Explorable as a solo female traveler?

Question

I (MtF trans woman, 26) have traveled solo twice before, but those weren’t to the Caribbean. Said trips were also pre-transition. Correct me if I’m wrong but I’ve heard this is one of the more LGBT-friendly islands in the Caribbean.

I’m thinking of staying on the island for seven nights. If I do, would it be possible to visit Old San Juan, explore El Yunque, and find at least one lechonera around those areas during my stay? I don’t have enough driving experience to safely drive a rental car.

Not sure what specific beaches I should see but that’s a bridge I’ll cross when I get to it. I’m more concerned about what the ideal hotel would be for me if I wanted to do all those things.

Last time I was in Puerto Rico was over 14 years back with my sister and parents. I only remember going into the old town once. Other than that we never left that area. Then again it’s been so long that I barely remember the place at all.

They say you haven’t really been to Puerto Rico unless you’ve been outside San Juan.

paris7002 · Accepted Answer

Having lived in PR (outside of San Juan) for many years, and knowing how conservative the locals are outside the San Juan area, I wouldn’t recommend that you venture outside San Juan. I just don’t think that it would be safe for you because while San Juan is modern and accepting, the rest of the island isn’t.

There’s plenty to do in San Juan. And you can get your lechón fix at the local restaurants such as Metropol.

As far as the rainforest, there are 2 ways to see it: you can visit with a tour guide, or you can drive yourself. Unfortunately, taxi and Uber are not permitted inside the park. Prdaytrips.com offers tour information.

Have fun!

Edited: 3:31 am, May 09, 2024

M3347RQmikep · Answer

Well, I at least saw that discrimination is illegal down there, but still.

M3347RQmikep · Answer

Isn’t the best lechón supposed to be roadside though?

paris7002 · Answer

Yes, definitely illegal (and absolutely unacceptable everywhere, if you ask me). But the locals outside San Juan are very conservative tradition and religion-wise. So acceptance and respect still need (a lot of) work. To give you an idea: an old friend of mine had to leave our hometown and move to San Juan in order to be her real self. The same happened to one of my cousins.

As far as lechón, yes and no. There is a road called pork highway where the lechoneras are lined up along the road. But it’s really a part of a town called Guavate. It’s located about 30 or 40 minutes south of San Juan.

Edited: 10:45 am, May 09, 2024

M3347RQmikep · Answer

Well, that doesn’t sound like much compared to Jamaica. That country is *violently* homophobic.

Explorable as a solo female traveler? - Puerto Rico Forum

Explorable as a solo female traveler?

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