Your guide to San Juan, Puerto Rico

 

As we entered into the new year, I had great anticipation to plan my first trip of the year. As often, I knew I wanted to travel to a destination that was rich in culture, has unique architectural character, and of course warmer weather. My only dilemma was that my passport was in the process of being renewed and I could not leave the country. Fortunately, there were still plenty of options that would provide what I was looking for in a destination without having to wait for the arrival of my new passport. The United States has a few island territories that you can travel to without having a passport as long as you are a US citizen. So I chose to come to the beautiful Caribbean island known as Puerto Rico.

In this blog post, I will be sharing what I learned and experienced in my 3 short day visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Getting there:

To travel To Puerto Rico as an American citizen, a passport will not be necessary. As of March 2023, a positive covid test or proof of vaccination is not required upon entry.

What to pack:

For clothing I highly recommend bringing breathable clothing as Puerto Rico has a humid and tropical climate. If you plan to spend hours walking around Old San Juan or the El Yunque Rainforest, I highly suggest brining some sort of open toed water/trekking shoes with secure straps such as Tevas. I purchased an off brand version from Walmart for just under $10! Here is a checklist of more items you should consider bringing along your trip:

Umbrella- It rains quite often and at unpredictable times 

Bug spray- A must if you plan to visit the rainforest 

Sunscreen- An essential for those prone to sun burns! 

Day bag/backpack- Convenient if you plan on bringing camera equipment or plan to head to the waterfalls. 

Sunglasses- 

Swimsuit- For the many beautiful beaches surrounding the island.

Reusable water bottle- It is so important to stay hydrated in warm clients. You may be able to find drinking fountains at tourist attractions.

Currency:

The only currency used in Puerto Rico is the United States bill. Many established business take Debit/Credit card but I recommend carrying cash as I believe the locals prefer it especially for local street vendors.

The language:

Despite Puerto Rico being a US territory, Spanish is commonly spoken throughout the island. I suggest learning common/basic phrases in the language before traveling as it would be greatly appreciated by the locals!

Getting Around:

Uber is one of the most convenient and efficient way to get around San Juan. If you are commuting from areas such as Condado or Santurce to Old San Juan, you can expect to pay under $15 depending on the time of day or pick up location. When taking an uber, and if the vibes are right, chat with your driver! They most likely know the island better than most and can provide you with some amazing tips and reccomendations!

Car Rental- If you plan to explore the entire island or take a day trip to El Yunque, I recommend that you rent a car. It will make the most sense for your pockets and prices for gas are extremely reasonable. Parking is not very convenient in Old San Juan as streets tend to be narrow and busy. Although, there are designated parking spots that offer a flat fee for the day.

Where to stay:

If you consider yourself to be a "modest" traveller, there are plenty of hotels and resorts to stay in San Juan. The well known area for tourists is located in Condado. If you are more of an adventurous traveler that wants a more local experience, I highly recommend exploring Airbnbs or boutique style accommodations outside of Condado in the neighboring area known as Santurce. In my previous blog post, I have an in depth review on a boutique style Airbnb I stayed in that I highly recommend. (DW by Dreamcatcher)

What to do and see:

• Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal
• Explore the beautiful beaches
• Curatel De Ballaja
• Try the original Pina Colada at Barrachina 
• El Yunque Rainforest
• Enjoy authentic Puerto Rican food
• Museo de arte de Puerto Rico
• La Placita for nightlife
• Walk around Old San Juan
• Book a Bacardi tour

Overall, my experience in San Juan was one not to forget. I am already planning for my return as I want to explore various parts of the island and learn more about the culture and land. If you would like to see more visuals, be sure to check out my San Juan highlight on my Instagram page! (Instagram)