When I started researching for things to do in Puerto Rico, I turned to some of my favorite travel bloggers. Surely they would have some great ideas of things to do in San Juan and have guides on how to adventure solo in Puerto Rico.
But as I read through a handful of them, I was saddened. They were all pretty much the same.
And then I checked the top and bottom headings to their articles on Puerto Rico. Yep, they all went on the same press trip. They all had the same itinerary laid at their feet, pushing the same list of things to do in Puerto Rico. And, yep, they were all recommending the same $200/night hotels.
Ugh, my level of frustration reached dog-with-a-large-stick-in-his-mouth-trying-to-go-through-a-doggy-door.
(Not throwing shade at any individual, because the state of the travel-sphere his past year has been terrible and if someone is going to book through their affiliate links, the bloggers deserve the income. The articles just weren’t what I was looking for at the time.)
So when it came to figuring out what things I wanted to do and how I wanted to adventure solo in Puerto Rico for my trip, I was literally on my own.
No worries. I got this. Building your own adventures from the ground up gives you so much wiggle room to cultivate the type of trip that YOU want to take, rather than just copying someone’s “ideal” itinerary.
Why You Should Adventure Solo in Puerto Rico
To be honest, I’m disappointed in myself for waiting so long to adventure solo in Puerto Rico. I fell in love with the island.
Hard.
And I can’t wait to go back.
I’m going to attempt to describe my love affair with the island, and convince you that you need to also adventure solo in Puerto Rico.
Flights are cheap from the US mainland
Even if you don’t live in Florida or anywhere in the south, chances are you can find a cheap flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
I found a flight on Delta for about $200, round-trip. Sure, it came with a layover, but a few hours chilling in an airport was definitely worth the price tag to paradise.
US dollar is the main currency
Although I LOVE using foreign currency when I travel, there’s something comforting about knowing that I won’t have to visit an ATM every other day in Puerto Rico.
There’s no more stress about having to mentally go through conversion rates before I consider buying that souvenir, going to a restaurant, or paying for that entrance fee.
And the best part? There’s no rush at the end of the trip to spend the rest of your cash or visit to a currency exchange to get ripped off!
Diverse landscape to satisfy every type of adventurer
White sandy beaches. Striking cityscape skylines. Historical landmarks. A tropical rainforest. Lush mountain ranges. You name it, Puerto Rico has it.
I don’t know about you, but I love having a bit of diversity when I travel to new places. Don’t get me wrong – I love a good beach. But I get bored and crave a break from the same landscape day after day.
Not only does a variety of landscapes offer a break visually, but provides a platform for a wide range of adventures!
Puerto Rico is easy to navigate
Driving around an island has never been easier! Since Puerto Rico is a US Territory, the signage all around the island follows the same pattern as the mainland US roads.
Old San Juan, the top tourist destination on the island, is completely walkable. If you need a break from walking everywhere, Uber is available in the capital and extremely affordable.
Phone coverage is clutch
To be honest, the fact that my Verizon phone plan covers Puerto Rico was the biggest weight off of my shoulders when planning my adventure.
Not only would I had a lifeline home for emergencies, but I’d have access to maps and translation apps. Check with your phone provider, but chances are that if they’re a major US-based company, you’ll have normal coverage in Puerto Rico.
Things to Do When You Adventure Solo in Puerto Rico
Everyone adventures differently, but sometimes it’s a nice change to try something new. Get out of your comfort zone. Here are a few of my suggestions on things to do when you adventure solo in Puerto Rico.
Rent a Car
So many of Puerto Rico’s must-see locations are outside of San Juan, so having your own vehicle is essential. Plus, road tripping around an island is so much fun!
During my week-long adventure, I had a rental car for the first 5 days as I explored the south and west coasts, visited El Yunque National Forest, and went beach-hopping.
The amount of freedom you can experience is so liberating. And during these uncertain times of 2021, having a private vehicle that you can sanitize yourself is a great way to ensure your health and safety is in your own hands.
Go beach-hopping
There are SO MANY amazing beaches on Puerto Rico, and each one is so different. The best part is that since there are so many beaches around, you have a really good chance of having a large stretch of sand to yourself.
Do you want to lounge on soft white sand, under the shade of a palm tree? There’s a beach for that.
Do you enjoy surfing or boogie boarding? There are a few beaches that might be what you’re looking for.
Craving a beach with a local vibe and the smell of barbecue in the air? Fear not, there’s a spot for you!
If you don’t know what you’re looking for, but want to just be at the beach, you don’t have to go far to find something to pique your interest.
Just remember sunscreen!
Visit El Yunque National Forest
How cool would it be to tell a story that starts with “That one time I visited the only tropical rainforest in the US…”? If you need a break from the beaches and city hustle and bustle, you might be interested in a trip to El Yunque National Forest.
Just imagine: breathtaking scenery, enough diverse plant life to satisfy every botanist in the world, waterfalls that probably inspired the TLC hit pop song, and plenty of trails to discover.
Visiting El Yunque will give you a change of scenery, offer you endless paths to hike, and a great way to cool off afterwards.
Get lost in Old San Juan
I spent the last 2 days of my trip wandering around the cobblestoned streets of Old San Juan, and wished I had more time. Around every corner is a delicious restaurant just waiting to feed you.
Every few blocks is a square, plaza, or park where you can get off your feet, learn a little more about the city, and just people watch with the rest of the locals.
If you’re into a hopping night life, you can find it here. History? Visit one of the forts and learn more about the piratical history of the island.
Need more pictures for your social media channels? Old San Juan is ready to say “cheese” for your feed!
Spend a day on the water
Just because you’re on an island, doesn’t mean you have to stay on the island. There are so many charter boats and day trips you can take to other islands in the area.
There are tons of smaller islands surrounding Puerto Rico, most of them uninhabited. Snorkel charters. Fishing excursions. Scuba adventures. Kayaking. The possibilities are endless!
If you’re traveling solo, booking a group tour is a great way to get some socializing in without compromising your solo adventure in Puerto Rico!
Are you ready to adventure solo in Puerto Rico? Have you ever been?
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