We recently returned from an amazing trip to Puerto Rico. I have visited a lot of places, and Puerto Rico is easily one of the most beautiful areas I have ever been.
Puerto Rico is a United States territory, so if you are a US citizen, there is no need for a passport. The cost of living in Puerto Rico is slightly lower than in the contiguous United States, so visiting Puerto Rico is surprisingly affordable.
Tips for Visiting Puerto Rico
Rent a car. We used our Capital One travel credit to rent through NU car rentals, which was a short shuttle ride from the airport. We had a great experience, but Enterprise and Avis rentals both have locations connected to the airport, which would be more convenient.
We rented this bright yellow Jeep Wrangler and rode around with the t-tops off. Island living at its best.
Take a stroll around Old San Juan. We were really looking forward to the gorgeous umbrella street we have seen in pictures, but they have taken the umbrellas down and the street is now covered with the flag of Puerto Rico. We still found lots of gorgeous photo locations, just not the umbrellas we were looking forward to.
Visit El Yunque Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States. We took a horseback riding tour from the Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park and I highly recommend their services. In addition to horseback riding through the rainforest, they also offer beach horseback rides, rainforest ATV/UTV rides, and hayrides.
Our guides, Edwin and Gaby, were wonderful. Edwin took special time with Jase and even raced him on horseback, which Jase thought was the best thing ever! Gaby got the girls’ phones and took photos and videos for us. Both guides were full of information about the rainforest and the river we stopped to swim in.
The views from the near-top of the rainforest were breath-taking. Pictures just don’t do justice to the absolute beauty that is Puerto Rico.
Side note: When we stopped to swim in the river, the Carabali Park had the cutest little hut set up to sell refreshments. We purchased chicken kabobs and fresh-in-the-coconut Pina Coladas. It was one of the best “meals” we had on our entire trip!
Go on a night kayak through the bioluminescent bay. We booked our excursion with Yokahu Kayak Trips and were very pleased. It was a little scary (okay, a LOT scary) going out into the ocean on kayaks in the dark, but it was one of my favorite parts of our trip. We kayaked for about 45 minutes through the pitch-back-dark mangrove trees before the bay opened up and we could see the water lighting up. I wish we had been able to get pictures, but you can google to find photoshopped versions that almost look like the real thing.
Soak up the sun (with lots of sun block!) at Seven Seas Beach. With crystal clear water, minimal waves, and lifeguards on duty, this was the most relaxing beach day I’ve had since my kids were born!
Snorkel at Luquillo Beach and visit the Luquillo Beach Kiosks for lunch and shopping. The views at Luquillo Beach were even more amazing than Seven Seas, but the beach area was a bit less crowded and cleaner at Seven Seas.
We rented jet skis from a stand near the beach and watched the manatees play while we jumped waves. We ate lunch at the Luquillo Beach kiosks and shopped around for souvenirs at the many gift shops.
Where to Stay in Puerto Rico
In San Juan, we booked a one-night stay at the Condado Palm Inn. It was a basic hotel room with two queen beds and one bathroom. Very nice staff, super clean property. We weren’t there long enough to give a great review, but I did love the view from our window.
After our first night in San Juan, we drove an hour to Farjado, on the east coast of Puerto Rico. After hours of searching, I booked a room through VRBO.com at the Pena Mar Ocean Club. I will 100% reserve a condominium at the Pena Mar Ocean Club when we return. Not only was it very cost-efficient, but the room itself was super nice. It was minutes from Seven Seas Beach and walking distance from multiple restaurants. And again with the views. <insert heart eyes here>
Where to Eat in Puerto Rico
Cremaldi Ice Cream Shop is a must-visit. It’s the cutest little shop in downtown Farjado with the sweetest owner. She makes from-scratch waffle bowls in the shop. The indoor seating are swings hanging from hooks in the ceiling.
Picadillo Bistro and Cafe had the BEST breakfast. They offer lunch and dinner, too, but we only visited for breakfast. The pancakes and French toast were absolutely delicious, and the coffee was amazing.
El Cayo serves authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. We sampled the Surtido Cayo Mar, an appetizer assortment of seafood turnovers, alcapuerrias, and Kan Kan bites.
Coffee Therapy in Luquillo had the best coffee and pastries. We ordered bagels, French toast, and blueberry scones to go with our coffee orders.
Cinco Nudos specializes in Puerto Rican cuisine. Our favorite dish here was a traditional shrimp Alfredo, but we enjoyed tasting some of the authentic Puerto Rican fares.
Puerto Fino is a small patio restaurant next to a kayak rental outfitters shop, but the food was on point. Traditional seafood options with authentic Puerto Rican options, this was our favorite dinner location.
Planning a visit to Puerto Rico?
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