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International - Puerto Rico 3/29/25-4/5/25

Updated: Apr 20

Perfect taste of international travel with just a drivers license!


Itinerary:


Day 1 - Fly to Puerto Rico

Day 2 - San Juan day (tour forts/churches; snorkle with manatees/turtles)

Day 3 - Boat day in Fajardo (catamaran tour of Isacos Island with beach time/snorkling; Kayak in bioluminescent waters at night)

Day 4 - Rainforest day in El Younque (hiking and relaxing in pools OR take waterfall tour)

Day 5 - Zip Line day in Torro Verde (Torro Verde zipline park)

Day 6 - Cave day in Tanama area (National cave tour (if open); Rappelling/kayaking into caves along Tanama River; Cueva del Indio)

Day 7 - Beach town day in Isabella and area (west coast beaches; sunset at lighthouse; drum circle evening (fri nights in Aquadilla) or salsa and craft/food market (fri nights in Isabela)

Day 8 - Fly home



Packing list:

(We personally prefer to have everything in one carry-on bag just for ease of transport):


Backpack/suitcase, drivers license, phone, phone charger, 2 swimming suits, 2-3 shorts, 2 short sleeve shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts, jacket, rain jacket, pants, skirt/dress, pj's, 2-3 socks, closed toed water shoes with backstrap, flip flops, walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, toiletries, water bottle, 2 changes underwear, personal first aid kit, medications, national parks pass (for San Juan Castle tour and El Yunque - 1/2 off), beach dress, beach towel (or buy there)


(We preferred pants, shorts, and shirts that were synthetic in case there was a light rain and they would dry quicker, cotton or jeans are okay but if they get wet it's miserable and they are bulky to pack) Packing Light Tips


Weather - it rains daily from 5-10 min to longer



Cost: estimating $2000-2500 including flights, all excursions, hotels, rental cars, food (prices are like a Latin Hawaii because it's an island)


 - Flight - $400-700

 - Hotels - $400 (shared beds at air bnb's)

-Travel Insurance - $46+ (we liked Allianz)

 - Car Rental - $200 (sharing 4-5 person vehicle including insurance/gas/etc; book directly with rental car agency NOT with Expedia or similar if you need to make any adjustments later; Alamo was best at the airport (at the airport: Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, National). Off site car rentals may not let you drop off cars in the middle of the night

 - Food - $400 (on your own - grocery stores, including Walmart, Costco and Sams Club and fast food restaurants are plentiful - food prices are little more than here; also many local places; YOU CAN DRINK THE WATER FROM THE TAP

 - Excursions (prices are estimated for March/April) $550 + $150 tips (CASH)



Condos

Aquatika, Loiza "A Cozy Paradise“ - Aquatika resort (has many apartments for rent; pool, hot tub, private beach access, kitchen; small apartments with bunk beds and queen beds, indoor AC, closed windows, washer/dryer

Owner Pablo 787-607-1530 - has 2 apartments and 1 penthouse - great response time)


Isabella "Colinas Del Atlantico“ - 2 story house can be rented for a total of 18 people or 9 each floor (nicely kept, kitchen, bunk beds, queen beds, washer/dryer)

Manager Danna - 787-490-5116 Whats App - poor response time and speaks mostly spanish; Francisco 412-414-4982 text



Activities: NOTE - bring a small fanny pack with water and snacks and waterproof case for phone - better than a backpack


San Juan City Tour San Juan City Walking Tour - (3-5 mi) Start at the Princess Pathway, go east to Fuente Raices fountain, walk northwest along coastal trail through the Puerta San Juan gate, left and up along the fortress wall, pass Casa Rosa on your left and continue up to the huge green field before Castillo San Felipe de Morro (the big fort - Use National Parks Pass here - gets in 4 total or pay $10 adults, free < 16 yrs, explore all three levels, there is two hidden staircases on the second level and a hidden chamber on the first level; wander out and across the north side of the lawn to overlook the Cemeterio Santa Maria Magdalena and wander around if it's open, head back (optional to head to the Castio San Cristobal if you have the energy (25 min walk) - included in your Castillo San Felipe de Morro day pass.

Parking - Estacionameinto la Puntilla. $4/day

Bring: National Parks Pass (if you have one), walking shoes, umbrella or rainjacket in case of rain, backpack with snacks and water, sunscreen


Snorkling Turtles/Manatees, San Juan  (Champion Snorkle Tours - (1-1 1/2 hr - 10, noon, 2 and 4pm) quick beach snorkle right outside of San Juan. Estuary, so water is cloudy, can see turtles and manatees if you are lucky but we ususally see at least one. Food truck nearby and friends can wait for you on the beach. VERY casual and comes with a shot of rum. We thought they were understaffed and would benefit from 2 guides in the water.

Parking: 1019 Ashford Lot - cost about $12 for 3 hr

Bring: Swimmingsuit, towel, lunch, water, backpack (keep food and water in car until after excursion)

Provided: snorkle gear


Catamaran Tour to Icacos, Fajardo Spread Eagle II - Snorkle PR - (5 1/2 hr - 830 am - 2pm ) cataraman sail to Icacos island for snorkling/beach time, lunch, second snorkling area, SAIL back. Great crew. Snorkling gear included and you keep the snorkle.

Parking: Dock J, Fajardo - on side of the road - shuttle picks you up outside the harbor gatehouse

Bring: swimming suit, towel, bag/backpack, sunscreen, jacket, sandals, shirt/shorts

Provided: snorkle gear, sandwich lunch with drinks


Kayaking Bioluminesence Bay, Fajardo Kayaking Puerto Rico - (2 hrs - 8-10 pm) kayak at night down stream surrounded by trees to a lagoon. Expect small sparkles at most in lagoon only - better when tempuratures are warm and no recent rains. Harder paddle back due to going against current. OK for beginner paddlers but pair with a stronger paddling partner.

