Explore Puerto Rico Fifth Edition [Paperback]

Harry S. Pariser (Author, Photographer)

Book Description

Series: Explore Puerto Rico | Publication Date: June 2002

Travellers can only find this kind of detailed, comprehensive information in Harry Pariser's travel books! He includes practical facts on hundreds of web sites addresses, e-mail addresses, fax numbers and telephone numbers. In addition to extensive coverage on the main tourist destinations, Pariser's ecologically-aware perspective provides a refreshing look and an amazing depth of information on Puerto Rico's: geography and geology; history, religion and related attractions; cultural customs and tourist conduct; little-known towns, parks, and offshore islands; archaeological sites, preserves and rainforests. Each region is covered extensively in separate chapters, with details on where to stay and eat, sports and nature activities. Here is absolutely everything any traveller -- extreme athletes, cruise-ship retirees, luxury tourists -- could ever need to appreciate Puerto Rico.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... a quality book that covers all aspects... it's all here and well done." -- San Diego Tribune

"Hands down the best guidebook to the island." -- Islands Magazine

"In addition to the resorts and gourmet restaurants, the guide helps you find local eateries and inexpensive guesthouses." -- Caribbean Travel and Life

"Pariser's guides are among my favorites, well researched and detailed. They always include helpful facts.... insightful tips and tidbits." -- The Shoestring Traveler

"These useful guides are highly recommended ..." -- Library Journal

Crams lots of useful information into a portable, attractive book... both practical and user-friendly. -- Amazon.com

From the Publisher

Harry S. Pariser has been writing travel guidebooks to Puerto Rico since 1983. His guidebooks have sold tens of thousands of copies. Pariser, an award-winning journalist details information on resorts, guesthouses, restaurants and everything the reader needs to plan a trip. He writes thoughtfully about coral reefs, flora and fauna, history, culture, festivals and events and conduct. Pariser covers kayaking, horseback riding, car rentals, diving, snorkeling, plantation ruins and museums, camping, hiking, and other topics. You won't find much of this information anywhere else. Included are 30 color photos, 28 maps, and more than a hundred illustrations and black and white photos. Hundreds of web sites and e-mail addresses are listed as are fax numbers and 800 numbers.

This is the most comprehensive guide to the Puerto Rico in print today.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Manatee Press; 5 edition (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893643522
• ISBN-13: 978-1893643529
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,071,562 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 in Books > Travel > Caribbean > Puerto Rico

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pariser has a winner, December 5, 2002

By 

Roger Staiger (Scotland, MD USA & Fajardo, PR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Explore Puerto Rico Fifth Edition (Paperback)

I had the opportunity to acquire Harry Pariser's 5th edition to his guidebook, Explore Puerto Rico, recently.

This book is a remarkable piece of assistance to any visitor to Puerto Rico. The single most important fact is his attention to detail. He has packed this volume with more useful information than any other similar book - and it is good helpful information to assist the new or veteran travel to Puerto Rico.

I have a friend who was at one time in his life was the station manager for the South Pole Station in Antarctica. One of his views of life is that you cannot have too many maps. So what does this have to do with Pariser's guidebook to Puerto Rico? Mr. Pariser's maps are without question the clearest most accurate contained in any guidebook. Sometimes it is a challenge to correctly navigate the back roads of the island. The maps in the Pariser book will clearly be of assistance in this endeavor.

In additions to his maps, Pariser has a superior guide and evaluation to the many beaches of Puerto Rico. The desirability of a given beach is in the eye of the beholder and varies with what one wants. Mr. Pariser gives you the information you need to start your search for your perfect Puerto Rican Beach. For example, he discussed the handicapped access to the ocean at Luquillo; other guidebooks seem to overlook this information that is essential to those with disabilities.

Mr. Pariser also discusses what you can do to make you beach visit a little more "friendly" for the sea turtles that lay their eggs on the same beach at night. It is truly a pity that other guidebooks don't demonstrate a similar concern for those with whom we share the beach.

The book also contains really first rate discussions of culture, history, environmental concerns, restaurants and hotels. (I do think he was a little too hard on Coors beer thought - read his book to find out why; but remember this is a guidebook to Puerto Rico, not beers of the world. I drink Medallia beer when I am in Puerto Rico; and recommend it over both Coors and Bud!) If I had my choice at the moment, I would be on one of Harry's beaches reading his book to find tomorrow's beach.

If you are in the market for a guidebook to Puerto Rico, I heartily recommend you get Harry Pariser's Explore Puerto Rico.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing, Helpful, and Comprehensive, October 30, 2002

By 

Danai Lamb (Alameda, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Explore Puerto Rico Fifth Edition (Paperback)

I used this book on a recent trip to Puerto Rico along with the Lonely Planet guide. Explore Puerto Rico was more comprehensive and up to date. I found museums, beaches, snorkeling spots, rock art, restaurants and out of the way hotels that I otherwise would not have found. I compared the two books thoroughly, as I was both in the interior mountainous regions, as well as the beaches. The detailed maps are extremely helpful, as are the tips and charts, and Harry's photography is again: incomparable (I own his other books, as well) He often digs down and gives a lot more information about the culture, and background which I always find refreshing, and his sense of humor is low key. I recommend this book, and his others, as well. Great revised edition!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Big Disappointment, March 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Explore Puerto Rico Fifth Edition (Paperback)

Having used 3 guides on our most recent trip to Puerto Rico, Mr.Pariser's is weak in many aspects. Many of his phone numbers are wrong or have a digit missing. You can guess at which places he writes about and probably never saw in person. A lot of his writing needs proofreading as it looks sloppy and unedited. He doesn't describe restaurants in very helpful ways and seems pretty clueless understanding the culture. In fact, he didn't seem to care very much about what underlies today's Puerto Rico- the history, politics, cultural traditions. This book seems more like a journalistic assignment and less like a meaningful undertaking for the author. Pariser brings no passion to the subject.