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As a solo female traveler on a quest to visit all 193 UN-recognized countries in the world, I have gone on countless adventures across the globe. With 100 countries already explored, my journey recently brought me back to the United States in the middle of the winter so, to escape the cold, I spent a few days in Puerto rico solo travelling. As some of you know, last year after I completed travelling all South American countries, I departed from Guyana back to Australia but that flight was delayed for over 24 hours so were offered some flight credit but I hadn’t used it yet and it was close to expiry date. So in a hurry I booked a  flight to P.R. thinking it was D.R. rookie mistake I know. It worked out okay at the end though because it was cold in the states and this long weekend trip brought the heat. If you are after some hot days to escape the cold or just a weekend trip, continue reading this Puerto rico solo travel itinerary. 

Puerto Rico’s history is rich and complex, beginning with indigenous Taíno inhabitants, followed by Spanish colonization after Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1493. In 1898, as a result of the Spanish-American War, it came under U.S. sovereignty. Importantly, Puerto Rico is not a country; it is a U.S. territory. This unique status means that while Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, they do not have the same voting rights as citizens residing in U.S. states, particularly in federal elections. The island operates under a commonwealth status, with its own constitution and elected officials, but it remains subject to U.S. congressional authority. This political status has been a subject of ongoing debate, with discussions revolving around statehood, independence, or maintaining the current commonwealth arrangement. 

Puerto Rico solo travel itinerary

Why Puerto Rico for solo travel?

Puerto Rico is a unique U.S. territory, that has blend of vibrant Caribbean culture, lush rainforests, and stunning beaches, making it an exciting prospect for solo travelers. Needless to say it offers the convenience of domestic travel for Americans and other visitors like myself, while maintaining a distinct Latin flair. This makes it an ideal destination for solo travelers seeking a blend of familiarity and exoticism.

• Ease of Communication: Spanish is the primary language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas. This eliminates significant language barriers, a crucial factor for solo explorers.
• Diverse Experiences: From the historic streets of Old San Juan to the natural wonders of El Yunque National Forest and the bioluminescent bays, Puerto Rico caters to a wide range of interests.
• Warm Hospitality: Puerto Ricans are known for their warm and welcoming nature, making solo travelers feel at ease.
• Accessibility: As a U.S. territory, travel is straightforward for U.S. citizens, with no passport required. Pleass DYOR for your passport. 
• Pack light clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Where to stay in Puerto Rico?

For accommodation, I recommend using booking.com and sorting with price, then consider the ones with highest reviews plus within 1km of centre. Above I researched and named the best ones with this filter (at the time of writing)
For tours, I recommend using get your guide and walking tours available in most places.

A. Old San Juan: Historic Charm & Cultural Immersion

Ideal for history buffs and those who want to immerse themselves in the island’s culture. Boutique hotels and guesthouses offer charm and character.

• Luxury: Hotel El Convento, Palacio Provincial, Villa Herencia Hotel
• Mid-Range/Boutique: Decanter Hotel, The Gallery Inn, Hotel Milano
• Budget/Hostel: Fortaleza Guest House, Nomada Urban Beach Hostel, Posada San Francisco

B. Condado/Isla Verde: Beachfront Bliss & Vibrant Nightlife

Perfect for beach lovers and those seeking a more lively atmosphere. Resorts, hotels, and Airbnb options are readily available.

• Luxury: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
• Mid-Range: La Concha Resort, AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado, San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
• Budget/Hostel: Mango Mansion, The Dreamcatcher, 151 Dulces Sueños

C. Rincon: Surfer’s Paradise & Laid-Back Vibe

For surfers and those seeking a laid-back vibe, Rincon on the west coast offers a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches.

• Luxury: The Horned Dorset Primavera Hotel, Rincon Beach Resort & Villas, Tres Sirenas Beach Resort
• Mid-Range: Rincon Beach Resort, Casa Verde Hotel, Lazy Parrot Inn & Guest House
• Budget/Hostel: Casa Verde Guesthouse, Rincon Surf School & Guesthouse, Coconut Tree Inn

When is the best time to visit Puerto Rico?

My answer to this question for most places is when you have time and money. But if you are after the perfect weather then, the shoulder seasons (mid-April to June and September to November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Even Feb was great w sunny days but accommodation were pretty booked out.

