Editor’s note: We can’t travel now. But, as stated in Glimmers of Hope in the Hiatus, we can dream and plan for later. So, if you’re thinking of a future getaway, here are 10 reasons to visit Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico’s rainbow streets and crystalline seas are the stuff of screensavers. But it’s more than colourful facades and mesmerising waters. Step into Puerto Rico’s embrace and you’ll soon discover colonial relics, local culture, flavoursome cuisine and more. The true charm of Puerto Rico lies with its vivacious and hospitable people. Puerto Ricans are proud of their home, generously sharing its intrigues with visitors. “We want people to come,” says Francisco Battistini, a local guide who offers custom tours throughout the island. “I’ve got 17 different ways to show you Old San Juan alone,” he chuckles. “I got the historic side. Then I got the gastronomic side. I can give you the sexy Instagram pose section. I’ve got all the flavours you want.”
Every part of Puerto Rico is going to offer you something different.
Francisco Battistini, local tour guide in Puerto Rico.
Indeed, with its jade rain forest and variety of activities, Puerto Rico packs a wealth of experiences. Rhythmic beats permeate the air. Salsa workouts on street corners aren’t amiss. Dance competitions kick off as reggaeton and Afrobeats spill from bars and restaurants. Yes, there is an inescapable vibrancy from the moment Puerto Rico bids you bienvenidos.
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Where is Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean Sea between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands. The archipelago comprises the main island, four smaller islands, cays and islets. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, and its people are American citizens.
10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Puerto Rico
Jump straight to your favourite section or keep reading for 10 reasons to visit Puerto Rico.
- Relax on one of the world’s best beaches
- Drink piña colada where it was invented
- Visit El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service
- Delve into the history of colourful Old San Juan
- Stay at the Condado Vanderbilt, the first luxury hotel in Puerto Rico
- Sail for the Southern Caribbean
- Taste the fantastic local cuisine
- Sample rum, rum and more rum
- Captain your own boat on San Juan Bay
- Experience the vibrant nightlife in La Placita
- Puerto Rico – Trip Notes
1. Relax on one of the world’s best beaches.
Did a beach ever make you sigh in delight? World-renowned Flamenco beach on Culebra Island just might. Powdery white sands, turquoise waters and green-capped cliffs announce its beauty. The captivating beach is ideal for swimming or simply relaxing. Flamenco Beach regularly makes an appearance in the “world’s best beaches” lists. You can certainly see why once you visit.
2. Drink piña colada where it was invented.
Coconut cream, pineapple juice, white rum and ice go into the delightful piña colada. The inventor of Puerto Rico’s national drink is a hotly contested topic. Three different bartenders stake claim to origin stories in 1954 and 1963. We may not know whose hands crafted this signature drink. What we do know is that piña colada is the best sip to accompany your Puerto Rico adventures.
3. Visit the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest Service.
El Yunque National Forest is an immersive time in nature. It’s perfect for relaxation, scenery or active adventures. Go as part of a tour or rent a car for a self-guided visit. Be sure to pack an extra set of dry clothes in case of rain.
4. Delve into colourful Old San Juan.
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is a riot of colours. Historic architecture and relics line the cobbled lanes of Old San Juan. Wander the rainbow streets for a close-up of Spanish colonial influence. Explore cavernous forts that once fended off pirates. Visit the second oldest church in the Americas. Walk Old San Juan’s Atlantic coastline in La Perla, the historic community where the music video for Despacito was filmed. Remember that bop from summer 2017? Of course you do.
5. Stay in one of the first luxury hotels in the Caribbean.
You can’t help but feel elegant at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. A sweeping staircase, pink marble and gilded gold designs welcome you. Originally opened in 1919, the Vanderbilt was the first luxury hotel in Puerto Rico. Over the course of a storied history, it has welcomed many famous people. Today, it maintains a sophisticated yet unstuffy vibe. More than 100 years on, the Vanderbilt still ranks as the grand dame of stylish places to bed down in Puerto Rico.
