Meet Victor.

To bring you the best experience when traveling to San Juan, Puerto Rico we decided to interview Victor Balbin.

1. Could you tell us about yourself?

My name is Victor Balbin. I have a degree in Bilingual Education. I enjoy being a tour guide and showing visitors my island.

Where are you from and what do you do?

I am from San Juan, Puerto Rico and I have been a tour guide since 1988.

2. How does the traveling experience in your area change throughout the year?

Basically over 80% of our visitors are from the United States, therefore when it gets cold over there people travel south. Because of that with see about 50 different cruise ships a month. Some of them doing weekly visits.

3. Are there any hidden gems that people do not know about in Puerto Rico?

We have in order of priority 4 attractions. The old city, the rain forest, the caverns and the luminescent bay.

How can travelers get the most out of these special places to see, or special things to do?

Travelers can take tours that are conducted daily by several operators. Travelers can also take advantage free folkloric festival shows conducted weekly to appreciate the island`s music, dance and culture.

4. What’s the best way for a visitor to experience the local culture?

By simply walking around the 500 year old city is definitely the best way.

5. Are there any local foods or drinks that travelers should make sure to experience?

Fritters like alcapurria and bacalaito is one example of local food, but rice and beans with chicken is the island’s national dish.

Concerning the drink, San Juan is the birthplace of Piña Colada.

6. Are there any unique events that visitors to Puerto Rico should make an effort to see?

Yes, the folkloric show on Tuesday at Fort San Cristobal.

7. What local cuisine should travelers be sure to try?

Rice and beans with chicken at any restaurant.

8. Is there anything else we forgot to ask that you’d like add?

Puerto Rico national mascot is a tree frog with a unique sound. This tree frog is better know as “Coqui”. You can see and feel its presence in the language, music, readings, poems, business and the entire culture. The coqui`s unique sound is why we call the island of enchantment. Many souvenirs of the coqui can be found just about anywhere and if a traveler visits our island, they should take back home anything that has a “Coqui.” You can see the tree frog anywhere from t-shirts to fancy jewelry to post cards.