Things to do in Puerto Rico: Photography, Food, Beaches, etc.
Playa Escondida (Escondida Beach), Puerto Rico
I’ve been to Puerto Rico 3 times now. By no means does that make me an expert, and I think most of what I do/have done there can generally be considered “touristy.” That being said, to the casual traveler or person that has never been there, I definitely have a couple recommendations for “things to do in Puerto Rico.” *Our day trip to Rincon and/or Vieques fell through on this trip, so I won’t include them below, but obviously put them on your to do list as well.
Viejo San Juan
El Yunque Rainforest
Luquillo
Playa Escondida
Bonus: 4 Casitas (outside of Cabo Rojo)
Let’s start with Viejo (Old) San Juan.
Not sure why you would go to Puerto Rico without at least spending a day (or half day) in Old San Juan. It’s small enough to literally walk most of in a day, a close drive/Uber from the airport, and is gorgeous. Although I suppose that also makes it one of those influencer wannabe destinations, as the literal rainbow of pastel colored buildings and Spanish influenced architecture and cobblestone streets make it ideal for photography. But yeah, don’t skip it. Depending on how many cruise ships are docked, the streets might be a little crowded, and it’s not a fun parking experience, but the views and food make up for it. I’ll always recommend some quick street food too, as there’s a line of food trucks on the path to Paseo de la Princesa that’s usually good. Plus it connects you with the walk around the fortress.
And again, as far as doing it just to say you did it…pay to go in the fortress! Support the tourism economy (I guess that’s what it does?). There’s definitely some great photo spots inside the fortress (in addition to the free ones outside). And I used to always get Castillo San Felipe del Morro and San Cristobal Castle confused, but after my 3rd time there I finally get it haha. Both are good photo spots though.
The colorful details of Old San Juan
Next on your list should be El Yunque. But first and foremost, make an effort to get there early. I mean I/we do that with all hikes, and El Yunque is no different. The crowds get a bit much, and the trails a bit congested, as the day wears on. Additionally, I would classify most of the hiking in El Yunque as pretty easy. Obviously you can hit every trail and add up some miles, but it’s never really anything that feels strenuous. Taking photos in El Yunque, whether of the birds, plants, trees, atmosphere, etc., is incredible. It is after all, a rainforest. So there’s usually a bit of atmosphere hanging in the air, whether that be clouds at higher elevations, mist, fog, or even some rain. I was able to check off a bucket list item on this trip and get a nice photo of a Bananaquit in El Yunque, which was super cool. I realize that this isn’t the most exotic bird out there or anything special in terms of a wildlife photo…hell maybe they’re as ubiquitous as Robins or Cardinals here in the Northeastern US. But, just to be able to say I did some birding and hiking in El Yunque was a win!
Bananaquit - El Yunque
El Yunque Rainforest (from one of the towers)
The atmosphere in El Yunque Rainforest
Next stop: Luquillo. Great beach town, with lots of nice beaches in/around it. So this is your launch point for El Yunque, Playa Escondida, and the ferries to Vieques and Rincon. As a bonus tip, if you’re in, around, or near Luquillo…check out Simple Food. One of the best meals I’ve had in a while! But more importantly, definitely check out Tacos en la Playa. It’s a small kiosk in the strip of kiosks outside Luquillo. It’s run by a couple of (from what I understand) expats originally from Cali. But none of that really matters. All that matters is the tacos. Can’t remember EVER having better tacos!
As far as Playa Escondida, it’s worth the walk! Honestly the walk isn’t even that bad, not sure what all these nuts are talking about leaving 3 star reviews on Google for a beach. Insanity. Again though, the earlier the better, if you can get there in the morning you can easily spend a half day there with less than a dozen people around you. I also had a lot of fun on this beach just because I got to test out the underwater capabilities of the Action 5 Pro and get some awesome (wildlife?) marine life photos and videos. Crystal clear waters on a nice secluded beach. Sign me up.
Actual photo underwater at Playa Escondida - not from an aquarium haha!
The crystal clear waters of Escondida Beach
Thanks for reading! Check out my Vlog below from my last trip (with even more photography) if you’re interested in traveling to Puerto Rico. I can’t recommend it enough. And you don’t need to be a professional photographer or wildlife photographer or anything like that to enjoy some of these incredible (photographic) destinations. I’m just always seeing things through the lens of photography and filmmaking. Regardless, Puerto Rico is an incredible place, with incredible people, incredible food, and classic island vibes. Cheers!
Things to do in Puerto Rico, a travel Vlog with photography and filmmaking in Old San Juan, El Yunque Rainforest, Playa Escondida.
