I dive into #11 things to know before heading to Puerto Rico, various Puerto Rico travel tips and tricks that will make your trip a breeze!
So you’re thinking about heading to Puerto Rico to escape the winter chill and enjoy some time lounging on the beach. Maybe you’ve already bought your tickets. But now it’s time to start planning and you’ve got no idea where to begin. A lot of people have misconceptions about Puerto Rico, and I can totally understand that. Before I went, I didn’t really know what to expect either.
Luckily for you, I’ve gathered all the essential Puerto Rico travel tips right here to help you out! Let’s get into it!
#1 Do I need a passport and visa for Puerto Rico?
Good news for all you U.S citizens! Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the US, so US citizens don’t need a passport or visa. Residents of all other countries will need a passport, some will require visas and some will get a 90-day entry. Check out the Visa Program for more info.
#2 Is Puerto Rico solo travel friendly?
I found Puerto Rico to be pretty solo travel friendly. The only downside is needing to rent a car, which can get pricey if you don’t have someone to split the cost with. Renting a car can sometimes make it a bit harder to meet others as well.
There are a decent amount of hostels throughout Puerto Rico, though not as many as a lot of European countries. This also means they are a bit on the pricier side. I paid around $40 a night for all my hostels. I did meet a friend (who I still chat with and may go on some future adventures with) through a shared airbnb situation, so hostels aren’t the only way to make friends!
In general, meeting people while traveling solo really is more about the effort you put into it than opportunity alone. Overall I’d rate Puerto Rico a 7.5/10 for solo travel friendliness.
Paseo de Princesa in Old San Juan
#3 Is Puerto Rico safe?
Puerto Rico has a lower crime rate than most states in the U.S. Most crime is gang-related and extremely unlikely to affect tourists. Some of the more touristy areas may have slightly higher pickpocketing, so practice normal tourist precautions and use common sense. I’m not a trusting person, but I rarely felt like me or my valuables were at risk of harm. Old San Juan in particular was probably one of the safest cities I’ve traveled to.
I was always careful to keep my belongings locked at all times. I kept this lock on my day bag at all times to avoid pickpocketing and to protect my expensive camera. It only adds *max* 15 seconds to open your bag and it’s well worth avoiding the frustration and pain of dealing with losing your valuables. I also kept my birdie personal alarm with me and in reach at all times in case I needed help or felt unsafe.
A ‘Puerto Rico travel tips’ bonus for you: To avoid the risk of hurricanes and earthquakes, try not to travel in the off season. However, advanced technology can provide hurricane warnings weeks in advance now. So as long as you have travel insurance, there’s no need to worry! Check out the best time to visit Puerto Rico for more on planning your trip around the weather.
#4 What language is spoken in Puerto Rico?
Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico, though Spanish is far more common. If you don’t speak any Spanish you’ll be able to get around just fine. However, to really understand the culture, I’d recommend learning some basic Spanish before you go.
#5 How is the cell phone coverage in Puerto Rico?
Any US mobile phone will work in Puerto Rico. Some carriers might experience a bit more signal issues towards the center of the island (in the mountains/rainforest).
#6 Do I need to rent a car in Puerto Rico?
Unless you’re making a quick one-day stop from a cruise, or plan on only staying in San Juan your whole trip (not recommended), then you’ll NEED to rent a car. Public transport is very limited and very unreliable, and Ubers are really only available in San Juan. If you plan on exploring the rest of the island, you will need to rent a car.
I met a few travelers that didn’t do careful research before their trip and opted not to rent a car. Almost all of them regretted this decision quite a bit. They felt isolated to the hostel’s vicinity and limited to excursions unless they found someone they could carpool with.
Another ‘Puerto Rico travel tips’ bonus for you: Drive with caution up into the mountains of PR. The roads are narrow, steep and winding. If you can’t see around a corner, it’s advised to honk your horn before the turn so other cars know you’re coming. Also, most drivers in Puerto Rico don’t use turn signals. It definitely took a few days to adjust to driving here!
