Puerto Rico on a Budget | How to Stay, Eat, and Travel Cheaply

👉 Jump to: Budget Tips | Free and Cheap Things to Do | Where to Stay | Cheap Eats | FAQ

While it can be challenging, exploring Puerto Rico on a budget is absolutely possible.

Sure, it’s not as cheap as some other destinations in Latin America—but as a local, I can confidently say you can experience the best of Puerto Rico for less than you’ve probably spent shopping online this year.

All you need is a local’s insight, and in this article, I’ll share with you my top tips to make it happen. If you’re still looking for more money-saving advice after reading, don’t miss my epic Puerto Rico ebook!

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9 Tips to Do Puerto Rico on a Budget

I have an entire article laying out dozens of my best tips for Puerto Rico, but here are 6 of them that will specifically help you to do Puerto Rico on a budget:

Stay in an Apartment Rental

Most hotels in Puerto Rico cost over $150 per night, which can quickly drain your travel budget. That’s why many budget travelers prefer Airbnbs vs hotels. 

While apartment rentals aren’t always significantly cheaper, especially since prices have risen in recent years, they’re often a more cost-effective option. In some cases, you could pay up to $200 less per night compared to a hotel.

If you’re traveling with others, splitting the rental cost makes it even more affordable. In short, you have more rooms, space, and privacy for less.

You can also consider options like VRBOs, hostels, or paradores—small, locally owned inns that offer a charming Caribbean vibe.

Eat Where The Locals Eat

Enjoy local cuisine without draining your wallet by eating where the locals go. Look for chinchorros (small food kiosks), Chicken BBQ spots, and local bakeries, one of my favorite options, especially if you love sandwiches.

Above all, step outside the tourist zones (like Condado, Old San Juan, and Santurce) to find affordable restaurants.

However, let me give you a fair warning: you might need to overlook appearances. Chinchorros aren’t always the prettiest spots, but they often serve the most authentic, budget-friendly meals. I’ll share some of my favorite cheap local eats later in this post.

Rent a Car

Renting a car might sound like a crazy tip to keep a budget, but taxis in Puerto Rico can be pricey, especially if you’re traveling long distances. Public transportation, on the other hand, isn’t too reliable.

Getting your own car rental is cheaper than paying for tours or shuttles, and driving a car in Puerto Rico is super easy if you’re used to driving in the USA.

To find the best price on a rental, use a search engine like Discover Cars. As I mentioned in my guide to Puerto Rico car rentals, Discover Cars is great because they let you compare prices and agency reviews on one page.

Make Your Own Food

Food can quickly drain your budget, especially if you’re traveling with children or you’re staying in Puerto Rico for a longer time.

Book a place with a kitchen so you can prepare some of your meals and snacks. You’ll find everything you need in local groceries, from bread to pasta.

Walk as Much as You Can

Although few cities in Puerto Rico are as walkable as San Juan, most downtown areas are easy to explore on foot.

If you’re staying within Old San Juan or another town center, you can save a lot by walking instead of taking taxis. Alternatively, you can rent bikes or scooters! 

Some of the most pedestrian-friendly places to stay in Puerto Rico include Ponce, Rincón, Guayama, and Aguadilla.

Be sure to check out my guide comparing San Juan and Ponce to help you decide which one is the better fit for your trip.

Travel Off-Season

While winter is the driest season to visit Puerto Rico, it’s not the most budget-friendly time to travel. It’s considered high season for tourism, which means flights, hotels, and car rentals are all more expensive.

Instead, I recommend visiting during the low season, from late August to early November.

Since this period falls within the hurricane season in Puerto Rico, you’ll often find flights for as low as $60 round-trip from some US destinations. 

If you do choose to travel during this time, make sure to get travel insurance.

👉 Pro Tip: Use Google Flights to check airfare prices, and wait 6 to 1 month before your trip to find cheaper flights.

Drop the Tours

I get that many people feel safer with a tour guide—and that’s great if you have the cash to spare. And to be fair, some of the best tours in Puerto Rico include experiences you can’t do for free or on your own.

But if you’re on a budget, taking tours will empty your wallet fast. Many places visited on tours, like El Yunque, are free or inexpensive to visit independently

It takes a bit more effort, but researching and mapping your own routes can save you a lot of money. If you need help, check out my guide to the top places to see in Puerto Rico.

