Having a hard time deciding whether to visit Jamaica or Puerto Rico for your next vacation? Well, you are at the right place! In the following guide, we did in-depth research about both countries, and hopefully, this article will help you in picking the most suitable destination.
Jamaica is one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean islands, and there is so much that you can see, and you should include it on your next holiday destination. The beautiful white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and exceptional sunsets are some of the features that make Jamaica the best place that you can visit. In addition, the cultural diversity, cuisine, history, and easy accessibility of the island are some of the things that you should explore in Jamaica.
On the other hand, Puerto Rico is a country in the Caribbean made up of three islands Vieques, the main island, and Culebra. It is an unincorporated united states island, and it is an excellent spot that you should visit. When looking for a holiday destination, you should explore what Jamaica and Puerto Rico offer to tourists. The beaches, tranquil nature, and stunning natural views are some of the best aspects that make it a perfect holiday destination.
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Table of Contents
Transport
Jamaica
Scooters
You can rent a scooter from various places around the country in Jamaica. The cost of the scooter will vary depending on where you are renting it; however, the average cost is from $35 to $80.
Long-distance coaches
Several companies offer long-distance travel using their big coaches. These are popular buses because you can travel for hours with ease and comfort. However, the buses usually charge per trip, and a four-hour trip from the capital to Montego bay will cost you $24.
Minibuses
The Jamaican population has an option for transport systems that you can utilize when visiting the country. The minibusses charge $1 for a 50-kilometer trip. This is a standard price per the distance covered. However, the buses do not have a fixed schedule; hence to need to be well prepared.
Puerto Rico
Trains
Puerto Rico is one of the nations that have a perfect electric train system. The fares are fixed at $1.50 per trip, and you can move from one of the major cities to another.
Buses
The transport system in Puerto Rico is well connected, and you can get a bus that will take you around the major cities at a comfortable fare that ranges from $0.50 to $1.50.
Taxis
You can use taxis while in Puerto Rico because they are pretty efficient and effective. The cost of a trip is charged at a base fare of $3, and anything else will be based on the distance traveled.
Trolley
There is a trolley in the old San Juan capital that operates from 7 am to 7 pm, and it is often free of charge.
Accommodation in Jamaica
Hostels
One of the most cost-effective ways to explore Jamaica is by finding the best place to stay at a competitive rate. The hostels will cost you anything from $15 and upwards per night. You might get complimentary breakfast or not in these hostels. It is good to ask before you check in the hostel.
The Durham
This is in the capital, ten minutes’ walk from the famous Bob Marley Museum. This location is perfect for your stay because it has free Wi-Fi, a minibar, a private bathroom, and mountain views. However, you will be charged anything from $20 per night in this location.
Guesthouses
You can also find guesthouses in Jamaica, and they are a way to get around on a budget. You can stay in one of the guesthouses for anything from $20, and they usually offer free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and you can access a neat room with beachfront access.
Midrange
Mariposa Hide-Away
This is an oceanfront hotel that is located on the 7mile beach in Negril. It is equipped with modern features, and you are sure that you will enjoy your stay while in this destination. The exceptional beachfront features and unique activities you can do while in the region make it a perfect place to stay. You will be charged anything from $50, depending on the size of the room and the amenities.
Verney House Resort
This is a home away from home, as they say, and it is a hotel with a lush green garden and a tranquil environment where you can explore what the country has to offer. The rooms have air conditioning, a private balcony, cable television, free Wi-Fi, and you can enjoy the private bathroom features offered.
Palm View Guest House
This is one of those destinations where pleasure, peace, and tranquility meet at the same spot. The hotel comes with a private balcony, kitchenette and it is five minutes drive from a major international airport. There is also cable television and air conditioning in this destination.
Luxury accommodation
Trident Port Antonio
This is one of the most luxurious hotels that you can find in Jamaica. It has a rich history because it dates to the 60s. The stylish property features 13 villas that have sprawling views coupled with private pools. There are also exceptional amenities that you can enjoy while at this hotel.
Jamaica Inn
The Jamaica inn has been one of the top vacation locations on the island. The hotel gives you a relaxing, calming, and tranquil environment where you can have a moment to enjoy your vacation. There are unlimited amenities that you can enjoy while in this hotel, and some of them include a private pool, free WIFI, neat rooms, cable television, among others.
