Puerto Rico: The Don'ts of Visiting Puerto Rico

[@saraialemann]

As a Puerto Rican on the island absolutely love this video!!!! When someone asks me I always recommend crash boat beach & gozalandia waterfall.🙏🏾

[@wanderlost9954]

As a puertorican, I Approve this content. Good advice.

[@Nursemomma7]

I love Puerto Ricans and their pride and culture!

[@JoseJimenez-ir2dj]

we love nice ppl like you too!

[@SEGplus]

💞🇵🇷🫶

[@elenaperez3075]

Thank you very much!🥰

[@NoeBonillaNegron]

Were are You from ?

[@danielquinones4805]

I love how you talk about PR ❤. You're very welcome here.

[@wildrover9650]

I'm a gringo. I moved there in 1968 when I was six years old, stayed four years. I speak and understand Spanish like a ten year old. Great experience.

[@NoeBonillaNegron]

You are Gringorrican brother , you has a life here , Thanks

[@wildrover9650]

@NoeBonillaNegron They used to call me gringo Loco. Best Spanish food I ever had was on the broken down buses on the side of the road as we headed to the beach. God bless you brother.

[@NoeBonillaNegron]

@@wildrover9650 You to great Man ,You are puertorrican to jajaja.

[@AntonioFeliciano-s8j]

You are what we call a white puertorican 🏠🇵🇷👍🏝🌊🏄‍♂️ 🇺🇸

[@AntonioFeliciano-s8j]

​@wildrover9650 no you are not loco

[@IAMBENNYBLANCO.]

Been to PR twice, luv it, great people, they are so nice and down to earth and the food is famazing!!! They have so much music! The Yunque was so amazing

[@raymondreyes5850]

You nailed it brother! You speaking facts, saludos from a puertorrican in NC❤

[@AgentClaudius]

Wolter, as a puertorican, you dont know how happy it makes me see a tourist actually travel through the island and not just stuck in San Juan or El Yunque, so many underrated spots that get overlooked because they're not advertised tourist traps, thank you so much for doing this amazing work! God Bless

[@Tnall74]

Worked there a couple years ago on power restoration after the hurricane. Worked mainly over in Mayaguez area. Never failed when in a parts place or any store we had to visit, just a few words of English and they would run away and another would show up that spoke English. Now driving was a different story cause we had to go up in the mountains and the roads were like crazy crooked and barely enough room for 2 trucks to pass. Really enjoyed the area over in Ponce and Mayaguez I think better than San Juan area.

[@dianareveron4576]

I remember all the hard work you guys do, remember seeing the Amercan and Poryorican flags on the trucks, thsnks again for your service and welcome back again to Puerto Rivo anytime!! Diana, San Juan.👋🇵🇷

[@elsabiopr]

You are correct. They are better places than the San Juan Area. If you have the chance to return, go to the area of Utuado

[@coquisoy6481]

Recuerdo un grupo de energia electrica que vinieron desde el estado de Arizona a Corozal Puerto Rico a ayudarnos luego del huracan maria. Se portaron muy bien , fueron excelentes series humanos, muy empaticos... Antes de irse el barrio completo Les hizo tremenda fiesta en la cancha en agradecimiento por sus servicios. Gracias por su ayuda.

[@normagonzalez7470]

What a proud should be knowing spanish too, dear visitors.

[@carmeloarocho5234]

I love your attitude! Such a Positive VIBE! You're on Point with all of your Videos 📹

[@lisalantrip7509]

I love Puerto Rico! Stayed there for 9 months!

[@blackbeansmatter1280]

Puerto Rico is awesome. People are great. The island and beaches are CLEAN. Not like where I live in Seattle area where it's zombies, trash and uptight snowflakes. Beautiful place!

[@JohnSmith-4U]

Move there!!!!

[@gif24gt60]

The zombies have invaded Seattle too?😮

[@LUIS-ox1bv]

Having lived in Tacoma, Wash., and visited the cold, foggy, beaches along the coast, your comparison to the beaches of Puerto Rico, is downright childish and silly. By the way, I was born in Puerto Rico.