View of Banco Popular in Old San Juan
#7 What weather can I expect in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons, the rainy season occurs in Summer and Fall, and the dry season in Winter and Spring. For the majority of the island, temps hover between 75-90 degrees F, (with summer humidity making things feel hotter). Closer inland, particularly up in the mountains, temps can get down into the 60s and occasionally high 50’s, depending on storms and time of year. (Once again, my post on when to visit Puerto Rico will provide a more detailed look at the weather year round)
#8 What is the currency in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico’s currency is the US dollar (since it’s a US territory). While living costs in Puerto Rico may be cheaper than most US mainland areas, general prices for food, activities and accommodation are about the same as US prices. click here for conversion rate from US dollars to your currency.
#9 Will I need Cash or do they accept cards?
You will want to carry some cash with you, as there are a few places that won’t accept cards, though overall I found I could use my card a lot more than I was expecting. Only a few places required cash and some were simply because their card readers weren’t working that day. There are lots of ATMs available in every town. Puerto Rico accepts all major credit cards, though some international travelers may have associated fees so check with your credit card carrier beforehand. And make sure you notify your bank that you will be traveling so your card doesn’t get locked!
The iconic flag wall in Old San Juan
#10 Do I need to tip in Puerto Rico?
Like the rest of the US, tipping is customary & an essential part of service industries. They don’t make full wages like they do in other places & their income relies on tips. It’s customary to tip between 15% to 20% of your bill at restaurants and anywhere from $2 to $10 for hotel staff and taxi drivers.
#11 What’s the emergency number?
Should you find yourself in need of any emergency help or assistance, just dial #911, same as the rest of the US! 911 operators will dispatch whatever service you are in need of, whether that’s fire services, an ambulance, or police.
Let me know which of these Puerto Rico travel tips was the most helpful for you, or if there are any remaining essential Puerto Rico travel tips you’d like to see added!
Beyond The Shire posts mentioned in Puerto Rico Travel Tips:
This post gives you a detailed and adjustable itinerary for two days in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. From sipping Piña Coladas at their birthplace and feasting on classic Puerto Rican dishes to exploring the historic forts and colorful streets!
Now, you might be thinking, how the heck can two days in one place be considered slow travel? If that was your first thought, then you’re in the right place. It means you have yet to experience the colorful historic district of Old San Juan!”
One could walk from one side of the town to the other in just under 30 minutes. And that’s not a fast-paced 30 minutes either. Technically, you could see all the main attractions here in a couple of hours, but just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should!
What & Where is Old San Juan?
Old San Juan is a historic district located on the westmost portion of Isla San Juan, an island located on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. The island is accessible by three large bridges that connect to the rest of San Juan, in addition to its modern day ship port. The Spanish built Old San Juan in 1521, making it the second-oldest settlement in the Americas!
La Isla Del Encanto
In Old San Juan, one can easily see why Puerto Rico earns its nickname, “La Isla Del Encanto,” or “the island of enchantment”. Something about the medley of architectural styles, colorful buildings, and narrow streets reminds me of walking through a very humid Venice!
Day One Morning: The Historic Side of Town
Start your morning at Spiga cafe on Calle de San Justo. This place always has the most mouth-watering treats to pair with your morning coffee. They’ve also got delicious homemade pasta for brunch too.
Paseo De La Princesa
From here you’ll then head towards the main port and walk along Paseo De La Princesa. It’s a picture-perfect boardwalk with food vendors, art, culture, history, and a stop at the Raices Fountain overlooking the sea. It culminates at the San Juan Gate, the oldest city entrance in Puerto Rico. To avoid the crowds, consider walking in the morning or during the evening around sunset for the best experience. To go when all the vendors are up, visit on the weekends or holidays.
At the end of the long row of trees that hug the cobblestone path, you will arrive at Raices Fountain. Raices means Roots in Spanish, which is what the fountain represents, the roots of Puerto Rico.
Paseo de La Princesa ultimately ends at the red San Juan Gate, where the Spaniards would enter San Juan for centuries. They retired it long ago, and now it stands as a historical monument.