Sandals Royal Plantation
The royal plantation is a hotel on the island’s northern coast, and it is in one of the most enormous corals. It is a perfect hideaway because you get butler services, an ocean view from your room, and exceptional cuisine from the international restaurant in the area.
Accommodation in Puerto Rico
Hostels
Puerto Rico is one of the most beautiful locations that you can visit while in the Caribbean. You can get a room in the hostels from $20 going up depending on the amenities. The dorm-style rooms usually have a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast in some areas.
Guesthouses
Some guesthouses offer you a better alternative while in the Caribbean country. The guest houses feature free Wi-Fi, cable television, and air conditioning. They are primarily located in pristine environments where you can quickly move from one location to another. You are sure that you will enjoy your time at this destination when you book a room in the guesthouse. You will part with anything from $30.
Paradores
This is a system of hotels that offers you a chance to explore the country at a competitive price. The country inns are perfect because you can explore the country with easy with privacy as well. Most of these guesthouses have pools, and you can enjoy top-notch cuisine. The pricing is from $30 going up.
Midrange
Gallery Inn
The galleria inn is in San Juan, and it is one of the most exceptional hotels you can find in the country. It is on the edge of a historic city, and there are verdant courtyards with unique paintings and silkscreens, which you can use to explore and know more about the history of this region. The rooms have a fantastic ocean view. You will part with anything from $150 going up.
Wind Chimes Inn
This was a Spanish manor house in ancient times; however, it has undergone significant renovations to improve its look and enhance the facilities. The inn has spacious rooms with kitchens, and it is a few kilometers from the sandy beaches in the area. Therefore, you have some of the best amenities while in this hotel. You will pay anything from $120.
Copamarina Beach Resort
This hotel is in the Juanita region, which is less developed. However, the privacy and the services that come with it should take you to this region. You can enjoy beach views, kitchens, spacious rooms, free WIFI, among other features. However, you will be required to pay $180 per night.
Luxury
Condado Vanderbilt
This is a high-end hotel built in the 20s, and it shows the Spanish influence in the country. The captivating views and amenities you get in this hotel are some of the exceptional features that define Puerto Rico. Every detail in the hotel is made to reflect the serenity that it offers. You can stay in one of the rooms with a fantastic backdrop, Atlantic vie, and oceanfront. You will be required to pay anything from $300 going up.
Regis Bahía Beach Resort
The hotel combines the tranquility of the coastal town and an exceptional natural environment, making it a perfect place to relax. The unparalleled services offered by some of the top restaurateurs are here in the resort. The natural beauty expands the awesome view, large rooms, and perfect services. You will get air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, among other amenities. However, you will pay $290 going up per night.
Spa Botanico
The hotel features an eco-theme that allows you to walk in the idyllic, exceptional hotel situated at the beachfront. It is so perfect that you can handle all your vacation needs in one location. The feeling of being in an exclusive location is essential, and you can access the 115 rooms, and all feature private pools as well as deep soaking tubs. There are so many activities that you can enjoy in this location, such as sailing, kitesurfs, surfing, kayaking, among others. The cost is $300 going up per night.
Daily budget
Jamaica
Jamaica is one of the top travel destinations in the Caribbean, and you can have fun in the country on any budget. If you are on a tight budget, the amount that you can spend is $90. You can get a room or guest house for $20 or a guesthouse for the same price. The cost of food in Jamaica is roughly $15, and you can get breakfast for a lower price than that. If you are on a low budget, you should spend $85 per day.
On the other hand, if you are on a medium budget, you will spend around $250 per day. There are Airbnb in Jamaica, and you can opt for one. For a person on a luxurious budget, you will spend anything from $400 going up.
Puerto Rico
The money you will spend in Puerto Rico depends on your spending level or the category you choose. On a tight budget, you will use about $90 per day for travel and accommodation. There are hostels and Airbnb’s in Puerto Rico, and they cost around $20. You can opt for a medium budget, and here you will spend anything from $250 going up. A seafood meal will cost you about $40 at an expensive restaurant. For people who are on a luxurious budget, you will spend about $500 going up.