[@cathymcmurtrey9793]

I agree. Seaweed, palm tree fronds but no people trash!

[@anthonytirado2753]

Thank you! It's good to see people enjoying our island and respectfully understanding it really means a lot to us and how we love to maintain our island clean. Most of our island does not have garbage laying around. We will feed and take our shirts off of our backs for anyone. God bless 🙌

[@nancylancaster5457]

Watch what you are doing driving in old San Juan. The locals don't necessarily believe in stop lights or stop signs. They are firm believers in the horn in your vehicle. Don't let it scare you, just go with the flow. It is a wonderful place for sure!!!!

[@ericpizarro3084]

I feel sorry to agree with you on the way we drive(not me) but, it is so true. To add to your comment, please take precautions when passing a traffic light. All you need to do is slow down and make sure there isn’t a crazy one forgetting that his traffics light isn’t green. It happened to me one time and I almost lost my aunt. Don’t let this scare you, just like you mentioned before be more careful when driving in PR. Still NY city or Miami or Chicago aren’t that different neither. Uber could be a great option if you get scare.

[@oyemimelaza]

Big long-time fan of Mark's channel here, and as a Puerto Rican who lives in the mainland, I'm very proud that Prof. Wolters is enjoying himself at home and discovering its more hidden charms by going off the beaten path. ¡Bienvenido!

[@tcnology]

Good video thank you.. I'm nuyorican meaning my parents born in Puerto Rico and they had my brother's and I in Bronx NY so this will be my first trip to PR ever.. I'm going in July 2024 for a whole week and I can't wait.. very excited . My wife is from Brasil so it will be her first time as well. Let's go 😁

[@Timbuktu584]

We'll come to Puerto Rico in February! Nobody in my country knows anything about PR and even travel agencies haven't booked Trips there. The carribean places most Tourists from europe go are Republica Dominicana, Jamaica or Cuba. Therefore we are so happy to experience the road less traveled. Looking forward to experience the whole Island and get to know people and the culture. Can't wait. Saludos desde Alemania

[@38josue91]

@@Timbuktu584 don't bring much cash with you, there aren't many currency exchanges here since most tourist come from the US. My friends came to visit from Germany and brought a lot of Euros, it was a pain for them to exchange during the weekend. I recommend using the ATMs.

[@sl4193]

Thank you, Mark. Puerto Rico looks well worth visiting, appreciate all your suggestions.

[@MisterJay170]

Thank you so much for this video! I moved from Puerto Rico to the States years ago, and this video made me want to visit the island and spend time with my friends and family that still live there. We Puerto Ricans are known for being warm and welcoming. We genuinely enjoy making visitors feel at home and are always eager to help improve their experience in our island.

[@longrange9131]

Ive been to PR many times and this is thee BEST advice video I've ever seen on PR. Excellent tutorial!

[@sarah-phillips]

I always appreciate tip advice! It’s so different everywhere and I don’t want to stiff someone nor do I want to tip big if it’s not necessary/expected.

[@ginaprisaznick6021]

I lived here for 3 1/2 years as a kid…. Best time of my life. I’d love to see it again

[@woltersworld]

Cool

[@juliamaddox4408]

I lived in PR two different times in the 90s. Another BIG don't I'd suggest is DON'T FORGET how hot and humid it's going to be! Make sure to only bring lightweight clothing! And stay HYDRATED! I had been there for a week and I went out for a long walk and totally passed out from the heat and humidity, so drink your gatorade, maintain your electrolytes. The sun can be super powerful that close to the equator. And also, the way they do rotisserie chickens is fantaaaastic! If you don't eat pork, have the chicken. It's DELICIOUS!!!

[@brendahill3569]

@juliamaddox4408 hello. Is it very hot in April?

[@hekty75]

Love you video ...as a Puertorrican that wish the best for my island i love when people focus more on the good stuff in the island

[@db9086]

This is one of my Favourite places Love it been there 8 times and never get tired of this place. It’s a must to go to ✈️🩷

[@Jaycole32]

Going for my first time in 3 weeks!!!!

