Travel and Accommodations to Puerto Rico
Important Note:
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U.S. Citizens: Don’t need a passport to enter Puerto Rico, but must provide valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license (real ID) or state-issued ID. You won’t have to go through customs or deal with lengthy immigration lines. You also don’t need to obtain any special visas or permits to enter Puerto Rico.
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Non-US Citizens: Puerto Rico is a territory of the USA and follows federal regulations. First, check if your country requires a visa to enter Puerto Rico. If you’re from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you may be eligible for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) instead. You must apply for an ESTA online at least 72 hours before your flight. If your country isn’t part of the VWP, you must apply for a non-immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Puerto Rico.
Everyone returning to the USA (or their country of origin) from Puerto Rico must first pass their luggage through a machine (inspection process). This inspection will be performed by officials of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), located at the entrance of all the terminals through the airport. Plan for additional time for this process.
San Juan has a Tren Urbano (Urban Train/Subway) which provides public transportation from Santurce to the University of Puerto Rico. The Universidad stop is a 10-15 minutes walk (inside the university campus) to the Beatriz La Salle School of Social Work where the symposium will be held. Hotel’s and Airbnb’s located along the Tren Urbano stops between Sagrado Corazon and Universidad are recommended.
Lodging
Many travelers look for apartments, condos, or homes on AIRBNB & Vrbo for lodging accommodations in the following areas:
- Isla Verde Beach: Many apartments/condos have front beach balconies and are walking distance to the beach. Example: Marbella del Caribe building (steps from Isla Verde Beach) -15 minutes Uber ride to the Symposium site. There are restaurants within walking distance as well as Farmacia Caridad, Walgreens, SuperMax supermarket (Isla Verde) & Pueblo Supermarket.
- Isla Verde, Carolina: Apartments in this area may not have ocean views but are still walking distance or short car rides to the beach.
- Ocean Park: Apartments are walking distance to Ocean Park beach & El Ultimo Trolley beach. Restaurants, pharmacy & supermarkets in walking distance.
- Condado Beach area: Apartments near Condado Beach (wavy beach). Apartments may not be right in front of the beach but walking distance. This is closer to the Condado Hotels tourist area.
- Santurce area. Closer to the University of Puerto Rico, Symposium site. Some apartments are very nice, others more simple or geared to the student's residence area. Look at the descriptions & reviews. Some are walking distance to restaurants and 10 minutes Uber ride to the beach and the symposium site.
Local Hotels
Restaurants
- Bebo’s Cafe (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Abracadabra: Local organic products, vegetarian-gluten free options. Puerto Rican coffee, local craft beers and local artisan wine. Free WIFI. Address: 1661 Ave Ponce de Leon, Santurce, San Juan, PR 00909
- Bistro Cafe in Isla Verde
- 787 Coffee - Ave Ponce de Leon, Santurce & Isla Verde Avenue locations
- Lote 23 Saturce
- Kasalta Bakery (breakfast, Puerto Rican lunch and dinner plates available)
- Panadería España (Amazing bakery that also offers cooked breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Metropol Restaurant (Puerto Rican and Cuban food) located in Distrito T-Mobil Centro de Convenciones and also at Isla Verde Avenue.
- Vianda - Vianda Vianda serves a small, constantly evolving, farm-to-table menu, local ingredients and products. Located on 1413 Avenida Ponce de León, Santurce
- El Churry Food Truck, Isla Verde - Sandwiches
- La Placita de Santurce - Thursday and Friday nights at La Placita, it is full of bars and restaurants around the plaza and many people are out on the street socializing, dancing, drinking, and having a good time. Every first and third Thursday of each month they have live music on the street.
There are also sit down restaurants near La Placita:
- Asere – Puerto Rican and Cuban hip restaurant with indoor and outdoor tables. Bar on the 2nd floor. 180 Calle Dos Hermanos, Santurce, PR
- Chicharron -This restaurant has indoor and outdoor tables with a great view of the Santurce Placita at night.
- El Pescador: Spanish restaurant with great paellas, indoor & outdoor tables.
- Santaella - High end restaurant with spectacular food
Old San Juan Restaurants
Exoloring
- El Morro Castle Fort
- Casa Blanca - Small museum near El Morrro
- San Cristobal Fort
- San Juan Cathedral
- Paseo La Princesa walk near San Juan Bay - walk and see Local artists with arts and crafts from Thursday to Sunday.
- Museo de las Americas in Cuartel Ballajá (near El Morro Fort)
- Puerto Rico Arts & Crafts Store - Local Puerto Rican artists - hand made arts and crafts. Located at 204 Calle Fortaleza, San Juan.
- Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (Art Museum -10 minutes from Symposium site) - 299 Avenida de Diego, Santurce, Puerto Rico
Beaches
- Isla Verde Beach
- Ocean Park Beach
- Escambon San Juan Beach
- Balneario de Carolina (close to Isla Verde, it has parking and bathrooms
- Balneario de Luquillo (near to El Yunque Rain Forest, it has parking area)
Attractions
Fajardo Snorkeling and scuba diving options in boats or Catamaran:
- The Spread Eagle II
- East Wind - Water slide for children on the boat. They stop in Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico
- Casa del Mar
- Cueva Ventana (Window Caves walking tour) in the town of Arecibo. Puerto Rico. Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes from San Juan. People can get an Uber (Uber Van) and go on their own. The Caves offer their own tour guides and it is $29 per person. It takes 45 minutes to 90 minutes to do the tour. Flash lights and helmets are provided.
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