Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and a United States territory. It lies between Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The island was occupied by Christopher Columbus in 1493. On his second voyage Columbus landed on the island and named it San Juan Bautista. Today San Juan is the name of the capital, while “puerto rico” in Spanish means “rich port”.
Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico; however, you might encounter people who don’t speak English, mostly those who don’t work in tourism though. Puerto Rico just like its sister island of the Dominican Republic is known for its loud culture, urban music and endless dancing.
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Puerto Rico isn’t just pretty beaches. It’s much more that that. The fact that Puerto Rico is a Spanish speaking Caribbean island and overseas US territory, makes it quite unique in different ways.
Even though it’s technically not part of Latin America, due to it being US overseas territory, its culture is very Latin American. If you look at the most successful and known artists in the Urban music genre, a great majority of them are from Puerto Rico (Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Nicky Jam etc.). That’s why it shocked me quite a bit when I read it officially isn’t considered as part of Latin American. The influence that Puerto Rico and its artists have in the Latin American community is undeniable.
Caribbean destinations in general are idyllic destinations. Puerto Rico is no exception. It’s home to beautiful beaches, mountains and forests, a national rainforest and unique flora and fauna. The Caribbean easy-going life, where music and dancing are the center of everything they do. The nature itself is quite similar to its neighbor – Dominican Republic. For those who have been previously to Dominican Republic (not only Punta Cana), you’ll know what to expect.
The old part of San Juan, the capital of the island, is a completely different story. As it’s basically a colonial zone you’ll find beautiful colorful streets full of people and great energy, however you might notice that it’s a bit different to the rest of the island.
On the other hand, you might find yourself in areas where’s you feel like you’re on the mainland of the United States. Puerto Rico being a part of the United States territory means, that you’ll find (in certain areas) the same restaurants, supermarkets, and shops as you would in the US. Also, if someone starts speaking to you with an American accent, don’t be surprised. Although it’s of course possible that you find some locals that don’t speak English, Puerto Ricans speak amazing English (maybe even better than yours).
For this reason, Puerto Rico could be the best of both worlds for someone who’s looking for the Caribbean lifestyle and energy, but still wants those westerns standards. Also, I heard the taxes are quite low, FYI 🙂
When to go
When is the best time to go to Puerto Rico? Always. That’s my answer for all Caribbean islands. 🙂
December-March is the “best” time as these months get the least rain fall and the temperatures are lower (21C-28C). This time is perfect for a combination of a beach vacation as well as sightseeing as it’s not as hot and humid.
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I visited Puerto Rico in the second half of February. The weather was perfect! It rained (more like drizzled) a few times, but it was over very quickly so it did not bother us in the slightest. It was warm during the day, but not too hot and even a bit pleasantly chilly in the evening/at night.
The rainy season is in April-November, August being the month with the most rain and September having the most storms. June-August are the hottest and most humid months, the average temperature being 24C-32C. Since this is considered low season, the prices are a bit lower.
If you want a more detailed insight into Puerto Rican weather, check out this.
Where to stay
Puerto Rico is a rather big island. So, it’s of great importance where you choose to stay and whether you intend on renting a car (which advise you to do so).
As someone who has (so far) spent only 10 days in Puerto Rico, my knowledge about the other regions in Puerto Rico are limited and I’ll focus on sharing what I actually know.
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I was staying in Palmas de Mar, Humacao for 10 days, which is in the eastern part of the island. This was a family trip; I found a big apartment with walking distance to the beach at a very good price. Since my family isn’t open to changing accommodations that much, I was looking for accommodation in an area from which we could drive and see as much as possible.
Humacao is about 40 min driving distance to Fajardo, from where the boats to Culebra island (the most popular excursion on the island) go, and about 1h drive to San Juan, the capital and the airport. Apart from the beach we had next to our apartment, there is quite a few nice beaches ranging from a 20 – 60 min drive from Humacao. One of them being the most beautiful beach with black sand I have ever seen (read more about Playa Los Bohios)!
