Puerto Rico: What to Know Before You Visit Puerto Rico

Are you heading to Puerto Rico and are not sure what to expect? Well we try and cover where to stay, what to eat, what to see, and what to do on your next Puerto Rico vacation. From incredible food like Mofongo to bioluminescence bays, to beaches that are beyond beautiful Puerto Rico has a lot for travelers to know about before they go.
Filmed in Puerto Rico
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[@priscidr]

Native from PR that worked in Tourism for 5 years -just follow these steps: 1. Rent a car. Can’t get anywhere without one. 2. Best food is inland. Old San Juan and Isla Verde restaurants are tourists traps and too expensive. Take the rented car and go to the mountains. That’s where the good stuff is. 3. Best beaches are in the West. But do be careful and watch for rip tides. 4. Never ever go swimming when raining. 5. Stay away from La Perla. 6. Never ever ever leave anything in the car. Always take all your stuff or make sure you get a sedan and put it in the truck. You’ll thank me.

[@Joe-yq5pd]

Respect

[@TClair413]

My husband and I went to La Perla by ourselves and walked around the entire area. We ate at the restaurant there, La Garita. My husband couldn’t even talk because the food was so good. He said it was by far the best food on the island 😍

[@tinthings314]

Can you explain why not to go swimming when it's raining ? Any particular reason specific to Puerto Rico?

[@ryanr.5458]

Que es el problema con La Perla?

[@MrSandChess]

@@tinthings314 You can swim in the beach when it rains but it’s dangerous to swim in rivers when it rains cause of flash flooding.

[@giovalae845]

Loved what you said about the language. As a Uber driver in Puerto Rico I don't have any problem going full English with tourists. And i always try to be as helpful and friendly no matter. But when I see the rider is making an effort to say some words in Spanish I get so so so happy! And the vibe changes completely!

[@Gr13fKvlt]

I got out of the United States Army in 2017. I’ve been missing all the traveling I used to have to do. I’ve just recently landed a job that will give me plenty opportunities to travel again. I was raised watching Rick Steves and still follow him to this day. Wolter does such an amazing job that I’ve been following him for years. You are an extremely helpful and thorough guide Sir. May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family.

[@sewgeekdesigns9113]

I hate my navy career ended over an injury I think that’s what I would have enjoyed.I have been hearing my dads army tales for years and it was his best life life lol

[@woltersworld]

That is really nice of you. Thank you. And thank you for your service

[@erica6671]

You're right about the pride- when the plane lands in PR, all the locals on the flight tend to burst into applause and cheers!

[@elenawalter1855]

We are in Puerto Rico right now (Luquillo beach area). First time in this country. Absolutely stunning. Incredible Old Town, great food (we had best restaurant in our life in San Juan, so surprised). Beaches amazing, with Palms and indigo water colour. Best snorkelling experience I’ve ever had. Unique nature with mountains and ocean shore. Night kayaking in the lagoon connected with the Atlantic. Pina Colada made in rum factory - best cocktail in my life. This is a paradise ❤

[@hairdresser1300]

Do you remember the name of the restaurant?

[@elenawalter1855]

@@hairdresser1300 sure: Marmalade - San Juan. We want to visit it again during our next trip to Carribean.

[@javiermoretti1825]

It's not a country. It's a commonwealth of the United States. Puerto Ricans are US citizens.

[@tonypana9461]

100% agreed with you. I've been in PR 4 times and didn't do yet what all the island has to offer. It's paradise !!

[@kalitheamare]

It's a beautiful island. I remember people calling it "the island continent", so much to see. Greetings from France.

[@woltersworld]

We loved it

[@gars129]

PR is very dense terms of topography and people. Lots of small mountains and hills make it much more interesting and easy to get lost in than, say, a much larger place like West Kansas (which certainly has its charm) that is flat and with a small populated.

