Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gambling
Gambling is completely legal in Puerto Rico and takes a variety of forms. Though most
of it is confined to the large resort casinos of San Juan, other hotels with smaller casinos
exist elsewhere on the island. All casinos will offer a variety of slot machines, and some
table games. There is a horse track and cockfighting arena in San Juan. Other places to
watch cockfights
(galleras)
elsewhere on the island are largely seedy affairs. You'll likely
see vendors selling lottery tickets around the island and a mechanical horse-racing game,
with rules similar to roulette, at small town fiestas and along the side of the road.
Gay & Lesbian Travelers
Puerto Rico is probably the most gay-friendly island in the Caribbean. San Juan has a well-
developed gay scene, especially in the Condado district, for Puerto Ricans and visitors.
Other cities, such as Mayagüez and Ponce, have gay clubs and gay-friendly accommoda-
tions as well. Vieques and Culebra have become popular destinations for an international
mix of gay and lesbian expatriates and travelers. In the cities and in major resort areas, it
is easier for gay men and women to live their lives with a certain amount of openness. As
you travel into the middle of the island, it is more difficult to be out, as people are not used
to seeing same-sex couples holding hands or displaying affection publicly.
GAY & LESBIAN RESOURCES
»
Atlantic Beach Hotel ( 787-721-6900)
In Condado, the friendly staff have in-
formation on current events in the lesbian and gay community.
»
Gay Yellow Pages ( 212-674-0120; PO Box 533, Village Station, NY
10014-0533)
Has national edition and regional editions.
»
GayCities (
www.puertorico.gaycities.com
)
Read reviews of hotels, restaurants
and clubs written by and for gay travelers.
»
Orgullo Boricua (
www.orgulloboricua.net
)
Newly launched site with interactive
map of gay-friendly attractions and complete listings of pride events and happenings.
»
PuertoRicoBreeze( 787-724-3411)
Bilingual tabloid of events and listings for
accommodations, restaurants, clubs etc, for gay men and lesbians.
