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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Long stretch along the Paraná River with boats, piers and sunset reflections—excellent for golden-hour and lifestyle shots of riverside life.
Rows of green mate plantations and small-scale processing facilities offer textured agricultural landscapes and portraits of traditional production.
Vibrant market scenes with colorful produce, cured meats and artisan products—good for close-ups and street photography.
Early morning and late afternoon scenes of fishermen, nets and boats provide authentic local character and dynamic motion shots.
Dense vegetation, waterfalls on nearby day trips and diverse birdlife create opportunities for nature and macro photography.
Food in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
Freshwater fish commonly served whole or filleted over the grill; available at riverside restaurants and small eateries in town.
Cheese bread of Paraguayan and northeastern Argentine origin—crispy outside, chewy inside—found in bakeries and street stalls.
Stuffed pastries with meat, cheese, corn or ham and cheese; look for local variations at bakeries and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market where farmers sell fresh fruit, cheeses, homemade preserves and yerba mate; ideal for tasting local products and picking up picnic supplies.
Weekend vendors near the costanera often sell choripán (sausage sandwich), empanadas and chipá—good for a quick, tasty and affordable bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
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.
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.
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.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in smaller communities or when taking portraits; be respectful in indigenous or private settings.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Rico
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Puerto Rico at Night
Hiking in Puerto Rico
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy walking route along the Paraná River ideal for short walks, birdwatching and sunset photography.
Gentle trails through private plantations where visitors can learn about mate cultivation and see agricultural landscapes up close.
Short forest trails in nearby protected patches of subtropical woodland—good for spotting wildlife and learning about native plants; bring insect repellent and water.
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.
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.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents of European descent (mainly Spanish, Italian and other immigrant families) who settled the area and developed agriculture and local commerce.
Smallholder farmers and yerba mate producers form a large part of the local economy and community life.
Guaraní cultural influence persists in language, place names, cuisine and traditional practices across the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—played socially in town, watched passionately on TV and organized in local amateur leagues.
Both a pastime and local tradition—recreational and sport fishing on the Paraná is widespread and a draw for visitors.
Common community sports played at schools and local clubs for youth and adults.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Rico.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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.
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.