Changes to FreeClassifiedsPR.com

We'd like to announce a major face-lift to http://FreeClassifiedsPR.com, while still maintaining the informative style and presentation of our existing web sites. Please visit the web site and post your likes or dislikes about the site. We are in the process of adding new Categories, but would welcome any ideas on additional sub-categories for the Classifieds Ads engine.  This site is still a  work-in-progress for the foreseeable future as we clean up the presentation further, while adding new features.

Please visit http://FreeClassifiedsPR.com and maybe post an item or two you may want to sell.

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Online Store and Free Classifieds - by Property Resources

We have 'spun off' our Free Classifieds Engine, and our Online Travel Store into its own independent domains; FreeClassifiedsPR.com, and TravelStorePR.com so that they may continue growing and providing services to visitors, independent of what PRwest.com and CaribbeanRentalList.com may do in the near or far future. Please visit our two newest web sites (still in their infancy) and tell us what you think.

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Villa Ensenada, Rincon Puerto Rico

PRwest.com - Property resources, is proud to add a new Puerto Rico Vacation Rental property to our Vacation Rental listings inventory. It is a spectacular beachfront property just north of the town of Rincon, close to what is popularly called 'Steps Beach'. It is a very serene location for those wanting to get out of the city. It offers 4 large apartments, each with 2 bedrooms, ceiling fans, 2 baths, full kitchen, Cable TV, telephone service, DVD player, and a large oceanfront terrace or balcony, and lots of shade and privacy. For daily and weekly rates and to get more details simply visit our web site at http://prwest.com/puerto_rico/rincon/ensenada/index.html

New Puerto Rico Vacation Rental Property for the Mayaguez 2010 games

PRwest.com is proud to add a new Puerto Rico Vacation Rental property that will be available in time for the start of the Mayaguez 2010 games in July 2010. It is a spectacular beachfront property just north of central Mayaguez and south of neighboring Anasco. It offers 3 large bedrooms with ceiling fans, 2 baths, full kitchen, high speed Internet, Cable TV, telephone service, DVD player, and a large terrace perfect for entertaining, and lots of shade and privacy with fruit trees, and over an acre of spectacular beachfront land located close to the Boxing venue north of town.  Fo2r daily and weekly rates and to get more details simply visit our web site at http://prwest.com/puerto_rico/mayaguez/cbIndex.html

webmaster@prwest.com

Online Travel Store Updated

Our Online Travel Store at http:prwest.com has been updated to reflect direct database access to all property listings for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.  Additional properties have been added for various municipalities.  Please check us out at http://prwest.com/prwOnlineStore.php
.

-- webmaster@prwest.com

Additional Property Listings Added

Due to our new relationship with Trip Advisor we are pleased to add additional rental property listings to our web site for all of Puerto Rico.  Please visit our site at http:prwest.com for details on properties added for San Jun, Vieques,Culebra,Dorado, Rio Mar, and others. We have also tapped the database of our current provider for additional properties including Aguada, Loiza, and Aguadilla.

-- webmaster@prwest.com

Free Classified Ads for Puerto Rico

Our Free Classifieds Ads (Anuncios Clasificados Gratis) module is now online. http://prwest.com/classifieds. Visit and place your Classified Ad at no cost or obligation. A two photo upload limit per Ad applies. A range of Ad categories are available. Email us if you would like to place an ad, but a Category is missing.

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Changes to our PR History page @ PRwest

Our History page has been revamped with links to books and a link section to other historical articles. Come check it out at

http://prwest.com/puertorico.html

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New Online Map Store @ PRwest

The map store at PRwest.com has been redesigned for easier navigation and selection of any type of map related to Puerto Rico and its Townships (Municipalities). More maps (both Free, and at a modest cost) will be added over time, including US Geologic Survey and Marine maps. Stay tuned...

You may view the new map store at http://prwest.com/prwmaps.html

webmaster@prwest.com

Photo Tour of Western Puerto Rico

We have updated our 'Tour of Wester Puerto Rico' page of our web site. The page has updated links and added promotional material. Further enhancements and 'trip stops' will be added soon. A tour of the Western Mountain Region is in the works... stay tuned...

Please visit the page at

http://prwest.com/prwtour.html

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PRwest Online Travel Store

Our Online Store for the Puerto Rico Traveler is now available.

