tourist killed in puerto rico la perla

3 U.S. tourists stabbed in Puerto Rico after being told to stop recording in popular area

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Three U.S. tourists were stabbed in Puerto Rico early Monday after police said someone told them to stop recording in a renowned seaside community known as La Perla that is popular with visitors.

The confrontation began when one of the tourists, who lives in South Carolina, began recording a mobile hamburger cart and was told to stop and leave the area, police said.

Two of the tourists remain hospitalized, including one who was stabbed six times, police said.

No one has been arrested.

The attack happened nearly two years after a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. A friend of his also was beaten but survived.

La Perla is located in the historic part of Puerto Rico’s capital known as Old San Juan and became famous after it was featured in the video of "Despacito," a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island’s biggest distribution point for heroin, but crime has dropped since a 2011 raid by federal agents.

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US tourist killed in Puerto Rico after no-photo warning

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The burned body of a 24-year-old tourist from Delaware was identified on Tuesday, three days after he and a friend were attacked following a drug purchase in a seaside San Juan district popular with visitors, Puerto Rico police said.

Police Commissioner Antonio López Figueroa said Tariq Quadir Loat and a friend had purchased unspecified drugs in the shantytown of La Perla and were trying to take photographs after being warned not to.

Police said the two were beaten with items including an exercise weight, a piece of wood and a deep fryer on Saturday. Loat disappeared and his friend James Jackson managed to flee, but was then hospitalized with injuries.

Police said Loat’s body was found Sunday in the town of Vega Baja, about 20 miles west of San Juan, and was identified by fingerprints. The attackers have not yet been identified.

It’s rare for tourists to be killed in Puerto Rico, an island of 3.3 million people that last saw a record number of killings nearly a decade ago. The last tourist to be reported killed was a 39-year-old man from Denver, Colorado, who police say was thrown from an SUV and run over in San Juan in February 2020.

La Perla was once a dangerous slum controlled by rival drug gang and considered Puerto Rico’s biggest distribution point for heroin. But that reputation has largely faded, especially since it was used as the backdrop for the video of “Despacito,” a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

Hundreds of tourists have since visited La Perla, where criminal activity was greatly reduced after a 2011 raid by federal agents.

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3 US tourists stabbed in Puerto Rico after being told to stop filming

Three U.S. tourists were stabbed in Puerto Rico early Monday after police said someone told them to stop filming in a renowned seaside community known as La Perla that is popular with visitors.

The confrontation began when one of the tourists, who lives in South Carolina, began filming a mobile hamburger cart and was told to stop and leave the area, police said.

Two of the tourists remain hospitalized, including one who was stabbed six times, police said.

No one has been arrested.

The attack happened nearly two years after a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. A friend of his also was beaten but survived.

La Perla is located in the historic part of Puerto Rico’s capital known as Old San Juan and became famous after it was featured in the video of “Despacito,” a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island’s biggest distribution point for heroin, but crime has dropped since a 2011 raid by federal agents.

Watch CBS News

3 tourists stabbed in Puerto Rico after being told to stop filming in popular neighborhood

February 6, 2023 / 1:43 PM EST / AP

Three tourists were stabbed in Puerto Rico early Monday after police said someone told them to stop filming in a renowned seaside community known as La Perla that is popular with visitors.

The confrontation began when one of the tourists, who lives in South Carolina, began filming a mobile hamburger cart and was told to stop and leave the area, police said.

Two of the tourists remain hospitalized, including one who was stabbed six times, police said. No one has been arrested.

The attack happened nearly two years after a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. A friend of his also was beaten but survived.

La Perla is located in the historic part of Puerto Rico's capital known as Old San Juan and became famous after it was featured in the video of "Despacito," a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island's biggest distribution point for heroin, but crime has dropped since a 2011 raid by federal agents.

• Puerto Rico

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3 American tourists stabbed in Puerto Rico neighborhood

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Three tourists from the U.S. mainland were stabbed in Puerto Rico early Monday after police said someone told them to stop filming in a renowned seaside community known as La Perla that is popular with visitors.

The confrontation began when one of the tourists, who lives in South Carolina, began filming a mobile hamburger cart and was told to stop and leave the area, police said. Two of the tourists were in the hospital, including one who was stabbed six times, police said.

No one has been arrested.

The attack happened nearly two years after a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. A friend of his also was beaten but survived.