Paseo Del Morro
You could enter the gate here and walk up into the town. However, if you’re up for the steps, I highly recommend continuing on the walking path for more amazing views. From the red gate onwards the path becomes Paseo Del Morro (AKA El Morro). It winds around El Morro’s walls and eventually spits you out at the front entrance of the fort.
This path is where all the stray kitties like to hang out, you may even see some kibble and bowls of water that some locals leave out for them. You’ll also come across many large Iguanas, these guys are not as friendly but they make for a cool photo!
I’m not sure of the total distance of Paseo De La Princesa/Del Morro, but it took me around an hour. Keep in mind, I stopped every five seconds to photograph the cats so it can be done a lot quicker. P.S., check out @saveagato to support the amazing work done by this nonprofit working to rescue these kitties.
El Morro
Immediately upon seeing the vast beauty of El Morro, you’ll understand why it’s such a special place for Puerto Ricans. A brilliant green field unfolds to either side of the long cobblestone path that leads to the forts’ front gate. On sunny days you’ll see people picnicking on the grass and little kids flying kites in the breeze.
The inside of the fort is akin to San Cristobal, though much larger, and with more ocean views. During its nearly 500-year history, El Morro was an important military outpost for Spain and later the U.S. Due to its long, rich history, it was recently named a world heritage sight. The fort boasts views of Old San Juan, La Perla, and the ocean, so you’ll get some beautiful photos here!
*Tip: Keep the receipt for your ticket, it can be used for San Cristobal within two days of purchase*
Lunch in Old San Juan
There are loads of great places to dine in Old San Juan. For your first day here I recommend La Tortuga Bistro. It’s close to El Morro, so if your feet are tired from the morning you won’t have far to go. Many locals I’ve spoken to have named this their ‘go-to spot’ in Old San Juan, specifically for the empanadas. So grab a seat and take some time to relax out of the heat!
Day One Afternoon: The Historic Side of Old San Juan
Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis
While you’re still up near El Morro, head over to Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis cemetery. This cemetery overlooking the ocean dates back to 1863. It’s the burial spot of many famous and important Puerto Ricans throughout history. I know a cemetery doesn’t sound like the ideal vacation must-see, but this cemetery is not like most. It’s ornately and elegantly designed and boasts beautiful views of the ocean, El Morro, and the small, colorful town of La Perla located on the coastline of Old San Juan.
Promenade to Castille De San Cristobal
From the cemetery, stroll along Calle Norzagaray for a scenic coastal walk leading to Castille De San Cristobal. Use your ticket from El Morro to enter. San Cristobal is smaller than El Morro, but you get a whole different set of views from this side of the isle, specifically from the enclosed lookout on the top floor.
After you explore the Castille, I recommend heading back to your accommodation for an hour or two. At this point in the day, the sun is blaring down and the streets will be at peak crowds from cruise ship tourists. While in Old San Juan, I’d return to my hostel to freshen up, cool off, and do some work.
Dinner in Old San Juan
For your first night in Old San Juan, I recommend grabbing dinner at La Raices (not the fountain!) or Princesa – Cocina Cultura. Depending on when you go, you may need a reservation at the latter, as it can get busy. Both restaurants are renowned for their classic local dishes, such as mofongo!
After dinner, you’re a short walk away from the actual La Raices fountain, where you can go to enjoy some of the best views of the sunset from Old San Juan.
Finally, if you’d like to enjoy some drinks and explore the nightlife, you can head to Moreno’s for $1 beers and shots!
Day Two morning: Art & Architecture in Old San Juan
For your second day in Old San Juan, I recommend using Google Maps to find your general direction and then letting yourself wander the cobblestone streets till you find your new destination. The best way to truly see a place is to get a little lost in it! This way you’ll be sure to uncover all the architecture and colorful buildings Old San Juan has to offer!
Today, I want you to explore all the streets. I’m only going to give these in a loose order and not by what’s closest to the other, so you can wander around a bit more.
Cafe Botanico
Cafe Botanico is an adorable, plant-filled cafe located in a little yellow building. This was one of my favorite spots to stop for a morning coffee and was where I spent all my time working when it was raining too hard to walk around. The baristas were all so friendly too! I felt like I was sitting in a romance movie. Stop here for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up!