How to get around Puerto Rico? 

• Public Transportation: While public transportation exists, it can be less reliable. However when I was there it was all on time apart from one bus. Also, public transport was free! (Local mentioned Gov was fixing payment systems but there was a delay) or else consider utilizing ride-sharing services like Uber or local taxis.
  • Buses: San Juan has an extensive bus system (the AMA) that covers most of the city and surrounding areas.
  • Tren Urbano: This light rail system connects several municipalities, including San Juan, Guaynabo, and Bayamón.
    
• Taxis and Ride-sharing Services: Taxis and services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout the city.
  
• Walking: Old San Juan and many parts of Condado are very walkable.
  
• “Públicos”: These are privately-owned vans that operate on fixed routes, often more frequent than buses in certain areas.
  
• Car Rental: For exploring outside San Juan, rent a car or booking a day trip is highly recommended. This allows for greater flexibility in visiting attractions like El Yunque and the island’s many beaches.
  ​​​​​​​
• Ferries: Ferries connect the main island to Vieques and Culebra, offering access to stunning beaches and unique island experiences.

Tips for using public transportation:

Purchase a “Tarjeta Única”: This rechargeable card can be used on buses and the Tren Urbano, offering discounted fares.

Learn Basic Spanish Phrases: This will be helpful when communicating with drivers and asking for directions.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: As with any city, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of your belongings and surroundings while using public transportation.

Solo Traveler Tips:

• Stay Connected: Ensure you have a reliable phone plan or portable Wi-Fi device or use roaming for navigation and communication. I just use offline maps which you can download prior when online.
• Join Tours and Activities: Consider joining guided tours or group activities to meet fellow travelers and learn about the island’s culture.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: As with any destination, practice common sense and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.
• Embrace the Culture: Engage with locals, try the local cuisine (mufongo, anyone?), and learn a few basic Spanish phrases.
• Explore the natural wonders: El Yunque rainforest is a must see, and so are the bioluminescent bays.
• Safety: Puerto Rico is generally safe for solo travelers, but it’s important to take precautions. Research safe neighborhoods and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.

Puerto Rico solo travel: A Perfect 3-Day Solo Adventure

What to see in Puerto Rico in 3 days?

Day 1: Exploring the best of Old San Juan

Start your Puerto Rico adventure by immersing yourself in the historic charm of Old San Juan. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a treasure trove of colonial architecture and vibrant culture.

• Morning:
  • Grab coffee and begin at Castillo San Felipe del Morro (“El Morro”), a 16th-century citadel offering stunning ocean views. Spend a couple of hours exploring the fortifications, tunnels, its historic ramparts and learn about its role in defending the island.
  • Cost: $10 entry fee 9 AM – 5 PM. Alternate, you could walk around OUTSIDE the fortress walls with no fee and still enjoy the ocean views. You could even see awe inspiring chameleon Iguanas climbing over El Morro Fort!
  • Check out the BLUEish cobble stone streets of Old San Juan!
  • Walk along the iconic Paseo de la Princesa, a beautiful promenade leading to the city walls.
  • Visit San Juan Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas.
  • Umbrella street but the decoration was still the Christmas light from last year.
  • Explore the old barracks, now home to the Museo de Las Americas, where you can delve into the rich history and culture of the Americas.
• Midday:
  • Explore the colorful streets and plazas, including Plaza de Armas.
  • Lunch at a local café for a taste of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Try mofongo or arroz con gandules.
  • Do you know piña colada was invented in Puerto Rico first? Try them at Barrachina and/or the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 
  • Next door to Barrachina, check out La Casa Estrecha (The Narrow House). It’s interesting to look at from outside and inside too. Measures a mere five feet, three inches and was once a neglected alleyway before it was transformed into a habitable home by architect Antonio Álvarez.
    
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Castillo San Cristobal, another impressive fortress with panoramic city views.
  • Explore the shops and galleries along Calle Fortaleza. Def stop for icecream.
  • Take photos of the iconic colorful buildings.
  • Continue your exploration with a visit to the Puerto Rico Convention Center, an architectural sight near the waterfront.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Old San Juan, savoring traditional dishes like mofongo or pernil. Alternate local advised was to head to Distrito T-Mobile.
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife, and/or perhaps enjoying a drink at a local bar.
  • If you are after quiet night, shop at Pueblo supermarket, I enjoyed their salads!

