Top 10 Reasons to LOVE Puerto Rico

(Post originally written in 2017, with updates.)

Ahhh… the island of enchantment. Since this month marks five years since I first arrived on the island of singing coquis and the world’s finest piña coladas, I thought I’d pay a little tribute. There’s so much to write about Puerto Rico, that it was difficult to narrow it down to favorites. I love this crazy Caribbean island so much!

1. THE PEOPLE (LA GENTE)

When people ask me what brought me to Puerto Rico, I always say the weather and the ocean brought me here. But what gets me to stay are the people.

Puerto Ricans are known worldwide for being some of the most beautiful people in the world, but they are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside.

If you’ve traveled abroad much you may know that natives are not always friendly to tourists. On my travels to Hawaii, for instance, I did not experience the same kind of welcomeness or friendliness.

In Puerto Rico, it is part of the culture for people to go out of their way to help people.

And Puerto Ricans especially love being helpful to tourists –  to share their knowledge about the island and get people where they need to be to find the perfect beach or waterfall.

Also, unlike many of the other Caribbean islands, you won’t find a herd of people trying to get you to buy something from them. Since Puerto Ricans are all U.S. citizens, and the U.S. dollar is the currency, Puerto Ricans live in a similar economy as the rest of the United States. (There are lots of exceptions to this, but when compared to some other Caribbean islands, you can expect to treat Puerto Ricans as equal fiscal consumers and vendors.)

But Puerto Ricans (or Boricuas, as they are known by their Taino Indian name) are not only helpful but also polite and friendly. Do not be surprised if, as you are walking down the street, passersby wish you “Buenos dias” (good morning) or if you sneeze, you hear the wish of good health, “salud” or before eating you are told “Buen provecho!” (bon appetit!)

Puerto Ricans are some of the most open and laid-back people I have ever met. As a “foreigner” here I need to ask for help a lot. I can not ever remember a time needing help and being turned down. If whoever I ask can not help me, they will find someone who can.

I also want to point out that it’s not just the Puerto Ricans here who have made my life fuller, but also my “gringo” friends and people I’ve met from all over the world – Spain, the U.K., Dominican Republic, Columbia and Mexico and beyond – who are the bees knees because a) they want to explore the island as much as I do and b) they are often just as helpful as the Puerto Ricans since they also live abroad and know what it’s like to be a little out of place.

I love the people of Puerto Rico. Besides being super friendly and helpful, they also know how to have a great time.

But if you don’t like people there are also plenty of cats!

2. THE BEACH (LA PLAYA)

Whether you are into surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing, kite surfing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, or simply very good at drinking mojitos in the sand, Puerto Rico will not disappoint. There are very different types of beaches all over the island for whatever adventure you hope to fine. Flamenco Beach in Culebra is often rated among the world’s most beautiful beaches, although getting there should be well-planned in advance!

My favorite thing to do in the world may be snorkeling … something about breathing under the water and seeing this entirely different universe of colors and creatures … it is truly magical!

3. THE MOUNTAINS (LAS MONTAÑAS) 

Puerto Rico is not just about the beaches – the entire center of the island is a big mountain range, known as the Cordillera Central. In addition to the only Tropical Rain Forest on U.S. soil (El Yunque), you will find all kinds of places to see beautiful waterfalls, go canyoning (aka repelling down steep waterfalls), caving, kayaking, climbing, hiking, biking, and whatever else it is you like to do in forests and rivers and mountains.

4. RIVERS / WATERFALLS / CAVES / BAYS / LAGOONS

I love being near water … especially hearing the sound of water. There is something special about the energy of waterfalls – water hitting rocks continuously for centuries – that is so relaxing and peaceful. And actually, this isn’t just my perception – the idea of waterfalls making humans happier is backed by science.

The collision of water molecules generates negative ions in the air, but our bodies absorb the negative ions as positive energy. When we breathe the ions in through the air they flow to our bloodstream, creating serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps increase our energy and makes us happier. Read more about it on WebMD – Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes.

There are so many caves, rivers, and waterfalls to explore on the island that I doubt I will ever see them all. I am not brave enough to try zip-lining or cliff jumping, but you can also find many of these types of adventures and tour guides to take you on them.

If you are looking for a thrilling experience, spend the day rappelling down some of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls at Doña Juana Canyon Adventures.

If you like a more low-key adventure, Condado Lagoon is great for paddle boarding!

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5. FROGS (COQUIS) AND OTHER ENDANGERED AND RARE SPECIES

There is a tiny frog indigenous to Puerto Rico called the Coquí, named for the sweet and short song he sings, “co-key, co-key”. These little frogs make a very loud noise and it is difficult not to hear them.

I live in the middle of the city in San Juan, and coquís put me to sleep every night. I have yet to ever SEE one, as they are very small and like to hide.

Even though it may seem like there is an abundance of coquís on the island, a few breeds are in danger of extinction. Two of them are already extinct – the Coquí Dorado and the Coquí Palmeado. Learn more about the Coquí here.  Or you can watch this video below.

LEATHERBACK TURTLES

In addition to Coquís, there are also Leatherback Turtles that come to the shore and lay eggs. They leave their eggs (usually around 100 eggs) in a deep hole in the sand and then head back to the ocean. The eggs take a few weeks to hatch and when they do, baby turtles have to make their way back to the ocean. They are ADORABLE.

Also an endangered species, several volunteer groups help look out for the turtles and help their hatchlings make it back into the ocean. I was lucky enough to have been with some friends and found some baby turtles breaking free from their shells one evening.

We called the Ocean Park volunteer group’s number and within 20 minutes there were about 15 other people all helping the 50 or so baby turtles start their new life.