Activities
Jamaica
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a fun activity that you can do in Jamaica. Jamaica has some of the best spots that you will find on this planet. During your expedition, you will see stingrays, corals, barracuda, and lionfish.
Explore the caves
There are over a thousand caves on the island of Jamaica. The popular one is grotto caves which are on the northern coast. These caves are made from limestone, and the tides have incorporated new features such as algae, which characterizes the caves.
Explore Kingston
Kingston is a unique capital in the world, and you do not have to wonder anymore because when you are in Jamaica, you can take your time to explore the city. You can learn more about the history of Jamaica, the people, and the culture by visiting museums and important places in the country.
Bird watching
There are over 150 bird species in Jamaica, and there are endangered species. You should take your time to explore this environment. The area in the blue mountains is lush green with a lot of rivers and sinkholes.
Puerto Rico
Water sliding
You can enjoy your stay in the country by going for water sliding activities in the las paylas. It is a perfect location where you can get to enjoy natural water pools and slides.
Visit Cabo Rojo
This is an excellent location where it will take you only an hour from the airport. There are beautiful features which include salt flats that look like pink lakes. It is the only phenomenon that happens in Puerto Rico, and it is a rare sight that occurs only on this island.
Enjoy some ice cream at Heladeria Lares
There is a shop at the end of the alley, which is rich in history and diversity. it is one of those places that people have been visiting since the 1800s. They have created unique in-house flavors, and you can enjoy them as you explore the city.
Ziplining
This is one of the fun activities that you can enjoy on the island. Major ziplines are hung between the trees in Orocovis, and you can enjoy some of the majestic views as you pump your adrenaline high.
Food Options
Jamaica
Goat curry
This is one of the most common meals that is enjoyed by Jamaicans. It was introduced a few centuries ago by the Indians that visited the country. The curry is often heavy with allspice and succulent.
Oxtail
Whether it is marinated or stewed, the oxtail dishes in Jamaica are fantastic, and you should try them. The oxtail can be very meaty, and, in some cases, it has very tough cartilage. Many people serve it with rice.
Gizzada
This is popularly known as pinch me round, and they are tingly sweet tarts that are often stuffed with grated coconut and nutmegs. They originated from Portugal, and they are often enjoying mountain coffee.
Jamaican patty
These are meat pastries characterized by ground beef filling, garlic, paprika, and scotch bonnet peppers which gives them a unique characteristic. The patties are sandwiched with coco bread, and this helps in balancing the spices.
Puerto Rico
Tostones
The Tostones are a popular delicacy on Puerto Rico island, and it is in most cases served as an appetizer. The tostones are made by slicing plantains before coating them with batter before frying them. You can pair them with ketchup or mayonnaise.
Arroz Con Gandules
This is often considered the national dish of Puerto Rico, and it is made up of tomato sauce, capers, olives, pigeon ices, rice, and sofrito. The sofrito is composed of peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, and onions. This will give your rice a unique flavor.
Empanadillas
The empanadillas in Puerto Rico are savory fried pastries often composed of ground beef, and you can find other variations such as chicken empanadillas.
Culture & People
Jamaica
The Jamaican people are warm, friendly, and outgoing. Their culture is often influenced by the descendants and the colonizers. The culture has roots in Africa, Spain, Britain, and the local Arawak style.
Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rican culture has had a significant influence from the indigenous people and Spanish and American influence. Since it has a major Spanish influence, you will find some of the Spanish cultures. However, the is a distinct feeling among the people that the country is dynamic and accepts different people.
Best time to visit
Jamaica
The best time to visit Jamaica is from mid-December through mid-April. This is the best time because the temperatures are favorable and cannot fall below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Besides, you are also trying to avoid hurricanes that occur from June through October.
Puerto Rico
The best time to make your trip to the islands of Puerto Rico is from mid-April through June. This is the busiest season, and you can enjoy your time during this period. The weather is favorable, and the skies are amazing.
Safety
Jamaica
Jamaica is considered a safe country for tourists. However, petty crimes can never be missed, hence the need to take precautions if you visit the country.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an excellent destination, and it is safe for tourists. All you have to worry about is natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Always be aware of your location and take precautions.
