Hector Westerband...The Real Deal!! - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

statendamfan · 03-21-2009, 11:48 PM

San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you want to do a shore excursion in San Juan, call Hector Westerband. Hector is an owner/operator that has a 20 pax bus and a van. He is very credible and has a passion for what he does. Hector has the capacity to take large groups to where ever you would like to go. He is very knowledgeable about the island and about the culture. I highly recommend using him and his services for an excursion. Hector took us on the eco hike tour and was the same price as Holland America's price of $45pp., but he gives you more of a personable and professional feeling than being herded like a bunch of cattle. He can be reached at 787-378-2602 or e-mail him at hectorwestrband@yahoo.com He also has a website: www.venturepuertorico.com Hector took us to the El Yunque Rain Forest and we stopped at the Visitors Center there and proceeded to go to La Coca Falls in the rain forest. After the waterfall, we went to an observation point where you go up 96 steps to get a breath taking view of the coast line and the foliage of the rain forest. When we left the observation point, we went to the area where we went to hike in the rain forest. I would strongly advise that you have a good pair of tennis shoes and are athletically ready to go up and down some hills in the forest. The trail is only maybe 2 1/2 feet wide and it is hard for 2 people to pass each other on the path. The hiking path round trip is approximately 3 3/4 miles. but, when you get to the falls and if you bring a towel and your suit, you can jump into a small pond that is fed by a natural waterfall....very refreshing! After having a nice workout in the rain forest, Hector then took us to a small changaro (small eatery) to be able to sample some of the native cuisine there. The food was awesome and the prices were very reasonable! After we loaded back on the bus, Hector took us back to San Juan and drove us by both forts and took the time to drop people off at the square that wanted to go shopping. For the rest of us, he dropped us right back at the ship. Try getting that kind of service from the contracted cruise line companies..... Thanks Hector!
Be sure to visit his website: Venture Puerto Rico

nealberk · 03-22-2009, 01:23 AM

Thanks for the tip, Lee. San Juan can be pretty intimidating since there is so much that you can do on the island - and so much of the real fun stuff is nowhere near the area where the ships dock.

Noticed you are in Dallas, too.....

statendamfan · 04-01-2009, 12:45 AM

yes sir...The Colony

nealberk · 04-02-2009, 12:08 AM

We are a bit east of you - in Rowlett.