Get around Puerto Rico

It's in the middle of snowfalls I bought two tickets for Puerto Rico in december, then I told my bestfriend and she said: «How will you travel out there? Hurricane Maria happened in september and Puerto Rico is still without power right now.» My face changed, but my boyfriend and I decided to keep our tickets anyway and figure things out in place. On internet, all you can find about Puerto Rico is confusing. Some web sites say the power is not back on most of the island, that transportation is limited and that you have to plan your trip in advance before going. I like challenges, so why not!

Basics

Walmart had everything we needed to eat and drink all week even if there was an alert of water supply needed on the websites I checked before going. Actually, it was less than 1$ to buy a 2 L bottle of water and we paid a lot less than in Canada for anything else. I'm still missing the avocados that I couldn't fit in one hand, tasted incredibly fresh and were 50 cents. If you love coffe though, you wont find much coffee shop. I was surprised because Puerto Rico makes awesome coffee, but no one seems to drink it outside their home. Dont go to Subway for coffee, they are tiny jokes and taste water.

Transportation

Even if we were not sure if we could go around the island without any trouble, we arrived at the airport with no plan for that mather. We took a taxi that cost 20$* to our hostel and thought we would spend more then our expectations. The next day, the hostel girl wasn't really into public transportation and said she didn't think any bus was driving around San Juan. A few miles away, we finaly took the bus and realized that it's the easiest way around the main city. Even if you have to wait, the price is so cheap, 75 cents, it's totally worth it and you can pratice your espagnol with the locals wich gave me a warm-social-chill vibe. There is also the urban train that pass every 10-20 minutes on week days and it cost only 2,50$ round trip and you get to see all the city from above. We tried Uber there too wich is popular for the impatients tourists because it's faster but more expensive. The hostel workers will always tell you it's the easiest way around, but really they just all are not into public transportation that much. I recommend to try the bus at least in San Juan since it's easy to find a bus stop and people are kind enough to help you find your way.

Backpack/ Rent a car

If you want to see all the island of Puerto Rico, rent a car! The north side is easy to travel by bus, but the south and ouest side are not accessible by bus. Of course, if you have more time you can hitchhike, but I'm not aware of if it's easy out there. We decided to travel backpack and limit our visit in San Juan, Fajardo and Vieques since we got only one week. Our goal was to relax more than see everything and we also were on a budget. With a 30 litre backpack, I easily fitted in my whole week personal belongings and easily got from one place to another in no time!

Sleep in

We stayed in hostels, wich were all super casual, one Airbnb and also booked a couchsurfing spot.

Miramar Hostel

The first place we stayed in was Miramar Hostel. This hostel is hold by a young couple situated in San Juan. We got a private room and a 3$ simple breakfast. The couple was really nice to help us out and respond to our questions. If you want to meet locals and make new travel friends, it's the place to be. 

Tropical Guest House

This cosy hostel was perfect for us. We payed 80$ for a private room that had air conditioning, a clean shower, a tv and a comfortable bed. It's the only place we went where we felt completly at ease. The couple that owns the place is absolutely charming and will absolutely be willing to answer all your questions.

Activities

Take a ferry from Farardo to Vieques

This one hour cruise will be perfect for you to admire the see and it's wildlife on bright sunny days. Then, you arrive on Vieques, a paradise for snorkelling, fishing, sunbathing, surfing, hiking and see luminescents! You can also choose to do a kayak bioluminescent activity directly in Fajardo.

El Yunque National Park

Here you can go hiking in a luxurious rainforest where you will see an amazing unique ecosystem. Stop at the popular Waterfall La Coca, view a beautiful panorama from the Yukaho Tower, and enjoy a walk on one of the trails. Here is a half day tour you can book!

Old San Juan

Go in Old San Juan if you feel for a walk in the colourful streets and take amazing pictures! The locals there sell amazing cold gelato, a treat you must try in the mucho calor weather. You'll find many shops and restaurants where you can stop to buy souvenirs for friends and enjoy happy hour deals.

La Perla

La Perla is a micro community full of happy locals. There you'll find the neiborhood where the famous Despacito videoclip was filmed and an outdoor pool by the see where you can sunset watch while refreshing yourself.

El Morro

This old fort is an historical monument you need to visit if you love history. There, you'll learn more about Puerto Rico's legacy. You will also have an incredible view of the ocean and the city.

For more informations and for booking, click here