Because of light pollution, the turtles are often confused when they hatch and go in the wrong direction. The volunteers help guide the way for them, allowing them to gain the strength they will need to survive in the ocean.

To learn more about other endangered species in Puerto Rico, like the Manatee and the Puerto Rican Amazon Parrot, there is a wonderful PBS Nature show called Viva Puerto Rico that you can stream online.

According to PBS, “There are important conservation efforts underway in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to protect its endangered native wildlife from extinction on land and sea. Once home to ancient rainforests that covered the Caribbean island when Columbus first landed in 1493, centuries of development have impacted Puerto Rico’s rich natural resources. By 1900, only five percent of its rainforests remained, causing a major loss of habitat.”

6. MUSIC AND THE ARTS

Whether I want to see an indie rock show, a live salsa band, a jazz band, or spend the evening at the symphony, San Juan has it going on.

From Opera and classical to Reggae, Bomba & Plena, Merengue, Reggaeton, Trap, Rock, Punk, and even traditional Spanish Flamenco music and dance, you will find your groove.

I have seen first-rate Indian classical music concerts on the island. And an amazing Bon Jovi cover band. Also, Madonna, Enrique Iglesias, Don Omar, and a variety of local indie rock bands and alternative music.

A bonus about the Orquesta Sinfonica de Puerto Rico is that it is not as expensive as it is to see the symphony in any other major U.S. city – $20-$65 versus $100-$500. And they are just as good as any other top-rated symphony, IMHO!

I also have been blessed to see Hamilton the Musical with most of the original cast, including Lin Manuel Miranda himself a Nuyorican. He also brought ‘In the Heights’ to the island and I was able to take my mom to her very first musical, ‘West Side Story’.

Besides music, there is a lively art scene, cuisine, theater, and many, many super-talented people that make life on the island so very intriguing.

7. CITY LIFE (WITH BEACH AND MOUNTAINS)

In San Juan, you have the best of both worlds – beach life and city life and you can be in the mountains within 30 minutes to an hour. It’s perfect!

The city has everything from health food stores and organic grocery stores to urban farmer’s markets, not to mention doctors, dentists, hospitals, etc.

According to World Population View, San Juan has a city population of 418,140 in 2017. That ranks it slightly behind Miami, FL (441,003) and way ahead of Pittsburgh, PA (304,391).

Add to the fact that Puerto Ricans often travel frequently to and fro New York City, they bring back with them a cosmopolitan air. You can see it in fashion, but it is also evident in art, food, music, and theater.

Shopping here is also fantastic (despite that nasty 11.5% tax!) Because San Juan is the “New York City” of the Caribbean, people from the other islands come here to shop, making for a rather high-end experience at both the largest mall, Plaza las Americas, and the Mall of San Juan.

And – not sure if this is good or bad – but there are a plethora of U.S. chain stores and restaurants from Chili’s and Starbucks to Victoria’s Secret and Macy’s, plus a Walgreens or CVS on practically every corner.

Of course, as with any major city, San Juan also has its share of problems in crime and poverty, so it’s not all roses. But living in a city always has its pluses and minuses.

8. EASY TO TRAVEL TO FROM THE U.S. – NO PASSPORT NEEDED!

• U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico.
• The currency is the same; no need to constantly configure currency exchange rates in your head.
• There is no lengthy customs procedure to go through at the airport.
• Cell service works the same as in the U.S., so you will still be able to make phone calls, unlike going to most other countries.
• You can practice your Spanish here, but most people in tourist areas speak English.
• Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan) feels like Europe, but technically, you are still in the U.S.!

9. THE VIBE – TRANQUILO

There is a word in Puerto Rico, you hear quite often — tranquilo. It can be translated literally in English to calm or tranquil, but the equivalent would be more like “chill”.

There is a very relaxed and chill vibe here. I feel it in San Juan, but it is especially felt in the Western beach and surf towns of Rincon, Aguadilla, and Isabela.

Part of this could be because Puerto Rico is home to the Bacardi Rum Factory, but another big part is that the people here really know how to relax and have a good time. Every weekend festivals are happening.

The biggest party of the year is the San Sebastian Festival in Old San Juan around the third week in January.

10. THE FOOD (LA COMIDA)

There would be something seriously wrong with me if I didn’t discuss the food in Puerto Rico. I’ve been asked by a lot of people what the food is like here – is it Mexican, they ask? Nooooo…. it’s not Mexican. They aren’t too many Mexicans in Puerto Rico, so why would there be Mexican food?

If I am forced to describe it, I say it is Caribbean food, with loads of root vegetables and fresh fish, etc. But the truth is, it is difficult to explain because there are so many types of foods here. It is not spicy: more on the salty, sweet, and greasy side of things – in other words: super tasty!

The most famous dish in Puerto Rico is Mofongo which is smashed-up plaintains that can be served as a side dish or as a main entry.

Everywhere in Puerto Rico, you will find kiosks that serve fritters. You can wash them down pretty nicely with a Medalla or Magna (the local beers).

Fresh fruits run rampant – papaya, mangoes, quenepas, and little bananas are my favorites. Wash those down with coconut water and you will be completely refreshed and hydrated.

The breads in Puerto Rico … maybe thanks to the Spanish(?) are amazing. Agua de pan (water bread) is my favorite.

The sweets are also insane. I can never decide between tres leches or flan de coco. And if you see something called a quesito … a cream-cheese filled crossiant — grab it and enjoy it with a cup of Puerto Rican coffee.

Puerto Rico, in my opinion, cultivates the best coffee in the world. When I travel, I take it with me because I can no longer withstand any other type of coffee.

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So I guess these ten reasons are a big part of why I stay here on this lovely island!

To close, watch this music video from the punk band Los Petardos – this song highlights the beautiful, hard-working people of Puerto Rico: