The tropical paradise of Puerto Rico lies in the northeastern Caribbean, boasting beautiful beaches, life-filled rainforests, and a culture that is extremely vibrant. One need not necessarily spend a fortune to explore this US territory. To find the best of Puerto Rico on a broke budget, I gave this US territory a try. From hitchhiking down scenic Route 66 to camping under the stars in El Yunque National Forest, I’ll share insider tips and tricks on how one can navigate this incredible island on a broke budget. Follow me as I uncover the hidden gems, affordable eats, and off-the-beaten-path adventures that make Puerto Rico accessible to even the most budget-conscious traveler.
How to get there:
From the Dominican Republic:
Option 1: Ferry from Santo Domingo or Punta Cana
- From Santo Domingo, take a taxi or public bus ( approx. $1) to the ferry terminal.
- Catch the ferry from Santo Domingo to Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, operated by Ferries del Caribe ( approx. $100-$150, 12 hours).
- Alternatively, take a ferry from Punta Cana to Mayagüez ( approx. $150-$200, 14 hours).
Option 2: Fly and Bus
- From Santo Domingo, fly to San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) with a budget airline ( approx. $100-$200).
- Take a public bus (T5 or A5) from the airport to Old San Juan ( approx. $1).
From Haiti:
Option 1: Ferry from Cap-Haïten
- From Cap-Haïten, take a taxi or public bus ( approx. $5) to the ferry terminal.
- Catch the ferry from Cap-Haïten to Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, operated by Ferries del Caribe ( approx. $150-$200, 16 hours).
Option 2: Fly and Bus
- From Port-au-Prince, fly to San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) with a budget airline ( approx. $150-$300).
- Take a public bus (T5 or A5) from the airport to Old San Juan ( approx. $1).
From the US Virgin Islands:
Option 1: Ferry from St. Thomas or St. Croix
- From St. Thomas or St. Croix, take a ferry to Puerto Rico, operated by Inter-Island Boat Services ( approx. $50-$100, 2-4 hours).
- Disembark in Fajardo or Ceiba, Puerto Rico.
Option 2: Fly and Bus
Take a public bus (T5 or A5) from the airport to Old San Juan ( approx. $1).
From St. Thomas or St. Croix, fly to San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) with a budget airline ( approx. $100-$200).
When to go:
Dry Season (December to April)
- Pros:
- Cooler temperatures (70s-80s Fahrenheit)
- Less humidity
- Fewer rain showers
- Whale watching season (January to March)
- Cons:
- Peak tourist season
- Higher accommodation prices
- Larger crowds
Shoulder Season (May to June and November to December)
- Pros:
- Mild temperatures (70s-80s Fahrenheit)
- Lower accommodation prices
- Fewer crowds
- Festivals like San Sebastián Street Festival (January) and Puerto Rico Open golf tournament (February)
- Cons:
- Occasional rain showers
- Some attractions may be closed for maintenance
Hurricane Season (July to October)
- Pros:
- Lowest accommodation prices
- Fewer tourists
- Lush green landscapes
- Cons:
- Risk of hurricanes and tropical storms
- Some attractions and businesses may be closed
- Higher humidity and temperatures
Special Events and Festivals
- San Sebastián Street Festival (January): A vibrant celebration in Old San Juan with music, food, and dancing.
- Puerto Rico Open golf tournament (February): Watch top golfers compete at the TPC Puerto Rico.
- Festival de la Bomba y la Plena (May): Experience traditional Puerto Rican music and dance.
- Fiestas de la Cruz (May): Colorful processions and festivities in towns across the island.
- Puerto Rico Pride (June): A celebration of diversity and inclusivity.
Monthly Breakdown
| Month | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| January | Whale watching, festivals | Peak tourist season |
| February | Golf tournament, cool weather | Higher prices |
| March | Mild temperatures, fewer crowds | Some attractions closed |
| April | Easter celebrations, spring break | Higher prices |
| May | Festivals, lower prices | Occasional rain |
| June | Pride, summer vibes | Start of hurricane season |
| July | Low prices, lush landscapes | Hurricane risk |
| August | Warm weather, outdoor activities | Higher humidity |
| September | Cultural events, fewer crowds | Hurricane risk |
| October | Lower prices, fall foliage | Hurricane risk |
| November | Mild temperatures, festivals | Some attractions closed |
| December | Holiday celebrations, cooler weather | Peak tourist season |
Best Itineraries:
3-Day Itinerary: San Juan and Surroundings
Day 1:
- Morning: Explore Old San Juan (free walking tour)
- Afternoon: Visit El Morro fort ($5) and La Fortaleza (free)
- Evening: Enjoy the nightlife in La Placita de Santurce (free)
Day 2:
- Morning: Take a bus to Luquillo Beach ($1) and relax
- Afternoon: Visit the nearby El Yunque National Forest (free, but $3 parking)
- Evening: Try local cuisine at a food truck or cafe
Day 3:
- Morning: Visit the San Juan Cathedral (free) and nearby La Mallorquina restaurant
- Afternoon: Explore the trendy Santurce neighborhood (free)
- Evening: Depart from San Juan or continue to other destinations
1-Week Itinerary: East Coast Adventure
Day 1-2: San Juan (follow 3-day itinerary)
Day 3:
- Morning: Take a bus to Fajardo
- Afternoon: Visit El Yunque National Forest ($3 parking)
- Evening: Camp at El Yunque’s campsites
Day 4:
- Morning: Take a ferry to Culebra Island
- Afternoon: Relax on Flamenco Beach (free)
- Evening: Camp on Culebra
Day 5:
- Morning: Explore Culebra’s beaches and snorkeling spots (free)
- Afternoon: Return to Fajardo
- Evening: Enjoy local seafood
Day 6:
- Morning: Visit the nearby town of Luquillo ($1 bus)
- Afternoon: Relax on Luquillo Beach (free)
- Evening: Return to San Juan
Day 7:
- Depart from San Juan or continue to other destinations
2-Week Itinerary: Island-Wide Exploration
Day 1-3: San Juan (follow 3-day itinerary)
Day 4-5:
- Explore the scenic Route 66 to Arecibo
- Visit the Arecibo Observatory
- Relax on nearby beaches (free)
Day 6-7:
- Take a bus to Ponce
- Visit the Ponce Art Museum
- Explore the historic downtown area (free)
Day 8-9:
- Take a bus to Mayagüez
- Visit the Mayagüez Zoo
- Relax on nearby beaches (free)
Day 10-14:
- Return to San Juan, exploring different neighborhoods and attractions
1-Month Itinerary: Ultimate Puerto Rico Experience
Week 1: San Juan and East Coast (follow 1-week itinerary)
Week 2:
- Explore the central region: Orocovis, Barranquitas, and Coamo
- Visit the Coamo Thermal Baths
- Relax in the scenic town of Salinas
Week 3:
- Head to the west coast: Rincón, Cabo Rojo, and Mayagüez
- Visit the Rincón Lighthouse
- Surf or relax on Rincón’s beaches (free)
Week 4:
- Return to San Juan, exploring different neighborhoods and attractions
- Take day trips to nearby islands: Culebra, Vieques, or Mona
Transportation:
Public Bus System (T5 and A5)
- Routes: San Juan, Ponce, Mayagüez, and other major cities
- Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
- Fare: $1-$2
- Hours: 5am-9pm (Monday-Saturday), 6am-8pm (Sunday)
Intertown Bus System (ATA and CATA)
- Routes: Connecting major cities and towns
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
- Fare: $2-$5
- Hours: 5am-9pm (Monday-Saturday), 6am-8pm (Sunday)
Ferry Services
- Ferries del Caribe: Connecting Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic and Haiti
- Inter-Island Boat Services: Connecting Puerto Rico to Vieques, Culebra, and Mona
- Frequency: Varies by route and season
- Fare: $2-$50
- Hours: Varies by route and season
Tren Urbano (Urban Train)
- Routes: San Juan metropolitan area
- Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes
- Fare: $1.50-$2.50
- Hours: 5am-11pm (Monday-Thursday), 5am-12am (Friday-Saturday), 6am-10pm (Sunday)
Pública (Ride-Hailing)
- Available in San Juan and other major cities
- Fare: $5-$15
- Hours: 24/7
Taxi Services
- Available island-wide
- Fare: $10-$30
- Hours: 24/7
Route Planning Resources
Ferry Services: www.ferriesdelcaribe.com and http://www.interislandboats.com/
Puerto Rico Transportation Department: www.dtop.pr.gov
T5 and A5 Bus System: www.t5.pr.gov
ATA and CATA Intertown Bus: www.ata.pr.gov
Top things to do:
San Juan Area
