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Surf Spots Around Puerto Rico

Who can resist the warm water surf in Puerto Rico? With numerous spots around the island for spots suitable for beginners to advanced surfers, you’ll find an epic location to catch your next wave. During the summer months waves in general are better for beginners with smaller swells. In the winter months waves pick up, creating bigger swells for more advanced surfers. Please be aware of currents at all times. Many beaches and surf spots have rip currents. Also be aware of reefs and coral under the water that may not be visible. Grab your board, save our map, and hit the waves!La Pared, LuquilloLa Pared BeachOn the east side in Luquillo, this is a popular surf spot for beginners. There are often red flags out for rip current warnings. As there is no lifeguard on duty, it is recommended that you surf with a buddy. The water is fairly shallow for a way out from shore. Views of the shoreline stretch from Luquillo to Fajardo lighthouse making it a beautiful spot to relax, surf, and just commune with nature in general. For surf lessons there are several vendors nearby or see our article on unique things to do in Puerto Rico for a surf instructor. Afterwards, head to Boardriders Surf Bar for lunch or get a piña colada from the nearby vendor. No amenities, but it is walking distance to the Luquillo town square. Parking is free along the street or the nearby parking lot. Playa La Selva, LuquilloPlaya La SelvaThis beach just south of Luquillo is only accessible with a 4x4 vehicle. You can access the rugged dirt road via Corredor Ecologico del Noreste. The road has many large puddles and is extremely muddy after a rain. The location has great waves for intermediate/advanced surfers. There are rocks, sandbars and reefs beneath the water, so be aware of your surroundings. It’s very shallow until you get past the sandbar. No amenities, just beautiful coastline and jaw dropping views. Free access and parking. Inches Beach, PatillasInches BeachThis is a favorite surf spot in the south. The beach is not sandy but has a lot of small pebbles and river rock. Be sure to bring a beach chair or blanket for relaxing and getting comfortable under one of the shady trees along the beach. There is a great surf atmosphere with good waves year round. The surf is suitable for short, long, boogie boards and stand up paddle boarding. Food, drinks, grocery stores and restaurants are nearby. Beach parking is available for free. Jobos Beach, IsabellaPlaya JobosThis is a champion surf spot. They often hold surf competitions here. It’s a lively beach with many locals hanging about. There are numerous bars and restaurants nearby. The beach has a small shallow protected area for snorkeling, but it is recommended that you swim with caution. It is a better beach for surfing with bigger waves during the winter. Some of the best surfing for beginners tends to be during the early spring and summer months. Surfboards and snorkel gear are available for rent within walking distance. It is best to connect with the shop to inquire about the safety of the surf when you are there. Parking on the streets or nearby parking turnouts is freePlaya Aviones, LoizaPlaya AvionesThis surf spot is just minutes from the city and the airport, less than two miles past Piñones. There are numerous spots you can surf right off the coast, however, this location has the most consistent and reliable surf closest to the city. Best for advanced and pro surfers as the waves are strong, lots of rock under foot, reefs to be aware of and shallow waters. Parking is free along the street, look for the wooden pathways that take you over the protected dunes to the beach. Domes Beach, RinconDomes BeachNamed after the old nuclear plant on the bluff, Domes is one of the best surfing spots on the west coast. It is also a great place to watch the sun set. There’s lots of shade on the beach for setting up a beach chair and watching surfers. It is a popular big wave surf spot in the winter. The location is not good for swimming due to the powerful surf and lack of lifeguards. There are no amenities at this beach but there are a few restaurants nearby. Parking is free along Highway 4413. Some choose to park down by the beach, however it is not recommended unless you have a 4x4 vehicle. ‍Kikita Surf Beach, DoradoType image caption here (optional)Kikita Surf BeachA quiet and often uncrowded beach. It is a great spot for watching surfers if you don’t surf yourself. It’s not a good beach for swimming or snorkeling due to the rough surf. Winter months, especially November, tend to be the best month for surfable waves. The rest of the time it can be blown out or better suited for those learning to surf. Parking nearby can be challenging but it is free. Los Tubos Surf Beach, ManatiLos Tubos Surf BeachLos Tubos has suitable surf for beginners to advanced depending on the swell. It is not a good beach for snorkeling or swimming due to the conditions. During low tide conditions there are petroglyphs that can be seen on the nearby rocks. A lot of people visit this beach to see the petroglyphs which can impact parking in the area. There is a boat ramp with dirt road access. There is a small parking area but most park along the road. Be aware that the ground can be soft and that you may need a 4x4 vehicle so that you don’t get stuck in the sand. There are no amenities nearby. Please surf safely. Let others know where you are going, be aware of your surroundings, rip currents, reefs, rocks beneath you and have a shoreline point of view to keep track of where you are. Most beaches in Puerto Rico do not have lifeguards so it’s up to you to surf safely.https://www.surf-forecast.com/ is a great site for getting up to date surf conditions in Puerto Rico.

