Add It to Your List: Explore Puerto Rico
Now that I am back home and settled, back into my usual routine of life after my December trip to Puerto Rico, I have decided to jot down a few notes. A few people I know are planning to go themselves and have asked me about my experience so I figured I’d compile them all here and share with everyone.
Why Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico became a U.S. Territory in 1898 after centuries of Spanish rule. It’s a large island in the Caribbean roughly 3500 square miles with an approximate population of 3.4 million people with very visible influence from Spanish, American and Afro-caribbean cultures.
Puerto Rico is a caribbean destination that is full of rich history, vibrant culture, welcoming people and unmatched scenic views. Not to go unmentioned, it’s a US territory so for those of us who call the United Stated of America home, no passport is required to gain access to this tropical island. To add to the ease of accessibility, there are many non-stop flights availble from U.S. Airports.
What to Do
Puerto Rico like other caribbean getaways has much to offer. Whether you want to bask in the beauty of nature, explore the cities and revel in the history of place OR if you are the adventurous type, there is something for you! I’ll discuss a few of my favorites:
Old San Juan
With over 500 years of history, Old San Juan has colorful architecture and cobblestone streets to wander and soak up the beautiful culture of the Puerto Rican people. You can visit El Morro or La Fortaleza to learn all about the use of the forts to defend Puerto Rico from invasions by the British, Dutch and Pirates, in addition to learning about the use of the forts as active military installations during the First and Second World Wars. El Morro and the walled city of Old San Juan are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Santurce
Santurce is a step off the beaten track but one of San Juan’s coolest neighborhoods. It is known for its vibrant arts scene with many murals and art museums. Santurce is alive with an urban vibe fueled by busy nightlife options and authentic Puerto Rican food.
Bioluminescent Bays
While I did not partake in this experience it is a quite popular thing to do on the island. Bioluminescent bays are rare ecosystems that happen when microscopic, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates grow in quantities big enough to produce a “glow-in-the-dark” effect when stimulated by movement. Three popular options on the island to experience this are Mosquito Bay, Laguna Grande and La Parguera.
El Yunque Rainforest
The only tropical rainforest as a part of the US National Forest System, El Yunque is a paradise for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature. With more than 240 types of trees, the forest spand 28,000 acres of land that includes 25 waterfalls, many rivers and ancient petroglyphs of Taino culture. Its about a one-hour drive from San Juan and you can explore on your own or take a guided tour. There are trails for hiking, ziplining, ATV and horseback riding and more. You will need to reseve your visit in advance at www.recreation.gov. We went during the pandemic and many features were not available and since the storms many of the areas of the rainforest may be closed recently do to damage so definitely check before you go. Also while we were there there was a sudden rain shower - so yeah it’s a rainforest. Be prepared for that to possibly happen.
The Beaches
If there is one thing there is plenty of in Puerto Rico, it’s beaches. Puerto Rico has 270 miles of coastline with over 300 beaches. You can definitely find one to suit whatever it is you are looking for be that seclusion, partying or watersports. Three of my favorite beaches that I have visited so far are Luquillo Beaches with its powdery sand, Ocean Park beach for its popularity and people watching (Bonus here there is a drink stand that makes THE best Pina Colada here) and Flamenco Beach for its photo ops and uncontested beauty. If you’re interested in the Black Panther fandom there are a few beach locations from the movie Wakanda Forever filmed right in Puerto Rico. We went on a semi -successful adventure to find them last month and I can vouch that they are as beautiful off screen as they were on screen. Also don’t be surprised to experience a little bit of the Puerto Rican hustle - the beaches are public but that doesn’t mean that the bathrooms always are. Don’t be surprised if someone is trying to charge you a dollar for the key to a padlocked port-a-potty!
Day Trips
As if there are not enough places to see and things to do on the main island of Puerto Rico, there are a few day trips that will take you off the main Island to explore even more.
Culebra - is an island and Puerto Rican municipality that is about 20 miles off the coast of Fajardo, Puerto Rico and it is know for its beaches - like Flamenco Beach. Its a popular destination spot especially for locals so the town is well developed wth cute shops and restaurants. You can get there for ~$99 by plane OR you can do like we did and take the ferry. For less than $5 you can catch a 45 minute ferry (Be warned if you get sea sick easily) and bring beach gear, cooler and even your car(for a fee of course). Many visitors opt to stay overnight. There are AirBnBs galore if you explore this option.