- Explore Old San Juan (free)
- Visit El Morro fort ($5)
- Walk along La Fortaleza (free)
- Relax on Escambrón Beach (free)
- Visit the San Juan Cathedral (free)
- Enjoy the nightlife in La Placita de Santurce (free)
- Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico ($5-$10)
- Take a stroll through the trendy Santurce neighborhood (free)
- Visit the Castillo San Felipe del Morro (free)
- Explore the La Mallorquina historic house ($5-$10)
- Walk through the beautiful Parque Luis Muñoz Marín (free)
Eastern Puerto Rico
- Luquillo Beach (free)
- El Yunque National Forest (free, $3 parking)
- Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay ($10-$20 kayak tour)
- Culebra Island (free, $2-$5 ferry)
- Flamenco Beach (free)
- Snorkel or dive in Culebra’s marine reserves ($20-$50)
- Visit the town of Río Grande (free)
- Explore the Rio Grande Nature Reserve (free)
- Visit the Loíza historical town ($5-$10)
- Relax on Humacao Beach (free)
Central Puerto Rico
- Arecibo Observatory ($10-$15)
- Cueva Ventana ($10-$15)
- Go hiking in Guavate (free)
- Explore the scenic town of Salinas (free)
- Visit the Coamo Thermal Baths ($10-$20)
- Relax in the natural pools of Charco Azul (free)
- Visit the Barranquitas historic town ($5-$10)
- Explore the Caguas Botanical Garden (free)
- Visit the Cayey scenic overlook (free)
Western Puerto Rico
- Rincón Lighthouse (free)
- Surf or relax on Rincón’s beaches (free)
- Visit the town of Cabo Rojo (free)
- Explore the scenic Route 66 (free)
- Go snorkeling or diving in Mayagüez ($20-$50)
- Visit the Mayagüez Zoo ($5-$10)
- Relax on Joyuda Beach (free)
- Visit the Boquerón Beach (free)
- Explore the scenic town of San Germán (free)
Southern Puerto Rico
- Ponce Art Museum ($5-$10)
- Explore the historic downtown area (free)
- Visit the Serralles Castle ($10-$15)
- Relax on La Guancha Beach (free)
- Take a scenic drive to the town of Yauco (free)
- Visit the Guánica Lighthouse ($5-$10)
- Explore the Guánica Dry Forest Reserve (free)
- Visit the San Juan Bautista Cathedral ($5-$10)
Island-Hopping
- Vieques Island (free, $2-$5 ferry)
- Mona Island (free, $20-$50 ferry)
- Icacos Island (free, $10-$20 ferry)
- Caja de Muertos Island (free, $20-$50 ferry)
Outdoor Activities
- Hiking in El Yunque National Forest (free)
- Snorkeling or diving in Culebra’s marine reserves ($20-$50)
- Surfing or paddleboarding in Rincón ($20-$50)
- Kayaking in Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay ($10-$20)
- Zip-lining in Orocovis ($20-$50)
- Horseback riding in Luquillo ($20-$50)
- Bike tours in San Juan ($20-$50)
Festivals and Events
Ponce Carnival (September)
San Sebastián Street Festival (January)
Puerto Rico Open golf tournament (February)
Festival de la Bomba y la Plena (May)
Fiestas de la Cruz (May)
Puerto Rico Pride (June)
Fajardo Festival (July)
Mayagüez Festival (August)
Food:
The food in Puerto Rico is a delectable reflection of its rich cultural heritage. This Caribbean island combined Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino influences into an amazing combination that makes your taste buds dance. From the most traditional recipes to today’s modern bites, Puerto Rico represents history through culture to geography in its food.
The food on the island has deep roots in its Spanish colonial past; dishes such as arroz con gandules, or rice with pigeon peas, and carne guisada, a beef stew, reflect the island’s tradition. Plantains, yucca, and coconut reflect African influences, while the Taino traditions show in the use of native cassava and sweet potatoes. This turned Puerto Rico into a real cultural melting pot, which shaped its culinary identity, making it very different from the rest of the Caribbean.
Street food is a staple in Puerto Rico, from empanadas to quesitos and alcapurrias-all from vendors. For more artisanal, find the busy local markets, like the Mercado de Santurce in San Juan, where a glimpse around carries all the visions and aromas of the island’s great food culture. These markets give good insight into the island’s daily life, where locals socialize, shop, and eat.
With the ocean surrounding them, fresh seafood is always aplenty in Puerto Rico. Enjoy a buttery lobster, a plate of conch, and fish-imaginative dishes made with mango and coconut at times. Seafood from beachside eateries to food trucks-from fish tacos to seafood paella-is sure to delight your taste buds. From the quality of the seafood to the innovative cuisine, there’s no denying that the sea occupies a significant space in the hearts-and plates-of Puerto Ricans.