Parking: Kayak Village, Fajardo

Bring: swimming suit, water shoes, jacket, shorts, shirt (bring a water bottle if they let you)

Provided: kayak, life jacket


Rainforest Hikes and Pools, El Yunque NF

  • Mt Britton Loop - (5 1/2 mi loop) Mt Britton Trailhead, pass Mount Britton tower, stay right on the Mt Britton Spur (dirt trail turns right off paved trail), left to Los Picachos point and view, head back and then left down Caimitillo Trail. Hike back up the road, stopping by the Bano de Oro pool on the way.

  • Bano de Oro - (0.25 mi out and back) easy hike to a rainforest pool for playing

  • Juan Diego Falls - (0.125 mi out and back) easy hike to a waterfalls

Parking: get there early, parking can be hard later in the day, small lots or side of the road

Bring: backpack, water, snacks, walking shoes


Rainforest waterslide/cliff jump/rope swing tour SpotIn Tours - (4 hrs) 30 min hike on muddy trail with rock scrambling, 10 ft cliff jumps, 1 rock waterslide with 3 1/2 ft drop at the end, rope swinging, many people, thought we could easily do this ourselves but would need parking permission. Age restriction on tour is just a guideline and fit older folks are ok. Video

Parking: Yagrumo Restobar, Fajardo

Bring: Bring: swimming suit, closed-toed shoes, shorts, shirt, jacket, small backpack, snacks, water

Provided: life jacket


Torro Verde Zipline Park Torro Verde - (4-6 hr for 2-3 activities) 7 line ziplines - steep short to moderate amount of stairs, The Monster (3rd longest zipline in the world - face forward 1.57 mi) line can be long (up to 2 1/2 hr) if only doing one cable, The Beast (face forward 0.89 mi), Torro Bike (ride bike across cables in the air - short), Torro Roller (hanging roller coaster - short); can buy shoes/pants/jackets/snacks there. Full park video

Parking: Parking lot, Torro Verde

Bring: closed-toed shoes, shorts, shirt, long sleeve shirt (gets cold up high), jacket, fanny pack over shoulder with snacks, water and phone

Provided: harness, helmet


Tanama Cave Rappelling Tanama River Adventures - (3-4 hr) 120 ft rappel in Makuro Cave next to river, floating in the river, visit alcove with bats, 3 1/2 mile hike through jungle with slippery and steep muddy trails, snacks provided, bring - closed toed shoes, swimming suit, shorts, shirt, jacket, snacks, water.

Bring: swimming suit, closed-toed shoes, shorts, shirt, jacket, small backpack, snacks, water

Provided: harness, helmet


Cueva del Indio (1-2 hr) sea caves with T indian and pirate petroglyphs. Petroglyphs are to the left and Sea Caves and statute to your right when you come to the coast. Getting to the pictograph cave - climb through a small crack to the right of the large entrance, tight slide and squeeze about 10 - 20 feet, need spotter, slippery. Multiple rooms with ancient ceremonial meaning.

Parking: parkinglot, $10 entrance fee, though you could easily park along the beach and walk in for free


Beach Day Crash Boat Beach - sandy beach, snorkle and scuba access, old dock, food trucks with pina colatas in pineapples/pinchos (meat on a stick), port a potties

Parking: parking lot, $9 a day (cash only)

Bring: towel, cash and phone (some food places take cash, card, and/or venmo)


Scuba Diving Crash Boat Beach Aquatica Underwater Adventures - (4 hrs - 45 min dive) beginner scuba diving--no experience required- $165 fish, sunk dock structures

Parking: parking lot

Bring: swiming suit, sunscreen

Provided: scuba gear, mask, snorkle, wet suit if needed


Fun near Isabella

Paseo Tablato de Isabella (beach boardwalk with souvenier shops)

Salsa dancing and craft booths (friday nights at the Plaza Manual Maria Corchado y Juarbe)

Drum circle at sunset in Aquadilla

Souvenier shops (Tienda Siesto - 11 min south of Crash Boat; Mango Beach Shop - 30 min south of Crash Boat; Villa Tropical Gift Shop - 20 min north Crash Boat Beach; Nancys Gift Shop - in Isabela - CASH only closes at 4pm)



Favorites:

Beaches

Isla Verde, San Juan (north side - close to airport)

Crash Boat Beach, Aquadilla (west side - big, sandy, food trucks, snorkling)


Restaurants

The Metropol, San Juan/Airport - Great dinner spot 5 min from the airport, around $20. Try: the chicken mofongo, fish tacos, metropol sampler, coconut flan, burger and fries :) wait can be long

Puerto Supermercado - San Juan/Airport - stock up on groceries here 24/7 5 min from airport

Sabores - near Tanama River Adventures - great food, around $10-20

El Pocito Dulce - Isabela - local food, cafeteria style, cheap



Tips:

SLC Airport Parking

SLC Airport Parking ($12/day or $84 total long term - shuttle comes to designated spots 24/7 and takes you to the terminal)

Park N Jet ($10/day or $81+ total)

The Parking Spot ($11.75/day+)

Frontrunner Train ($5 - Frontrunner $2.50 + Trax Green Line $2.50)


Getting Gas

Prepay at the convenience store with a card. 20 bucks filled our tank a little over half. Some will let you leave your card with them and then you can fill it all the way. (80 cents a liter = $3/gal)


Language

Most people in big cities or touristy spots speak english, but it is always great practice to use the spanish you know and be respectful




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