All You Need to Know to Visit Puerto Rico
I have been putting off going to Puerto Rico for YEARS. I was convinced I had to go with one of the 30 Puerto Ricans I know. Sadly, I am still waiting on them …
My friends, who have been a total of 10 times combined, convinced me to trust them. Although I didn’t meet my Puerto Rican husband, I had a lovely time.
Pro tips: GPS isn’t as accurate in remote places. Make sure to follow signage on the roads not just the map. It can get VERY hilly in certain parts. Winding mountain roads remind me of home in DR but if you’re prone to car sickness, stick to the coasts.
If you’re staying within the city limits, Uber is a convenient and affordable alternative.
U.S.A.
The biggest shock of all was how Americanized it was. I know, I know … it IS America.
PR is the most organized Latin American country I’ve ever been to. Back country roads are perfectly paved, traffic laws are followed, and most people speak English.
It’s a great place if you want to explore somewhere more exotic than Miami but less exotic than the rest of LATAM. A perfect destination for safe, tropical fun.
Weather
Best time of year to visit Puerto Rico is during the dry season from December to March. The wettest month is August or hurricane season. For the rest of the year be prepared for sudden rain. One thing about Puerto Rico, even if the sun is out and blazing, it might still be raining.
Money
The U.S. dollar is the local currency. Depending on where you go eat, it might be U.S. prices. Credit is accepted in most places. Only small vendors require cash.
Transportation
The best part of the island is how small and easy it is to explore. You can get from one end to the other in just a few hours through major highways. A car rental is 100% worth it. I’ve driven in a few countries and PR has the smoothest roads by far.
Stays
San Juan has a big range of neighborhoods & stays including colorful Colonia homes in the old town, ocean view high rises in Condado, and cottages walking distance from the beach in Ocean Park. I stayed in Loíza, walking distance from the beach, but with more locals than tourists.
Another option is to stay on another part of the island where you can find bigger homes with more outdoor living spaces.
El Yunque
A rainforest on the Eastern part of the island, it’s the only tropical National Park in the U.S. It has stunning mountain views. On clear days, you can see the ocean too. It’s a great day trip if you like hiking, rivers, and waterfalls. Be prepared for a lot of mud.
Old San Juan
Old towns in Latin America always remind me a little too much of Spain’s Colonial rule. That said, Old San Juan is a beautiful neighborhood full of cobblestone streets, historical sites, yummy restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour companies.
Cafes
I’m a sucker for a good cafe. These were the ones I got to try out:
Bistro Cafe very instagrammable and the best quality. Keep in mind, you pay for how pretty the food looks.
Sobao had great local snacks and desserts. They serve farina too but you have to get there early because they sell out.
Pinky’s was great for on-the-go. They have a long list of smoothies & shakes.
Panadería Las Canarias had the best (and biggest) sandwiches.
All of the above had excellent coffee. Duh.
Beaches
There are beaches all over the island including in the city center. I only got a chance to see Crash Boat on the west coast and Luquillo on the east side. Each had restaurants, coconut vendors, and lounge chair rentals nearby.
Puerto Rico is tiny enough that if you drive in any direction you’ll hit a beach within an hour or two. Simply pick a coast, head down it, and go beach hopping.
Partying
La Placita is THE party spot in San Juan. It’s a 4 block strip with 50 bars and clubs offering distinct music. Leave before 3. Afterwards, the crowds become more unhinged.
Many people like to bar hop around Old San Juan. It is a classier location with fancy cocktails, live salsa bands, and richer folk. I prefer to drink beer out of a plastic cup, smoke hookah, and throw it back on someone’s son. Pick your own adventure.
