If you’re searching for a stunning getaway that feels like an international escape, look no further than Puerto Rico!
Here’s a detailed account of a 3-day vacation in Puerto Rico, perfect for anyone planning a trip to this amazing ‘U.S. territory’.
Introducing Metziahs Travel! We are thrilled to unveil our new feature dedicated to showcasing cities that are perfect for Jewish families seeking kosher and practical travel options.
From vibrant neighborhoods to family-friendly activities, we’ll highlight destinations that cater to your needs while offering a rich cultural experience. Join us on this journey to discover the best places for your next family adventure!
One of the biggest perks of visiting Puerto Rico is that, as a U.S. territory, you can travel there without a passport! This makes it super convenient for families, spontaneous travelers, or anyone looking for a quick escape. Plus, flights are cheaper and shorter than heading to many other tropical destinations.
Day 1: Arriving in San Juan, Puerto Rico
We touched down at San Juan Airport, ready for our Puerto Rican getaway! Renting a car here is incredibly affordable and, since Puerto Rico is part of the U.S., the process is super straightforward. Our first stop was a nearby Walmart to stock up on some essentials and snacks, especially since kosher dining options are just about non-existent, other than Chabad with some pricier limited options. We had brought along a Betty Crocker, so we just needed some snacks and basic groceries.
Did you know: Puerto Rican residents do not pay federal income tax on income earned in Puerto Rico?
If you want to get a minyan, there is 1 option… You guessed it! Chabad is located in Isla Verde, just a short 10-minute drive from the airport. Chabad has a stunning shul, complete with a daily Minyan and a Mikvah.
Now, let me tell you about the Walmart experience! After picking up our items, we faced a long line at the checkout. After checkout, there was a massive 30-minute line waiting to use the elevator to bring the carts down to the parking areas.
Meanwhile, the men went to get the car, took a wrong turn, and ended up a minute away on a block of half-cut cars with wild dogs roaming…Eventually, we regrouped, carting our sleepy son along with us.
After our Walmart adventure, we set off to the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Puerto Rico. As we made our way to the hotel, we passed by some stray dogs wandering the streets. Welcome to Puerto Rico!
We chose the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve for its amazing amenities, which included several pools, a beachfront location, sports, and family-friendly suites. The lobbies were absolutely beautiful, featuring beautiful ponds and waterfalls. The concierge service was exceptional too! Whenever we needed a ride around the resort, we just texted our “rep,” who would arrive in a golf cart to take us wherever we needed to go.
Since we visited Sukkos time, which is considered the off-season, the hotel was far from crowded—less than 50 out of their 550+ rooms were occupied.
If you’re savvy with points, transferring from Chase to World of Hyatt is the way to go, requiring only 20,000 points per night. Considering that room rates can soar to $500 a night, utilizing points feels like a true steal!
We unpacked and put our food and items away…
Then went to check out the resort!
They also offer ‘villas’ with spacious rooms that include kitchens, with prices varying by season—up to $1,300 a night! We were lucky enough to snag a premier villa with 1,050 square feet for just an additional $200 a night on top of our 20,000 points! To achieve that, simply call the hotel directly (not the 1-800 number), be extra polite, and work your magic!
Day 2: Visited Castillo San Felipe del Morro & Old San Juan
On Day 2, we visited Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a historic fortress located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Tickets are $10.) This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 16th century to protect the city from invaders and is an impressive example of the Spanish military. It’s fascinating not only for its history but also for its stunning panoramic views of the ocean and the city! Discover the reasons behind the U.S. ‘acquisition’ of Puerto Rico and much more!
Be prepared for the heat! Travel light and bring plenty of cold water as there is lots of walking involved.
We recommend setting aside about two hours for your visit to fully explore the grounds and enjoy the breathtaking views!
Pro Tip: Inside some of the indoor display areas, there are some monster-sized fans. Take a seat and thank us later!
After exploring the fort, we headed over to Old San Juan, which was just a stone’s throw away. The charming old streets are lined with hundreds of shops where you can find cool souvenirs and experience the Puerto Rican atmosphere. There’s a random taxi service that offers free rides around the area as well!
We gave a few dollars to a street vendor to hold some parrots while soaking up the vibrant Puerto Rican culture. Just a heads-up: be prepared for plenty of walking.