It’s nearly as vital as water is within Puerto Rico, and its coffee beans have attained fame for their flavor. Puerto Rican coffee, grown right in the central highlands, especially goes well with some form of sweetness, like flan, tres leches cake, or coconut flan. In general, sweet treats across the island come with the fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences to achieve unique flavors and textures.
It also influenced the food of Puerto Rico, with the influences of American, Italian, and Asian cuisines, giving new flavors and techniques to the traditional recipes. Then came the modern chefs who reinvented the classic recipes with fresh ingredients and innovative presentation. This mix of flavors and styles gives place to a dynamic kitchen, well rooted in tradition, yet open to innovation.
Mealtimes in Puerto Rico are sacred, often the sites for family gatherings or social events. The Sunday lunch is an extremely traditional thing where members of a family get together, laugh, tell stories, and eat sumptuous food together. That probably carries over to a sense of family and community on this island, where food can get people together.
Eating out in Puerto Rico does not necessarily mean that one has to break the bank every time. Street foods and markets make very cheap alternatives available, with meals mostly under ten dollars. Mid-range restaurants with quality meals cost in the range of $15-30, while the finer ones offer a higher-class experience. No doubt, Puerto Rico is a foodie’s paradise, boasting such a rich tradition of food at affordable prices.
In Puerto Rico, it is not just a meal, but the way of life. Food in Puerto Rico bears expression about its history, culture, and geography. If you’re a foodie or are just looking for tastes that remind you of the island, this place will keep you wanting more of its great food. Come and feast on the flavors of the island, shop at its markets and eateries to taste the warmth in their reception.
Culture:
Puerto Rican culture is a flamboyant tapestry formed by the influences of diverse origins that reflect the stormy and complex history of the island and the resilience of its people. Situated at the northeastern tip of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico results from its strategic position, joining the Americas to the Old World.
First, there was the Taino people, who came to this island more than 1,000 years ago. In the year 1493 came Spanish colonization, European customs, and language. They merged with existing Taino culture. Then came African slaves in the 16th century, who contributed their languages, music, and art.
Predominantly, the island speaks Spanish, although much English is spoken, a reflection of their US ties. The cultural diversity of the island is nicely reflected in Puerto Rican literature, from the famous writers to Luis Palés Matos and Julia de Burgos, who wrote extensively about identity, history, and social justice to contribute much toward the island’s pride in literature.
The culture is full of music and dancing, with styles ranging from salsa, bomba, and plena. These styles reflect the African influences within the culture. The island representatives include Tito Puente and Ricky Martin, who have spread the rhythms of Puerto Rico throughout the world. The danza and sebucán are two traditional kinds of dances, the former with European and the latter with African influences.
Puerto Rican art is extremely colorful, with intricate patterns and the blending of traditional and contemporary methods. Its architecture reflects colonial history, and the historic sites such as La Fortaleza and the fort El Morro attest to this Spanish influence in San Juan. Francisco Oller and Arnaldo Roche Rabell are two modern Puerto Rican artists who have gained international recognition.
The food on the island is a mouth-watering expression of its cultural melting pot. Arroz con gandules, or rice with peas, and carne guisada, a stew made with beef, mix and match flavors between Spanish, African, and aborigine cuisines. Not to forget the quality of fresh fish, coffee, and tropical fruits.
Family and community are cornerstones in Puerto Rican life. Small families and reuniones or social gatherings mark a great part of the island life. Respect for elders and tradition is highly maintained in their culture.
The calendar year is full of vibrant festivities that display the richness of Puerto Rico’s culture. The San Sebastián Street Festival, Ponce Carnival, and Fiestas de la Cruz will ensure that any time on the island is filled with lively festivities.
The cultural identity of Puerto Rico has been forged in various adversities-from colonialism to the fury of storms. Its people have adapted, made innovations, and preserved their culture to keep it alive.
Puerto Rican culture is dynamic, multifaceted, representing the complex history of the island and the creative character of its people. Rich in history, innovative, and warm, this Caribbean gem has its particular blend of tradition and modernity that turns it into a fascinating destination for any cultural expedition.
Accommodations:
For a broke backpacker, Puerto Rico may well be a heaven. Speaking of which, on the island, there is plenty of options for a budget traveler. Be cautious-the cheapest often lead to the most unforgettable experiences.
Forget the gaudy resorts and upscale hotels. If you will indulge in the rich culture of Puerto Rico, then head for low-cost hostels and guesthouses. In absence of basic amenities, a no-frills establishment makes it up with its own unique appeal and character.