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La Perla is in the historic part of Puerto Rico's capital known as Old San Juan and became famous after it was featured in the video of "Despacito," a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island's biggest distribution point for heroin, but crime has dropped since a raid by federal agents in 2011 .

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3 mainland US tourists stabbed in Puerto Rico neighborhood

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Three tourists from the U.S. mainland were stabbed in Puerto Rico early Monday after police said someone told them to stop filming in a renowned seaside community known as La Perla that is popular with visitors.

The confrontation began when one of the tourists, who lives in South Carolina, began filming a mobile hamburger cart and was told to stop and leave the area, police said.

Two of the tourists remain hospitalized, including one who was stabbed six times, police said.

No one has been arrested.

The attack happened nearly two years after a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. A friend of his also was beaten but survived.

La Perla is located in the historic part of Puerto Rico’s capital known as Old San Juan and became famous after it was featured in the video of “Despacito,” a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island’s biggest distribution point for heroin, but crime has dropped since a 2011 raid by federal agents.

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Three American tourists stabbed after being told to stop filming in popular Puerto Rico neighbourhood

Police say three us tourists were stabbed in puerto rico after someone told them to stop filming in a renowned seaside community known as la perla that is popular with visitors, article bookmarked.

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Three U.S. tourists were stabbed in Puerto Rico early Monday after police said someone told them to stop filming in a renowned seaside community known as La Perla that is popular with visitors.

The confrontation began when one of the tourists, who lives in South Carolina , began filming a mobile hamburger cart and was told to stop and leave the area, police said.

Two of the tourists remain hospitalised, including one who was stabbed six times, police said.

No one has been arrested.

The attack happened nearly two years after a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. A friend of his also was beaten but survived.

La Perla is located in the historic part of Puerto Rico’s capital known as Old San Juan and became famous after it was featured in the video of “Despacito,” a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island’s biggest distribution point for heroin, but crime has dropped since a 2011 raid by federal agents.

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3 mainland US tourists stabbed in Puerto Rico neighborhood

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Three tourists from the U.S. mainland were stabbed in Puerto Rico early Monday after police said someone told them to stop filming in a renowned seaside community known as La Perla that is popular with visitors.

The confrontation began when one of the tourists, who lives in South Carolina, began filming a mobile hamburger cart and was told to stop and leave the area, police said.

Two of the tourists remain hospitalized, including one who was stabbed six times, police said.

No one has been arrested.

The attack happened nearly two years after a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. A friend of his also was beaten but survived.

La Perla is located in the historic part of Puerto Rico’s capital known as Old San Juan and became famous after it was featured in the video of “Despacito,” a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island’s biggest distribution point for heroin, but crime has dropped since a 2011 raid by federal agents.

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2 US Tourists Stabbed, 1 Assaulted in Popular Puerto Rican Neighborhood

The attack happened in the renowned seaside community known as la perla that is popular with visitors, published february 6, 2023.

Two U.S. tourists were stabbed and another one assaulted in Puerto Rico early Monday after a confrontation that police said was sparked when someone told them to stop filming a food vendor's cart in a renowned seaside community that is popular with visitors.

Authorities said one of the tourists, who lives in South Carolina, began filming a mobile hamburger cart in La Perla and was told by a man to stop and leave the area, saying they were not welcomed there, police said.

Following the warning, the man assaulted the victim and the three tourists began to retreat, according to Telemundo Puerto Rico . The tourists then realized they were being followed and while leaving La Perla, the man attacked two of them with a knife, stabbing one of the tourists at least six times.

The two wounded victims were hospitalized in stable condition, police said.

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No one has been arrested.

The attack happened nearly two years after a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. A friend of his also was beaten but survived.

La Perla is located in the historic part of Puerto Rico’s capital known as Old San Juan and became famous after it was featured in the video of “Despacito,” a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

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The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island’s biggest distribution point for heroin, but crime has dropped since a 2011 raid by federal agents.

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Three American tourists were stabbed in Puerto Rico early Monday after they were told to stop filming in the La Perla neighborhood made famous by Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” music video , police said.

The incident began unfolding after 4 a.m. in the popular community where one of the tourists, identified by authorities as Carlos Sanchez Brown, 39, from South Carolina, began recording video of a hamburger cart but was told by some locals to stop and leave the area.

