{"id":4769,"date":"2022-01-20T12:23:47","date_gmt":"2022-01-20T17:23:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.plateapr.com\/en\/?p=4769"},"modified":"2022-02-11T14:25:10","modified_gmt":"2022-02-11T19:25:10","slug":"budget-friendly-puerto-rico-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.plateapr.com\/en\/travel\/budget-friendly-puerto-rico-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Budget-Friendly Guide to Puerto Rico"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you think a tropical getaway is beyond your budget, think again! A Puerto Rico vacation can cost anywhere from an average of $174 to $250 per day \u2013 and sometimes less depending on the time of year you visit. That average includes a round-trip flight from a major U.S. city, daily meals, local transportation and hotel accommodations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Puerto Rico vacation is also the perfect way to experience the Caribbean without the challenges of international travel. Americans don\u2019t need a passport, English is widely spoken and you don\u2019t need to change currency. Did we mention that it\u2019s super easy to get there<\/a> with many airlines offering daily straight flights to San Juan from major hub cities?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning your visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Snag the best flight deals by visiting from major U.S. airlines during the off-peak season (May-Nov). Right now, you can fly coach for less than $200 from Chicago, Miami, Newark, Raleigh, Dallas, Atlanta and Philadelphia. Another perk to an off-peak season visit? Fewer crowds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Inexpensive accommodations on the island are plentiful for those visiting Puerto Rico on a budget. There are more than 10,000 Airbnb listings on the island for every travel style, budget, and region you wish to visit. You can overnight it for as little as $36 a day. Plus, if your Airbnb comes with a full kitchen, you can save even more by making some of your own meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider a stay at a paradores<\/a>. These small, often family-owned hotels range in size from 7 to 75 rooms. You can book a room for as little as $50 a night. Also, many offer free breakfast or other meals. This perk will save you money and provide a wonderful chance to connect with locals and savor authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love the outdoors? Try camping or glamping in Puerto Rico. Rio Blanco Campground overlooks the El Yunque Mountains. Amenities include bathrooms, showers, gazebos, a campfire area, tables and even hammocks. It\u2019s just $10 per person to camp here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you spend time in Old San Juan, take advantage of the trolley system. It runs daily and is totally free. You can hop on and off at various stops including El Morro and Castillo San Crist\u00f3bal, City Hall, the Capitol Building, Bahia Urbana and others. The island\u2019s metropolitan bus authority is a good bet too. The main bus terminal is located just across from Cruise Ship Pier 4, the pier owned and managed by Carnival Cruise Lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Old San Juan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Take a self-guided historical walking tour of Old San Juan<\/a>. You get a two-for-one deal at San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Crist\u00f3bal. Your $7 (per person) pass gets you into both sites and is good for 24 hours if you want to visit one later. Both sites are part of the National Parks System too. If you already have a national parks pass, they\u2019re free! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other historical landmarks and points of interest that are free include Paseo de la Princesa, Catedral Bas\u00edlica Menor de San Juan Bautista, Casa Blanca Museum and Parque de Palomas (a must <\/em>if you have kids in tow).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also no cost to peruse Old San Juan\u2019s many art galleries and local shops. Since you\u2019re saving money with the tips here, you can treat yourself to a lovely locally-made souvenir, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Puerto Rico is called \u201cThe Island of Enchantment\u201d for good reason. It boasts 434 km (270 miles) of spectacular stretches of sand. Most of the 300 beaches found in Puerto Rico are public too. Some are convenient to local food vendors, offering a cheap and yummy way to refuel. Not sure which beaches to visit? Check out our article \u201c10 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico<\/a>\u201d for inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Beach
Source: Discover Puerto Rico<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

El Yunque<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The El Yunque National Forest is usually free to enter. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the park service regulates the number of park visitors each day. You can reserve your time slot online (for a $2 fee) up to a month in advance. They also release a number of tickets 24 hours in advance, but they disappear quickly. Reserve your ticket at Recreation.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n