What’s better than discovering the best places to see in Puerto Rico?… How ’bout some low-cost travel tips to go with them?
Puerto Rico is one of the most energetic islands in the Caribbean, and has something to offer for every kind of visitor. Since it’s so simple to visit as a territory of the US, it should be at the top of your travel bucket list this year!
From rich cultural landmarks to pristine beaches, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to soak in the magic of this island, either.
I’ve explored many corners of this magical place, from San Juan’s historic streets to the beautiful beaches of Aguadilla and the dense jungles of El Yunque. So whether it’s your first time visiting or a return trip, I can tell you how to experience the best of what Puerto Rico has to offer without spending a fortune.
To help you plan your next trip, I’ve put together a list of 10 “Must See Places” that showcase the culture, heart, and natural beauty of this incredible island, and I’ve even included some low-cost travel tips so you can enjoy it to its fullest without breaking the bank!
If you visit Puerto Rico, stop by Castillo San Felipe Del Morro
Better known as “El Morro,” Castillo San Felipe del Morro is an old fortress in Old San Juan, constructed by the Spanish more than 500 years ago. Watching over the entrance to San Juan Bay, this awe-striking landmark is an iconic lookout.
Now, if you wish to go inside, touring El Morro can be pricey, but visiting the grounds where locals fly kites is free and is an activity you can’t miss during your trip. It’s become a family tradition passed down through many generations to fly kites at Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and it’s a fun and playful site to sit and watch or fly one yourself on a gusty day.
-Low-cost travel tip: Like I said, you have to pay to enter El Morro and tour it. But, if you’d like to fly a kite and don’t have your own, there are vendors around the area, with prices beginning around $10.
Visit the only tropical rainforest in the nation’s National Forest System
Nature lovers won’t want to miss a visit to El Yunque National Forest. There’s so much to see and do here that you could spend days in the rainforest and still not see everything. El Yunque has 24 miles of trails, ranging from beginner to more challenging levels.
There are more than 240 plant species, stunning waterfalls, and hundreds of animal species. If you’re looking for the adventure of a lifetime, there are many tours that you can take around El Yunque, including zip-lining experiences, ATV tours, and horseback riding.
The views from the top of the Yokahu Observation Tower are worth the trip alone. Even if you only drive through the forest and visit the Yokahu Observation Tower for the vistas, you’ll be so happy you stopped by this rainforest.
-Low-cost travel tip: It’s free to hike or drive through. But I recommend bringing a rain poncho! Some spots charge small fees, including the El Portal Visitor Center, which costs $8/adult, and kids 15 and under are free.
Explore the waterfalls when you visit Puerto Rico
It’s not just the rainforest that offers waterfalls, though. Puerto Rico is home to many stunning cascades. You could take them in quickly as you hike or drive by or make a day of it and plan a picnic and swimming day.
These local favorite waterfalls are free to visit. Just be sure to ask about accessibility, parking fees, and facilities:
-Juan Diego Falls
-Las Tinajas
-La Canoa Falls
-Cascada La Mina
-Las Delicias
-Salto Curet
-Chorro de Doña Juana
-Cascada Gozalandia
-Low-cost travel tip: Be aware of weather conditions. Waterfalls are generally in areas with lots of rainfall and the potential for flash floods. Slippery conditions should also be kept in mind, and jumping or swinging from high rocks isn’t recommended.
Take a stroll around Old San Juan when you visit Puerto Rico
While on the island, be sure to plan at least a day, if not a few, to take in Old San Juan. There’s so much to explore around each corner, and wandering the city is a fantastic free way to visit multiple sites at once.
You’ll find many sweet, romantic streets in Old San Juan painted in colorful hues. The active streets of Old San Juan are bustling with the renowned blue cobblestone roads, which date back to the 18th century, and vibrant homes and structures that are hundreds of years old.
There are countless photo opportunities here, so remember to pack a camera when visiting. And while I think it’s really fun to stroll the city, you’ll also get free sights of important landmarks.
Bonus: Here are a few low-cost travel tips for exploring Puerto Rico
Low-cost travel tip: Be sure to save these spots on your list (some do have entry fees, but are free to stroll around):
-Visit “Capitolo de Puerto Rico” and look out at the gorgeous coastline across the street.
-See the historic San Juan Gate: Puerta de Aguas
-Check out the governor’s mansion and catch “Plazuela de la Rogativa,” a sculpture by the side of the governor’s mansion.
-Take a stroll along one of Old San Juan’s most renowned promenades: “Paseo de la Princesa”
Low-cost travel tip: Visit during the off-season to save even more
Traveling during the shoulder season, is a must for a budget-friendly trip to any Caribbean destination, especially in Puerto Rico. But it’s not like you’ll be greeted by snow!
This is the land of eternal summer, with temperatures from 70 to 80 degrees all year round on the coast. So there’s no such thing as a wrong time to visit. Remember that the peak tourist season is between December and April, overlapping with the cold winter months in the northern hemisphere.
To avoid overbooked tours, crowds, and hikes in hotel prices, go between May and July or from September to early December.
Low-cost travel tip: Meals from food trucks are more affordable
Even though beachside food stalls have been a permanent fixture in Puerto Rico for centuries, the past ten years have seen many restaurant owners and chefs moving their kitchens onto food trucks, bringing along restaurant-quality food to the streets.
On any given day, you can indulge in international and local dishes at the Miramar Food Truck Park, situated near Condado in San Juan.
While this isn’t the only one of its kind in San Juan, it’s the most reasonable and has a changing selection of foods and artisanal beers that won’t burn a hole in your budget.
Low-cost travel tip: Car rental is cheaper than organized tours and excursions
The most affordable option for exploring this beautiful island beyond San Juan is by renting a car. Public transportation is practically nonexistent once you leave the metro area, and excursions or tours can be expensive.
Depending on when you choose to visit, you can rent a car for about $24 a day or $239 per week. And the price of gas tends to cost roughly $1 per liter.
While renting a car isn’t frugal, it’ll allow you to see more of the island and move around at your own pace without paying extra for organized trips.
Be sure to remember these low-cost travel tips if you visit Puerto Rico. And when you do go, leave a comment when you return to share your experiences with us.
Looking for some more exotic places to visit this year? Check out: 6 “Must-See” Exotic Vacation Spots You’ll Love in the US