[@jennymaldonado361]

Thank you for your support to our beautiful island. You are welcome anytime. 🇵🇷👍

[@jess97724]

You mean God's beautiful Island he's the one who created it not you.

[@jennymaldonado361]

@@jess97724 did I say that I created?

[@ExpatTime]

@@Jaycole32enjoy!!! I’m taking myself there for the first time for valentines ♥️ 😊 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@janaroberts6933]

My husband played winter baseball over there one year and loved it . We are now taking our 2 boys this May ❤! Loved this review !!!

[@ShadowravenPhoto]

We just went last month for the first time (with 3 kids). It was so wonderful! Vieques and the horses was my fave. 🥰

[@kings17court]

All great tips. One BIG one for me is don't be afraid of food stands, food kiosks, and food trucks on the side of the road. Often times the food is great, and the prices reasonable. It might turn out that your best meal of the trip was from one of those. But the biggest one I would say is get out of San Juan, and explore the island. Do some research, get a game plan, and get out there.

[@slipk3531]

As a Boricua born and raised in PR, also worked as a Police Officer for 12 yrs before moving to the NC I approve this video. As an ambassador of the US when traveling to foreign countries for business myself, the do’s and don’t s makes your experience better n more enjoyable

[@carmenrosa7589]

I am an island native and I agree with this message

[@jayfiggs4656]

Been back in the states for about a week now and i already miss Puerto Rico. Mi gente que te cuiden mucho. Y que Dios te bendiga.

[@TravelwithTravelarii]

Absolutely love your insights, Mark! Your travel tips are gold. Puerto Rico is now on my list, and I can't wait to explore the beauty and flavors you've shared.

[@AgathaLOutahere]

Don't forget to take a stroll in the evening in SJ and listen to the coqui tree frogs. Also, grow eyes on the back of your head because there is some crazy driving down there. Pay close attention at all times when driving.

[@renereyes7675]

I left Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 in1983 and I been there a few times and I think you probably not being Puertorican you are awesome. I like your information. ❤

[@Mya_rose36]

I would love to stay 2 weeks in puerto rico as a vacation spot. I went there briefly last Nov while cruising the bahamas and i liked the culture❤ its one of the places I would love to keep visiting

[@eltripudiante]

Loved your insight. You were right in all of it. I am originally from PR so I found myself surprised with your knowledge. So keep up the good work. Got subscribed btw.

[@arunvenkit5373]

I went to PR last December and am excited to head back next month!

[@anelcruz9015]

OMG! I’ve been watching your videos for quite sometime now. And I’ve used info before my trips to Europe. And finding this video of my home made me super happy. Loved every minute of it. So accurate and so respectful. Thanks for this. Hope you enjoyed my island. Hope to see more videos of Puerto Rico soon 🇵🇷🫶🏻

[@keithclifton392]

One small point: PR is neither a country or a state but a US territory. I’ve been to San Juan and it’s great!

[@4037Mia]

It's considered a country for cultural reasons. We are a US territory for political reasons, but culturally, it's a completely different country. Also, for some situations, we are considered a separate country. For example, the Olympics games.

[@LUIS-ox1bv]

Puerto Rico is not a country?!! Let's not be absurd. It's a country that happens to be a terrritory,( like Guam, & American Samoa), of the United States. Folks need to research before posting fallacies.

[@ElJibaro718]

​@@LUIS-ox1bvYou're incorrect. We're a territory that identifies as a country. Do some research before posting fallacies.

[@delisselopez89]

Rice dishes that are prepared in every Puerto Rican home: Arroz con salchichas Arroz con longaniza Arroz con vegetales mixtos Arroz con habichuelas Arroz con gandules-is the national main dish Arroz chino-boricua Arroz con pollo Arroz con garbanzos Arroz encebollado o griego

[@LUIS-ox1bv]

All that rice is not appealing to diabetics.