[@KenzLaw]

I went to Puerto Rico in August for our honeymoon (risky time to go but we were lucky). The Spanish was hard for me to understand, as I've only been exposed to Spanish in Arizona! We started our trip at Vieques --> Culebra --> Aguadilla --> San Juan. After spending time in smaller towns, San Juan felt too big and busy lol. I'd also recommend renting a 4x4 on all the islands. We ended up with a car on the mainland and it barely made it up the hills to pork highway! A local came to help push our car lol Also, the pot holes were HUGE! And sometimes lanes would randomly end on the highway lol. We took the ferry once and the rest of the time used the small planes. The planes are so convenient and worth the price! Every single area had amazing food and great drinks! From road stalls to fine dining. We were in Puerto Rico for 12 days, and it still wasn't enough time! Great video, very on point! I can't wait to go back again and travel some new areas someday!

[@mmmmmm8606]

As a local, I can say Wolter you have done a great job summarizing the factors that make Puerto Rico one of the best tourist destinations in the world. To add if you are looking for amenities found in major cities stay close to San Juan and it’s metropolitan area. Though if you are looking for a more private getaway there is Rincon, Cabo Rojo, Luquillo and the eastern islands(Vieques and Culebra). PS San Juan is more than Old San Juan. Just like New York is more than just Manhattan.

[@SaltedMallows]

If your goal is to get in touch with the spirit of Puerto Rico, and experience the music culture and be apart of the events like Bomba, Musica Jibara would Cabo Rojo be the best place of these or are the others good too. Something about that really speaks to me personally.

[@mmmmmm8606]

@@SaltedMallows Cabo Rojo was founded in the 18th Century. It’s not a major city, it wasn’t a slave enclave. It’s just a tourist destination and a major gay meeting spot. How could it reflect the spirit and soul of Puerto Rico. When it’s a hollow destination. A tourist trap. You need to figure out what it means to be Puertorrican. Clearly you have no idea.

[@user-zb5do7lw3f]

Hello where is the best area for fishing & boating , or to buy a place on water near fishing thank you

[@mmmmmm8606]

@@user-zb5do7lw3f Recreationally or for a living? Recreationally I would say Fajardo on the Southwest part of the island. Also south of Ponce there are waters but you gotta be careful with whales and dolphins. There are many endangered species around there too. For crabs I would say the Northeastern side Island Verde and Luquillo área. After all the fishing tends to be done most of the time on a boat not on a pier like in other US locations.

[@user-zb5do7lw3f]

@@mmmmmm8606 thank you so much I am a fishaholic I would like to support the locals as much as I can

[@vikablanca3254]

I met a couple that had evacuated to my town from Maria. I mentioned I was visiting PR that January via a cruise. I was immediately given contact info and we met for dinner and drinks when we stayed there. One of the best times I’ve had traveling.

[@ExclusiveLM]

Here are some of the Puerto Rican best delicious foods to order: 1. Lechon Asado with Rice and Beans and Avocado Salad 2. Bacalaitos (fried Cod Fish) 3. Alcapurrias 4. Mofongo (mashed plantains that can have pork, chicken or other stuff) 5. Mojito Cocktail 6. Coco Ice (shaved ice with coco liquid poured over it) You will love it after a few hours in the sun 7. Arroz Con Gandules with Shrimp and Chorizo meat inside the rice. It's like the Spain Paella of Puerto Rico 8. Fried Fish or Octopus Salad with fresh squeezed lemon and garlic sauce served with Yucca (a white soft vegetable) 9. Sancocho (it's a hearty soup with potatos, meat and more) but dense with flavor !! 10. Carne Guisada (Latin Beef Stew) 11. Ox Tail Soup 12 Empanadas (similar to Jamaican Beef Patties) but not spicy 13. Pasteles 14. Pinchos De Pollo (chicken kabobs on a stick) 15. Pina Colada (delicious drink) may contain alcohol There are many more P.R. dishes. But, these are the most delicious.

[@hairdresser1300]

Do you have any places you would definitely revisit to eat?

