¡Dale! 5 things to do on your first (or next) trip to Puerto Rico
Brent Pinheiro
Joaquin Phoenix, Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin, and Roselyn Sánchez. What do they all have in common? They all call Puerto Rico home. Consisting of one main island, four small islands, and hundreds of cays and islets, Puerto Rico is only 8,870 square kilometres. T&T passport holders need a US visa to visit Puerto Rico as it is a territory of the United States but get past that hurdle and you’ll find a destination that is unique, charming, full of culture, and downright fun! With direct flights to San Juan, the island’s capital, now available with both local carrier Caribbean Airlines and American ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines it’s never been easier to visit. And if you need help planning, here are 5 things you shouldn’t miss.
1. Wander the streets of Old San Juan
Old San Juan is the oldest city in the United States, and even if you’re not a history buff you’ll find the vibrant city a worthy place to start your trip. With a certain amount of old world charm, the cobblestoned streets lined with colourful buildings are a joy to explore.
Start at Puerta de San Juan, the most famous of the five gates that once allowed access to the walled city. In existence since 1540, it was through this main gate that people, money, and documents passed through. The Puerta de San Juan is named after Saint John the Baptist and the Latin inscription above it reads “Benedictus qui venit in nomini Domini” which means “Blessed are they who come in the name of the Lord.” It is the last remaining main gate in San Juan and a popular tourist attraction.
On the eastern side of the city stands Castillo San Cristóbal, a Spanish fortress built to protect San Juan from enemies approaching by land. From its 60-foot walls, visitors have a panoramic view of the coast from Old San Juan all the way to Condado.
The city is steeped in history, and not just from the colonial days. One of the most famous drinks in the world, the piña colada, was invented right here in Puerto Rico – save that tidbit for your next trivia night! Though there is some disagreement on who exactly first came up with the recipe, the national drink of Puerto Rico is readily available at Barrachina. You may just find yourself coming back for seconds – yes, they’re that good!
2. Visit the neighbourhoods
The San Juan area contains several different neighbourhoods, each offering visitors a different experience. There’s Isla Verde, known for its stunning beaches, upscale hotels, and abundant water sports. But if you want to see the artsy side of San Juan, head over to Santurce. Home to some of the city’s best hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, this neighbourhood is where the party is at. Take a daytime stroll down Calle Loiza, often referred to as the “Avenue of the Arts” for a look at some seriously cool murals, and trendy bars. For the beer lovers, keep your eyes peeled for El Tap – a bar serving up 46 different on-tap craft beers & sangrias. Spend some time tasting the various options and when you’ve settled on your favourite – buy a growler, fill it up, and take it to go! It’s a tasty way to remember your trip.
3. Head out of the capital
While there’s a lot to do in the capital, nature lovers will want to get away from the city. And that’s perfectly fine because there are tons of nature options outside San Juan. Just an hour away, above the Rio Grande de Arecibo valley lies ‘Cueva Ventana’ which translates to Window Cave. During a 45-minute tour, the guide shows visitors the flora and fauna of the area, as well as some of the Taino hieroglyphics – traces left behind by the indigenous people that once sought shelter in these caves.
About 30 minutes in, give or take depending on the group’s fitness levels, you’ll find out why it’s called the Window Cave – a vast window some 600+ feet above the valley offers jaw-dropping (and I don’t use that word lightly) views. And if you’re #blessed… you may even spot a rainbow. It’s totally worth walking through colonies of bats and the occasional roach or five – don’t worry, they don’t fly!
4. Sample award winning coffee at Hacienda Muñoz
Can’t do without your morning brew? You are just one of the millions that say coffee is their preferred morning drink of choice. But have you ever wondered where coffee comes from and just how it gets to your cup? Well, in Puerto Rico, you can get your questions answered on a coffee tour. In the mountainous region of San Lorenzo, just 30 minutes outside San Juan, lies Hacienda Muñoz – a coffee farm famous for producing award-winning coffee. On the tour you’ll learn how coffee got to the Americas, the growing process, and then how the beans are sorted, roasted and packed. Oh, and the tour comes with a free coffee sample! If you’re feeling extra adventurous, pop across to the restaurant and sample their coffee beer. I guarantee you’ll leave with a new appreciation for coffee.
5. Indulge in some retail therapy
Home to the biggest shopping mall in the Americas, the aptly named Plaza Las Américas, is a shopper’s paradise. The 1.8 million square-foot shopping center is home to stores such as M.A.C., Bath and Body Works, JC Penney, Marshalls, and even Tesla. There’s something here for everyone, at every price point.
And when you’re done shopping head on over to Distrito T-Mobile, an entertainment and retail complex in the Isla Grande district. Home to multiple restaurants, an arcade, art displays, bars, and even an overhead zipline, you probably won’t get a chance to be bored. Your Instagram feed will say gracias later.
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