We have teamed up with Travel Gear to provide the Puerto Rico Vacation Rental traveler with a starting list of products to consider purchasing before a visit to the island. If you are interested in selling a product or service at this store send us a message and we will gladly accommodate it. The left sidebar of this online store (the one with the rental properties and a few advertisers) will be used to permanently promote a product or service. If you are an online vendor and have a product or service to sell and would like to occupy one of these spots send us a email message.

We have decided on starting with well over 150 travel related products in 10 categories from this particular vendor. Peruse through the list of Categories and tell us what you think, or place an order through Travel Gear’s on-line shopping cart. Other products from other vendors will also soon be on-line.

NOTE: On any of these products keep in mind the security rules at US airports. No sharp or cutting object is allowed in carry-on baggage. If such an object found in found in your carry-on bag, and the TSA folks aren’t kidding, it will be confiscated. It is best to put such items in ‘checked luggage’ if you do not want to lose them at the scanners.

webmaster@prwest.com
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Puerto Rican Cuisine

First in a series of articles on Puerto Rican Style Cooking — Buen Provecho!

Main DishesPuerto Rican cuisine is as eclectic as it is varied. Local food


Typical Puertorican meal
earned a reputation it most decidedly does not deserve for being hot, fiery and spicy. Folks tend to associate the typical Mexican palate with its hot spicy base, with the Puerto Rican palate. In actuality, although it is prepared with a multiplicity of richly varied spices and condiments, Puerto Ricans tend to season their food more subtly than one might imagine.

The aroma that wafts from kitchens throughout Puerto Rico comes from adobo and sofrito, blends of herb’s and spices that give many native foods their distinctive taste and color. Adobo, made from crushing together peppercorns, oregano, garlic, salt, olive oil, and lime juice or vinegar, is rubbed into meats before they are roasted.

Sofrito is an aromatic and well seasoned sauce made from pureed tomatoes, onions, garlic, sweet red chili peppers, cilantro, and colored with achiote (annato seeds), which imparts the bright yellow color to the islands rice, soups, and stews.

Native Caribbean flavors are evident in the majority of Puerto Rican recipes. The most popular dinner dishes are stewed meats, rice and beans, and an enormous selection of fritters, and desserts made from local fruits and vegetables.

Platanos (plantain bananas), seem to be the most popular side dish served on the island. Plantains are a variety of banana that cannot be eaten raw. They are harvested while green and then baked, fried, or boiled.

Desserts and Drinks

Desserts usually include some form of flan (a thick/rich custard). Equally


Flan - A thick/almost cheesecake-like custard
traditional would be a portion of guava jelly or paste with white locally made cheese. Chefs take the bountiful harvest of Puerto Rican fruits and create any number of desserts. The pumpkin, which grows in abundance on Puerto Rico, is used not only to flavor soups and as a side vegetable, but also to make the succulent base for a traditional Puerto Rican cake. Coconut is probably the most common dessert ingredient. Many delectable desserts are made with its milk, along with a classic preparation of coconut bread pudding.

Finish your meal with strong, black, aromatic Puerto Rican Coffee (café); served espresso black or generously served with hot milk and sugar. Rum (Rón) is the national drink, and you can buy it in almost any shade. Each bartender worthy of the profession in Puerto Rico likes to concoct his or her favorite Rum libation.

Come experience Puerto Rican dining at its best, visit Puerto Rico!

Additional information on various recipes and culinary delights from Puerto Rico can be found by visiting our Recipes page at http://prwest.com/puerto_rico/island-recipes.html, or pay a quick visit to Carmen Pilar Santos de Curran’s web site called the ‘Rican Chef’ pages at: http://www.ricanrecipes.com/

For lodging information, send us a message through Comments.

Also please visit our Web Site http://prwest.com/ for a list of Vacation Rental Properties.

webmaster@prwest.com
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Tour of Western Puerto Rico.

Geography
Puerto Rico is located ~1000 miles Southeast of Miami Florida. It is situated in the Eastern Caribbean, with the Atlantic Ocean to the North and East; and the Caribbean Sea to the South and West. It is ~110 miles in length East-to-West, and ~35 miles wide North-to-South. Puerto Rico is a beautiful island, with a dramatic combination of tropical climates due to its geographic location and varied terrain. Christopher Columbus’ first landing in 1493 was in Western Puerto Rico, and for the next 400 years Spain claimed it as a colony. During that time, Spain transferred many of it customs, traditions, and architecture to the island, making it unique in the Caribbean.

