You know what’s best about Puerto Rico? It’s a US territory (so no passport needed) and they use US currency. No worries and hassles about getting foreign currency exchange (trust me! it’s a pain!).  It’s definitely one of those destinations where you want to go somewhere tropical, want to experience a different kind of culture (it’s a Spanish speaking territory so it felt like we were in a whole different country), and most importantly has short travel time, all without having to leave the country. This place is one of my favorite destinations, though it was a short stay, it was still very worth it!

We were here for three days so here’s our itinerary in this beautiful Caribbean Island ❤️

Phone service: make sure call phone company to ensure service is available in Puerto Rico or if there’s any roaming fees.

Phone carrier that we used and got service:  straight talk, consumer cellular, metro PCS

Arrival at Luis Munoz International Airport (SJU)

Rental Car:

• United States license is valid
• purchase insurance about $25/day
• rent a car ahead of time through SJU airport website on transportation tab
• depending on rental car company it may be at the airport or if rental car is outside vicinity, take shuttle bus (free)  click here for car rental options at airport
  • we booked with E-Z Rent a Car in Carolina, Puerto Rico (outside of airport but free shuttle bus)
  • open 24 hrs
  • click here for location 

Hotel:

• ESJ AZUL resort
  • booked through booking.com
  • 10 min away from airport
  • 8min drive from our rental car location
  • Beach front
  • free breakfast (which was amazinggggg by the way!!!)
  • Rooms have kitchen

Beach – La Isla Verde
outside of hotel

Sights to See

• Water activities are available just outside of hotel
  jetski, parasailing, and more!

 

Within 15-20 min drive depending on traffic (close by each other)

Historical Sites:same area and walking distance from each other

• Paseo Del Morro
• Castillo de San Cristobal
• Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetary (you may ask, who wants to see a cemetery? Well, this is one of the island’s most famous landmarks, so it’s definitely a must see.

  

Shopping & Food

• Old San Juan
• paseo de la princesa (venders, street foods, etc…) walk towards the end and you will find Raices fountain
• restaurant suggestions: Barrachina and Puerto Rican Cuisine (both in old san Juan) but food choices are unlimited!

 

 45min – 1hr drive depending on traffic  (make sure to avoid tolls when using gps)

El Yunque National Forest

• It is the rainiest of all the National Forests.  It rains about four times a day, so make sure to dress accordingly.
• Go early to get good parking
• Seriously… DO NOT forget bug spray!!

 

 

          

 

 

 

Reminder:  All my travel itineraries are based on my own travel expectations.  Of course it’s up to you to omit or add more to it, I’m just here to hopefully be that stepping stone for those who simply seek suggestions.