Brown was accompanied by Wallace Florence, 37, also from South Carolina, and Jackson Tremayne, 38, from Georgia, municipal commissioner José Juan García told station WAPA-TV.

The visitors allegedly did not heed the warning and continued filming. Before long, a suspect described as a fair-skinned man with long white hair allegedly assaulted Florence with a blow to the head, reported Telemundo PR.

The trio of tourists tried to escape by making their way to the Old San Juan neighborhood, but they soon realized that they were being followed, police said.

As the victims reached Imperial Street near the Museum of Art and History, a person armed with a knife stabbed Brown in the left forearm and plunged the blade six times into Tremayne’s body, including in the left side of the chest, upper left side of the abdomen, left arm and back.

Tremayne and Brown were transported by ambulances to an area hospital, but authorities said Florence refused medical attention. There was no immediate word on the victims’ conditions.

So far, no one has been arrested in connection to the bloody attack.

The incident happened nearly two years after Tariq Quadir Loat, a visitor from Delaware, was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla.

La Perla became world-renowned after it was featured in the video of “Despacito,” a chart-topping hit song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island’s biggest distribution point for heroin, but crime has dropped since a 2011 raid by federal agents.

With Post wires

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3 mainland U.S. tourists stabbed in Puerto Rico neighborhood

By Associated Press

Feb. 6, 2023

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ASSOCIATED PRESS

An aerial view of the seaside neighborhood of La Perla, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in August 2017. Three U.S. tourists were stabbed in La Perla early today, after someone told them to stop filming, and two of them remain hospitalized, according to police.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico >> Three tourists from the U.S. mainland were stabbed in Puerto Rico early today after police said someone told them to stop filming in a renowned seaside community known as La Perla that is popular with visitors.

The confrontation began when one of the tourists, who lives in South Carolina, began filming a mobile hamburger cart and was told to stop and leave the area, police said.

Two of the tourists remain hospitalized, including one who was stabbed six times, police said.

No one has been arrested.

The attack happened nearly two years after a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. A friend of his also was beaten but survived.

La Perla is located in the historic part of Puerto Rico’s capital known as Old San Juan and became famous after it was featured in the video of “Despacito,” a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island’s biggest distribution point for heroin, but crime has dropped since a 2011 raid by federal agents.

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3 mainland US tourists stabbed in Puerto Rico neighborhood

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Three tourists from the U.S. mainland were stabbed in Puerto Rico early Monday after police said someone told them to stop filming in a renowned seaside community known as La Perla that is popular with visitors.

The confrontation began when one of the tourists, who lives in South Carolina, began filming a mobile hamburger cart and was told to stop and leave the area, police said.

Two of the tourists remain hospitalized, including one who was stabbed six times, police said.

No one has been arrested.

The attack happened nearly two years after a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. A friend of his also was beaten but survived.

La Perla is located in the historic part of Puerto Rico’s capital known as Old San Juan and became famous after it was featured in the video of “Despacito,” a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island’s biggest distribution point for heroin, but crime has dropped since a 2011 raid by federal agents.

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3 tourists stabbed in Puerto Rico neighborhood

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Three tourists from the U.S. mainland were stabbed in Puerto Rico early Monday after police said someone told them to stop filming in a renowned seaside community known as La Perla that is popular with visitors.

The confrontation began when one of the tourists, who lives in South Carolina, began filming a mobile hamburger cart and was told to stop and leave the area, police said.

Two of the tourists remain hospitalized, including one who was stabbed six times, police said.

No one has been arrested.

The attack happened nearly two years after a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. A friend of his also was beaten but survived.

La Perla is located in the historic part of Puerto Rico’s capital known as Old San Juan and became famous after it was featured in the video of “Despacito,” a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island’s biggest distribution point for heroin, but crime has dropped since a 2011 raid by federal agents.

April 27, 2024

Stay Up-to-Date with AI-Driven News

Tourists Attacked in Puerto Rico’s La Perla After Being Warned Not to Film

Key takeaways:

• Three U.S. tourists were stabbed in Puerto Rico after someone told them to stop filming in the renowned seaside community of La Perla.
• The incident follows a similar attack two years ago when a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after being warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla.
• The Puerto Rican police are currently investigating the incident and are warning tourists to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid taking pictures of people or places that may be considered off-limits.