Keep reading to discover some of my favorite free and affordable things to do in Puerto Rico on your own.

Travel with Someone

You can double the fun and lower your trip costs if you plan to share your Puerto Rico itinerary with a friend.

One of the most universal tips for traveling on a budget is to travel with a friend or a group of people. You can save by sharing hotel and transportation expenses.

Traveling with your family instead? Be sure to read my guide to planning a Puerto Rico family vacation.

Volunteer or Do Work-Exchange

One of the biggest expenses when visiting Puerto Rico is accommodation, whether you’re staying at a hotel or an apartment rental. A great way to cut down on that cost is by volunteering or doing a work exchange in return for free lodging.

Platforms like Worldpackers make it easy to find work-exchange and volunteering opportunities across Puerto Rico. Options range from cleaning at hostels to helping out on farms in the mountainous region.

I’ve personally used Worldpackers on previous trips and loved how much it helped me save on accommodation. Check out my review of Worldpackers to learn more about the experience.

9 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Puerto Rico

I’ve got a longer list of 17 free things to do in Puerto Rico, and an even longer guide to nearly 72 fun things to do around Puerto Rico, but here are 6 of my favorite activities if you’re specifically looking for free and cheap stuff to do:

Old San Juan

📍 Google Maps 

Exploring the historical cobblestone streets of Old San Juan comes with plenty of free and cheap attractions. Exploring the old city itself comes with plenty of photo ops in the historical San Juan landmarks.

Visiting Carcel de la Princesa, the San Juan Museum, and La Fortaleza, and El Morro Esplanade is free. 

Some of the best streets to visit in Old San Juan include Calle Fortaleza, Calle del Cristo, and Calle San Sebastian.

El Yunque National Forest

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 888-1880 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free

El Yunque National Forest is located just an hour away from San Juan. It’s the only one of its kind in the US National Forest System and is home to great waterfalls and exciting hikes for outdoor lovers.

See my guide to visiting El Yunque for practical tips and info. Although you don’t need a reservation, expect a long queue to enter the La Coca Recreational Area on PR-191 as parking is limited.

As an alternative in the rainforest, you can check out Puente Roto and the Río Sabana Recreation Area.For more hiking options around the island, be sure to see my list of the top Puerto Rico hikes.

Guánica State Forest

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 821-5706  | Hours: 8:30 am – 3 pm Tue-Sun; closed Mon | Entrance: Free

One of my favorite outdoor adventures in Puerto Rico, the Guánica State Forest, is your best alternative if you’ve already been to El Yunque. 

Located on Puerto Rico’s south coast, the forest extends between five different municipalities, making it the largest state forest in Puerto Rico.

You’ll find numerous hiking trails throughout this United Nations Biosphere Reserve, but some of the most popular are the Lluberas and Fuerte trails. This last one leads to Fuerte Caprón, a small fortress with a great view of Guánica Bay.

Just remember to bring plenty of water when visiting, as it gets hot!

La Soplaera Waterfall

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

If you dislike sand, then head over to one of the many waterfalls Puerto Rico offers.

While you’ll need to pay a parking or entrance fee to some of them, you’ll find that many Puerto Rico waterfalls are free to access, though some might need some hiking to get to.

La Soplaera Waterfall in Peñuelas is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve been to, and it’s completely free to access. 

The drive to get there is a bit curvy, and you’ll have to balance over concrete paths to get to the waterfall, but in exchange, you’ll often have the waterfall for yourself. 

Keep in mind the area is prone to flash floods, so always check the weather before visiting.

Other free waterfalls alternatives are La Coca and Juan Diego in El Yunque, La Planta in Arecibo, and Los Pilones waterfall in Canóvanas.

Plaza las Delicias

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Touring through the plazas is one of the best attractions in Puerto Rico for history and architecture enthusiasts. One of the best ones out there is Plaza Las Delicias in Ponce.

This iconic plaza is known for housing Parque de Bombas, the oldest firehouse in Puerto Rico. You’ll also find the Fuente de Los Leones (Lions Fountains) fountain and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Cathedral, which dates back to 1839.

Besides exploring the structures in the plaza, you’ll often find catch some of the best Puerto Rico festivals at this plaza, including the Ponce Carnival.