Pro tip: If you plan on getting a ‘photo op with the parrots’, you may want to remove your earrings.
After a long day of touring, we returned to our hotel and, of course, jumped right into the pool for a relaxing poolside supper.
DAY 3: El Yunque National Rain Forest
Our final full day was spent exploring the El Yunque National Rain Forest! The drive from the hotel takes only 15-20 minutes, and there’s no entrance fee, with security at the entrance for peace of mind. This jungle features hundreds of kinds of trees, breathtaking waterfalls, and stunning views.
We chose simpler trails, following other tour buses and relying on their guides’ knowledge. Just driving through the forest felt like an adventure, and we parked at 2 or 3 locations to explore further. The flowers, insects, and rain clouds were truly magnificent. It’s an absolute must-see!
We also climbed the Yokahu Observation Tower, which is along the rain forest route you will be driving on, hustling up about 7 flights of stairs for panoramic views of the rainforest and the ocean. At the top, we had some snacks we brought along.
Pro Tip: Rainforests are stunning but best left untouched! One person in our group attempted to break a 20-foot bamboo stick in half and ended up slicing through four fingers.
Thankfully, stitches weren’t needed, but there was quite a bit of blood. Luckily, someone in our group had a lot of band-aids, which helped stop the bleeding! We now only travel with a first aid kit. Amazon has some from $6.99!
Did you know? El Yunque National Rain Forest receives an annual rainfall of about 120-240 inches, making it one of the wettest places in the Caribbean.
We returned to our hotel, then headed out again at night to visit the bioluminescent bays, where some fascinating jellyfish illuminate the water with a stunning blue glow. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see anything from the shore; you need to take a boat to truly experience this incredible natural phenomenon. The boat ride is over an hour into complete darkness, which didn’t seem like the best idea with younger kids—it’s definitely on my bucket list, though! Just remember, this spectacle can only be seen during specific times, and it’s visible for about 2.5 weeks each month when the moon is smaller.
The next day we swam, packed up, and headed home!
FINAL POINTERS AND TIPS:
- Seasons: June-November is officially Hurricane season. So as long as there are no Hurricanes on the horizon, you will get a much quieter, and better-priced trip.
- Sun Protection: The sun is very intense. Be sure to apply sunscreen liberally to protect against strong UV rays!
- Jew safety: It does not seem they know or care about Jews.
- Safety Precautions: Tourist areas are safe. However, it is strongly recommended not to just go and ‘check out’ random areas since some areas are pretty poor and ‘rough’ for lack of a better description…
- Food: Bring some main dishes with you unless you want to order from Chabad.
- Flights: You should be able to get flights for a little over $200 from Newark or JFK and below $200 if you fly Frontier or Spirit. (They also fly out of PHL)
- For Shabbos in Puerto Rico, you can stay near Chabad, there are some hotels within walking distance and you can eat at Chabad. Their site has all the info. As of now, there appear to be no other ‘Jewish options.’
- Mosquitos: There are many mosquitos called ‘No-see-ums’ which are hard to see and bites can appear after a few days. Just use OFF spray and relax.
- Driving: While it’s generally safe and fairly easy during the day, driving at night outside the main areas can be a little challenging due to limited lighting and unclear road markings. Add some rain to the mix, and it can become a little interesting!
Conclusion
Our trip to Puerto Rico was a wonderful tropical getaway. It’s an absolutely beautiful island and a very affordable destination. While we stayed at a nice resort, there are countless options to suit any budget. Overall, it was an awesome 3-day trip!
We just wrapped up an exciting trip to Puerto Rico, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on our recap! Comment below! What city should we explore next? Whether it’s a favorite destination or a hidden gem, your suggestions are invaluable to us! Please comment below! To reach our travel team, click HERE
Additionally, if you represent a business or organization in a city that wants to shine, or are an avid traveler, we’d love to collaborate! We’re keen on discovering unique destinations and showcasing what makes them special. Contact us HERE
There is now an Israeli restaurant in town under Chana’s supervision
@joe, can you share more info? Thank you!
Cool! Never knew you could go without a visa, never knew Puerto Rico is even on the table. Great article! I love the nuances like the indoor fans, betty cracker, and all the hacks you shared, covering every aspect of the trip. This is a true travel guide for kosher families. Thanks!
@YEHUDA Of course! Thank you for the feedback!