April 13, 2021Puerto Rico - An island known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and its vibrant Spanish Caribbean culture with an American flair.
Travel has been especially challenging during the COVID19 pandemic. With growing restrictions for international travelers in some countries, we have set our sights on this beautiful island nation as it is considered domestic travel for those coming from the United States. Be sure to check the recent travel guidelines by clicking the link here.
A week is barely enough to explore what the island has to offer. So pack up your bags, plan your trip, and bask under the hot Caribbean sun of this beautiful island paradise.
Here are some of the top things to do when visiting Puerto Rico.
Stroll down Old San Juan’s Cobblestone Streets
Old San Juan retained its epicurean charm from centuries of Spanish influence as evidenced by its rustic architecture with a contemporary twist. Houses and buildings painted with vibrant pastel colors with white window trims a notable sight as you walk along narrow cobblestone streets on hilly terrain.
Within walking distance are shops, restaurants, bars, and even a couple churches to discover and take a few snaps. Skillfully painted murals a wonder to behold, even transforming dilapidated structures and old doors into photogenic wonders worthy of your social media followers’ admiration.
Delve into the Island’s Vibrant History
Puerto Rico’s past is no exception to wars and conquests plaguing human civilizations for centuries. Thankfully, all that’s left are remnants of its glorious past retaining its rustic charms for visitors to discover.
On the north end of the city is a massive fortification built hundreds of years ago as a means to deter invaders by sea. The Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a citadel built by the Spaniards during the 16th century. Within its seemingly impenetrable walls, you’ll learn of its design while marveling at a panoramic view of the ocean below. You will also see the Santa Maria Magdalena Cemetery close by which is the burial spot of many noteworthy Puerto Ricans.
Here are some noteworthy spots you might want to check out:
a. El Capitolio (Puerto Rico Capitol)
b. Plaza de Armas
c. Castillo de San Cristobal
d. Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena
e. San Juan National Historic Site
f. Castillo de San Felipe del Morro
g. Cuartel de Ballaja
h. La Fortaleza
Discover Puerto Rico’s Natural Wonders
Puerto Rico is more than just Old San Juan and resorts located throughout the island. While Uber rides are easily accessible especially in Old San Juan and the Condado areas, much is to be explored that is within a 3-hour drive by car.
If you’re planning to venture out and experience the many wonders of Puerto Rico, renting a car makes total sense. Driving in Puerto Rico is pretty similar to driving in continental United States except that road signs are in Spanish. Puerto Rican drivers are a bit more aggressive too so just try to drive with the traffic and you’ll be fine.
Here are some places you can visit outside of San Juan:
a. Cavernas de Camuy
b. Gozalandia Waterfalls
c. Punta Higuero (Rincon Lighthouse)
d. Salinas de Cabo Rojo
e. Faro Los Morillos
f. Parque de Bombas (Ponce)
g. El Yunque Rainforest
Savor Puerto Rico’s Local Delicacies
Puerto Rican cuisine is a delicious mix of different flavors including Spanish, African, and of course, Caribbean. Plantains take center stage as the national staple. Seafoods? Fresh as they can ever be so they got you covered there.
Nothing too exotic for the average palate. But even just walking down the streets of Old San Juan, you’ll find restaurants and bars in almost every street corner complete with options of al fresco dining, Caribbean style.
The Marina area is lined with street vendors in kiosks selling local sweets, mostly coconut based, that you might want to try. Check out this post for a list of delicious food items to try when in Puerto Rico.
Relax on the Island’s White Sand Beaches
The Caribbean customarily spells lots of sunshine, white sandy beaches and clear blue waters perfect for relaxation, or engage in high adrenaline water sports. Of course, Puerto Rico is no exception. The island is surrounded by sun-kissed beautiful beaches just minutes away from its major cities, literally!
Most popular activity especially among visitors and tourists during peak travel months. During spring break, beaches along the Condado area are usually packed with a lot of spring breakers having fun under the Caribbean sun. Even Crash Boat beach was pretty much packed when we went, even for 2021, a year after the inception of the COVID pandemic.
You can always find smaller, less popular beaches around the island, or travel off season if you want to stay away from crowds and just relax your worries away.
Here are some of the more popular beaches in Puerto Rico:
a. Crash Boat Beach (Rincon)
b. Luquillo Beach
c. Playa Flamenco
d. Sun Bay Beach
e. Cayo Icacos (Fajardo)
Get Your Fill of Adrenaline Pumping Thrills
Puerto Rico has a lot to offer its visitors, even activities that fill your senses with mind blowing fun and doses of adrenaline rushing through your veins.
From scuba diving and jet-skiing, to crazy-leap-out-of-a-plane skydiving, the island is filled with myriads of options to quench your thirst for adventure.
Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time as they get sold out pretty quick during peak months. Carabali Rainforest Park at the El Yunque national forest east of San Juan offers fun-filled activities like horseback riding, zip-lines, go-karts, mountain biking and ATVing for the entire family. You won’t want to miss out on these activities while exploring the flora and fauna of this tropical destination.
Go for an Island Hopping Adventure
Puerto Rico is more than just a single tropical island floating in the middle of the Caribbean. Rather, Puerto Rico has a collection of islands and cays in addition to its main island. You can travel to these little islands by plane, boat or ferry so you can have a truly unique island experience in addition to your Puerto Rico escapade.
The more popular islands have the same stunning white sand beaches but with relatively smaller crowds. The view is just gorgeously breathtaking. Activities include water-sports like snorkeling, kayaking, kitesurfing, scuba diving, and many more.
Here are some popular islands in Puerto Rico you might want to check out:
a. Culebra
b. Vieques
c. Caja de Muertos
d. Gilligan’s Island
e. La Parguera
