Traveling to Puerto Rico – Check Out The Latest Flight Prices

A significant portion of Puerto Rican culture, from the cuisine to the music, is reflective of the island’s mixed ancestry, which includes that of North America, the Caribbean, Spain, and the indigenous Taino people. 

In Old San Juan, for example, you can get comida criolla, which is a classic Puerto Rican dinner consisting of pork, rice, and beans, just a few steps away from Calle del Cristo, where there are factory outlets for Coach and Tommy Hilfiger.

When it comes to your wardrobe, remember that you are going to want to dress casually while you are on vacation in the tropics. The only exceptions to this rule are when you are actually at the beach or pool. Before going out to enjoy the nightlife in Puerto Rico, you need also pay careful attention to how you are dressed. 

Tourists are the only people that walk out dressed like they are going to a barbecue. If you want to look like you belong at the bar, you should dress in something that is considered smart casual. This means that males should wear slacks or dark jeans, and ladies should wear dresses with heels or statement flats.

Although English is widely spoken in Puerto Rico, the language most commonly used in everyday life is Spanish. Learn some simple words and phrases such as “hola,” “gracias,” “por favor,” and “de nada,” which means “you’re welcome.” As you travel further out from San Juan, it’s possible that you’ll run into fewer people who are fluent in English.

Bring a phrasebook in Spanish with you, and keep in mind that people in Puerto Rico would appreciate your efforts to communicate with them in Spanish. When you talk to people from the community, you’ll find that you either have to juggle multiple discussions at once or be prepared to have your thoughts diverted.

When you first meet a Puerto Rican person, they will likely stand closer to you and make an effort to shake your hand or give you a hug as a kind of greeting. Because Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, the United States dollar (USD) is the official currency of the island, and credit cards are commonly accepted.

Tipping customs are observed in the same manner in this region as they are in other regions of the United States. The customary tip ranges from 15 to 20 percent, but larger amounts are given in recognition of extraordinary service.

The cuisine of Puerto Rico represents the many cultures that have left their mark on the island, including those from the Caribbean, Latin America, North America, and the Taino people. Pasteles are composed of mashed banana (or yucca) and packed with pork, chicken, or cod. Lechon is a smoky, roasted pig. 

Asopao is a classic stew that is commonly cooked with chicken or beef. Mofongo consists of seafood, meat, or veggies atop mashed plantains. Tostones, which are fried plantains, arroz con gandules, and other dishes, are also available (rice and pigeon peas).

You can satisfy your craving for something sweet with tembleque, which is a coconut custard, pastelitos de guayaba, which are guava-filled pastries, or mantecaditos (a Puerto Rican shortbread cookie). 

In addition to food, drinks play a significant role in the culinary tradition of Puerto Rico. Coffee and rum are probably the two most well-known drinks associated with it. Because the climate of Puerto Rico is ideal for growing coffee, the island is home to a sizable number of coffee plantations, and there is no shortage of excellent coffee shops to visit.

You can also stop by one of the haciendas in the area to have a tour of the coffee farms, as well as to enjoy a hot beverage. It would be a shame to leave the island without having sampled some of the native rum. Start off with a pina colada, which is considered the national drink of Puerto Rico and was actually invented on the island (more specifically, at the Caribe Hilton Hotel).

Visit the distilleries of Bacardi or Ron del Barrilito if you’d rather try some of their products than buy them. Each distillery has tastings, tours of its premises, and mixology workshops for visitors. And if you happen to be there around the Christmas season, you just must have some coquito, a coconut-based beverage that is very similar to eggnog.

San Juan is the most populous city in Puerto Rico and consequently has a large number of restaurants to choose from; nevertheless, you should be prepared to compete with large crowds. Some favorites include Jose Enrique.

Although travelers sing the praises of the restaurant’s bacalaito (fried cod fritter) and other seafood dishes, they caution that the restaurant’s constant crowds might make the atmosphere feel lifeless. Marmalade is the place to go for sophisticated cuisine.

They provide a tasting menu that changes frequently and might include items such as vegan sausage, “rum barrel” hog cheeks, and butterscotch bread pudding. In addition to being a local coffee farmer, Hacienda San Pedro also operates a well-liked cafe in San Juan.

You could get started in the city by going on one of the greatest cuisine tours that Old San Juan has to offer if you want to get a better sense of the local culture. Not only will the tours provide you with a taste of the local food, but they will also assist you in becoming oriented within the city.

If you are staying in the northeastern island region, you may anticipate a more peaceful dining experience on the beaches of Luquillo or Fajardo. Because they serve dishes from a wide variety of cuisines, the kiosks in Luquillo are an absolute necessity when in the neighborhood.

If you are interested in sampling some of the most delicious food in the area, the tourism board of Puerto Rico has compiled a list of culinary trails that are centered on traditional island foods such as rum, coffee, and pork.

Here is a sample of a 2 week itinerary when you visit Puerto Rico. Check it here!!