[@ExclusiveLM]

@@hairdresser1300 Revisit where ? Which country ?? I've been to several. Or do you mean revisit to eat in the United States ?

[@hairdresser1300]

@@ExclusiveLM I meant which restaurants

[@user-sd5vy3br3x]

getting hungry with this list......Pasteliyos....I love to made alcapurrias😋

[@BoloSpectre]

¡Gracias por venir Dr. Wolter!

[@VictorRuiz-nt1xm]

Gracias. Happy to see your enthusiasm as you speak about my beloved Island. You are very welcomed here. Bienvenido, Hermano.

[@carlasantiago7725]

You did an incredible job describing some of the best of my beautiful island! Everything you said is exactly accurate and right! Felicidades y gracias por visitarnos!

[@sdflores7572]

I was raised and lived on and off in Puerto Rico and now I live in the states and one thing I can say is PR is safer than Florida and some states in the US. The reason I'm here is because there is better job opportunities and better pay.

[@n8roself865]

Much safer

[@sherimosley3095]

San Juan is safer?

[@gabrielj.negrontroche4188]

@@sherimosley3095 san juan is safe but it’s not a good place to live betted live outside it’s really loud because it’s the tourist capital

[@arielsea9087]

PR has a drug problem. And has had it for a long time.

[@brittanywagner8578]

I stayed in Rio Grande for a month and drove the island with two young kids alone. I never felt unsafe!

[@mariaconcepcion6908]

Thank you so much. This is the best description of Puerto Rico. I am a Puertorican.

[@babsr8479]

El Yunque is gorgeous. I'm a nature lover.

[@natalierivera4350]

This was an amazing video. I am Puerto Rican and this was SPOT ON. AMAZING JOB

[@roymartinez8135]

What a great video, I go to Puerto Rico twice a year and I love it, summer and Christmas season. I love the way you explained everything in 20 minutes. Congratulations your Spanish is very well ❤🇵🇷

[@drewwho4512]

I was in Puerto Rico in February 2022. I stayed mostly in San Juan and also visited the eastern shore. Enjoyed a great deal, and the locals were amazing. They make you feel like family. I agree with renting a car and be sure your cell service truly works. I had US Cellular at the time, and it was terrible. Great food and great fun!

[@gracemartinez4534]

I’ve lived in PR all my life and what is said in this video it’s absolutely the truth. So, great job getting to know us and my beautiful island.

[@EmmanuelMelendez]

I loved it! Excellent! As a puertorrican that lives here in Puerto Rico I can say that everything explained here is correct. Do not miss my city Ponce in the southern area of Puerto Rico. And yes for men do not wear flip flops outside the beach area and never at night in the bars.

[@BigBirdy100]

Why does it matter? 🙃 Flipflops are very common on U.S. mainland. It is an island after all and hot. How about sandals?

[@EmmanuelMelendez]

@@BigBirdy100 Its just cultural, we prefer here sneakers- sport shoes for men.

[@takehit7120]

@@BigBirdy100 dude I live in Puerto Rico and always use slides and flip flop lol

[@takehit7120]

@@EmmanuelMelendez really cause I’m Puerto Rican and always use flip flops and slides

[@fchenoemi2207]

Very respectful and culturally appropiate tips. Thanks for enjoying the island!

[@JP-oj9tz]

Thank you for sharing very good information about Puerto Rico. Having visited Puerto Rico myself more than once, everything said is accurate. Thanks again for taking the time to help others.

[@kings17court]

Solid, solid, accurate information from beginning to end. Nicely done. I approve this message.

[@kaycox19]

Love your channel and family at Wolters World!!! THANKS!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Kay!

[@arielsmallwood3256]

Planning a trip to Puerto Rico in February. This is the best video. Your explanations are everything! Thank you!

[@kevinneal7162]

Me too

[@reikokikuchi6748]

Thank you so much for the bio bay recommendation! I just booked it for my Puerto Rico trip.

