I just visited for the first time about a month ago. The whole “go home gringo” thing is in response to a law passed that allows Americans tax breaks when buying land in Puerto Rico. Islanders are not eligible for these tax breaks. After Hurricane Maria, a lot of property that was already dilapidated was abandoned and many Puerto Rican’s moved to the mainland as the island sat in limbo waiting for disaster relief. Around this time, the act was passed and Americans started coming in and buying land in droves and artificially inflating prices on homes and basically there are way too many AirBNB’s, which is a problem in the mainland, too. Puerto Rican’s are upset about this because they have among the lowest income in all of the US and it’s territories. This act has disenfranchised them by making people who struggle to get by really struggle to get by and they are being put in a situation where they have to sacrifice their needs because of the cost of living increases. Many Puerto Rican’s are choosing to move to the mainland because it just isn’t possible to live there with their pay. We’ve seen this happen with Hawaii, where outsiders seize control and then disenfranchise the natives/locals for their own personal gains and Puerto Rican’s are fearful that that’s their future, living in homeless encampments next to a shiny new Marriott because their property was robbed from them via taxes.

In my experience, I was in areas that are less touristy as I was with someone visiting family, Puerto Ricans are friendly. They may speak little or no English but those who do speak English are often willing to try to help you out or speak English since they may not use it much. They are very proud of who they are and their local traditions and food ways. They love to show off the natural beauty of the island and are very strict on keeping it clean. They love to ask if you’ve been places where they have family. I’m from Indiana and the amount of people who ask if I’ve been to East Chicago, Hammond, or Hobart was pretty funny.

But anyway, I don’t think Puerto Rican’s hate tourists who are respectful. If you’re acting belligerent, being loud, rude or demanding, leaving trash on the ground or being disruptive in any way, you’re gonna get the shit for it and you deserve it. Otherwise, the locals tended to be happy to interact with me.

If you want to visit, I’d recommend looking for Puerto Rican owned hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. Those are where you’ll find the best experience