Explore Puerto Rico Fifth Edition (Paperback)

by Harry S. Pariser (Author)

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

Product Description
Harry Pariser gives you detailed information on little-known towns, parks, reserves and offshore islands. His ecologically-aware perspective provides a refreshing look at archaeological sites, preserves and rugged rainforest environments. Old San Juan, El Yunque and the Caribbean National Forest, Palmas del Mar, Ponce, Guanica, Mayaguez, Mona Island, Vieques, Culebra, Arecibo, Camuy, Barranquitas and San German are but a few of the chapters in this book. Each region is covered extensively, with details on where to stay and eat, sailing, chartering and deep-sea adventures, snorkeling and diving, and the best birdwatching and hiking spots. Practical travel tips abound, and the introductory sections on the island's culture, history, geography, religion and customs will stand you in good stead for your next trip. Color photos and maps round out the picture.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Manatee Press; 5th 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 (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #427,068 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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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

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

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

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.