[@isisatlantis3168]

I like how excited you got and the little dance when you started talking about the food. Lol

[@boricuayehudim427]

Exceptional video, I commend you for sharing this for those who wish to come here and visit our Islands.

[@mariambaezquinones1611]

I am from the island and I want to thank you for your great video, it was on point.

[@mariabright5071]

I really enjoyed your video. It is very informative, you covered everything. Thank you so much!

[@ShaneJBurke1]

❤🇵🇷🏝️I absolutely love your video! So incredibly insiteful! Love visiting this beautiful island. Booking the bioluminescence bay for April.

[@artisanvero8626]

Thank you very much!!! I am a local artisan, and I can say your words are respectful, informative, and I can feel the passion you feel spreading the word about my country. Blessings and keep the good work. You must do a part 2 of this video!!! 🙏🇵🇷

[@renerivera8115]

Dude, I'm Boriqua and l thank you for this video. Awesome. God bless you.

[@aidalizstys6978]

Omg thank you for this video!!! I came across your videos a few days ago (i love travel shows) and your videos are amazing!

[@Manuel421]

Thanks for bringing back many memories of visiting my grandma. Hopefully someday I can return again but right now it's a bit difficult so I truly appreciate the video in the meantime. Much love to you and Jocelyn!

[@woltersworld]

I hope you can too. We loved our visit

[@Manuel421]

@@woltersworld I'm glad! By the way in case you didn't mention it here El Yungue and the Bacardi Rum Factory are also exciting destinations to check out.

[@dinijay]

Love this video! Thank you, so helpful

[@yasminc10]

thank you that you explain everything so well

[@demontanez7724]

I was just thinking if this video existed now. And it finally does. THANK YOU MARK for doing a video on my home island. !!!!!!!!!WEPAAAAA

[@alphafort]

great stuff like always, professor !!!

[@kevingoodger9238]

Awesome video! Planning to go here next month and this helped so much

[@rosadelctorres2405]

Very Accurate! I liked that you explored the Island. There are so many places to see beside s Old San Juan. Also, there is another airport besides the main one near San Juan. The Aguadilla Airport is on the west coast where you will find most of the surfing (Rincon) and several beautiful beaches. It receives direct flights from several US Airports.

[@alyrios]

Go to the coffee haciendas in the interior. Trust me, you'll love it. Also, stop by the small colmados (small supermarkets) in the interior so you can find coffees that are not sold in the metro area.

[@DonC11669]

Thank you for the honesty and info. 😎

[@jeffreybilen2138]

This is a fantastic video thank you!

[@The_zen_realm]

Love this video I was born here but haven’t been in many years me and my wife are planning a trip your video is awesome and helpful

[@randallcarey444]

Went there for our honeymoon and I LOVE it there!!!!

[@garconworldwide8475]

Puerto Rico is a vibe fasho!!❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@jenniferalbert910]

LOVE this!! Thank you - so comprehensive!! Also this video gave me the chance to teach hubs a Spanish word - he saw “Viejo San Juan” and was thinking “Viaje” so I gave him a hint with “Nuevo” 😁 Thanks for all y’all do!!

[@woltersworld]

Cheers Jennifer!

[@cansuarez1]

Very Impressive and positive video. Everything you mentioned was right on the money. As a local, we know we aren't a perfect place, but tell me who is ...Thank you so much Sir for your kind words about our beloved Island, and a very warm welcome to all the people who are planning to visit us soon. God bless you all.

[@benedictjohnbacena4562]

well detailed blog. Am Excited to visit PR for first time. looking forward to see PR and immerse to culture

[@MacheteAdventure]

As a resident, I approve this message! Great overview!

[@hectornavedoed.d.2940]

Great video!

[@edgardorivera4992]

Thanks , always welcome to our island

[@Jammer411]

Great video Amigo

[@woltersworld]

Thanks!

[@tremaynewilliams1977]

Amazing video👌🏾

[@emmanuelhernandez8812]

You has to go to Aguadilla and visit the beach "Crash Boat. If you want to see crystal clear water that is the place to go.". It is located on the northwest of the island.

