Things To Do
in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a small riverside town in the province of Misiones, northeastern Argentina, set on the banks of the Paraná River and surrounded by subtropical woodland and farmland. The town serves as a relaxed gateway to river activities, yerba mate estates and nearby natural attractions, with a strong local culture shaped by Guaraní influence and immigrant farming communities. Visitors find a laid-back atmosphere, a scenic costanera (riverfront), and easy access to outdoor pursuits like fishing, boating and birdwatching.

Services are basic but friendly, making Puerto Rico best suited for travelers who enjoy nature, local food and low-key, authentic Argentine small-town life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and San Juan Exploration
morning
:

Arrive at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan and check into your hotel. Start your adventure with breakfast at a local café, savoring authentic Puerto Rican coffee and pastries. Afterward, stroll through the historic streets of Old San Juan, admiring the colorful colonial architecture.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant, trying local dishes like mofongo or lechón. Spend the afternoon visiting the iconic El Morro fortress, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. As you explore, learn about the rich history and strategic importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

evening
:

In the evening, find a nice spot in Old San Juan for dinner, enjoying fresh seafood dishes while listening to live music. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the cobblestone streets to absorb the vibrant nightlife. End your day with a rooftop bar drink, soaking in the Caribbean breeze.

day 2
Rainforest Adventure
morning
:

Head to El Yunque National Forest early in the morning for an exciting day in nature. Begin with a guided hike, witnessing the stunning waterfalls and unique flora and fauna of the rainforest. Don't forget to stop at the observation tower for panoramic views of the lush landscape.

afternoon
:

After a picnic lunch in the park, explore more trails or take a refreshing swim in one of the many natural pools. Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the treetops for an adrenaline rush and an unforgettable perspective of the forest. The midday sun enhances the vibrant greens all around you, creating a picturesque backdrop.

evening
:

Return to San Juan and unwind with dinner at a local bistro featuring farm-to-table options. As dusk falls, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the city, possibly catching a local dance performance or street festival. Conclude your night by mingling with locals at a vibrant bar offering traditional Puerto Rican cocktails.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🍽️Dinner at mid-range restaurant (two people)$20-40
Coffee or mate and pastry$1.50-3
🚌Local bus ride$0.50-1
🚕Short taxi ride$2-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful riverside scenery and abundant birdlife
  • Authentic small-town atmosphere and friendly locals
  • Good access to river-based activities and outdoor pursuits
  • Affordable prices compared with major tourist centers
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer accommodation options
  • Humidity, mosquitoes and seasonal heavy rains
  • Some services and medical facilities are basic; bigger hospitals are in larger cities
  • Far from major tourist attractions—you may need long drives for big sights
  • "Hola / Buen día" - Hello / Good morning
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Gracias / Muchas gracias" - Thank you / Thank you very much
  • "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "¿Tiene mate?" - Do you have mate?
  • "Por favor" - Please

Places to Visit in Puerto Rico

Visit one of these nice places.

Costanera (riverfront)

Long stretch along the Paraná River with boats, piers and sunset reflections—excellent for golden-hour and lifestyle shots of riverside life.

Yerba mate fields and processing houses

Rows of green mate plantations and small-scale processing facilities offer textured agricultural landscapes and portraits of traditional production.

Local markets and feria

Vibrant market scenes with colorful produce, cured meats and artisan products—good for close-ups and street photography.

Riverside fishing activity

Early morning and late afternoon scenes of fishermen, nets and boats provide authentic local character and dynamic motion shots.

Subtropical forest trails

Dense vegetation, waterfalls on nearby day trips and diverse birdlife create opportunities for nature and macro photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Puerto Rico

Cuisine in Puerto Rico blends classic Argentine staples—beef, empanadas and parrilla—with regional items from Misiones and neighboring Paraguay like chipá and river fish. Yerba mate is the social beverage and an essential part of daily life; many small producers and family farms supply local mate. Meals are generous, often centered on grilled meats or fresh-caught fish, and markets sell seasonal fruits, cheeses and homemade sweets. Expect simple, hearty cooking made from local ingredients and influenced by Guaraní and immigrant traditions.

Puerto Rico Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Asado (Argentine barbecue)

Slow-grilled mixed cuts of beef and sausages cooked over wood or charcoal at parrillas; look for family-run parrillas or riverside grills for the best local flavor.

Must-Try!

Grilled Paraná River fish (dorado, pacú)

Freshwater fish commonly served whole or filleted over the grill; available at riverside restaurants and small eateries in town.

Chipá

Cheese bread of Paraguayan and northeastern Argentine origin—crispy outside, chewy inside—found in bakeries and street stalls.

Empanadas

Stuffed pastries with meat, cheese, corn or ham and cheese; look for local variations at bakeries and markets.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local feria / municipal market

A small market where farmers sell fresh fruit, cheeses, homemade preserves and yerba mate; ideal for tasting local products and picking up picnic supplies.

Street stalls and weekend vendors

Weekend vendors near the costanera often sell choripán (sausage sandwich), empanadas and chipá—good for a quick, tasty and affordable bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

Puerto Rico has a humid subtropical climate with warm to hot summers, mild winters and ample rainfall distributed throughout the year. Summers are humid and stormy at times, while winters are generally comfortable with cool nights. The abundant rain supports lush vegetation and year-round green landscapes; humidity and mosquitoes are highest in the warm season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A single cheek kiss (or light cheek touch) and a handshake are common when meeting someone; a warm, personal greeting is appreciated—use Buenos días / Buenas tardes to start.