If I hadn’t stayed in the East, I would’ve chosen to stay in the West. There is a lot to see in that area and I was sad to not be able to see it. But I’m not worried as I know I’ll be back in Puerto Rico soon. It’s manageable to do a one day trip to the West from Humacao as well, as it’s a 2,5h drive, but it would be quite a bit of driving for one day, which my family wasn’t up for (let me stress at this point that if it was up to me, I would’ve done it!).
If you want to concentrate more on the night life (or the social aspect in general) as well as beaches, then I suggest you stay in San Juan. My Latina soul was definitely feeling the vibes of the music and the rhythm in San Juan, soooo I think next time I visit Puerto Rico I will stay in San Juan.
Transportation
I’m not someone who is a fan of public transport, so I never do any research on public transport or options for buses at most destinations.
In my opinion, the best way to see the island is to rent a car at the airport. The roads are very good, driving and parking in Puerto Rico are very easy. You’ll find parking available at all beaches.
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Some you’ll have to pay for though (for example in Carolina). Even if you don’t have mobile data in Puerto Rico, you can download the map when you have WIFI. This way you’ll be able to use google maps and have directions even when you don’t have WIFI.
If you’re looking for a more passive vacation and you don’t want to explore the island as much, then you can just use uber whenever you want to go somewhere. But in this case I suggest you choose your accommodation wisely and make sure you have everything you want close to you.
Beaches
Beaches are the first thing I google in a new destination. I research which beaches I want to see and how far they are from where I could potentially be staying. Here are a few that I visited.
Playa Los Bohios
Also known as Playa Arena Negra is the most stunning beach with black sand I have ever seen! It became my favorite beach in Puerto Rico. In the village of Manuabo, what feels like in the middle of nowhere, about 30 min from Humacao you’ll find breathtaking views. If you walk a bit to the right, you’ll find a lagoon that looks like a jungle. The best part is that there’re barely any people on the beach. Since it’s such a secluded area you might only see a few locals sitting under the palm tree. So, you’ll really get to disconnect, it’s a perfect location for meditation. There are many palm trees thus enough shade if you don’t want to be in the sun as well. TOP TIP! The currents at this beach are very strong, so when going into the water, make sure to not go in too deep. Quite a few locals warned us and told us to be careful. I’m passing on this information to you! Please stay safe.
Playa Isla Verde
Also known as Carolina Beach is located in Carolina, which is part of San Juan. There you’ll find a long public beach with turquoise water, small beach bars (to order drinks, not to sit down), showers and toilettes. In my opinion this is the most beautiful beach in San Juan. If I was staying in San Juan, I would make this my regular beach spot. There’s also a beach club called Vivo Beach club. You can pay for a day pass, but you can also access the restaurant which is inside the beach club for free. If you for example just want to spend the day at the beach and eat at a restaurant on the beach, this is the best option. In this case you’ll have to enter the beach club from the back, not from the beach.
La Monserrate, Luquillo
Luquillo beach is the closest beach to the El Yunque National Forest. It’s a big beach with many local bars and restaurants. During the week Luquillo is quieter compared to the weekend. Friday-Sunday all the bars open, you’ll hear urban music coming out of every single one of them. During the weekend the area with bars is full of energy and life and that’s where you’ll get to live the true Puerto Rican experience. While Luquillo beach is beautiful, if we’re talking about the beach itself, Carolina beach is nicer in my opinion. However, at Luquillo you have the opportunity to have a more local experience since there are plenty of bars and restaurants with a local touch, which you won’t find at Playa Isla Verde.
Flamenco beach, Culebra Island
Flamenco beach is located on Culebra Island, and it’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This was the one place I absolutely knew I wanted to see during my stay in Puerto Rico. It’s known for its blue waters and is named after the flamingos that come to the island during wintertime. On my trip there it was actually raining and cloudy, however the water was still so blue and the view of the island and beach were stunning. In the past, it was used by the Navy. You can either go on a tour to Culebra island, or you can take the ferry that goes from Ceiba, which is the cheaper option.