[@evelynmarius9947]

@ Emanuel Hernandez My mom is from Isabela. It’s right next to Aguadilla. Never been to Crash Boat. I will make sure I go there next time I visit. Thx for the info!!

[@jomr4249]

Literally going to Puerto Rico today 😂 great timing for me!

[@woltersworld]

Have fun! We loved it!

[@jomr4249]

@@woltersworld thank you! 😊

[@thethreatwrestling.7053]

How it was your experience in PR?

[@albertoortiz7205]

OmG. I enjoyed your video so much. Not condescending, quite accurate, respectful and sensible. Thank you, but if I’m not mistaken, out of the seven bioluminescent bays in the world there’s four, not three in PR. I’ll do my research but overall you’re the bomb in presenting PR. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@atheistweirdo]

Love your videos lol I actually am going to PR for 4 days on Wednesday funny I came across this. My co workers from PR speak so highly of PR and playa pinones was a place they kept telling me. one for the food on side of the road and the beach

[@aircoolguy5218]

I want to visit this island soon, love from Texas 🇺🇸❤️🇵🇷

[@marialopresti4279]

Love it I love the weather and the people. The restaurants are great

[@hairdresser1300]

do you have a favorite?

[@billrohe]

Love this lil Island nation! So much so, my wife and i will be back for our 4th trip in as many years this January! Thanks for making channels like this to bring PR to the attention of the world!

[@smartman123]

great great video man

[@jodiecarlson6955]

I'm heading to Puerto Rico on New Year's Eve. Thanks for all the info, I really hope to check out the bioluminescent bays!

[@jayhulrs1435]

It’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen in my life

[@elenawalter1855]

How it’s going? We are also in Puerto Rico for New Year, amazing vacation! Part of my heart left with Puerto Rico for sure.

[@erkratt]

great vid

[@tobiojo6469]

Awesome video

[@woltersworld]

Thank Tobi

[@ProductionTime5593]

Great reporting!!!

[@felixa.aliceamartinez7890]

I didn't watch the whole video, but as far I saw. You are very good explaining the tourist situation here. A reminder, for visitors, go to Lares, there's a view point called Mirador Marianna Bracetti.

[@cisco8399]

I would enjoy Puerto Rico by what I've seen of that it's really the isle of enchantment

[@lizmillan1]

Love Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@normagonzalez7470]

El mejor vidéo sobre PR... Gracias. (The best video about PR... Thank you)... Tell that we also have a great theatre and art traditions. 78 Towns and a rich history. Another point, we dress like in a city... We don't walk around in slappy cloth. We have public transportation in the Zona Metropolitana. Recomend the T-2 bus at Sagrado Corazón to Plaza Las Américas. Also the train to have a tiny look of the ZM. Other thing is that we live very modern.

[@RobertD.-wb9nf]

I watched familiar movies with closed caption on English and audio in Spanish for 6 months before I went. I learned quite a bit and I agree it was obvious it was appreciated. Stayed in fajardo

[@ericdemilo2497]

Excellent video! Thank you! 😃😃😃

[@Lesliemfit]

you are amazing!! thank you

[@WyAtTsUcKsAtFoOtBaLl13]

Are school bouta go on a trip there thanks for the info man……..🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🤝🤝🤝🔥🔥🔥

[@wendyswanson1669]

Thank you so much for sharing. As medical personnel, I’m looking into travel contracts. PR is on my list, and my research is new to this island. I will say, I hope it’s much different than my recent not so great 6 week experience on Oahu.

[@pongop]

Wow, great video! Thank you for the tip about the 3 bio bays! I only knew about Mosquito Bay! Apparently it also sometimes occurs in San Diego. I didn't know pina coladas are from Puerto Rico! That's my favorite drink ever!

[@jayhulrs1435]

Hey mark, have you been to vieques island? It’s our absolute favorite place. Take a ferry or a hopper plane. . Great review!

[@roxisalas211]

So informative !!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Roxi!

