish jumping and swimming and plankton hanging around. This bay is one of very few in the world that lights up at night -- a true glow-in-the-dark experience brought to you by Mother Nature.

After a week in Fajardo, I wound up stranded in Old San Juan (and later St. Thomas) for a few days while airports were shut down in Boston due to massive snows. The city is clean, safe, and affordable with plenty to see and do. There is captivating architecture, intriguing history, as well as great food and nightlife. I wish I could get snowed-in at places like this more often.