- Headed to Puerto Rico for the first time
and don't know how to explore it in all it's glory?
Well don't stress, Thrillist has got your back.
This is what to know before you go,
presented by your friends at Expedia.
Puerto Rico edition.
First things first, you're going to have to get there.
The island has two major airports,
a quick two and a half hours from Miami,
is Luis Munoz Marin
International Airport near San Juan.
Or fly to Rafael Hernandez International Airport
for easy access to the islands' many surf towns.
Once you land, there a ton of different
options to getting around and exploring.
But renting a car is your best bet.
Driving in Puerto Rico can be intimidating,
but it's the quickest and best way to explore
all that the island has to offer.
Here's a pro tip:
Be sure to spring for a sturdier car,
namely so you can tackle some of the rougher
country roads and get off the beaten path.
Speaking of venturing off the beaten path,
you have got to see the El Yunque Rainforest.
Located high in the Sierra de Luquillo Mountains.
It's one of the very few tropical rainforests in the U.S.
You can also zip line over the jungle
at Toro Verde Adventure Park,
which is said to have the longest
zip line in the world, clocking in
at an impressive 8,300 feet.
Which is the equivalent of the length
of 28 football fields.
Still seeking an adrenaline rush?
Hit up Domes Beach in Rincon.
One of the islands most famous surf spots,
located right between a lighthouse
and an inactive nuclear reactor.
Now these are some of the most powerful
waves you'll encounter, so it's for
experiences surfers only, and no children.
Okay, but what if you want to learn?
Don't worry.
Rincon Surf School is right off of Sandy Beach,
offering group and solo lessons for all levels.
And speaking of the ocean, the soft white sand
beaches of Culebra are calling.
Just 18 miles east of Puerto Rico.
Take a day trip with a boat tour,
and go scuba diving in Flamenco Beach.
Just nearby is Tamarindo Beach.
Another beautiful spot for
snorkeling and turquoise waters.
Post-beach, grab a drink and relax at El Bohio.
A great little bar that you don't wanna miss.
Perfect for people watching and grabbing
the official drink of Puerto Rico,
the infamous pina colada.
This icy, coconut, rum-blended drink
is essentially a delicious island milkshake,
and can be found in many places across Puerto Rico.
But the birthplace is said to be
Barranchina or the Caribe Hotel.
Both in San Juan and both taking credit for it.
That said, be sure to try one of each, and you decide.
Looking for even more Puerto Rican fare?
Hit up the lechoneras in Guavate.
Or as many people call them The Pork Highway.
Lechoneras are outdoor restaurants that
specialize in seasoned whole pig,
slow roasted over an open fire.
The entire stretch of highway is lined with lechoneras.
And you'll wanna get there early, like before noon.
Find parking or pay for the lot,
and then get in line for some pork.
Massive plates of the piping hot swine
run for just eight to ten dollars.
Looking for more deals?
A great way to get around the island is by bus.
Operated by Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses,
this is the most popular forms of transportation
in Puerto Rico.
So if you wanna get around easily and cheaply,
take the bus for a mere 75 cents each way, fixed rate.
Some other must see spots are the colorful
streets of Old San Juan.
And we mean really old.
Old San Juan is one of the oldest cities
in the western hemisphere.
An area that was originally settled by the Spanish,
this is where you can see the Colonial influences
from the cobblestone streets to the
pastel colored buildings.
You could a take a guided walking tour,
or explore it on your own.
And don't miss Castillo San Cristobal.
This fort was the largest fortress built
by the Spanish to protect their colony.
It stretches over six stories and across 27 acres of land.
And the views of the Atlantic are truly epic.
So whatever adventure you choose, you're sure
to find amazing views, beautiful beaches,
and dishes that your taste buds will never forget.
Now, all that's left to do is go.
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Thanks for watching 'What to Know Before You Go',
Puerto Rico, presented by Expedia.
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travel tips, and hit us up in the comments
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