What to do in the East
Few tips on what to do on the eastern side of the island.
Hacienda Muñoz
If you want to visit a local hacienda with coffee plantations learning about the coffee making process in Puerto Rico, pay a visit to Hacienda Muñoz. One of the amazing tour guides will show you around their beautiful coffee plantations, the scenery and views are truly unique. You’ll be explained the coffee making process and see all the machines they use for production. Of course, you’ll get a few shots of coffee in the end as well. No need to book tickets in advance, just make sure to look up at what times they have the tours.
Old San Juan
Don’t leave Puerto Rico without spending an afternoon and evening in the old town of San Juan. Viejo (Spanish for old) San Juan was a colonial district and is the oldest part of San Juan, that’s why the architecture might remind you of a European old city. You’ll find the vibe and energy in old San Juan to be completely different than in the rest of the island. You’ll find many streets with colored houses and the most beautiful views for taking pictures. Even though the old town is quite small, there’s lots to see. We visited the old town twice in the afternoon and evening, since during the day it’s hot and we didn’t want to walk around in the sun. You’ll find many restaurants and bars if you want to have dinner or a few cocktails. Parking is quite easy too. Just set your GPS to a parking garage in Old San Juan an explore from there.
Luquillo
Spend a day at Luquillo. Click here to read more about Luquillo.
Culebra Island
Explore Culebra island. Click here to read more about Culebra island.
El Yunque National Forrest
El Yunque is a national rainforest and is the only rainforest in the US. There are several ways to explore the forest. You can either book an activity online (waterslides, horse riding, hiking etc.), which have transport included. Or you can explore the forest on your own. There is no entry fee, however due to construction on the road, parking is limited and so is the amount of cars they let into the forest. If you go by car, you can set your GPS to Juan Diego falls and make a stop at the tower “Torre Yokahu” to enjoy the view from above. The forest itself has many points worth seeing depending on how active/passive you want to be and what you want to see. I suggest you use uncle google to narrow down what would be the best sights and/or activities for you.
Hacienda Muñoz
If you want to visit a local hacienda with coffee plantations learning about the coffee making process in Puerto Rico, pay a visit to Hacienda Muñoz. One of the amazing tour guides will show you around their beautiful coffee plantations, the scenery and views are truly unique. You’ll be explained the coffee making process and see all the machines they use for production. Of course, you’ll get a few shots of coffee in the end as well. No need to book tickets in advance, just make sure to look up at what times they have the tours.
Old San Juan
Don’t leave Puerto Rico without spending an afternoon and evening in the old town of San Juan. Viejo (Spanish for old) San Juan was a colonial district and is the oldest part of San Juan, that’s why the architecture might remind you of a European old city. You’ll find the vibe and energy in old San Juan to be completely different than in the rest of the island. You’ll find many streets with colored houses and the most beautiful views for taking pictures. Even though the old town is quite small, there’s lots to see. We visited the old town twice in the afternoon and evening, since during the day it’s hot and we didn’t want to walk around in the sun. You’ll find many restaurants and bars if you want to have dinner or a few cocktails. Parking is quite easy too. Just set your GPS to a parking garage in Old San Juan an explore from there.
Luquillo
Spend a day at Luquillo. Click here to read more about Luquillo.
Culebra Island
Explore Culebra island. Click here to read more about Culebra island.
El Yunque National Forrest
El Yunque is a national rainforest and is the only rainforest in the US. There are several ways to explore the forest. You can either book an activity online (waterslides, horse riding, hiking etc.), which have transport included. Or you can explore the forest on your own. There is no entry fee, however due to construction on the road, parking is limited and so is the amount of cars they let into the forest. If you go by car, you can set your GPS to Juan Diego falls and make a stop at the tower “Torre Yokahu” to enjoy the view from above. The forest itself has many points worth seeing depending on how active/passive you want to be and what you want to see. I suggest you use uncle google to narrow down what would be the best sights and/or activities for you.