Explore Puerto Rico

It was a refreshingly honest look at the island and its culture. Rarely does a guide book both respect a place and give you the 'warts and all' assessment of what goes down there and how. Very glad to have bought and read it!

We found this book to be really interesting and helpful. It's funny the silly things some of these posters complain about! We found it to be one of the better books, and we stayed in many smaller places we found in here. It also helped us find nightlife (although there is not a lot in Puerto Rico, except in San Juan) and get around. We think some of these people writing here should write the author with their suggestions so this good book can be even better. We used the author's previous edition some years ago, and this one is much better.

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.

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!