You will find great plazas in almost every city. Some of my other favorite plazas in Puerto Rico are the Bayamon, Moca, and Mayaguez plazas.

Cueva del Indio

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Puerto Rico’s attractions include hundreds of breathtaking caves.

While some have an entrance fee, like the Camuy Caves, you can visit others for free. Out of those, one of my favorites is Cueva del Indio in Arecibo. 

This open cave within sandy rocks and coastal cliffs hides a beautiful historical collection of Taino petroglyphs.

You can get down to it through a small opening on a wall, but you can easily spot some petroglyphs from a window-like opening above the cave. Even if you don’t go into the cave, the amazing views from the top make the visit worthwhile. 

Keep in mind that the easiest access to the cave is through private property and thus has an entry fee. But since the cave is part of a reserve and the coast is free to access, you’ll find free access through Poza de Matos.

Check out my full list of the top Puerto Rico caves for more.

La Poza del Obispo

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Visitors could easily spend their entire trip just relaxing on Puerto Rico’s beaches. Luckily, all of Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches are public by law, meaning you can enjoy them for free.

Some beaches charge a small fee for all-day parking, but if you don’t have a rental car, they are still accessible on foot. One of my favorite spots is La Poza del Obispo in Arecibo, a beautiful cove formed by natural rock barriers. Waves crash against the rocks and spill into the cove, creating a natural wave pool perfect for families.

It can get pretty crowded on weekends, so if you’re looking for something quieter, you’ll still have plenty of options along Puerto Rico’s coast. 

Museo de San Juan

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Museo de San Juan is not only one of my favorite museums in Puerto Rico, but it’s also free to visit! Located just across from Castillo San Cristóbal, the museum features two exhibition halls with a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits.

Here, you’ll get a broad perspective of Puerto Rico’s history and find works by some of the island’s most renowned artists, including José Campeche and Francisco Oller. You can even see the original sketch of the iconic El Velorio on display!

Other great free museums around Puerto Rico include the Museo de Arte de Caguas, Museo del Mundillo, and Museo de Arte de Bayamón.

El Malecón de Cataño

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Just a short boat ride from Old San Juan, the Malecón de Cataño, also known as Bahía Viva de Cataño, is a lively oceanfront promenade with something always happening.

The promenade offers beautiful views of Old San Juan and plenty of photo opportunities. It also features water jets for kids, a playground, and on weekends, you’ll find local artisans, food kiosks, and often a festival or live event.

👉 Looking for more stuff to do in Puerto Rico? Read my complete guide to the top activities you can do when visiting the island.

Where to Stay in Puerto Rico on a Budget

The place you stay in Puerto Rico will probably be the most expensive budgeting item during your visit.

You can lower your expenses by traveling off-season, staying in hostels, or staying off the main tourist area. Here are some budget tips for choosing where to stay:

Old San Juan

👉 Best Area For Sightseeing | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Casa Blanca Hotel

San Juan’s big hotels can be expensive, but because they’re centrally located, you won’t need to rent a car to move around. Most attractions in this area are cheap or free, so you end up saving more.

Ocean Park

👉 Best Area For Cheap Stays | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Nomada Urban Beach Hostel • The Dreamcatcher

If Old San Juan’s hotels are still too expensive for you, but you don’t want to stay off the beaten path, stay in Ocean Park’s area. Here, you’ll find cheaper hotels and hostels close to the beach.

Cabo Rojo

👉 Best Area For Beaches | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Mi Tierra

Cabo Rojo sits on the west coast, just a 3-hour drive from San Juan. With mesmerizing beaches and reserves, the things to do in Cabo Rojo attract beach lovers.

Cabo Rojo is also close to other attractions like La Parguera, one of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays.

👉 Local Tip: If you’re staying outside the tourist zone of San Juan, learn some basic Spanish, since not everyone on the island speaks English.

Ponce

👉 Best Area For History Lovers | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Bélgica Boutique Hotel

Ponce is another great destination in Puerto Rico for sightseeing and experiencing the local culture.

Stay in the downtown and tour the best sites in Ponce. While you’re out exploring, stop at the best restaurants in Ponce to enjoy the diverse and mouthwatering local cuisine.