Brief History
Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American war of 1898. Its inhabitants were made American citizens in 1917, and the island was made a US Commonwealth in 1952 after a popular vote. This gave the island the autonomy to pursue its destiny, while Puerto Ricans remain U.S. Citizens. Puerto Rico enjoys an enviable position in the Caribbean as having the best of both worlds. An association with a great protector nation, and the freedom to continue to pursue its Spanish traditions and culture. No visa or passport is required for mainlanders to visit the island. Currency is in U.S. dollars.

Politics
There is an on-going debate about the status of Puerto Rico and its relationship with the United States. Puerto Rican voters recently decided to continue the existing relationship as a commonwealth particularly due to concerns about preserving Puerto Rico’s cultural identity without affecting the free association as a commonwealth. For more information on this issue please refer to an excellent article on the subject by Matt Rosenberg in the About.com web page

NOTICE: Please visit our new Scuba Diving, Horseback Riding, and Other Sports pages. They provide information on scuba diving, horseback riding, and other sporting adventures in Puerto Rico.

Western Tour
We start our tour south of the town of Arecibo, well known for having as its neighbor to the south, the Arecibo Observatory, the world’s largest radiotelescope. The Camuy Caves are a spectacular sight to experience. They are located within Puerto Rico’s Karst region. Visitors ride a trolley that spirals down a 400 ft. sinkhole to a massive cave system of towering 170ft ceilings with giant crystalline stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can see the Camuy River thundering 200 feet below, flowing from one cave to the next.

Our tour continues at the juncture of Toll Road 22 and Carr. 2 west of the town of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. As soon as you pass through the last toll booth, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. The town of Hatillo is just a few kilometers away. It is very tempting to pull to the side of the road and admire the view. Be careful and pull far to the right if you decide to stop. There is quite a bit of traffic activity here.

Continuing past Puerto Rico’s municipalities of Hatillo and Camuy (subjects of future trip stops), we stay on Carr. 2 west toward Quebradillas. Quebradillas, Puerto Rico is a scenic seaside town founded in 1806. It is known for its many small streams and for the fantastic ocean views. This picture was taken on the way to Isabela just west of town on Carr. #2. The Parador El Guajataca, is located nearby. Quebradillas is also known for having Puerto Rico’s longest tunnel, ‘The Black Tunnel’. The surf is quite active in this part of Puerto Rico, but there are many quiet and safe natural pools in the area formed by the volcanic rock; perfect for snorkeling and just plain relaxing. Watching the sea pelicans hunt and dive for food is also very entertaining.

Located between Isabela and Aguadilla is one of the most spectacular places in Puerto Rico. Jobos beach is a marked contrast with the rest of the island, and with itself. It is an awesome sight to behold. Careful when walking on the ancient lava flow to visit ‘Jacinto’s Well’ . The constantly pounding surf is nearby a very peaceful and placid family beach area just a few steps away. A must see if you come to visit. Shacks beach is also nearby, offering surf and snorkeling for the visitor. A nearby horse stable offers riding tours so you can experience this area on horseback. A stay at Villa Montana, Villas del Mar Hau, or at Villa Tropical is highly recommended if you wish to tour and visit the area.

The municipality of Aguadilla is located at the extreme Northwest tip of the island. It is famous for Golfing, Scuba Diving, and one of the most pristine beaches in all of the Caribbean. Puerto Rico’s Crashboat beach is famous for it’s crystal clear waters and very colorful fish. Due to the steady flow of the currents, the waters surrounding this beach maintain an almost ‘glass like’ appearance. Walking to the end of the docks you see pictured and looking straight down into the water is a marvelous sight to behold. A stay at Hotel Cielo Mar would allow you to take in the breathtaking sights west toward Desecheo Island.

