Puerto Rico travel is always an adventure. This storied island is one of the most diverse in the Caribbean, with enough to see and do to make a vacation that could potentially last for months.
What could attract you to visit? Puerto Rico has more than 4,000 years of history. Culture here ranges from ancient Amerindian to modern American, separated by some 400 years of Spanish Colonial influences. If the great outdoors appeals, you’ll find the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Beaches and diving? Puerto Rico has some of the best in the region.
Then there are the people. They call themselves “Boricua” in reference to the island’s ancient name of Borikén. Warm, welcoming and full of fun, they’re sure to put a smile on your face and a shimmy in your step with their keen sense of finding any excuse to party.
Why Visit Puerto Rico
Isla Verde
There’s a colloquial expression in Puerto Rico—“ay, ay, ay”—that once made it into a global hit song. Loosely translated, it means “oh, my gosh,” and it could well be what you’re left saying after a visit here.
In a region laden with gems, Puerto Rico is among the crown jewels. With thousands of years of history, typically white sand beaches, the United States’ only rainforest, and evocative capital Old San Juan to explore, you’re sure to find dozens of things to see and do when traveling to Puerto Rico that will take your breath away.
History & Culture
Old San Juan
Puerto Rico’s history is a long and checkered one. The island is thought to have been originally settled between 3,000 and 4,000 years ago by a succession of Amerindian peoples including the Ortoiroid, Saladoid, and Taíno, sophisticated populations that left behind a rich mythology.
The arrival of a certain Christopher Columbus in 1493 changed all that, though, his claiming of the island for Spain firing the starting gun for some four centuries of colonial rule. The founding of capital San Juan in 1521 soon saw Puerto Rico become a strategic military and trade hub, a legacy of which are the grand colonial-era buildings and forts that still dot the island today.
With the end of the Spanish-American war in 1898, the island’s fortunes took another sharp turn when it was ceded to the United States.
Old San Juan
With so many different influences, there’s little wonder then that Puerto Rico feels like a melting pot simmering away with a concoction of Taino, Spanish, and American influences, with a side of African flavor, a legacy of the slave trade, thrown in for good measure.
The locals embrace all this, and more. You won’t need to wait long to discover this fascinating blend, either. At times it can feel as though the dawning of each day serves simply as an excuse for another chance to party—and, as a welcome visitor, you’ll be greeted with open arms to join in the fun.
Wildlife & Nature
El Yunque Rainforest
Puerto Rico’s landscape can feel dramatically different from some of the smaller, flat coral islands that dot the Caribbean. Here, visitors will find a striking mix of rainforests, cloud-topped mountains, dry coastal regions, and tiny offshore islands, making it one of the most diverse destinations in the Caribbean.
At the heart of this is the famed El Yunque Rainforest, known for being the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. It’s also home to some of the best hikes in Puerto Rico. Here, there’s the kind of biodiversity normally reserved for TV nature documentaries: lush waterfalls, towering trees, and endemic species such as the coquí frog, with its unique mating call.
Contrast this with the Guánica Dry Forest—a subtropical habitat home to some 150 species of birds, some of which, like the Puerto Rican parrot, are on the endangered list.
Escambrón Marine Park
Of course, many people visit Puerto Rico for the beaches and the waters around the island teem with life, too. There are three bioluminescent bays that glow with the light from microscopic organisms when they are disturbed.
Snorkeling and diving are also excellent here thanks to reef systems such as those found in Escambrón Marine Park. Don a mask and head into the water to find turtles, stingrays, and multiple schools of colorful fish.
The good news is that to discover the island’s rich diversity is relatively easy with most of the key natural sights being within driving distance of San Juan.
Tips for Visiting Puerto Rico
Old San Juan
Getting around Puerto Rico’s capital of San Juan is relatively straightforward. Old San Juan—which is where most of the main sights are—is best explored on foot, in any case. Its narrow and winding streets can be a challenge for some vehicles, and walking is the best way to absorb the sights and sounds of the city.