Poets Passage
If you enjoy art, poetry, and music, you must make time to stroll through The Poets Passage. It’s run by Puerto Rican poet Lady Lee Andrews and her French husband and painter Nico Thomassin. Also. if you’re there on a Tuesday, stop in from 7 pm-12 pm for their weekly poetry/music open mic night. I spent a lovely rainy evening listening to a mix of Spanish and English poetry and music!
End of Fort Wall
Back down towards the sea is a little secret garden at the End of Fort Wall. Okay…it’s not actually a secret, and it’s got no walls hiding it, but it feels magical. Amidst a stone pathway and a small stone sculpture, rays of light filter through lush trees rife with blooming flowers. Stand under the trees and look up to watch dozens of butterflies and small birds flit around from tree to tree. You may even spot an iguana while you’re there! I stumbled upon this place by accident, but I spent quite a long time here attempting to capture its magic with my camera.
Banco Popular – Old San Juan Location
The curved facade facing the bay is adorned with bronze eagles, while a towering stained-glass window portrays the shield of San Juan. Framing the glass on either side are reliefs of Greek and Roman gods, serving as a fitting tribute to the architectural influences and ambitions of the district.
Antigua Casino De Puerto Rico
This casino was built in 1910 in the Beaux-Arts style from 19th century Paris. It currently acts as an event space and wedding venue. You may not be able to enter on the day you visit, but the outside is magnificent enough to be worth the trip there. The entire building, including its walls and floors, consists of white marble. Look for the Tiffany-style glass windows, bronze roof, and ornate marble detailing.
Barrachinas
An absolute must-visit in Puerto Rico, Barrachinas is the birthplace of the Piña Colada drink. Get here a few minutes before they open at 11 to ensure a spot, otherwise, you will have to wait in line. I promise the wait will be worth it just for the Piña Coladas alone. Normally, I don’t like Piña Coladas, the rum always tastes too strong for me, but I found them to be quite delicious here! So even if you’re not usually a fan of the drink, I recommend giving it a try…at the least to say you did it!
I didn’t eat lunch here, but the dishes served at the tables around me looked delicious. Overall, most plates seemed to be well-cleaned by the end of people’s meals, always a good sign!
Plaza De Armas
Plaza de Armas, considered the heart of Old San Juan, is a tribute to the main plazas of Spain, and offers unique architectural views on every side of the square. To the northwest, you’ll find Casa Alcaldia, which is a replica of Madrid’s neoclassical city hall. To the west, Antiguo Palacio de La Real Intendencia (Puerto Ricos Department of State office), styled after an Italian high palace. Lastly, to the South you’ll find 20th-century American influences in the building ‘Gonzalez Padin’.
Iglesia De San Jose
Just up the road from Plaza de Armas, you will find Iglesia de San Jose. Originally built in 1532, this is the second oldest standing church in the Americas. This church displays classic 16th-century Spanish Gothic Architecture. Visits inside are welcome.
Cuartel de Ballaja
Cuartel de Ballaja is hard to miss as you walk towards El Morro. The colossal, three-story building was built by the Spanish in the mid-19th century and served as housing for military officers. Now the building houses cafes on the first floor and the Museum of the Americas on the second floor. Tickets are only $6 ($4 for students). The exhibits are relatively small but they are a great opportunity to learn about Puerto Rican history from the point of view of individual artists. This is a particularly great stop on a rainy day.
Anita’s La Mamma del Gelato
At some point in the day, when you find yourself in need of a cool-down, head to Anita’s shop for some extravagant and delicious gelato flavors. They have vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free options as well.
As we come to the end of this two-day journey through Old San Juan, I hope you’re excited to embark on your adventure in this vibrant city. Whether you’re captivated by the historic forts, charmed by the colorful streets, or indulging in the local cuisine, Old San Juan offers something for every traveler.
Not sure when to book your trip to the island of enchantment?
