Puerto Rico, with its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is an enticing treasure for travelers. It is a land where the tropical sun shines on blue waves, where music and art are as commonplace as the palm trees that can be seen on every corner, and where colonial heritage has been preserved for centuries.
For travel enthusiasts or cruise travelers looking for their next paradise destination, it is definitely worth considering the Caribbean’s bright gem – Puerto Rico. A trip to Puerto Rico should be on your must-do list.
Trip to Puerto Rico: Arrival
Puerto Rico is the first port we enter that is under the jurisdiction of the United States. We go through passport control, have our photos taken, our fingerprints taken, answer a few questions from customs officials (nothing complicated), and we are already in America.
I should mention that visiting Puerto Rico is part of our cruise to the US. So this trip to Puerto Rico turned out to be very affordable for us.
First steps on the shores of Puerto Rico. We have arrived at a unique blend of American and Latin American cultures, where leisurely beach life alternates with the hustle and bustle of the city. Since I had already researched what I wanted to see on this island, we immediately look for a guide who can take us to the rainforests.
Leaving the port, we find a local guide who will introduce us to life in Puerto Rico during the day. If you are looking for a knowledgeable guide in Puerto Rico who organizes tours of rainforests, hikes, and excursions throughout Puerto Rico, I highly recommend Roy Tour.
El Yunque lietus mežu brīnumi
Visiting El Yunque Rainforest, Puerto Rico’s natural wonder, is like stepping into a living, breathing ecosystem that is as ancient as it is dynamic.
Although the journey from the port takes only 40 minutes.
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, and visiting it is an exciting experience for anyone who wants to explore its lush greenery, mystical waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. A guided tour is highly recommended, as it is not only safe, but you will also learn more about the flora and fauna, the history of the Taíno people, and the importance of the rainforest in Puerto Rico’s ecological balance.
Whether you’re hiking to a summit with breathtaking views, admiring the fabulous nature without climbing a mountain, or cooling off in a natural pool, El Yunque reveals the essence of the island’s breathtaking natural beauty.
I recommend going to the rainforests around midday, when the city is very hot, but the forest has refreshingly cool air.
Swimming in the Heart of the Jungle
The El Yunque rainforest is famous not only for its rich biodiversity and evergreen landscapes, but also for its natural water features, which offer a truly invigorating experience. Here you will find mesmerizing waterfalls with crystal clear pools that are perfect for a refreshing swim.
The forest also has natural water slides that have formed over many centuries and can now be used to enjoy the river current in a different way. With a dose of adrenaline. Calmer people, like me, can choose to go for a peaceful swim in the jungle river that flows through the green countryside.
Lunch with a View of the Ocean
After a day spent exploring El Yunque, nothing complements the experience like Puerto Rico’s culinary delights. For an unforgettable culinary experience, I recommend visiting a local restaurant where you can enjoy traditional dishes on a terrace overlooking the ocean. We will visit one such place with our guide.
What to try? What to taste? I definitely recommend mofongo. It is a popular Puerto Rican dish made from fried plantains (bananas) mashed with garlic, oil and pork cracklings, and then stuffed with seafood, chicken or beef (the filling is up to you).
Eating mofongo as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, with the gentle ocean breeze mingling with the aromatic flavors of the meal, is a wonderful end to an adventure-filled day.
Hollywood Tropics
Did you know that such well-known films as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Age of the Sea” found their cinematic paradise in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico’s lush jungles, cascading waterfalls, and paradise beaches have played starring roles, enchanting audiences around the world.
San Juan: The City in Puerto Rico Where History Meets Good Vibes
We arrive in San Juan late in the afternoon, when the sun is no longer shining so brightly. Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan, is a treasure trove of history, brimming with artifacts from its colonial past.
The old town of San Juan, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is like a living museum, where centuries-old fortresses guard the endless horizon. Wandering through the cobbled streets and pastel-colored houses, I feel like I’m in a movie and can imagine how this place was formed.
We visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro, more commonly known as El Morro. It is a large fortress and citadel in the historic district of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1539 as a fortress tower by order of King Charles I of Spain. El Morro, which translates as “the cape,” was built to protect the city of San Juan from sea attacks and is considered to be perhaps the most important fortification built by the Spanish in the New World.
Sipping a Classic Pina Colada
Sanhuan is rich not only in history, but also in drinks!
Did you know that the Pina Colada cocktail was invented in Puerto Rico? Try the original drink at Barrachina restaurant, where this legendary cocktail was first created. The sweetness of coconut, the tanginess of pineapple, and the smoothness of rum combine to create a drink that is the perfect complement to a Caribbean evening.
The Exciting Nightlife of Puerto Rico
No visit to Puerto Rico is complete without experiencing its nightlife.
The island’s pulse quickens when the sun disappears below the horizon, and San Juan in particular transforms into a nighttime playground. Puerto Rico’s nights are at least as lively as its days, starting with traditional music playing everywhere and ending with modern beats echoing in the clubs..
Since our cruise ship has docked in the old town and will not leave until midnight, we can enjoy the charms of Sanhuanas until midnight.
Puerto Rico is more than just a vacation spot—it’s a destination that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. This American territory in the Caribbean invites you to stay longer and learn more, while offering memorable experiences. For nature lovers, history buffs, or those who simply want to have a good time, Puerto Rico reveals itself as a multifaceted gem that will shine in your travel diaries for years to come.
Trip to Puerto Rico: Prices
Let me remind you that our trip to Puerto Rico was part of a cruise to the US. We started our cruise in Barcelona and traveled to Miami, stopping in Tenerife, Lanzarote, Saint Martin, the British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico along the way.
This 17-day all-inclusive cruise to the United States cost us $ 2349 for two people. Below are two price examples from Puerto Rico.
- Excursion to Puerto Rico – $80 per person
- Mofongo and beer at Puerto Rico restaurant – $40 per person
- Pina Colada cocktail – $8 per person
I Want to Go Back to Puerto Rico
If I have the opportunity, I would definitely like to return to Puerto Rico, because there is still so much I haven’t seen. One of the places I definitely want to visit, and which I recommend to you if you are planning a trip to Puerto Rico, is the peaceful Flamenco Beach.
This beach is famous for its pristine sand and picturesque views.
I would also like to visit the El Yunque rainforest at least once more to hike along lesser-known trails or search for underwater wonders hidden beneath the crystal clear waters of the island’s lesser-known snorkeling spots. That is my plan.
Featured photo from Taylen Lundequam