Things To Do
in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, Colombia is a tropical river town in the Colombian Caribbean region. It blends lush rainforest surroundings with a laid-back atmosphere and a friendly, Afro-Colombian and Indigenous-influenced culture. Visitors come for cacao and coffee farms, waterfalls, and river activities that reveal a slower pace away from bigger cities.
The town sits amid green hills, where colors, rhythms, and aromas of Caribbean cuisine greet travelers at every turn.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the colorful streets of Old San Juan, admiring the vibrant colonial architecture. Visit the iconic El Morro fortress to soak in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and learn about its rich history. Enjoy a traditional Puerto Rican breakfast at a local café, indulging in some delicious tostadas and café con leche.
After lunch, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Museo de las Américas, where you can explore various exhibits showcasing Puerto Rican art and history. Continue your exploration by visiting the San Juan Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in the city, and marvel at its stunning architecture. Wrap up your afternoon with a leisurely walk along the Paseo de la Princesa, where you can enjoy the lush scenery and perhaps catch a glimpse of local artisans at work.
As the sun sets, dine at a renowned local restaurant, savoring traditional dishes like mofongo or arroz con gandules. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the lively atmosphere filled with music and laughter. Cap off your evening with a visit to a salsa club, where you can dance the night away to the rhythms of live music.
Start your adventure early by heading to El Yunque National Forest, where you can experience the lush tropical landscapes and diverse wildlife. Begin with a hike to La Mina Falls, where the sound of cascading water will invigorate your spirit and invite you to take a refreshing dip. Along the way, keep an eye out for vibrant flora and fauna, including the striking coquí frog and colorful butterflies.
After a morning of hiking, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated areas in the forest, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Spend your afternoon exploring more trails, such as the El Yunque Trail, which leads to the peak of the mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Don't forget to visit the Yokahu Observation Tower for breathtaking vistas of the forest and coastline.
Return to your lodging to freshen up, then head out for dinner at a local eatery specializing in Caribbean cuisine. Indulge in fresh seafood dishes while enjoying the warm evening air and lively ambiance. For a unique experience, consider a night-time bioluminescent bay tour, where you can witness the magical glow of microorganisms in the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-75 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (within town, ~5-10 min) | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1-3 |
| 🎟️Entrance to a local attraction | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cordial, welcoming communities and rich Caribbean-influenced cuisine
- Affordable costs and abundant natural beauty (rivers, waterfalls, cacao/coffee farms)
- Limited English in rural areas; some services may be harder to find outside the town center
- Smaller-scale infrastructure and nightlife compared to larger cities
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hi, how are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Puede recomendarme un buen restaurante?" - Can you recommend a good restaurant?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Puerto Rico
Visit one of these nice places.
A river-facing viewpoint with colorful rooftops and lush hills in the background; best at sunrise or golden hour.
Historic plaza framing colonial architecture and locals going about daily life; great for candid shots.
A nearby waterfall with a forest backdrop ideal for long-exposure waterfall photography.
Plantation paths and cacao trees offer intimate portraits of farming life and nature textures.
Gentle riverbank scenes with boats, fishermen, and reflections on calm days.
Colorful market stalls and faces captured in natural light as vendors wrap up for the day.
Food in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty fish stew with corn, plantains, and yucca; commonly served with rice and lime.
Must-Try!
A thick corn cake stuffed with a fried egg, popular as a street snack or quick breakfast.
Coconut-infused rice often served with fried fish or seafood; a staple on coastal menus.
Flat fried plantain slices topped with a tomato-onion sauce; a crisp, flavorful side or snack.
A shrimp and shellfish stew with peppers, garlic, and spices, typically enjoyed with white rice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering fresh produce, seafood, herbs, and ready-to-eat bites from local vendors.
Coastal-style stalls selling fresh coconuts, grilled fish, and small bites along the riverfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly hola or buenos días. A handshake or a light kiss on the cheek may be common among acquaintances in informal settings.
Spanish is the primary language; be polite, address people as señor/señora, and use usted for formal interactions.
Dress modestly in religious or formal settings; avoid loud, confrontational behavior in public spaces; ask permission before photographing people, especially in intimate settings.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Rico
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is common if service is not included. Small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated but not obligatory.
Cash (COP) is widely accepted in markets and smaller eateries; many mid-range places accept cards and mobile payments. Have some cash for street vendors and rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and humid with more predictable dry spells in some months; ideal for outdoor exploration and river activities, but stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Frequent afternoon showers and higher humidity; mornings are often clearer, but trails can be slick. Carry a lightweight rain jacket and quick-dry footwear.
Shoulders offer fewer crowds and good chances for authentic experiences; plan for flexible outdoor activities and indoor cultural sites.
Puerto Rico at Night
Hiking in Puerto Rico
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails leading to multiple waterfalls with opportunities for swimming and landscape photography.
A short, scenic hike through cacao plantations offering insights into farming and shade-grown crops.
Airports
How to reach Puerto Rico by plane.
Major hub serving international and domestic flights; typically the gateway for reaching the region with a subsequent road transfer.
Coastal international airport offering connections to major Colombia cities; used for longer domestic routes when traveling from the coast.
Another large Colombian airport serving regional and international flights; may be used for multi-city itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of cultural backgrounds evident in music, food, and daily life; hospitality is a defining feature of the region.
Nearby rural zones may have Indigenous groups with distinct traditions; respectful engagement is encouraged if you visit cultural sites.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular sport; expect crowds at local matches and lively discussions about teams.
Hilly terrain and scenic routes make cycling a favored activity among locals and visitors.
Common in community centers and outdoor courts; casual games and pickup matches are easy to join.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Rico.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many vegetable stews, beans, plantain dishes, and salads are available. Ask for the day’s vegetarian options, and request meals without meat or fish if needed.