Three U.S. tourists were stabbed in Puerto Rico early Monday morning after police said someone told them to stop filming in the renowned seaside community of La Perla. The incident follows a similar attack two years ago when a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after being warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla.

According to police, the confrontation began when one of the tourists, who lives in South Carolina, began filming a mobile hamburger cart and was told to stop and leave the area. The tourists were then attacked and two of them remain hospitalized, including one who was stabbed six times.

La Perla is located in the historic part of Puerto Rico’s capital, Old San Juan, and is popular with visitors. The area has a reputation for being dangerous and the police have warned tourists to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid taking pictures of people or places that may be considered off-limits.

The Puerto Rican police are currently investigating the incident and have not yet released any information about the suspects or the motive behind the attack. They are urging anyone with information to come forward and are warning tourists to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid taking pictures of people or places that may be considered off-limits.

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La Perla Neighborhood In Old San Juan, Puerto Rico (2024 Guide)

• Old San Juan

La Perla is a well-known neighborhood in Old San Juan.

With a famous reputation of being the most dangerous neighborhood in San Juan, La Perla has been working on making it welcoming to visitors, with a lot fewer crimes and a lot more fun.

I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years and frequently visit La Perla for a fun night out with friends.

In this article, I will cover everything that you need to know about La Perla in Old San Juan:

– What is La Perla? – What is La Perla Puerto Rico known for? – Where is La Perla located? – Can you go to La Perla in Puerto Rico? – Should tourists go to La Perla? – Why are there no pictures in La Perla? – Is La Perla dangerous? – What are some things to do in La Perla? – Famous music videos recorded in La Perla

What is La Perla?

La Perla is a neighborhood located in Old San Juan , just between the famous San Cristobal and El Morro forts.

It’s east of the Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis cemetery and nests between the Atlantic Ocean and Norzagaray street. 

This community has a lot of history, and it’s one of the unique ones on the island. 

Back in the 18th century, slaughterhouses were built outside the city walls, next to the cemetery. 

The earliest houses around this area were constructed by enslaved people who had to reside outside the city. 

The impoverished of San Juan were driven out throughout the 19th century, and jibaros—people from the countryside—who immigrated to San Juan also settled in what is now La Perla.

The neighborhood was known to be unsafe and neglected in the 20th century. 

Private interests pushed the community to develop what is today considered great real estate in San Juan, but the community refused.

Today, La Perla offers excellent tourist attractions, fun bars with live music and inexpensive drinks, and overall a great time for visitors and locals to enjoy.

What is La Perla Puerto Rico known for?

La Perla is known for its vibrant culture and colored houses. 

But back in the 1960s & 1970s, Puerto Rico was known as one of the “most dangerous” neighborhoods. 

La Perla is where 2017 Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee recorded their music video “Despacito.”

Ever since the music video, it set off a tourist boom in La Perla.

Locals and tourists alike visit La Perla as it’s known famously for its vibrant nightlife with its variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to a wide range of tastes.

Many cultural events are hosted each week right along Norzagaray street, where locals and tourists can safely enjoy festivals. 

Where is La Perla located?

La Perla is located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

For a point of reference, it’s just across the San Juan museum on Norzagary street. 

There are a lot of great bars nearby, like La Factoría and La Vergüenza, where you can start the night and end in La Perla by walking down the street.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of La Perla:

Can you go to La Perla in Puerto Rico?

Yes, La Perla is open to visitors.

For the most part, visitors who are curious about the area of La Perla will find it pleasant, but as with visiting any urban neighborhood, kindly show respect for locals and exercise common sense.

The neighborhood wasn’t popular with tourists a decade ago, but it is now expanding and changing. 

Having said that, going on a walking tour during the day is different than going out on your own at night.

Below is a video of someone walking through La Perla :

Check out our article 11 Best Tours In Old San Juan if you would prefer to visit with a guide.

Should tourists go to La Perla?

La Perla has been welcoming tourists for the past decade. 

Despite its reputation and information, you’ll find online, La Perla is relatively safe for locals and visitors.

Locals and visitors love to go for a good time, cheap drinks, great music, and a marvelous coast view.

Think of it like this; the residents treat you how you treat them. Treat them with respect and kindness and you’ll get the same treatment back.

Many times, tourists visit the neighborhood and cause trouble and act disrespectfully, like they own the place, which leads to problems with La Perla residents. 

There is no police monitoring in La Perla, and the police do not go down to check. 