Top 10 Hiking Trails Within an Hour From the Metro Area

10 Hiking Trails Within an Hour From the Metro Area Whether you want a casual stroll or a heart-pounding workout, walking and hiking in Puerto Rico is a great way to get to know the region, get a workout and take in the scenery. Always be prepared for hiking in the tropics by wearing a hat and sunscreen. Bring lots of water as this is a very humid and warm region and water faucets are hard to come by. In higher elevations, a light windbreaker will be appreciated. Sturdy footwear is a must no matter where you choose to hike. Paseo del Morro is a mostly flat, easy 5.6 mile route out and back. You’ll have ocean views and views of Old San Juan along the way. Starting in Condado and ending at Fort Morro this is a great way to explore the old town. As most of this route has a dedicated bike lane it is also a good place to ride one of the many electric scooters parked along the road or you can rent a bike from several shops in the area. As there is very little shade on this pathway make sure you wear a hat and hydrate! Be aware of vehicle traffic. Paseo la Princesa is a popular pathway for viewing the historic area of Old San Juan, the San Juan Bay and Fort Morro. The approximately 2.5 mile out and back, tree-lined promenade was built in 1853. Starting at Raíces fountain it hugs the shoreline and ends at Fort Morro. Park at Puntilla Parking where it is $3 all day and head for the fountain to start your walk. P.º de la Princesa Lineal in Piñones, from Condado out to Piñones and back it is possible to ride bikes or walk/run the 18 miles roundtrip. Much of the route is in the city, but some sections get breathtaking views of the ocean. While most of the route is well paved and marked, parts of the sidewalk and boardwalk are in disrepair. Be aware of your surroundings and pack a tire repair kit if you are cycling. Bring water, wear a hat and put on sunscreen! Jardín Botánico at University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. Open Monday through Friday from 6am until 6pm. For an easy and enjoyable walk you can spend some time wandering around the botanical gardens admiring the flora, numerous ponds and streams. It is free to enter the grounds. There are several trails to take advantage of around the gardens. Restrooms and water fountains are available on site. Check out the website for more information. Angelito Trail is a short ½ mile hike in the rainforest ending at a deep swimming pool. The well-marked trailhead is accessible outside of the park boundary so a ticket is not needed. You’ll pass over a couple of streams and be able to experience the jungle scenery. The large pool at the end is a popular place to swim. You can climb around on the rocks or swing off the rope swing hanging over the pool. There are fish in the river. It is very peaceful when it isn’t full of people, so go on a weekday if possible. Angelito Trail Head There are numerous trails in the El Yunque National Park (you’ll need a pass for #6 and #7) ranging from easy to hard. Caimatillo Trail is in El Yunque National Park at Road 191 km 12.1. The 5.4 mile trail merges with El Yunque Peak Trail, it is a well-marked and challenging trail with great views. You can hike it out to the ridge and back or merge with the Britton Tower trailhead and take the shorter one mile trail back down the mountain. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes for this hike as there are areas where the terrain is rocky and uneven. You’ll experience some great jungle views and walk by some small streams along the way. Pack water as there are no amenities on the trail. Britton Trail is also in El Yunque and is 1 mile uphill and 1 mile downhill out and back hike. The well-maintained trail is good for beginners with numerous places along the way to rest. As of December 2022, there has been an extensive amount of roadwork happening in the park and the trailhead is only accessible by parking close to the ‘baths,’ or Baño de Oro. This adds an extra mile to get to the trailhead making the hike 4 miles roundtrip. The trail itself is very well-marked and maintained. There is a lot of beautiful foliage and greenery. Amazing views from Britton Tower make the climb worthwhile. The trail can be uneven in spots so watch your footing. Torre Mount Britton Trail (Park here) Cueva Arenales is a 50 minute drive outside of the metro area in Vega Baja. It is truly a one of a kind place with breathtaking caves and pools. Google maps works well to direct you to the trailhead. Pay $5 to park at the top of the hill where the road changes from pavement to concrete. Do NOT go down unless you have a 4x4 as you won’t be able to get back UP the hill in your vehicle! The road gets very slick and since it is very steep it makes it difficult for tires to gain traction. If you park at the bottom of the hill, you will have to go in reverse all the way up the hill as there is no place to turn around. At the bottom of the hill veer to the left where there’s a water access road. It is an easy 10-15 minute walk to the river, then you hike up the river for a bit before you have to swim in the water to get to Charco Azul and Cueva Arenales. It is recommended to pack light, wear water shoes, bring a dry bag with your clothes if you wish or just hike in a bathing suit. Do not leave anything of value in your car. Again, pay to park at the top of the hill, it is worth your peace of mind. Cuevas Arenales Caves Charco Prieto Waterfall is in Bayamón, just under an hour outside the metro area. A “Bienvenidos/Welcome” sign marks the start of the trailhead at a 90 degree bend in the road. It is a challenging one-mile out and back hike. Not recommended for children or elderly as you will encounter some technical climbing. It will take longer than you think to hike the mile as it can be slow going on some sections. There are river crossings, loose rock, and ropes to help you on the trail, as it can be slippery and muddy when wet. A couple of waterfalls are on this route and there is plenty of gorgeous scenery to take in. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet and a bathing suit for swimming in the pools. The trail follows the water so it’s easy to find. No cell service is available, make sure you have your map downloaded before you arrive. Charco Prieto Waterfall Laguna Tortuguero, Camino del Medio is a 3.7 mile moderate hiking loop in Vega Baja, just 50 miles west of the metro area. The freshwater lagoon has lake views and wildlife. The terrain is diverse but mostly flat. There are no bathrooms or amenities. Be aware of your surroundings at all times as the trail is shared with mountain bikers.