[@nataliasoto0425]

Thank you for your excellent and accurate portrayal of Puerto Rico!! As in a snapshot you were able to capture what we are all about. Amazing Food, Caring people who take pride in their heritage and beauty of the Island of Puerto Rico!!

[@user-op2os3oe4v]

Omg,I grew up in Puerto Rico. And he really hits on his Puerto Rico functions. Now, you wanna experience what you're getting. I grew up with Spanish speaking everyone. And yes. We love when people try to speak Spanish.

[@maureencora1]

Good Show, Wol' Daddy. (smile)

[@cameronburris6514]

To me, Puerto Rico reminds me of New Orleans in the sense that they both have this very mixed, colonial history. But whereas New Orleans has lost a lot of its French culture, for Puerto Rico there is this really "alive" American-Spanish mix that's really special.

[@marcotorres8779]

Are you living in Puerto Rico? Or the USA

[@Wildflower687]

My mom says the same thing! She loves New Orleans and we are Puerto Rican. A lot of similarities in culture for sure.

[@HomeEF]

Thank you excellent information and video , we appreciated you ! 🇺🇸 🇵🇷 🎄👍

[@_ar8410]

As a local I approve everything this video said

[@flyovrcntry6425]

We have been going for years. PR is great!

[@billwright2176]

Enjoy the travel videos. To be honest most I will never visit but I was brought there by your video. We have visited PR. Worth visiting, memorable trip, and as a US citizen it opened my eyes to our relationship and history together. While you used the term "coming from the US" a few times, it is a duel country. Meaning it is PR and US. Talking to residents more than once I heard how they were familiar with an area of the US mainland while in the military. Proud US veterans for over a hundred years. Hope to visit again.

[@johnrodriguezu8721]

Going soon

[@jgrcia1891]

Thank you 🙏

[@michelleprice6179]

I’ve been to San Juan and that was enough to take up a week and a half worth of trip! It’s beyond beautiful and you MUST hit up a beach. I would also advise to rent a car or stay close to places you want to visit.

[@Aliciaaa87]

What's funny is I always had better cell service in PR. I assumed it was because in NYC, there were too many phones competing for the towers lol...idk but when I was in PR I had more bars and better connections...also this video just made me so nostalgic! Definitely need to visit soon.

[@luisdeleon9137]

I am Puerto Rican and take you comments like gospel when I travel. You can be more right about your pieces of advices I hope you had a wonderful time in my island. Thanks for you advices.

[@juanrincon8777]

I need to get one of those “Rincon” hats Forsure! Also I need to visit haha

[@bassclefpaco]

Do the Ruta de Lechon. It's a beautiful drive. Make sure you get some arroz con gandules too. If you like empanadas and/or plantains, try alcapurrias. I highly recommend you go to the kioskos in Luquillo to get them and then go to the far end of the beach away from the crowds and enjoy they bay. Luquillo is my favorite beach that's close-ish to San Juan. Disfruta!

[@bassclefpaco]

And get some longaniza and morcilla too! And a rum/acerola juice cocktail. I'm getting hungry...

[@Isbelia65]

Thank you❤️😄😊🌹💝🦋

[@mmusico48]

Made me laugh my butt off when you mention the food 😂 that is my island and I thank you for a great and honest review !

[@ericjuli6576]

There’s a delicious eatery right across from that baseball Diamond! Can’t remember the name, but it faces the main road and the backside of the eatery is towards the baseball Diamond.

[@woltersworld]

I saw it!

[@paulcunningham2859]

Nice

[@CrimsonRaven51]

In Puerto Rico, visit Old San Juan and go through Ft El Moro. A lot of excellent Spanish history. Eat some empanadas and arroz con gandulrez. Also a sandwich with pan de agua and morsilla. Visit Luquillo beach and Conquistador Hotel. Horseback riding on the beach. and hit the casinos at the El San Juan and shows in the Contado section. Love Puerto Rico ❤❤❤.