5 Ways To Get a Real Feel of Puerto Rico

Although Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it boasts a rich culture and history of its own. Its culture is a strong mix of Spanish, African, and native Caribbean influences.

So, how can you experience this blend to the fullest? Here are five ways to absorb some of these influences and get a "real" feel for Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Travel

1. Try some "criolla" food

The traditional cuisine of Puerto Rico, known as comida criolla, is a blend of Spanish and native Caribbean influences. Most traditional dishes include rice and beans, arroz con habichuelas. Add to this some plantains, and you have a typical daily meal.

For dessert, try the flan, a custard made with flavors such as cheese, coconut, or vanilla. Or the tembleque, a local bread pudding with a coconut flavor.

If you genuinely want to experience the full Puerto Rican experience, visit a lechonera. These casual roadside eateries are mainly located outside the metropolitan area, so a little bit of travel is required, but it's worth it.

They specialize in roasted pork, known as lechon, a must-have at any Puerto Rican holiday dinner. The best lechoneras are in Guavate, just 30 minutes away from San Juan.

2. Take salsa dancing lessons

Salsa dancing, without any doubt, is a big part of Puerto Rican culture. So why not learn the basics? In San Juan, you will find many places that offer free salsa lessons.

Some of these include The Courtyard by Marriott (Thursday at 8 pm), The Latin Roots (every day at 7 pm), Oyster Bar (Sunday at 8 pm), and others.

Now, where to dance? The best places to dance salsa are Rumba in Old San Juan and Nuyorican Cafe, where the band plays till 4 am on the weekends.

If you want to experiment outside the tourist area, head to the bars along Roosevelt Avenue and Avenida Universidad, which are approximately 20 minutes away from Old San Juan.

Most students love hanging out and dancing at El Ocho de Blanco in Avenida Universidad, next to the most prominent college campus on the island. If you think salsa is too complicated for you, try dancing the local reggaeton (made hugely popular by Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, among others).

Don't worry. There's no science to it. Just take a partner, get close to each other, and start rubbing your bodies together in a rhythmic motion. Sorry, I have no better description without going into crass details. But you get the point. Be sensual; that's keeping with the spirit of reggaeton dancing.

3. Explore the different regions

Get out of the metropolitan area. Each part of the island offers a diverse range of attractions, including Puerto Rico boat rentals, ecological adventures, beach retreats, 19th-century cultural displays, and more.

The island is small enough to drive across from east to west in under three hours. Explore the mountainous regions and climb Toro Negro (the tallest point, 4,930 ft. tall).

Visit El Yunque Rainforest and swim in its rivers; locals adore them. Visit the sister islands of Vieques and Culebra. They have some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico, and most of them are secluded.

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4. Look back at its history

Old San Juan has some of the oldest buildings on the island. Walk through its narrow cobblestone streets and feel the solid Spanish Colonial influence, a hallmark of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Four centuries of history are surrounded by the massive fortress walls that once protected this city from foreign invasion.

Visit El Morro and San Cristobal Fort, two dramatic fortresses classified as National Historic Sites.

5. Feel the beat of the night

Without a doubt, the metropolitan area is your place to go if you want to experience the nightlife. There are many ways locals enjoy spending the night, from dancing and playing pool to betting at casinos and simply relaxing at a bar or lounge.

If you're looking for a "chic" night at a lounge, go to Condado. For a great dance club experience, head to Old San Juan and Santurce. And for a good time in a bar, go to Isla Verde.

If you're unsure which one to choose, don't worry; all four counties are located next to each other. You can easily hop from one place to the other and enjoy the night in your preferred way.