[@mefe8697]

Thank you covering most of the important information one should have when in or going to PR! Watching this made me a bit homesick. But I’m close enough to go back from time to time and enjoy the beauty and the people of the island. Every city and state has issues, so just prepare and research where you want to go and what to do and you will be fine. Loved this. Ty! 😊

[@daches24]

Yes on not just staying in San Juan! Such a beautiful island. Ponce in the south is one of my favorite places in the world.

[@SixHundredandThirteen]

I'm Dominican born and raised in NYC. I've been to P.R. many times and spoken to the locals about the pros and cons of being a US territory. They were actually happy to talk about it. Trust me PRicans want to get the word out as much as possible. But if your on vacation just enjoy your self 😊

[@JoseLopez-vx7hw]

Thank you so much for enjoying and your positive view of our beautiful island and our people. We need more people like you visiting us.

[@jeanhernandezrodriguez4838]

I cant believe you are doing a series on Puerto Rico. Welcome Wolter!! I saw your series on the Netherlands and loved it.

[@babsr8479]

El Junque is beautiful and El Moro very interesting. Great advice. 😊 Food 😋

[@carlossierra5807]

Love it, thanks!

[@jkinnear81]

Alex and I were in San Juan back in April for a couple nights before a cruise we took. We both loved the city but I definitely want to go back rent a car and visit more of the island.

[@josemelendez9241]

Im puertorican and i mix the beans with the rice i used to tell my mom to do it kind of soupy

[@oscarmartinez2538]

Soupy is delicious 🤤. Rice and beans is very tasty and nutritious

[@luisdeleon9137]

Watching many advices from your videos and using many on my trips for many years I am so happy beyond comprehension you finally visit my hometown. I hope you are enjoying you stay in Puerto Rico .

[@paulkoza8652]

Two points. Mark did not mention that there is still an issue with the power grid in PR. I was there in June and we were hit with two rolling blackouts. This was due to the heat and high use of AC in SJ. They didn't last long, but you need to be prepared. The second thing is driving. If you are ever involved in a traffic accident on the island, have your cell phone handy. The first thing you want to do is take a photo of the other car, especially their license plate. Better yet, get a photo of the other driver and any paperwork they have. I was rear ended in a rental car and after the other guy determined that there were no injuries, he drove off. Hit and run. I assume he didn't have insurance or perhaps a registration. The municipal police in PR are useless.

[@jerseygirl2364]

Haha! The "rolling blackouts" is not a new occurrence, it is normal, it is part of island living since forever.

[@ericpizarro3084]

As a native puertorrican I can tell you that for the last 6 months the blackouts has decreased dramatically. Finally it’s happening.

[@ericpizarro3084]

Paul, you are not allowed to to take other cars license plate, neither to take a photo of the other driver license. Just like any other USA places by doing that you are invading others privacy, which is protect by the 14 constitutional right. Just call and wait for the police. That’s a friendly advice. Just like any other state you can get sue for violating the USA constitutional rights.

[@rogerayala6878]

@@ericpizarro3084 as weird as it feels to say it, cause Ive been living here for 30 years, yeah... Blackouts are finally decreasing and, I dont even know how to feel about it lol, its just not what we are used to!

[@jojojojo438]

I'm puertorrican and something that I want you to know is that most of the beaches in San Juan, specially in Condado, are VERY dangerous. Lots of tourists drown on those beaches. I always get very sad when I hear the news that another tourist drowned in Condado. Please, be very carefull.

[@augieviz2088]

I usually also go to the Pueblo Supermarket or Malls etc outside of San Juan bexause they have great breakfast and lunch prices and i sitvand watch the locals

[@ailindelvalle7483]

muy bien!..completely agree with everything that you said! I'm puertorican

[@chesterbuck1841]

spent two years there and loved it we used to take a shower when it rained, the folks were great real nice, we used to love those fig bananas they were real small banana and were great, we had our own car it was old and rusty but it served the purpose in getting us around, had alot of friends there and still miss it

[@christieo2739]

The nightly hotel rates are what blew my mind! I absolutely loved it there though. It’s just an every now and again destination for me though based on the price of lodging.