Basic Loan Requirements in Puerto Rico

If you are looking to get a loan in Puerto Rico, there are several requirements that you need to meet. These requirements can vary depending on the type of loan you are looking for, your credit history, and the lender you are working with. In this article, we will cover some of the most common requirements for getting a loan in Puerto Rico. Proof of income One of the most essential requirements for getting a loan in Puerto Rico is proof of income. You need to show the lender that you have a stable source of income and can afford to repay the loan. This can be done by providing your pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. The lender will use this information to determine your debt-to-income ratio and decide whether you qualify for the loan. Credit score Your credit score is another important factor that lenders consider when deciding whether to approve your loan application. A good credit score can help you get approved for a loan with better terms and lower interest rates. In Puerto Rico, the credit score range is between 300 and 850. A score of 700 or higher is considered good, while a score below 600 may make it difficult to get approved for a loan. Collateral Collateral is a valuable asset you pledge to the lender to secure the loan. If you fail to repay the loan, the lender can seize the collateral to recover their losses. Common types of collateral include real estate, vehicles, and jewelry. Some lenders may require collateral for certain types of loans, such as secured personal or auto loans. Employment history Your employment history is another important factor that lenders consider when approving your loan application. They want to see that you have a stable job and a regular source of income. If you have a long and steady employment history, it can increase your chances of getting approved for a loan. Residency and identification To get a loan in Puerto Rico, you must be a resident of Puerto Rico and provide valid government-issued identification, such as a driver's license or passport. This ensures that you are legally eligible to apply for a loan and that the lender can verify your identity. Overall, getting a loan in Puerto Rico has certain requirements, including proof of income, a good credit score, collateral, employment history, and residency and identification. It is best to research and compare different lenders to find the one that offers the best terms and interest rates for your needs. By meeting these requirements and working with a reputable lender, you can get the loan you need to achieve your financial goals. For information on how to get a mortgage loan, and mortgage companies in Puerto Rico, check out our article here.