I’ve got you covered! Read ‘when to visit Puerto Rico’ to learn more about when the best time to visit is for different activities, cheaper stays, and smaller crowds! You’ll be booking that flight in no time!
Let me know in the comments which of these activies you’re most looking forward too! And if you’ve already been to Old San Juan, what hidden favorites have you stumbled upon?
Learn how to tell the difference between anxiety, which often holds us back, and intuition, which can be our guide!
This morning, during my habitual social media scroll (a habit I swear I’m attempting to break), I stumbled upon something that completely shifted my perspective. I was actually a bit surprised I hadn’t realized it sooner. Though perhaps it’s the result of growing up in a society that doesn’t teach us all that much about our emotions or how to handle them.
I was watching a reel of a female traveler who decided to cut her solo camping trip short. One of her reasons involved being surrounded by solo male campers, along with an unsettling feeling she couldn’t shake. Instantly, my mind began racing through potential scenarios that would undoubtedly cross my thoughts in her shoes. As I delved into the comments, one in particular caught my attention.
Anxiety vs Intuition
A woman, who works professionally to empower others to cultivate inner confidence and tune into their instincts, shared a valuable insight. She wrote, “The way to separate your anxiety from your intuition is to listen to the kinds of stories your subconscious is telling you.”
Simple… but profound!
Basically, our anxiety loves to tell us all kinds of elaborate, scary stories. Monsters! Serial Killers! Mountain lions! Oh my! Our anxiety wants to prepare us for all sorts of scenarios by feeding us stories.
On the other hand, our intuition gives us very clear directions. DON’T go over there, DON’T stop here, DON’T camp in this place. Intuition is a feeling, not a story. It’s clear and direct, and it won’t feed you unnecessary information.
This led me to another realization… when I let my anxiety run the show, I’m missing out on listening to my body’s genuine feelings to guide me. Plus, because I hate feeling anxious, I’ll try to suppress all the anxious feelings and end up suppressing all risk assessment. But risk assessment is what keeps us safe. Tuning in to our intuition allows us to make evidence-based decisions that are grounded in logic and reason!
I hope you’ll join me this year in learning to move past fear and anxiety and reconnect with intuition. Together we will work through those stories our anxiety loves to tell us, and discover how to become a confident, independent traveler!
Do you struggle to differentiate between your anxiety and your intuition? Have you found any tricks that help? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Upcoming Adventures…
The first stop (of what will hopefully be many) on my solo adventures for 2024 is Puerto Rico! Crazy to think I’ll be heading there in less than a month, and it’s the perfect opportunity to begin calming my anxiety and tuning into my intuition. I’ve already begun documenting my Puerto Rico travel planning and would love for you to follow along as the adventure unfolds!
*March 2024 Update*
My next solo adventure is coming up in under a month. I’m so excited to be heading to…. Sedona, Arizona! Can’t wait to enjoy a bit more warmth, sunrises on the red rocks and more solo adventures. If you’d like to come along for the ride, follow me on Instagram @rileyeloise (posts on the blog tend to be a few weeks behind the adventure)!
In this post I go through lots of simple steps to work through solo travel anxiety and give lots of examples for small solo activities!
Going solo on your adventure can be daunting, particularly when you’ve got anxiety keeping you dutifully informed on everything that can go wrong. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite things to do to prepare for going solo. I still do all of these activites as often as possible. Even though I’ve gone on solo trips before, my anxiety never lets me down in finding new ways to make me stressed, even if I’ve already proved it wrong before. The key is repetition. Do it again, and again, and again, until it becomes so comfortable you’re barely even thinking about it anymore.
Start Small
You don’t need to follow all of these steps in the same order. Just make sure you start small, whatever that means to you. For some people, a solo hike in nature feels a lot safer than a solo dinner date. That’s totally fine! Mix and match based on what eases your anxiety most. I’d love to hear what things you end up trying out, or if you have any other ideas to add to the list, let me know in the comments!
Nothing will ever go perfectly, so if you start small, it will be easier to handle any challenges that pop up along the way. Start with small, local adventures around your hometown. Build your way up to a short domestic trip. Eventually, you will be able to stay calm and handle any surprises that come up on your first big solo adventure.
