u/pmramirezjr

I keep seeing a lot of the same questions regarding where to stay in San Juan and the water issues. The best advice I can share from my last trip to PR is get the hell out of SJ! I mean, one or two days to see Old San Juan and a party night if that's your thing but the best of Puerto Rico is the rest of the island. The best things you can do is explore, get lost, find a nice beach, eat an epic meal and most of all meet the locals. Yes, they speak English or at least figure out what you want. West side has the best beaches, South shore has Ponce and La Parguera and the East side has Vieques and Culebra. All great adventures! Spread some tourism money too!

Happy Labory Day! Looking for ground bison meat for the most amazing grilled burgers. Anyone know where they regularly stock ground bison meat? Frozen or fresh, TIA!

I started the week and in a hotel in Condado and first night in Old San Juan that had no water. But from the start, my plan was to drive all around the edge of the island and back to San Juan.

I had another unforgettable experience in Puerto Rico! Last time I visited was 15 years ago and one common statement I kept hearing from locals was "before Maria" or "After Maria". The hurricane really changed a lot on the island. I wanted to know more areas this visit.

Best Beach to visit - I visited at least one beach a day but it was so fun a Crash Boat Beach! Flamenco Beach was second best for beauty but the party was at Crash Boat. Food, drinks, people and music all day!

Best Food - Lechonera El Rancho in Guavate, la ruta de lechon. For you foodies, this is a must while in PR. Weekends lunchtime would be the best experience. Crispy roast pork is the star of the show with all the sides and desserts. Add cold beers and nice cocktails and music for a great vibe! It was also the best Pina Colada I had on my trip.

Best Hotel - Villa Confresi in Rincon! Hands down! Staff was welcoming and nice. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Located literally on the sand, there's a nice pool too. It's a great place to spend a few days to relax. Warning about the Pirate's Coconut! It'll make for a slow morning the next day.

Best Activity - ATV ride at Carabali Rainforest Park. I booked a 2-hour tour and had a great time, even stopping to take a refreshing dip in a cool river. A little pricey but totally worth it! Good for families with teens who have driving licenses and couples.

Best Discovery - Cueva Ventana in Arecibo. So cool to walk into a cave with bats in it!

Best place to buy rum to take home - Duty Free at the airport! Buy 2 get 1 bottle free so brought home 3 bottles of Don Q 7 for friends!

I tipped cash to everyone, tour guides, wait staff, hotel staff, valets, everyone who served us. If you're thinking about visiting, please visit and enjoy. The SJ water situation isn't affecting everything and looks like it's getting fixed. My best advice would be to leave San Juan and enjoy the rest of Puerto Rico! Enjoy! Wepa!

Woke up early to beat the traffic to Old San Juan. Parked at El Morro and visited the fort. A must and take lots of pictures. The fort has the cleanest restrooms in OSJ! Afterwards had refreshing beers nearby.
Found out the water is back! What a difference in the vibe! Totally like I remembered now. Streets full of people, all restaurants, bars and shops full. The life was noticeably back! Yay!
Not sure about other neighborhoods but happy to learn about the progress.
After leaving the area, had to hit one of my favorites, Bebos BBQ. Be prepared for a bit of a wait. Bebos used to have 4 or 5 order windows. Today, only 2 so it was way slower than I remember but still delicious! Still my go-to!

Flamenco Beach is IMO one of the best beaches in PR, if not the Caribbean!
But it’s a trek that pays off. First,you’ll need to buy the tickets online weeks ahead as it sells out. I was told there are a few tickets sold same day but you have to arrive super early. I wouldn’t risk it. Buy early online.
The ferry leaves from Ceiba Ferry Terminal near the Ceiba airport. It’s about an hour away from SJU. If you rent a car, there’s parking at the Ferry Terminal for $15. You can leave your car there for a few days too. $15 a day. It has security guards and cameras. A shuttle will take you to the terminal.
The terminal has a quick style cafe and you check in an hour before departure.
Once you’re off, the seas can be rough (dramamine for land lovers). At the island, it’s a $5pp cab ride to Flamenco, $2pp entry fee and $20 for a beach umbrella with 2 beach chairs.
Shout out Michael at Kiosk #9!
No glass but you can bring beers and flasks of rum. Everyone is respectful and fun! Had a great time!
Line up an hour before your departure and you’re good to go! Pass out and when you wake up you’re back! Lol!
Enjoy!

Today I visited Ponce, including the Don Q castle. It’s an old but interesting city with lota of art, museums and points of interest. The waterfront can is a fun place but more in the evenings and weekends. The streets are super narrow in the old town areas. Lots of good food options.
For the foodies! A must visit is Guavate, aka Ruta de Lechon! It’s most popular on weekends and there can be long waits for parking and food but weekdays are super easy. The star is the Lechon, whole roasted pork. Lots of videos available but a great trip for a great meal. Drinks too! Full bats with Piña Coladas, Mojitos and Medallas.
Didn’t experience any water issues in these areas

I visited el Boqueron Park in Cabo Rojo. A highly recommended beach online. The parking is $5 and there are clean restrooms and showers at the beach. Lots of parking so I’m sure it gets packed on weekends and holidays. There are trees for shade but it’s whoever gets there first an umbrella or shade might be a good idea. The whole beach was clean, no trash or sargassum. The north end connects to a alley of bars and shops that are mostly open weekends.
La Parguera was only about a half hour away. Home to one of PR’s bioluminescent bays! If you come in the afternoon, book a later tour, 8 or 9 pm and the closest to a new moon for the brightest water. It’s $20 pp cash only and dress to swim with a towel. And parking is easy and safe. No water issues in this area

Leaving San Juan I got lost 3 times on the freeway so read every sign! 😂
Visited the Bad Bunny Econo Supermarket in Vega Baja for supplies. Nothing special here but the pastrami sandwich was great!
Then visited the Cueva Ventana Park. This is a fun stop, especially if you have kids! Caves with bats end with an amazing view!
Then an hour to Crash Boat Beach. THIS is where the party is! Music from a DJ, anchored boats and boomboxes. Food kiosks, restrooms and showers. Parking can be tough if you don’t arrive early. Otherwise maybe visit after 5 for sunset. A fun PR experience!
Finished at Rincon. I had no water issues in the corner of the island. The sea is turquoise here!

There sure are some haters in this sub but I’m going to respond with positivity.
Today was an amazing day at El Yunque! Best place was Juan Diego Falls. Totally worth it and the park is free!
Then ATV rides at Carabali. The 2 hour tour was awesome! Be prepared to swim!
Luquillo Beach! What can I say. Totally fun PR vibe! Excellent food, drinks and music! Be patient and you’ll find parking.
No water issues at all today!

I kept seeing comments about water shortages. I landed today and the airport had water and so did my hotel. Came for dinner in Old San Juan and there’s no water here. Restaurants serving in disposable plates and utensils. No flushing toilets so lots of restaurants either closed or no restrooms. The area is packed too! So disappointing.

Why does it seem there's only one ATV rental at El Yunque? Are there any local recommendations? Safe rentals, local rental rates? Also open to anything west of Arecibo too.

Gracias!