Traveling South, located just West of the town of Rincón, at waters edge, is ‘El Faro’; Spanish for ‘The Lighthouse’. This is a very popular tourist attraction in Puerto Rico. This lighthouse, built by the Spaniards in the late 1800’s, serviced shipping between the island of Mona and NorthWestern Puerto Rico. And it still does. Because of its beautiful location, and the warm winds that flow into this area, it remains a sight to visit and admire. Many Americans have made this portion of Puerto Rico their home. There are many restaurants and attractions to visit. Parador Villa Antonio, Villa Cofresi Hotel and Restaurant, The Lazy Parrot, and The LemonTree are nice places to stay while visiting Rincón Puerto Rico.

The municipality of Añasco is the next place on our tour. The town lies on the other side of Carr# 2 in our journey south. It is located East along Carr#402. The government of Puerto Rico built one of the largest ‘Balnearios’ (Public Beaches) in the island on the shores of this municipality. The beach at ‘Tres Hermanos’ is one of the most beautiful and well kept beaches in the island with picnic tables and hammock setups throughout. It costs $1.00 US per day to park your vehicle at a large and convenient parking lot. To get to the beach you have to walk through a large and well kept grove of Palm Trees, but the trek is rewarded when you come to a large a beautiful open beach.

Añasco is also a popular fishing spot. Local fishermen catch various types of fish for sale at local restaurants. These pictures were taken at a local fishing business that caters to the tourist trade. Some of the catch is prepared and cooked right on the premises for visitors to sample. The food is wholesome and delicious. Try some!! There is nothing like the taste and flavor of fresh well cooked fish.

Traveling further South from the town of Rincón along highway 2, after the city of Añasco is the third largest city of Puerto Rico. The city of Mayagüez clings to its Spanish traditions. Yet it is a modern city with parks, museum, zoo, theaters, baseball stadium, a University Campus, Shopping Malls, and many other attractions. It has a strong, vibrant, and diverse economy. The city center, or ‘Plaza’, is one of the most popular in Puerto Rico. Click on the thumbnail to see a panoramic view of the city.

East of the city of Mayagüez are one of the most scenic mountains in Puerto Rico. A drive through these green mountains, heading to the town of ‘Las Marias’, is a ‘must do’ for the vacationer. Care must be taken however. The roads are narrow and windy. Take a video camera along, stop every once and while, and capture the beauty. The people that live in these hills are very friendly and always ready to help. Knowledge of Spanish is necessary in order to meet and speak with them however.

Continuing south along the coast we enter the municipality of Cabo Rojo. Along the road are gorgeous shoreline stops that invite you to the water. This picture was taken at ‘Playa Buye’ located along route 307. The waters are very warm and placid at this point, perfect for families with young children, or for people seeking to ‘get away from it all’. Excellent places to stay in this area are Parador Joyuda Beach, Parador Perichi’s, and The Highway Inn.

This little fellow, or lady …we couldn’t tell…, and cousins all over the island, are what’s making all the racket at night. At nightfall these little creatures wake up and start singing the every familiar ‘coquí… coquí’ song all through the night and throughout the island. It is the island’s official mascot. Their colors vary from red, to striped, to green, to yellow. But their song remains the same. It is a soothing and familiar sound to fall asleep at night with. The coquí frog is native only to Puerto Rico.

Located in the Puerto Rico Municipality of Lajas, ‘La Parguera’ is a vibrant fishing area, with many restaurants specializing in area seafood. This area is also home to a unique lagoon that is home to millions of tiny phosphorescent sea creatures. At night, these creatures glow if the water is agitated in any way. Plan on spending a few days at Andino’s Guest House to really enjoy this area.

Continuing East along Carr #2 we enter the Municipality of Guanica. Guanica is home to the ‘Guanica Dry Forest Reserve’. This forest is one of the finest examples of Puerto Rico’s variations in climate. The portion of the forest that borders the coastline is an interesting study in contrasts, lovely caribbean beaches and mangroves, surrounded by dessertlike plants with rubbery leaves and prickly flowers. Mary Lee’s by the Sea is an excellent place to stay while visiting this area.

This completes the tour of Western Puerto Rico, for now. Additional descriptions and photographs (trip stops) will be added in a periodic basis.

Photos of the tour will be uploaded at a later date. If you would like to see the photos of the tour visit the PRwest web site at http://prwest.com and link on the western tour link.

webmaster@prwest.com

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Welcome to Puerto Rico!