Below is a video of a tourist bar hopping in La Perla:

Why are there no pictures in La Perla?

There’s a rule of no picture-taking in La Perla, and for good reason.

It’s easy to be amazed by all the beautiful things La Perla offers, but remember to refrain from taking pictures of people and their homes without their permission.

La Perla is their home; residents strongly respect tourists, so you wouldn’t want an unknown visitor taking pictures of your backyard or you without permission. They don’t like it either.

Those harmed were due to commotion in the area and the residents.

If you’re unsure, I recommend going in a group or with a PR resident to feel safer.

Is La Perla dangerous?

La Perla has a reputation for being a dangerous neighborhood dating back to the 20th century.

It was also heavily neglected by the government. 

When you google “Is La Perla Dangerous,” you’ll see a lot of forums and discussions that La Perla is very dangerous and not to visit. However, it’s less difficult than it was years ago.

As a Puerto Rican resident, I frequently visit La Perla on weekends for cheap alcohol, live music, and a great time with my friends. 

As mentioned above, a respectful visit to La Perla will not get you in trouble. Avoid taking out phones to take pictures; mind your business, and you won’t regret the great time you’ll have!

La Perla has opened its neighborhood for tourist attractions and activities since 2017.

La Perla Community Board and other groups have pushed tourist development and restoration efforts in recent years. 

The most noticeable campaign, ‘La Perla Paints It’s Future ‘ started in 2017, with 375 properties painted in vibrant colors and renovated. 

More community efforts have resulted in initiatives such as: Planting two community gardens, organizing music and art lessons for residents, a 5k race event, and the most notable Carmelo Anthony basketball court rehabilitation.

That said, La Perla is growing less dangerous and more inviting for visitors to enjoy and visit.

Below is a video of someone walking and touring inside La Perla:

What are some things to do in La Perla?

Some fun things to do while visiting La Perla is visiting the art studio Colectivo Perlarte, which sells and displays beautiful artwork La Perla residents have created.

They also offer art and music workshops and private dinner events you can coordinate.

For better views of the San Felipe Morro, you can visit the Malecón, a cement boardwalk that sits just along the edge of the water.

La Perla’s main attraction tourists and locals love visiting is El Bowl.

Skaters love coming to this skate park designed in a bowl shape that is full of beautiful designs.

If you visit during the weekends, it turns into a community pool.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by @sharaogg

Photo Credit: @sharaogg

Continue walking by The Bowl, and you’ll see the famous Garita del Diablo.

Legends say it used to be a guardhouse where guards who worked the overnight shift would mysteriously disappear.

End the trip by visiting La 39, a small rustic bar where live music is played every Sunday.

Honorable mention to the NBA Star Carmelo Anthony for donating a basketball court in 2010 with recent renovations done in 2015.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Triple P’z (@visualtripz)

Photo Credit: @visualtripz

Visiting La Perla, you’ll quickly get caught up with the breathtaking arts, murals and beauty.

Remember always to be respectful, refrain from taking pictures of people’s houses, and you’ll have a great time. 

Famous music videos recorded in La Perla

You’ll be surprised to learn that the famous 2017 hit “Despacito” was recorded in La Perla!

Below is the music video to Despacito:

Another highly recognized song goes back to 2006 with “No Hay Igual” by Nelly Furtado featuring Residente Calle 13. 

Below is the music video to No Hay Igual:

FAQ section

Is la perla worth visiting.

La Perla is worth visiting for visitors and locals. La Perla has worked on being more inviting for visitors since 2017. 

When is the best time to visit La Perla?

The best time to visit La Perla is during the summer, as it hosts more live events and music to enjoy.

Final thoughts

Visitors should visit La Perla when visiting Old San Juan !

Contrary to what is found online, La Perla has worked on being more inviting to visitors since 2017 and offers tourist attractions you want to experience.

As long as you’re being respectful, enjoying your time, and not causing trouble, you won’t have any problem when visiting La Perla.

If you’re still feeling unsafe, c heck out our article Is Old San Juan Safe For Tourists? – All You Need To Know .

Also, check out our article 35 Best Things To Do In Old San Juan .

Miguel Concepcion

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years and have experienced every inch of this stunning island. Growing up in Puerto Rico has helped me truly learn about the rich culture and extensive history this island has to offer. I share my local knowledge in all of the articles that I write.

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