Day 2: Condado & Atlantic Beach & Santurce

Experience the modern side of San Juan with a day at Condado, combining beach relaxation with urban exploration.

• Morning:
  • Relax and soak up the morning sun at Condado Beach, known for its beautiful shoreline and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Take a walk along the beach front and/or walk 10 mins to Atlantic beach and enjoy the views of the ocean.
  • Take photos at the iconic Atlantic Beach flag pole, a popular photo spot.
  • Explore the shops, cafes and boutiques in the Condado area.
    
• Midday:
  • Explore the Santurce neighborhood: Discover vibrant street art, visit art galleries, and browse local shops. 
  • Lunch: Enjoy a delicious and affordable lunch at a local food truck. 
  • Visit to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, located in Santurce.
• Afternoon:
  • Head to Ocean Park Beach, a relaxed and vibrant beach known for its laid-back atmosphere and local scene.
• Evening:
  • Visit La Placita de Santurce, a historic market area that comes alive in the evenings with music and food vendors. This is a chance to interact with locals and experience the island’s culture.
• Getting from Old San Juan to Santurce:Taxi or Ride-sharing: This is usually the most convenient and fastest option.Bus: You can take a city bus, but it might take longer depending on traffic and the specific route.

Day 3: Playa Torrecillas to Piñones

I chose to go here because i read about the Kiosko on this beach and wanted to try it. The natural beauty of Puerto Rico with a beach-focused day, exploring the coastline from Playa Torrecillas to Piñones. I didn’t except to meet any solo travellers and I didn’t but a kind Puerto rican girl and I chatted and we are facebook friends now. 

• Morning:
  • Start at Playa Torrecillas, a beautiful beach perfect for relaxing and swimming.
  • Travel east towards Piñones.
• Midday:
  • Must-try: Kiosko El Boricua for authentic frituras (fried snacks) and fresh seafood. 
    Recommend to try Bacalaitos, it was the best I had in my short Puerto Rico solo travel. Also tried some delicious Puerto Rican street food, including alcapurrias, pinchos, pastellillos, and bacalaito. I particularly loved the bacalaito; it had excellent flavor and generous portions compared to other kiosks and also we can get the cod fish pieces. I heard the pinchos were great too, and the octopus are almost always perfectly cooked—not rubbery at all. Usually a long line, which can take about an hour, but later in the day when I was there, only waited 10 minutes. The prices were quite reasonable as well! In addition to this area, there’s a spot in the back where you can buy drinks, including fresh, cold coconut water served straight from the shell. The coconut water was good.
  • Explore the coastal area of Piñones, known for its roadside kiosks offering delicious local food. 
  • Enjoy the beach at Piñones.
• Afternoon:
  • Continue east to Punta de Encuentro for a photo oppertunity of the rugged coastline.
  • Enjoy the sunsets and natural beauty of the area.
  • La Terraza de Bonanza good for more Puerto rican above mentioned snacks.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Santurce or Miramar with stunning city views.

Alternate Option:

• Morning:
  • Day trip to El Yunque National Forest: Hike through the lush rainforest, visit La Coca Falls, and enjoy the natural beauty.
  • Lunch: Have a picnic lunch amidst the rainforest.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit a local coffee plantation: Learn about the coffee-making process and enjoy a coffee tasting.
• Evening:
  • Dinner: Savor a traditional Puerto Rican meal at a restaurant in Rio Grande.
  • Optional: Attend a live music performance at a local venue.

I hope this Puerto Rico Solo travel itinerary gave you enough insight for your own trip. Happy Travels!
What’s next on the bucket list you asked? People are heading to nearby Trinidad a lot, read about it here- Trinidad travel tips.

For accommodation, I recommend using booking.com and sorting with price, then consider the ones with highest reviews plus within 1km of centre. Above I researched and named the best ones with this filter (at the time of writing)
For tours, I recommend using get your guide and walking tours available in most places.

Let me know in the comments:

If you have any questions about Puerto rico solo travel itinerary
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