Puerto Rico is a modern progressive and civilized vacation spot that maintains the charm and hospitality of days gone by. Many of its towns still maintain the Old Spanish traditions handed down through over 500 years of history, while providing many of today’s modern conveniences. Though Spanish is the native language; most Puerto Rican’s are quite comfortable with the English language also.

This island offers miles of soft white and golden sand beaches; beautiful mountains and valleys; fantastic sunsets, and other natural wonders.

For the vacationing family, the western portion of this beautiful caribbean island offers quiet surroundings; uncrowded beaches; affordable lodging; great restaurants; convenient shopping and recreation; and beautiful unspoiled mountain scenery. Unlike the northern San Juan district, this portion of the island is serene; with no hotel strips or large crowds. But a visit to this U.S. Commonwealth is not complete without a day visit to Old San Juan, where Old Spanish architecture and style is preserved for everyone to admire.

So welcome… pull up a comfortable sand chair; bring your piña colada or other favorite drink; and experience the warm beaches and beautiful sunsets of…

Puerto Rico!

Click Here to see our available vacation rentals.

Why consider a Puerto Rico Vacation Rental?

Why consider a Puerto Rico Vacation Rental?

If you are planning on visiting Puerto Rico for your vacation or corporate stay, an attractive alternative to a high cost hotel room is the rental of a private Home or Apartment. A hotel room makes sense for a short 3 or 4 day trip, but it can get quite uncomfortable to come to a hotel room after a long day; not to mention if there is a family involved, with privacy issues and the like. That is of course if you are a professional who virtually lives in hotels and is used to that sort of living due to constant business travel.

With a short term home or apartment rental you have the option of staying in a privately owned vacation home or apartment and enjoy the convenience of living in a private home during your stay. In many cases for far less than the cost of a stay in a hotel room, depending on the length of stay.

Vacation Villa owners at many of the high-end resort communities located throughout Puerto Rico (such as Sol Melia Beach Resort, Palmas del Mar Resort, and Las Casitas Village) also include their vacation units in the resort’s vacation rental inventory. These units are typically managed by the hotel located within the resort (a pre-set condo/hotel arrangement); or a licensed property manager located within the community, manages a number of rental units and takes care of all customer transactions and support. The daily rental rates for these units are typically higher, but the amenities are usually 5 star, with golf, pools, sport fishing, scuba diving, and restaurants all located within the resort community.

Vacation Home or Apartment rentals and some guest cottages offer full kitchens, or galley kitchens, with cooking utensils. Many offer other goodies such as TV’s with VCRs, audio equipment, laundry facilities, and scenic views from a deck or a porch. Most mountain cottages offer basic amenities with few frills, but they are typically located in areas of extreme beauty however.

Our San Juan Listings (http://prwest.com/sanjuan) are back on line. ..
Our Dorado Listings (http://prwest.com/dorado) are back on line. ..
Properties and Links are being added…

Paradors (esp. Paradores) are small hotels or Inns located in areas that are either of historical significance or are popular tourist spots. Some offer rental units with full service rooms such as telephone, cable TV, and air conditioning.

Guest Houses and Inns typically provide the same amenities as Paradors, but do not normally include individual phone access. They are also located near popular attractions and offer still lower lodging costs.

Vacation Rental homes and apartments/condos are privately owned, but made available to vacationers when the owners are not using them. These properties are clean and well maintained. Most if not all are located on the water, or a short walking distance to the water. There are a few being offered that are located hillside or in the mountains offering spectacular views of the ocean or mountain scenery. They are usually managed by a property manager or an individual whom the owner shares confidence.

Our vacation rental listing pages will soon be categorized by Region. The North Region, will have listings for Quebradillas, Arecibo, Vega Baja, Dorado, San Juan, Rio Grande, and Luquillo. The East Region will include listings for Fajardo, Ceiba, Humacao, Vieques, and Culebra. The South Region will have all southern locations including Guanica, Guayanilla, Ponce, Salinas, Guayama, Patillas, and Guaunabo. And the West Region will include areas such as Isabela, Aguadilla, Aguada, Rincon, Añasco, Mayaguez, Cabo Rojo, and Lajas. Stay tuned… we are back!

The following web sites provide an inventory of Puerto Rico Vacation Rental Listings…

WhereToStay.com
VacationRentalsByOwner.com
HomeAway.com
CyberRentals.com
A1Vacations.com

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