6. Sail from San Juan on a Caribbean cruise.
San Juan is a must-visit destination in itself. That said, it’s also a jumping off point for many Caribbean cruises. Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Silversea and Carnival have itineraries that depart from or call into San Juan. If you’re considering a Caribbean cruise, why not sail from Puerto Rico?
7. Taste the fantastic local cuisine.
Puerto Rico’s blend of Taíno, African and Spanish influences is best experienced through food and drink. The mix of spices and cultures have been infused into a cuisine that is flavoursome and memorable. For Puerto Rican specialities at good prices, check out Boronía in La Placita. Boronía serves up traditional favourites like alcapurria, mofongo and rice and beans. Spending the day at El Yunque? Nearby Carabalí Rainforest Bar & Grill has everything from poultry and pasta, to sandwiches and seafood. Be sure to check out Cocina Abierta’s eclectic menu in “five acts”. It’s perfect for sampling dinner with wine pairings.
Related post: On the Eaten Path in Puerto Rico
8. Sample rum, rum and more rum.
The Caribbean is world-renowned for its rum – and Puerto Rico is no different. Ready to get into the spirit of things? Head to one of Puerto Rico’s oldest rum factories located at Hacienda Santa Ana in Bayamón. This municipality is about 15 minutes away from San Juan. The sipping rum brand produced by Hacienda Santa Ana is known as Ron del Barrilito – “rum from the small barrels”. The name is a nod to ageing rum using barrels. Be sure to check out the heritage tours, tasting and mixology sessions available. They offer historical insights, unique craftsmanship and, of course, show-stopping cocktail lessons. Did somebody say sip, sip hooray?
9. Captain your own mini boat adventure.
Ever wanted to captain your own boat? You can on a mini boats tour with East Island Excursions. Take to the water in an inflatable 13-inch rigid boat and see San Juan from a different perspective. With a maximum capacity of 4 per boat, it’s the perfect group adventure for friends, couples or families. The 90-minute tour has brief stops highlighting some of San Juan’s top sights. These include the famous Fort San Felipe Del Morro, the Governer’s Mansion and the commercial district. It’s a fun, thrilling and adrenaline-pumping time on water.
10. Experience the nightlife.
You won’t be short of nightlife spots when in Puerto Rico. For a casual yet invigorating night vibe, make like the locals and head to La Placita de Santurce near Old San Juan. By day, it’s a farmers’ market. Come nighttime, La Placita transforms into a hotbed of live music, great eats and bars while twinkling fairy lights add a dazzle to the atmosphere.
This island has it all – history, grandeur, riveting natural beauty and infectiously fun nightlife. Inspired after reading these 10 reasons to visit Puerto Rico? Check out this 4-day Puerto Rico itinerary to help you plan your trip. See below for some helpful trip notes.
Trip Notes
Getting there and around
Iberia offers three direct flights a week from Madrid to San Juan during the winter season, four in April and May, six in June and one flight a day in July and August. Visit www.iberia.com for the latest information when it’s safe to travel again.
For a short visit based in San Juan, taxis and Uber will suffice. However, exploring sites and towns outside of the San Juan metro area is easiest by private car rental. Alternatively, most tour operators offer transport/tours to popular sites.
Languages
Spanish and English are the two official languages. A third unofficial mix of the two spoken widely is Spanglish.
Local Tours
East Island Excursions offer aquatic adventures on the island. These include the San Juan mini boats activity and Culebra snorkel tours.
Passports & Visas
Requirements to travel to Puerto Rico are the same as applying to visit mainland USA. British passport holders need an ESTA. American citizens do not require a passport to travel to Puerto Rico.
Money
The currency used in Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar.
Further information
- 4 Days in Puerto Rico: Things to Do & Where to Eat
- On the Eaten Path in Puerto Rico
- Discover Puerto Rico, the official tourism website for Puerto Rico.
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