[@Traveler_josy]

I am from Puerto Rico, all the things he said was right. Thanks for visiting these beautiful island .

[@roomshaka]

Vamos junto soy boricua tambien

[@uli6536]

BEAUTIFUL P.R......🇵🇷🇺🇸👍

[@murdamansin559]

Was in P.R this past May i had been sharpening up on my spanish just to get their every person i encountered spoke English lol but i had lots of fun

[@DeniceCarlaGordon-kd1kg]

Pastelon is the Puerto Rican Lasagna but without pasta absolutely delicious they use Amarillos mature plantains also ground beef, eggs and Green beans to make a very this delicious recipe of Pastelon the Puerto Rican Lasagna you need to cooked in the oven, found the recipe in Google Puerto Rican Pastelon Lasagna some people putting cheese too but the original recipe is without cheese🇵🇷 😋

[@ignaciogorrin8136]

Gracias! Always welcome to our island. Bienvenido!! 👍👍

[@jess97724]

God's island

[@ricardo.figueroa]

Like always. Great information Wolter!

[@dorismiranda1875]

Thank you from a Puerto Rican who absolutely loved your video ❣️🇵🇷🥰😘

[@MitchZro]

Your work is so consistently excellent. I ALWAYS check with you before I visit (or revisit, in this case!)

[@angelicagaldos]

I haven't been to PR but I have family there. I'll keep your video handy. Thank you for sharing

[@kns5826]

So exited to see you in PR. I'm a puertorican who always sees your videos before traveling anywhere ❤

[@phillippowell6677]

Lived there one month for work. Wish I had seen a video like this before that trip cuz you’re spot on with everything you listed. PR was a incredible place just wish it wasn’t near the covid era during my trip to see more

[@martykong3592]

:) THANKS MUCH for a GREAT SHARE and Video! Had to work there in the Y2K era, and did not get out much, BUT having to stay weekends, I HAVE TO SAY, Locals are WONDERFUL! They didn;t want me sitting in Hotel, invited me to home BBQ;s (Whole Pig) :) etc. Would fill me in on best food spots and coached me in fav dishes to ask for (Arroz con Pollo) Got to drive around 1 weekend in rental to see Gilligan;'s Island though:) Got lost one time heading to a meeting, had to ask Postman for directions, GREAT People! ALL the BEST and Cheers! :)

[@JoseGarcia-yu9nd]

I believe you just covered all the points and tips. Oh wait! Don't forget to have fun! Enjoy your trip and thanks for visiting us ❤

[@sir.fuentes7642]

Old San Juan, possibly the most beautiful and culturally interesting port city in the Carribean.

[@LUIS-ox1bv]

Anyone who has visited Havana, will certainly have a bone to pick with you. The architecture of Havana is unmatched in the Caribbean.

[@sir.fuentes7642]

​@@LUIS-ox1bv I wasn't comparing architectural styles. I simply said that OSJ is beautiful because it has been maintained that way, as opposed to Havana that fell to deterioration. Trust me, I'm a painter and I've been to Havana and although it makes for a great canvas model, it's sadly deplorable.

[@EPICtheBand]

You are spot on! Good suggestions all around. Don’t forget to promote Alcapurrias and Bacalaitos 😂👍

[@modxfirefox]

Thank you!

[@davelb87]

Pretty sure I sat under that exact tree when I was in Rincon last month. That MI/KM difference on the freeway was a mind bender.

[@eespinosa64]

Being Puerto Rican, I appreciate you knowing and using your Spanish!

