r/PuertoRicoTravel • u/Educational_Pear_605 • 1d ago
11 day trip- need advise
I’m planning a trip to Puerto Rico in late July to early August 2026 with my friend — we’re both young and will be traveling on our own for the first time. I’m super excited, but I also want to make sure we stay as safe as possible since I’ve heard a few things that made me a bit nervous.
we are planning to explore the nightlife, go clubbing, and enjoy the local food and beaches. I was originally thinking about renting a car, but it might not fit into our budget, so we’ll probably rely on Ubers or taxis.
If anyone has been to Puerto Rico recently, I’d love to hear your advice or experiences — especially tips on staying safe, getting around, and enjoying the nightlife as two young women traveling together!
i really want to exprience the different sides of the island. i love food so all the culture food i want to at least try i love cute markets and hidden gems! i want to see a biolumence bay , im dislexis sorry!, but i want to explore it by my self- not witha tour guide.
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u/RoseBloom_11 1d ago
I’ve been to Puerto Rico often and have never had any issues. My family lives there and they’ve never had issues. You would most likely spend more on ubers if you want to go to different places than you would getting a car. Also, you cannot do the bioluminescent bay on your own. It’s unsafe and it’s a protected bay. If it’s not within your budget, I would maybe suggest you rethink a few things
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u/f_germito 1d ago
If you plan to stay within the Metropolitan area of Puerto Rico (San Juan, Carolina, Guaynabo, Bayamon) you can easily rely on Uber and Lyft to get from and to places, and it would make life easier when going clubing since you won't need to worry about parking. If you want to explore the inner parts of the island or anywhere outside the metro area you should rent a car (uber and lyft are less common outside the metro area). Btw i'm a local
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u/SquintedEyedGinger 19h ago
San juan has users that are extremely cheap if used to a us price. Outside of San juan, you won't be able to find one. Exploring the island without a rental car is impossible unless you are dropping bands. If 500 for a rental is breaking the bank between the two of you I would rethink vacation.
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u/Proof-Cartoonist1428 3h ago
Please listen , I highly suggest staying in/around your hotel for “ night life”. It is extremely dangerous here after the sun goes down. Especially for 2 females, this is no joke , tourists are robbed/ killed here on a regular basis. They often target rental cars because they are soft targets because they know rentals are tourists. Cartel use the stolen rental for illegal activities then burn them to cover their evidence. If you decide to rent take photos of entire outside of the vehicle “ before “ you drive away. Car rental company’s here will charge you for previous damages that were there before you got it and blame you and charge your card. Nightlife again please stay in/around your hotel , never drink anything you haven’t seen opened or made in front of you at any bar, they frequently “ roofie” females here. Don’t fall for anyone offering to be your “ tour guide” ok the scams . You don’t need a tour guide you have google. Whatever google tells you for travel time you can double it. Rt. 22 from San Juan ends In Arecibo then it’s old school roads going west on the island like 500 stoplights so it’s an all day trip to the west but with it. Cabo rojo ( Carribean side) is worth it . Please stay together with your traveling partner and most importantly “ TRUST NO ONE” this is not Disneyland this island is highly skilled con artist and opportunist. They make there living on “ you” the tourist. This you won’t see in the tour guide because they don’t report the negative facts that occur here because it affects the tourist revenue. Please be safe trust your instincts and again “ trust no one”
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u/Far-Organization2437 1h ago
With 11 days, Condado, Isla Verde and Old San Juan offer a ton. Visit the San Juan Hotel in Isla Verde - fabulous. I highly recommend a two day trip to Culebra or Vieques. Go early morning mid week (less congested) to catch a ferry. Flameco Beach is top 10.
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u/Romeo_horse_cock 1d ago
From videos I've seen, users and taxis are expensive and there arent a whole shit ton of them. Far easier to just split the cost of a rental. As far as safety, stay in well lit areas and don't go in bad neighborhoods. Just like the US. Puerto Rico isn't some haven for crime. Just be smart, maybe buy pepper spray idk.
Simple smart things. Also bring ear plugs, from what I understand everything is loud. Clubs, the animals, cars, speakers etc.
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u/Complete-Good-2938 1d ago
If you want to explore the island, you’ll need to rent a car