Ponce’s location is ideal to take a day trip to the bioluminescent bay in La Parguera, or Isla Caja de Muertos.

👉 Keep Reading: Don’t miss my full guide to the best areas to stay in Puerto Rico.

Cheap Eats in Puerto Rico

Even with a tight food budget, you can eat cheap in Puerto Rico as long as you aren’t picky about appearances.

You’ll find the best food deals on small food kiosks, bakeries, and restaurants outside the tourist zones, but you might need to use your basic Spanish skills to order.

Piñones

Puerto Rican Traditional

📍 Google Maps | Price Range: ($-$$)

Piñones is a food paradise close to San Juan. You’ll find dozens of food kiosks along the coast road.

Although their appearance might not be the best and you won’t have any AC, you can eat authentic Puerto Rican dishes for a few bucks.

By Cheff’s

Puerto Rican Traditional

📍 Google Maps | Price Range: ($-$$$)

If you want to enjoy a well-stuffed mofongo for less than $15, you need to eat at By Cheff’s in Isabela. Besides the traditional mofongo, you can enjoy other local delicacies.

Deaverdura

Puerto Rican & Caribbean

📍 Google Maps | Price Range: ($-$$)

Deaverura is great for a cheap lunch before continuing to explore San Juan. It’s local cuisine in a casual environment.

Guavate

Puerto Rican

📍 Google Maps | Price Range: ($-$$)

You’ve probably heard about the infamous Puerto Rico roasted pork, and Guavate is the best place to try it.

This neighborhood in Cayey is famous for its restaurants, called lechoneras, and you can enjoy a good, large portion meal for less than $10.

La Guancha

Puerto Rican, Mexican

📍 Google Maps | Price Range: ($-$$)

La Guancha is the south coast’s alternative to Piñones. This beachfront area in Ponce has dozens of food kiosks where you’ll find a variety of Puerto Rican drinks and dishes.

You’ll find fritters like bacalaitos, alcapurrias, and sorullitos here, but some kiosks sell heavier dishes like mofongo.

Luquillo Kiosks

Puerto Rican, Mexican, Seafood

📍 Google Maps | Price Range: ($-$$)

The Luquillo Kiosks offer some of the best combinations of fritters, sun, and sea you’ll find in Puerto Rico. With over 40 food kiosks to choose from, you won’t run out of dining options!

To escape the crowds that gather at this popular spot, grab your fritters and head over to Luquillo Beach, one of Puerto Rico’s top-rated beaches.

In recent years, the area has become more touristy, so it’s not as cheap as it once was. However, main dishes (instead of just fritters) are still reasonably priced for the portions you get.

Luquillo and the nearby town, Rio Grande, are both great destinations to escape for a weekend in Puerto Rico.

FAQs About Visiting Puerto Rico on a Budget

How much should I budget for a trip to Puerto Rico?

A week in Puerto Rico for two people can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $3,500, depending on travel style. On average, visitors should budget between $125 and $200 per day. It’s also a good idea for travelers to set aside an additional emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses.

Is Puerto Rico cheap to visit?

Puerto Rico isn’t the cheapest Caribbean destination, but it’s still doable on a budget. Solo travelers can spend a week in San Juan for around $1,000, while couples can stay for about $1,800. Budget travelers can save by cooking some of their meals, staying in guesthouses or hostels, and visiting during the low season in fall.

How can I go to Puerto Rico on a budget?

Visitors who want to visit Puerto Rico on a budget should travel during the fall and stay at a parador, hostel, or Airbnb. Travelers can also save on their travel budget by cooking their meals and visiting completely free attractions on the island. 

How much money do I need per day in Puerto Rico?

Overall, budget travelers will need an average of $100 per day in Puerto Rico if they get good deals on hotels and car rentals, and eat at budget-friendly places.

What is the cheapest way to get around Puerto Rico?

The most affordable way of getting around Puerto Rico is via public transportation, although for most tourists, this method is only convenient within San Juan. Rental cars are more convenient for longer distances and can be found for affordable prices if you book ahead through Discover Cars.

🏝️ Read Next: How to Do the US Virgin Islands on the Cheap

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Now you know all the tips to do Puerto Rico on a budget! To complete your planning, continue reading our guide to the best activities in Puerto Rico.