Puerto Rico
As vaccine rollout continues to pick up speed around the world, you might find yourself struck by the realization that all the vacation daydreaming you’ve been doing has more and more potential for becoming a vacation reality. And while you may not be ready to start planning the splurge-worthy trip to end all splurge-worthy trips, an escape to the beach sounds like the perfect change of scenery. In the States, all signs point to Puerto Rico: near (but far!), indulgent (within reason!), this Caribbean paradise is a great place to – sorry – *test the waters* for conscientious global travel in the very near future.
Know Before You Go
Getting Here
One reason Puerto Rico’s a perennial favorite? US citizens don’t need passports to visit – and their currency is the US dollar. But Puerto Rico still feels worlds away from the mundanity of daily life. During a time when we’re all practically crawling up the walls with restlessness (but aren’t necessarily ready for international travel), PR has reached Platonic Ideal standards in the ranking of vacation destinations.
Getting Around
If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Rico and want to venture further afield than Old San Juan, it’s a good idea to rent a car. Public transit is always an option, as are Ubers – but your trip can and will function much more smoothly with you in the driver’s seat.
Use Your Spanish
Both Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico, but Spanish is without a doubt the dominant language. As most of the younger generation is fully bilingual, keep in mind the further you venture into the island, the more your Spanish skills will come in handy.
The Heat Is On
To put it simply, the seasons in Puerto Rico can be divided into “hot” and “hotter.” You need to be ready for humidity and high tropical temperatures, use lots of sunblock, and drink more water than you think you need. Hurricane season starts June 1 and ends November 30. By October or November, things are drying out again, and so autumn can actually be one of the best times to visit Puerto Rico.
Getting Your Fill
Gastronomy as an art form is booming in Puerto Rico, especially in San Juan. There are two staples that you have to try while visiting: The first is mofongo, a traditional meal made of mashed plantains and your choice of seafood or meat. The second, of course, is the piña colada. Leave your craft cocktail pomp and circumstances behind and order another round.
Trust the Locals
Most tourist destinations around the world insist that their locals are the most welcoming you’ll find anywhere – but we think the title has been Puerto Rico’s for decades. If you’re in need of a local friend, or simply some local advice, you’re never far from a friendly face here.
Can’t-Miss Adventures
Culebra
Just a short flight or ferry ride from the East of the Puerto Rico mainland, Culebra, with Flamenco Beach, has been ranked for years as one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Bordered by the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge (one of the oldest in the U.S.), Flamenco Beach is a postcard-perfect spot to soak up the sun, or work up a sweat by roving through a series of hiking trails. To get the full effect, grab a snorkel to explore the reefs – or, if you need some motivation to cross “scuba diving” off your bucket list, the caves, coral, and sunken treasures in these waters might motivate you to finally get certified.
El Yunque National Forest
Unique flora and icy waterfalls await at El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System. The splendor truly cannot be overstated; a day here has ample opportunity for beautiful hiking (try Angelito’s Trails to be rewarded with a very refreshing and beautiful river at the very end), stunning views (visit the Yokahu Tower and admire the vista from the top), and adventures big and small.
Vieques
A mere six miles off the East Coast, Vieques is home to a bioluminescent bay, wild horses, and the beautiful Playa Negra, a volcanic black-sand beach. This island will keep you busy and will take your breath away. Don’t miss the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge’s rolling countryside, and leave yourself plenty of time for a lazy snorkel through these crystal-clear waters.
Featured Local: Patinka Lason-Hollins
Patinka is a writer, traveler, and adventure lover residing in Puerto Rico. Born and raised in Poland, being a military spouse is what took her to PR, or what she calls ¡paraíso en la tierra! Professionally, Patinka is a teacher, a path she says she chose because she believes education is the key to success in every aspect of life. Creatively, she’s a travel lover and fashion stylist; blogging helps her discover beautiful places, share her fashion aesthetic, and help teach people about various corners of the world.
Patinka’s Must-Dos
Lote 23
Sure, you’ve done some bar-hopping in your day – but have you ever had a food-truck-hopping experience? Lote 23 is a gastronomic park located in the heart of Santurce, San Juan, and it's a mix of food, creativity, and culture in Puerto Rico. Every food truck has something amazing to offer, you can choose from Mexican, Puerto Rican, Asian, Israeli, and more! Lote 23 has become the "it" hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. It's a fun and vibrant place to check out.
La Placita
Founded over 100 years ago a as two-tiered market square for meats and produce, La Placita in the modern era is a farmers market by day and a nightlife hub after dark. Stop by just before 6 p.m. and watch as the space transforms into your best bet for bar-hopping in San Juan, with bars, restaurants, a melting pot of music styles, and the requisite karaoke offering. Tourists frequent La Placita, sure, but so do the locals – and if you’re in desperate need of some good, old fashioned revelry, you’ve come to the right place.
San Juan Favorites
Triana Tapas
A fun spot in Old San Juan that takes you on a journey into Spanish and South American culture, Triana Tapas’s shows – and its talented maestro and dancers – are entertaining and funny, and the whole event is absolutely worth experiencing. It's called a flamenco show, but it will really take you through different countries and their music. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the food is great. Whatever you order from the menu is amazing but the paella is especially good here!
Caffe Haus
We’d all like to believe we’re the type to hit the ground running when it comes to our travel adventures – but even the most intrepid among us require a morning kickstart. To lift the fog and start the day off right, head to Kaffe Haus in Old San Juan: here you’ll find fresh juices and coffee concoctions, plus a welcoming vibe and food that’ll revive even the weariest explorer. Better yet, it’s all served in an airy space that also does lunch and super-social brunches – just be careful with the open-bar mimosas.
Laguna del Condado
Yes, Puerto Rico has about 270 miles of beaches, but between the Old San Juan and the more modern part of San Juan, there is a lagoon where all the locals love to enjoy their time. The lagoon is perfect for some water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Lately they do also night tours or paddleboard yoga. It is greatly located and overlooks San Juan. The best part about the lagoon is that while you are enjoying yourself on the water you can spot manatees. They are the cutes sea creatures, very friendly and beautiful. Just remember they are protected and that’s their home so do not bother them.
