Is it difficult to drive in Puerto Rico?

Question

We're from a small town in the US and were wondering if we should rent a car in San Juan. We've heard driving is a night mare. Is it true? What are some sights we can visit? I have 3 kids- 6,3 and 2 yrs old. Thanks.

Answer 1

Nena gave great advice. Dorado is beautiful and quieter than San Juan-it was one of my favorite beach spots in the Metro area. It's also just 20 minutes to San Juan from there, too.
I would definetely recommend renting a car because there is SO MUCH to see. Definetely get a map, and definetely study it in advance. Not all roads are marked the way they should be, but if you stop and ask, people will give you directions. It's VERY normal to ask for directions in PR, even for the locals! :) Most Puertorricans speak English fluently, so you shouldn't have a problem. If you don't understand the directions you were given, ask a second person. Yes, it's easy to get lost, but it's easy to get back on track-the island and towns are so small, you get your bearings pretty quickly. Like I said in another post-I loved driving around and discovering new places. Your kids can help by watching out for road signs and helping to remember places. It's fun, believe me! :)
As for the driving itself - you might find it an adventure if you come from a small quiet town, but it's not as bad as you might think. Have you ever driven in Miami? It's similar. Not as bad as New York, though, by far. Just stay within the speed limit (or a little under), obey lights and signs, and don't expect anyone else to-just keep your eyes open. If you do your part, you'll be fine. You'll always get some maniac that will be driving down the highway at 90 miles per hour, like you would anywhere else, but there's a lot more cars on the streets in PR, so most people do tend to drive slower in general than they do here in the States. People just can't drive that fast over there because of lack of room.
There are a LOT of places to visit: Old San Juan, El Morro (the Spanish fort. It's IMPRESSIVE, and it's been preserved from the 1600's. Take your kids to the castle grounds to fly kites! Almost every Puertorrican who lives in the Metro area flew kites at El Morro as a kid. They sell them right there for about $6) Isla Verde's beaches, and El Yunque Rainforest. If you really want to drive, go to the Fajardo lighthouse (about 1 hour away), to Mar Chiquita in Manatee (it's the most beautiful cove. It's a local's beach, but gorgeous. It's great snorkeling for the kids! Look it up in Google), visit Rincon's beaches and, if possible, stay there a couple nights-it's a beautiful beach town with a Hawaii feel to it. Go to Ponce and see a whole preserved Spanish city and take a ride in one of the horse-drawn sulky carts. Visit Porta Coeli in San German-it was the first church in the New World, and it's still standing. Stop at the beaches along the way-they are all beautiful! :)
You can find great info on places to visit, along with maps, at the link below.
Have fun! :D

Answer 2

I moved to PR from a smaaalllllll town in Ohio and I would not recommend driving in PR. The streets are very complicated and congested. I would suggest trying different tour companies that can offer tours of the different sights. If you are going to be staying just in the San Juan area, much of the attractions can be walked to. If you are going other places, get suggestions for the kids. Most of puerto rico is very kid friendly and everyone takes thier children just about everywhere with them. We are very family-oriented. Be careful with the city beggars and don't give them money. I would go definately to see El Yunque but beware if you are not going on a tour bus, there is alot of walking which may not be good for the little kids. Also, don't judge PR only on San Juan, the real deal in more inland (like where I live) in the smaller towns. If you need more info. let me know I would be more than happy to help, I have two younger kids also so I know what it is like!

Answer 3

I definitely recomend renting a renting a car! Its always scary to drive somewhere you have never driven before, but it is fine. In the city, it is like any other city, in the rural parts its a little different. They have very long windy roads w/ no intersections & stop lights for a long ways. But there are stop lights at the intersections. It is easy to get used to though. Also if you have a map of the highways you will be fine. Its less highways & less confusing to follow than the states- straighter paths. I rented a car from a place called Thrify near the airport. I suggest putting insurance on it. but first call the credit card company & see if they give free insurance for using the card, mine did- Visa.
There is so much to see if you drive. Of course you will probably be in San Juan to start & that is beautiful, spend a day walking & see the Morro(old fort). But then venture off & see El Yunque rain forest, Biolumenecent Bay & Camuy Caves. There is the Arecibo Observatory(COntact Movie filmed there) it is a big telescope. There are so many beaches & beautiful local towns, inland w/ great mountain views. You can see the architecture in Ponce. Surfers in Rincon. So much to do! ENjoy!!
Also if you do rent a car, I suggest to stay in Dorado, at the Embassy Suites. It is less than $200 a night for a suite w/ a balcony &private beach. It is beautiful, quiet & cheaper than San Juan. It is about 30 minutes away & better.

Hope this helps!!

www.gototpuertorico.com

http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=DORPRES

www.orbitz.com

Answer 4

It's not difficult to drive in PR. You just have to be cautious and use common sense. PR drivers are very aggressive and traffic is a nightmare (2.8 million cars for 3.5 million people so nearly everyone in PR has a car). You have to think strategically and defensively. Try to avoid Hwy 3 during the AM and PM rush hours. Your best bet would be Rte. 26 and 187 to get around. PR is a firm believer in pedestrian have the right of way as people will walk right out into oncoming traffic to cross the street. It is no worse than any big city driving/traffic-wise and as with driving anywhere, drive defensively and use common sense.
As for places to take the kids- El Morro, San Cristobal (they will love these forts especially San Cristobal with the hidden passageways), El Yunque Rainforest, Camuy Caves, and the Lighthouse and Telescope in Arecibo. There is also an amusement park (I forget where I lost the brochure I had but you can get it at the rental office or hotel desk) that they would love. And definitely take them to Luis Munoz Marin Park.
Have fun

Answer 5

My best advice is to always drive defensively. Keep looking to your back and to your sides, people like to cut you and they drive too aggressive. When you live there, you develop this kind of immediate reaction, that I don't see in people here in the States. I used to live in a small town in Oregon and at the beginning I was frustrated.

The signals are not always right and if you ask somebody they will tell you something like if you reach the Santana Bakery you already passed. So, get a map, use Map quest or Microsoft Streets. Definitely you need to rent a car, public transportation is almost nonexistent.

In San Juan, traffic can be crazy, leave early and always, always, always drive defensively. Don't think because the light is green, you can pass, people think that yellow means hurry up that the red light will catch you.

About sights you can visit, just go to www.gotopuertorico.com
Old San Juan is one of the main tourist destinations.

Answer 6

It's hard to drive in most of the places, but in San Juan isn't that bad,well compared to other places in PR.......

Answer 7

Not nearly as difficult as driving TO Puerto Rico.

Answer 8

Nena is very right. There is a lot of traffick and people tend to be very agresive drivers. Other than that is the same as any other city. Enjoy your trip.

Answer 9

Well is like driving at New York, LA or Miami...