[@MeyJ]

Hello all! Rican here who lived in P.R. I IMPLORE anyone visiting to come to the western & central part of the island (Utuado, Lares, Arecibo and surrounding areas). The farms are beautiful, the drive is exciting and the food, culture and people will be amazing for sure 🇵🇷😊 Also, it’s the mountains so a 4x4 is highly recommended and needed in some parts

[@Cheem1827]

BEST REVIEW! HAHAHA and yes, we adore our Island

[@saranprincess]

I’m from Puerto Rico and I can tell you that lot of restaurants serve the beans on the side to make it easier and optional for tourists. In our daily lives it goes on the plate my the side or on top of the rice. I have never seen, under normal circumstances, the beans on the side to share. Excellent video! Good and realistic advice. I’m going to add that you should be aware that there is a lot drug dealing gang related crime all through the island and is worst in the Metro Area and at night. Just be careful, be aware, just in case. My own tip: When I go out to get Lechón I go to Guavate, to one of the 1st two places there when you’re going up the road.

[@bellepapillion]

Thank You ❤Very nice video and accurate information,Love Puerto Rico my hometown!

[@moondiinii]

loved the energy but when he said mofongo i almost cried. ouchhhhhh

[@dab3256]

Good stuff, my family and I will be spending 6 days there in June

[@SomervilleLandscapingCo.]

VERY INFORMATIVE VIDEO!! Love the enthusiasm

[@woltersworld]

Thank you!

[@normagonzalez7470]

A point to know is that any way we allways be hispanic so no matter the political stuff push us to speak english we're allways speak our language... Spanish (I am a proudly spanish writer by the way). Also visitor, you have to undertand that we are a different culture with lot of history and more. Also we are not just beach, El Morro and Yunque... We have museums, galleries, Big shopping malls, theatres (Plays), cities (78 towns with divisions) and many many more...also, universities... And a normal routine like in every place and city. Yes, you need to mix the rice and beans together. Also we have a variaty of beans, stew rice (Yellow, by the way we use anniato) and combination. We use also a system by paying by your phone.

[@mayara7578]

Love Puerto Rico ❤

[@Anunnaki-z7i]

Sir, you offered great advise. This video should be watched by everyone coming to PR. I am glad that you enjoyed my beautiful island and our food. Lechon, mofongo, tostones are the food of the gods.😄

[@arcadi61]

I remember I was staying in Condado neighborhood and a young tourist kid asked me the cheapest place to eat, because he didn’t want to running out of money. I sent him to the SuperMax supermarket I bumped into him three days later, and he tells me thank you. Now I’m saving lots of money

[@Docjuice2021]

First time to your channel. I am a New York Rican and I enjoyed the great tips you shared. My wife and I are cruisers and we love going to Puerto Rico. Make sure you try some Kan Kan meat in San Juan. Absolutely delicious!

[@larryreynolds007]

40 years old Puerto Rican and below knows english better than me, a Gingo from Texas.

[@marsha2600]

We visited Aquadilla on Labor Day weekend. While there, our rental car hubcaps were stolen. A popular rental car company scam. They had the lug nut key.

[@paigedumplings2570]

Before I travel anywhere I look it up on youtube and your videos always pop up! You've been everywhere!

[@bengalbaby6118]

Fantastic video! Very informative, and drilled down to a few specifics I have been wondering about. Gracias.

[@juliewalsh7401]

Hey Wolters World! You are so close to my island, St John, in the USVI, we can even see Vieques on a clear day!

[@jess97724]

Your island 😂

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, cool video

[@MrPrimoPR]

Good review, thanks we try to do our best to keep Puerto Rico a great tourist destination.

[@DeniceCarlaGordon-kd1kg]

PUERTO RICANS (BORICUAS) ALSO LOVE BASKETBALL TOO 🏀🏀🏀🏀

[@nrivera911]

Very good advise.

[@whadzen]

Great job! Everything you said is on point.

[@lozadazx14]

Very good honest review 💯

[@javierromero23]

Lindo mi Puerto Rico! ❤

[@breaker6900]

Headed back in February

[@stephstephyep]

Great video and energy. Thanks for sharing

[@robthehomeowner]

Lived on the west coast for 8 years. Rincon and Cabo Rojo. Rincón is surf town. Cabo Rojo has more affordable housing. Lots of great places to visit. I never liked the San Juan metro.