Puerto Rico may have become an expensive place for a vacation, but you can still explore some cheap yet awesome places, some even free of charges. Read on to discover those spots, and let’s all have fun in Caribbean, my friend!
BEACHES
First things first, a trip to the Caribbean would not be complete without getting a dose of vitamin sea. AIt’s an island about the size of Connecticut so there are many beaches, about 300 actually. In the capital, Isla Verde Beach is good for swimming and sunbathing on soft sand, which is groomed daily, while Playita del Condado is a protected cove that is ideal for young kids and a surprisingly good place to snorkel in the middle of San Juan.
Things get much better and exciting outside the capital. Crash Boat, about an hour west of San Juan, is great for swimming and snorkelling, too. Farther west in Rincon is Maria’s, which has great surf. Get ready to rip some waves! Also recommended are the beaches along the entrance to the Guanica Dry Forest Reserve and Seven Seas in the east coast town of Fajardo.
Here’s a tip, it’s always better to go early in the morning when the water is calm and there are no crowds. Otherwise, go to Vieques, which has spectacular beaches and that are secluded even in the high season.
EL YUNQUE
About a half-hour drive from San Juan, is an actual tropical rain forest, which is the only one that is part of the U.S. forest system. Going to El Yunque National Forest would be a good idea amidst a hot day because the well-maintained trails are often shrouded in misty clouds. Not to mention cooling off in an awesome waterfall or a river pool along the relatively easy Big Tree Trail.
EL MORRO
Castillo San Felipe del Morro may have an entrance fee, but the best way to enjoy this U.S. National Historic Site requires no money at all. The fort that towers over San Juan Bay, known universally as just “El Morro,” is a great place to stroll, especially at sunset. The massive rolling expanse of grass at the foot of the fort has spectacular views in any direction. Don’t forget to have a picnic and fly a kite!
OLD SAN JUAN
At the foot of El Morro is the old city, the colonial heart of San Juan. In recent years, Old San Juan has been lit; its cobblestone streets are cleaner and livelier. New stores, restaurants and coffee shops have come sprouting and many of the old homes have been restored. It’s a busy city, home to the governor’s office and mansion — said to be the oldest in the western hemisphere — as well as other government offices and an increasing number of professional firms with an increasingly busy cruise ship port, and outlet and luxury goods shops have proliferated in response.
PLAZA MERCADO
If you’re in the mood to listen to live music, then Plaza Mercado is the place to be. A fruit and vegetable market in Santurce, a neighborhood that is also home to what are considered some of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico, Plaza Mercado is also a great place for music and salsa. The lobby of the El San Juan in Isla Verde usually has live music and dancing on weekends. Remember to have some salsa lessons!