Book the cheapest options, and you can find yourself surprisingly surprised. You will be in a dorm room with other travelers from around the world or find yourself discovering a hidden guesthouse gem in a quiet neighborhood.
In Puerto Rico, a budget accommodation is way more than a place to lay your head; it’s often a community-driven hub through which travelers share stories and tips while forging lasting connections. You might find yourself swapping tales over a makeshift dinner in the communal kitchen or joining impromptu jam sessions on the hostel’s makeshift instruments.
The same resourcefulness extends to the people, as well, with the island’s budget-friendly establishments. Most of the guesthouses and hostels are family-run; some of them let you peek into the traditional Puerto Rican reception. You might find yourself being treated to homemade meals, insider knowledge of the locals, or even an impromptu salsa lesson.
Of course, there are risks with booking in the cheapest options. You sometimes get the odd cockroach and cold shower, but to the true backpacker, these little niggles are a small price paid for the real experiences.
At times, the line between hostel and community center is blurred in Puerto Rico, where impromptu sessions of yoga, art exhibitions, and live music performances spill into the main areas of a hostel. This kind of unplanned events can be a shared experience for travelers that is far more important than where to lay their heads.
So, if you’re a broke backpacker who is looking to have an unforgettable adventure in Puerto Rico, stop being afraid to take the road less traveled. Book that $10-a-night hostel or that really zany guesthouse and prepare for the craziest most amazing time of your life.
Budget travel in Puerto Rico is less about penny pinching and all about embracing the unknown-the infectious energy that continually swirls around this island. You also open yourself up to a world of hidden gems, unexpected encounters, and lifelong memories if you do so-all within reach, even for the smallest budgets.
Nightlife:
From sun-kissed beaches to lush rainforests, Puerto Rico morphs into a playground filled with energy and rhythm from the moment the stars come out. Whether someone’s style is casual beach bars or high-energy dance clubs, Puerto Rico’s nightlife scene offers something to suit every taste.
The nightlife of the island mirrors its cultural melting pot, fusing influences from Africa, Spain, and America. You could be swaying to the rhythms of salsa, bomba, or reggaeton, or jamming to live music fusions of rock, jazz, and tropical beats.
San Juan, being the capital city, is pretty much the epicenter of nightlife in all of Puerto Rico. Areas of this city, like Old San Juan and Santurce, come alive with bars, clubs, and lounges to cater to any and all crowds. From rooftop bars with stunning views to small, more intimate speakeasies, it completes the whole nightlife sensory experience that is San Juan.
Yet, the party does not stay in San Juan. Other towns and cities around the island provide different nightlife scenes, including Ponce, Mayagüez, and Rincón. Beach towns like Luquillo and Fajardo bring in laid-back, surf-inspired vibes, while smaller towns like Arecibo and Caguas have local energy running through their veins.
Nightlife in Puerto Rico is also heavy with the cultural tradition of this small country. Festivals, such as the Fiestas de la Cruz and the San Sebastián Street Festival, all showcase music, dance, and even food displays on this island. These end up in the street, creating block parties that go well into the early morning hours.
What’s great about the nightlife in Puerto Rico is how most of it happens on a completely spontaneous basis. Maybe you’ll be passing by a park and the musicians start playing, having an impromptu jam session, or maybe head out to a pop-up party that materializes at the beach. The island pulses with life, and the warm natives make it rather easy to let loose and join in.
Of course, there is a little weirdness to Puerto Rico’s nightlife. There’s some really dodgy areas, and at night, you really do have to be very aware of your surroundings and who you’re with. But on the whole, the island’s nightlife speaks buckets about their resilience, creativity, and love of life.
Whether you’re a party animal or just want to go out and enjoy a laid-back night on the town, Puerto Rico’s nightlife offers something for everyone. So come and check it out for yourself-let the rhythms and energy of the island just sweep you off your feet.
Conclusion:
With great beaches and rainforests to the lively culture, Puerto Rico is a dream destination for utterly broke backpackers. This Caribbean gem has been called very expensive, but that does not have to be the case.
With some savvy planning, flexibility, and willingness to get among the locals, you can have the best of Puerto Rico without blowing your budget. From $10-a-night hostels to delicious $3-empanadas, this island will keep your wallet intact.
So pack your bags, take the sunscreen, and get ready for a lifetime of adventure in Puerto Rico. It’s an island that will steal your heart with its people, landscapes, and energy-without breaking the bank.