Solo Coffee date
I love packing up my computer and security water bottle (IYKYK) and heading to one of my favorite local coffee shops. Spending a few hours there, whether it’s tackling school assignments or crafting new blog posts while savoring a delightful mocha, is one of my favorite ways to work. I’ve placed this one at the top of the list because working at a coffee shop surrounds you with like-minded individuals working (often solo) on their own tasks, but still offers the perfect opportunity to practice enjoying your own company while being out and about.
Look up cute local cafes to support in your area. While Starbucks may be convenient, choosing local cafes is a more sustainable choice. Plus, not only does it feel good, it helps support small businesses and build a sense of community.
Solo Dinner/Lunch Date
While it seems similar to the last one, taking yourself out for a meal can definitely feel a lot different. In a cafe, you’ve got your own little bubble, and as a bonus, most of the other people in the cafe will probably be by themselves, too. Depending on the place you go, most people out for lunch will probably be with someone else, so it can feel a little awkward the first few times to be there alone. Personally, I like to bring a book with me to read while I eat. This solo excursion will teach you what it feels like to eat alone in foreign restaurants. Plus, no more wasting time trying to agree on a place to eat; you get to pick whatever you want!
Solo Hike
The point of this one is to go out on your own away from towns (and lots of people). If you don’t plan on exploring nature on your trips, you can probably skip this one. However, it’s an added bonus that this activity is completely free! I love immersing myself in nature, and whether I’m abroad or at home, hiking tops my list of favorite activities!
Some tips for going on your first solo hike:
If you’re new to solo hiking, pick a hike that you know is pretty popular. That way, you’ll be sure to find many other hikers on the trail (just make sure you go up early to snag a parking spot).
Tell someone where you are going. When I go on longer hikes up in the mountains, especially where cell service may be spotty, I like to let someone know where I’ll be going. It’s never actually been needed (knock on wood!), it’s more so to ease my anxiety.
Going somewhere solo is a much different feeling than going somewhere alone. You’ll likely come across other hikers, but there will be moments when it’s just you and nature. If you think that might stir up some anxiety, bring whatever you use at home to help calm down. Some people listen to music (but respect the wildlife and other hikers and use headphones). If you’ve got a dog, or a friends dog you can borrow for the day, bring them along with you! I love bringing my pup with me hiking. She’s no guard dog, but I do feel safer when I have her in my company.
Solo Day Trip
Now’s the time to combine all your solo activities into one big day! It’s a chance to indulge in a bit of ‘travel’ planning minus the long-term commitment. Take some time to curate a day of solo adventures, aiming to embrace the day entirely on your own.
If your budget allows, consider extending your solo excursion from breakfast to dinner. If you live in a small town near a large city, how about dedicating your day to some big-city exploration? Plus, it will feel more like a mini “trip.” I personally love planning solo day trips down to Denver; the city never fails to offer exciting discoveries and new restaurants to try!
Safety
I know my personal safety can add a lot of anxiety for me. I carry a birdie personal alarm with me EVERYWHERE I go. It’s always in reach for me to pull at a moments notice if I feel unsafe or uncomfortable. It’s such a small, affordable device but it’s done loads for my anxiety!
Need a little inspiration?
Check out these travel quotes to help inspire you to pack your bags and see the world!
Your Adventure Awaits – Get Started Now!
Some people recommend trying out a mini multi-day trip somewhere close to home as practice for larger trips (such as international trips). I think it’s a great idea if you have the budget for this. However, I am very aware that this is not a realistic option for everyone. As a budget traveler, it’s not realistic for me either. However, I believe it’s not necessary when prepping for a bigger trip.
The point of these activities is to figure out what you like and dislike, what feels easy, and what you might need more time adjusting to when it comes to solo travel.Just keep repeating the solo outings from this list, switching up where you go, of course. Before you know it, those solo jitters will be history!
I wish you all the best on your solo outings! Let me know in the comments below which of these you’ve tried and which one you enjoy the most!