Social behavior

Be polite and friendly; Argentines value conversation and rapport—avoid bluntness, and be ready for lively discussion. Respect family and local traditions, and accept offers of mate as a sign of hospitality.

Dress and punctuality

Casual but tidy dress is appropriate in town; social events may start slightly late. For visits to religious sites, dress modestly and remove hats when appropriate.

Photography etiquette

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in smaller communities or when taking portraits; be respectful in indigenous or private settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Puerto Rico is generally safe for visitors, with low levels of violent crime, but petty theft and opportunistic pickpocketing can occur—keep valuables secure and avoid poorly lit isolated areas at night. In wet seasons watch for slippery trails and river currents; take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses (use repellent and long sleeves at dawn/dusk). Carry a copy of your documents, have emergency contacts, and consider travel insurance for medical evacuation if you plan remote activities.

Tipping in Puerto Rico

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants a tip of around 10% is common if service is good; rounding up small bills or leaving loose change for casual cafes, taxi drivers and guides is appreciated. Tipping for small services (porters, housekeeping) is discretionary and modest.

Payment Methods

Cash (Argentine pesos) is widely used for markets, small shops and street vendors; credit/debit cards work at larger restaurants and hotels but smaller establishments may accept only cash. ATMs are available but can be limited—carry enough cash for remote activities and check card fees with your bank.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

December–February: hot, humid and rainy periods with frequent afternoon storms; excellent for lush green landscapes and abundant wildlife but expect mosquitoes and occasional local flooding—bring light clothing, rain gear and insect repellent.

Autumn

March–May: milder temperatures, less humidity and pleasant days for outdoor activities; ideal time for hikes and boat trips as rainfall decreases and insects are fewer.

Winter

June–August: mild to cool days and cooler nights (rarely freezing); drier and comfortable for exploring though mornings can be crisp—pack a light jacket for evenings.

Spring

September–November: warming temperatures, blooming flora and high bird activity; a great time for nature photography but watch for variable weather and occasional heavy rains later in spring.

Nightlife Guide

Puerto Rico at Night

Nightlife in Puerto Rico is low-key compared with big Argentine cities—expect relaxed riverside bars, parrillas open late on weekends, local live-music nights and community gatherings. Evenings are social and centered on food, music and mate; larger-scale clubs or late-night scenes are found in bigger towns like Posadas.

Hiking in Puerto Rico

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Costanera Riverside Trail

Easy walking route along the Paraná River ideal for short walks, birdwatching and sunset photography.

Yerba Mate Plantation Loop

Gentle trails through private plantations where visitors can learn about mate cultivation and see agricultural landscapes up close.

Local subtropical reserve trail

Short forest trails in nearby protected patches of subtropical woodland—good for spotting wildlife and learning about native plants; bring insect repellent and water.

Saltos del Moconá (day-trip hike and viewing)

A larger excursion (several hours by car) to the Moconá Falls area offering scenic walks and dramatic river waterfalls—best arranged as a guided day trip.

Airports

How to reach Puerto Rico by plane.

Posadas – Libertador General José de San Martín Airport (PSS)

Regional airport serving Misiones' capital Posadas with flights to Buenos Aires and other cities; reachable by bus or car from Puerto Rico and is the nearest major air link for medical services and onward travel.

Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR)

Larger international airport near Puerto Iguazú that handles domestic and some international flights; useful if combining a trip to Iguazú Falls, though it is several hours' drive from Puerto Rico.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and easy to explore on foot—the costanera, markets and main streets are walkable. However, many attractions (plantations, reserves, remote trails) require a car or organized transport, so plan for occasional drives or tours.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Descendientes de europeos

Residents of European descent (mainly Spanish, Italian and other immigrant families) who settled the area and developed agriculture and local commerce.

Población rural y campesina

Smallholder farmers and yerba mate producers form a large part of the local economy and community life.

Comunidades e influencia guaraní

Guaraní cultural influence persists in language, place names, cuisine and traditional practices across the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Fútbol (soccer)

The most popular sport—played socially in town, watched passionately on TV and organized in local amateur leagues.

Fishing

Both a pastime and local tradition—recreational and sport fishing on the Paraná is widespread and a draw for visitors.

Basketball / Volleyball

Common community sports played at schools and local clubs for youth and adults.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic within Puerto Rico is light and easy to navigate by car or on foot; local streets are small and congestion is minimal except during festivals or market days. Regional roads connecting to other towns can be narrow and sometimes affected by rain-related potholes—drive cautiously. Long-distance buses are a common way to travel between towns and cities.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Rico.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited; menus often include salads, grilled vegetables, cheeses, egg dishes and fried or baked empanadas with cheese/corn. Ask for vegetable-based sides and check markets for fresh produce to assemble your own meals.

Vegan

Vegan dining requires more planning—pack snacks, rely on markets for fruit and bread, and ask restaurants for simple preparations like grilled vegetables or rice dishes; communicate needs in Spanish to avoid confusion.

Gluten-free

Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing but not ubiquitous; bakeries and empanada shops use wheat flour, so request grilled or fresh-ingredient options and confirm cross-contamination if you have celiac disease.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Puerto Rico has basic medical clinics and pharmacies to handle minor ailments and first aid; for more serious treatment travelers should go to the regional hospital in the provincial capital (Posadas) or other larger centers. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended for travelers planning remote outdoor activities.

Discover Argentina

Read more in our Argentina 2025 Travel Guide.

Argentina Travel Guide