by Sarah Larsen and Anne Anderson
If you ever considered a weekend trip to Puerto Rico, you should. Puerto Rico is a beautiful destination with historical sights, amazing nature, and friendly locals. Whether looking for a nice beach, surfing, hiking, or enjoying city life, Puerto Rico has something for everyone. Here, we offer a brief guide for a first-time visit.
Visa:
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory but associated with the United States, so therefore, if you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa. However, you should bring a passport.
Transportation:
Traveling from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to San Juan, Puerto Rico, is easy, fast, and cheap. Multiple airlines operate daily flights between the Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas and the San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). The flight is approximately 15-30 minutes, making it a convenient choice. The following guide will provide you with an easy and cheap transportation option by plane:
- Frontier Airlines
- Traveling days: Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday
- Pack light-weighted and don’t pay for carry-on. Your bag must be able to fit in front of your seat.
- Round-Trip: Approximately $39 – $58
Bonus tip: Download the Uber app for transportation in Puerto Rico.
Accommodation:
Puerto Rico is a beautiful destination with a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets, especially if you are staying in San Juan or whether
you’re looking for a hotel, an Airbnb, or a hostel.
● If you are a solo traveler or a couple of friends wanting to meet new friends, we will recommend staying at a hostel fx. Mango Mansion.
Tip: Download Hostelworld app and discover.
● If you are a group of friends wanting to have your own space, then check out Airbnb.
Food:
The food in Puerto Rico is delicious. San Juan offers a rich and diverse culinary scene for different budgets. Whether you want to try out Puerto Rican cuisine (e.g. Mofongo) or international food, there are various options.
● Tip: For affordable food and lovely margaritas, we recommend Tijuana’s Bar & Grill.
Activities:
Puerto Rico is rich in nature, culture, and historical sights. With its many options, there is always something to do.
A must-do is to visit the El Yunque National Forest, the only traditional rainforest in the U.S.
The rainforest is sacred in Puerto Rican culture and is definitely worth a visit, either by booking a guided tour or renting a car. El Yunque has different hiking trails both short and long, several waterfalls, and even a waterfall slide. Bring good hiking shoes and lots of water.
