Practical information : Move & Laze around Puerto Rico
Budget & Tips
Puerto Rico offers the possibility of many activities, on the sea side and lagoons or on the mountain side, there is a lot to do; it is necessary to count an average of 70 US$ per person for an excursion. All the beaches in Puerto Rico are public, so there is no shortage of places to go for a swim. Among the free activities, in Old San Juan, runners can enjoy the quiet of the city in the early morning and walk a few kilometers along the malecón (the waterfront) and on the Paseo del Morro, the path that goes around the old town, to the Punta del Morro. A good plan also for walkers. Surfers can easily rent a surfboard and get into the water at Playa del Escambrón in San Juan
What's very local
Puerto Ricans love to go to the beach. They like to spend full days there, especially on weekends, with family and friends, with full coolers, picnics, beach chairs, games, etc. On the most popular beaches, some people even arrive early on Sunday to get the best spot. In general, it is best to avoid the balnearios, the beaches that are usually supervised and where families gather on weekends
Your documents please
Travelers who intend to scuba dive should bring their certification card (at least a digital version).
To be booked
In general, and especially during the high season, it is advisable to book activities in advance, before your arrival: excursions to the El Yunque rainforest and the bioluminescent bays of Fajardo, La Parguera and Vieques; guided tours, on foot, by bicycle or by kayak; guided tours of Viejo San Juan, haciendas and rum distilleries, boat excursions (what's more the ferry to the islands of Culebra and Vieques), salsa lessons, surfing and kitesurfing courses, scuba diving... The more you anticipate, the better. You can book directly with the organizers or through an agency.
Main events
If the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, which take place in mid-January in San Juan, and the Carnival of Ponce, the week before Ash Wednesday (which marks the beginning of Lent in Christianity, 46 days before Easter), dominate the calendar of events, a host of celebrations, parties and festivals punctuate the Puerto Rican year. We have listed some of them in this guide, but the list is far from exhaustive. For dates and details of the various events and festivities, visit the tourist office website (www.discoverpuertorico.com)