Destination Decoded: Puerto Rico

¡Wepa!

If you clicked on this link, I see a visit to Puerto Rico coming up in your near future 🔮.

My first time visiting this beautiful island was in March 2024.

There is a reason why it is called la Isla del Ecanto or the Enchanted Island in English.

Puerto Rico has so much to offer. It consists of a vibrant blend of culture, breathtaking views, gorgeous weather, and lively music and dance.

While there, you are sure to experience an unforgettable combination of stunning beaches, flourishing forests, and beautifully colored colonial architecture.

These are 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Puerto Rico:

Coquí, coquí, coquí

An unofficial symbol of the island, the coqui is a frog species that goes hand in hand with PR.

The Puerto Rican coquí is native to the forests of PR. From dusk to dawn, their unique melodic song can be heard all throughout the island.

While some may love the free entertainment, others may not be so fond of the unmistakable song.

While indoors, I never heard the song. I also never saw one, only heard them. They tend to hide around tree leaves, vegetation, and rocks.

If you are a light sleeper, I suggest closing all the windows before bed.

There are tolls. Everywhere.

Whether or not to rent a car will depend case-by-case.

What should be factored in your decision is the tolls scattered all throughout PR. Almost all major highways and roads will require you to pay a toll.

The good news is that they are relatively cheap. Tolls can range anywhere from $0.75 - $3.00. If you do end up deciding on renting a car, make sure you ask about the company toll policy.

I rented a car from Charlie’s Car Rental in Carolina during my stay. They offered two toll options:

1. A $25 fee to install the device the toll will scan and read and then you are billed for all the tolls collected at the end of your trip with the credit card they have on file.

2. A $50 upfront fee that lets you go through an unlimited amount of tolls.

I went with option 1. I ended up racking up about $25 worth of tolls during a 6-day trip.

The right option for you really depends on what your car rental agency offers and how much driving you plan on doing.

**While you can avoid tolls using your GPS, be advised your trip time will increase and the difficulty of the drive is likely to increase. By avoiding tolls, you may have to drive through more winding roads.

Gas prices are listed in liters

This was a huge shock to me when I first arrived. I couldn’t believe my eyes seeing gas prices listed for as low as $0.90!

However, after a little detective work, I realized they did not use the same units as mainland U.S.

For your reference, 1 gallon is approximately 3.8 liters.

Narrow roads especially in Old San Juan

One last tip when it comes to getting around the island.

I highly suggest getting a sedan. Especially if you are not comfortable or used to driving a bigger car like a minivan or SUV.

Some roads in PR can be very narrow. There were some turns where genuinely I don’t know how I would’ve made them had I been in a bigger car.

Between the cars parked on the street and the road being narrow on their own, you have to be very careful when driving.

*Also note that a permit is required for street parking in Old San Juan which is reserved for local residents only.

Locals are extremely proud of their heritage.

Almost anywhere you go, I can guarantee the Puerto Rican flag will be around. From chairs, doors, bags, cups, and even surfboards. You name it and I bet you can find that object with the flag on it.

Locals are extremely proud of their heritage. The history of Puerto Rico can also be a sensitive topic to natives.

Just remember your vacation spot is what they have called home for generations. Be respectful of their traditions and customs. I found locals to be generally tolerant of tourist. Many even greeted me in passing. If you treat the island and the locals with respect, they will return the favor.

English and Spanish are the national languages

Officially speaking, Puerto Rico has two national languages listed: Spanish and English. Spanish is technically considered the primary language.

During my stay, I ran into zero issues with language barriers. Employees were able to effortlessly switch between English or Spanish based on my preference.

Brushing up on some common Spanish phrases will go a long way with locals. They will appreciate you taking the time to learn and practice a bit!

*Also note that all road signs are written in Spanish

All beaches are public

There are no private beaches in Puerto Rico.

At the time of writing, by law, all beaches must have public access.

“Beaches Belong to the People” has turned into a slogan representing the push against the privatization of beaches in Puerto Rico.

Going out and enjoying some sunshine and the waves is a must when visiting.

Final Thoughts

And there we have it. Those were 7 things I wish I knew before I made my first trip to Puerto Rico.

I highly recommend Puerto Rico as a travel destination.

Especially for those newer to the travel game. It offers the convenience of not having to leave the U.S. (i.e. not needing a passport), all while offering views and experiences which feel like visiting a new country.

Thanks for reading.

Safe travels and may the road ahead be filled with adventure and excitement.

The world is waiting for you.

-JC