Vieques - located 6 miles off the coast of the Puerto Rico mainland, Vieques is sometimes called Puerto Rico’s little sister or the Spanish Virgin Islands. 60% of the island is covered by the Vieques National Wildlife refuge and its most popular attraction is probably Mosquito Bay, a popular spot to experience a bioluminescent bay. This island is a little less developed than Culebra but is in no way less impressive. There are black sand beaches, a lighthouse and the last fort built by the Spaniards in the Americas and notably is overrun by wild horses in the most wonderful way. Just like Culebra, you can get to Vieques by plane or ferry from Puerto Rico. We were able to rent golf carts to really get around this island and explore.
What to Eat
Instead telling you what restaurants to go to specifically since businesses come and go, I thought it’d be a better idea to give you guidance on what to eat and order from the menus whlle you are in Puerto Rico:
Pina Colada - I know, I know , you don’t really like pina coladas but I’m telling you, you need to try one if only for the simple fact that San Juan, Puerto Rico is the home and orginal inventor of the tropical drink. In fact it IS the National Drink of Puerto Rico.
Pork - If its on the menu, and its definitely gonna be on the menu, Order it. There are three “Pork Highways” in Puerto Rico where you can sample the traditional spit-roasted style of pork that Puerto Rico is famous for. Try the Pernil (roasted pork shoulder). Order the Chicharrones (deep fried pork rind or belly).
Mofongo - a popular Puerto Rican dish made with fried green plantains mashed with chicharrones (crispy pork skin) and garlic is available about everywhere and is a staple of the culture.
Arroz con Habichuelas/Arroz con Gandules - Are you even in the islands if you don’t get you some of these? Rice and beans or rice and peas. Bacon fat and sofrito give these rice and beans extra oomph.
Street food in Pinones - this small stretch of kiosks located close to SJU airport and in Carolina neighborhood, is right on the water and will give you the most authentic eating experience on the island with amazing views. You should get the Bacalaitos (Cod Fritters), alcapurria (definitely try the stuffed crab ones!), Pastelillos or Empanadillos (meat turnovers), and arepas. If you see someone on the street selling coconut water and dulce de coco (coconut candy) be sure to get some of that too!
Where to Say
I’m not gonna lie, Of the two times I have been to the island, I have stayed with friends but here’s what I do know. Peak Season is from Mid November to Mid April and hotels can book up months ahead. The most popular hotels for tourists are in San Juan and the East near El Yunque and Fajardo. There is an array of Resorts, Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts and of course AirBnBs to fit your tastes and budget. READ REVIEWS!!!
My Personal Notes
There are a few more questions that I think are worth responding to that I have been asked about Puerto Rico. I’ll keep adding/answering them as you all reach out to me and update this section:
Do you feel Safe? Is it safe to travel to Puerto Rico? There has not been a moment where I have felt that my safety was in danger. You should use the same level of heightened awareness that you would use in any other urban or touristy areas. I would say I do not recommend having young kids and walking around Santurce - parking can be hard to find and you may end up doing lots of walking to get there and kids can get whiney.
Should I rent a car while I’m there? Listen, I do not recommend it. But if you are an aggressive and confident driver you may feel right at home. Stop signs appear to be suggestions and Puerto Rico has been experiencing some infrastructure hiccups and it is not uncommon for the street lights to be non-functioning. Having said that you shouldn’t have any trouble getting an Uber in the San Juan area.
Does everyone speak English? In the hotels, resorts and touristy areas you will definitely have the comfort of english speaking encounters. The further you take yourself into the authentic areas of Puerto Rico the more likely it is that you will be practicing your Espanol. Nonetheless, the people are friendly and they will work with you in both English and Spanish - besides, even if you remember what you learned in your high school Spanish 2 class, Puerto Rican Spanish is different. I learned recently that an orange in Puerto Rico is not in fact a “naranja” like I learned and practiced, instead its called a “china” (pronounced cheena)!
Have more questions please feel free to ask. I really am starting to grow quite fond of the island. So much so, I have my next visit booked already in the spring. This time I’m taking the kiddos which should open the door for even more experiences. I hope that you will add Puerto Rico to your list.
Considering a Trip to Puerto Rico - Why or Why not? If you’ve been already, what were your favorite and least favorite parts of your visit??