An alternative way to travel is by bike thanks to cheap rentals and a fine, cross-city cycling path. Taxis and private-hire vehicles are abundant for anything further, or you could rent a car for distances out of the city. Rent-a-car locations are plentiful, though it should be noted that the roads are not of the best quality.
Being the Caribbean, the weather tends to be warm year-round, but the rainy season which runs from June to November brings showers, and with it the need for layered clothing and raincoats.
Rains can creep into December so pack a waterproof if you’re traveling to Puerto Rico early in the season. This is the kind of destination where you’ll do lots of walking, so sturdy shoes are a must—and remember to carry a water bottle with you so you can stay hydrated.
Things to See & Do in Puerto Rico
Wander Around Old San Juan
Old San Juan
Set on a promontory that juts out into the Caribbean from the northern shore of Puerto Rico, Old San Juan is as charming as capital cities come. Its cobbled streets, built with ballast brought from Spain, are lined with pastel-colored colonial-era buildings, centuries-old fortresses, and hidden courtyards accented with scarlet bougainvillea.
It’s the kind of place that pulses with energy: markets thrive to the call of traders, cafés and bars hum with conversation, and the scent of grilled plantain from street vendors fills the air.
There’s modern culture here too. The Santurce neighborhood is reminiscent of Miami’s Wynwood Arts district with street art murals towering over hip cafés, and a series of museums dedicated to contemporary art.
Discover the History of Castillo San Felipe del Morro & Fort San Cristóbal
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
A pair of must-sees within a must-see, Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristóbal have watched over Old San Juan for centuries.
Perched on a cliff at the entrance to San Juan Bay, Castillo San Felipe del Morro is possibly the most impressive Spanish colonial fort in the Caribbean. Construction on El Morro, as the locals call it, began in 1539, and six massive levels of stone walls have defended the city from the sea ever since.
Castillo San Cristóbal
Fort San Cristóbal, on the other hand, guards the city from land invasions. Finished in 1783, it was the largest Spanish fort in the New World, covering a huge 27 acres with a network of tunnels, moats, and watchtowers.
The pair have seen much action, including repelling a 1595 attack by the famed Sir Francis Drake and another attempted British invasion in 1797. Together, they form a Unesco World Heritage site and offer a deeper insight into the island’s colonial history.
Hike in El Yunque Rainforest
El Yunque Rainforest
If you can peel yourself from the streets of Old San Juan when traveling to Puerto Rico, El Yunque should be next on your list of things to see and do. Just an hour’s drive from the capital, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System covers 28,000 acres including cloud-shrouded peaks, cascading waterfalls, and dense foliage.
Hike one of its trails, take a scenic drive, or dive into a secluded pool in this land of incredible biodiversity that’s home to 240 plant species and a number of rare animals, including the Puerto Rican parrot. If time allows, there’s an excellent short hike on the The Mount Britton Trail that leads to an old Spanish watchtower with sweeping views over the forest canopy.
Take a Bacardi Distillery Tour
Bacardi Distillery
If you enjoy a cocktail, you’re more than likely to drink rum in Puerto Rico—and if you are going to drink rum, the place to do it is at the Bat Bar Pavilion at Barcadi’s distillery, located in Cataño, just across the bay from Old San Juan.
The largest rum distillery in the world offers tours of its impressive facilities where visitors can learn about the history of rum and the brand itself, from its founding in Cuba in 1862 through its move to Puerto Rico in the 1930s, until modern times. Regular tours include a cocktail, while there are also specialty versions with cocktail-making classes, or the chance to taste rare versions of the popular spirit.
Enjoy Bioluminescent Kayaking
Laguna Grande
Puerto Rico offers a number of once-in-a-lifetime experiences but none probably quite match the chance to paddle a kayak at night through waters with an eerie blue-green glow.
An hour from San Juan, Laguna Grande is one of only five bioluminescent bays in the world. As your oar kisses the water after dark, the dip of the paddle disturbs microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates that light up like a small LED, creating a surreal glowing effect in the water. It’s an experience that can be enjoyed on any night, but when there’s no moon and the skies are darkest, it has an extra special feel.
Read: Things to Do in Puerto Rico With Kids
Snorkel at Escambrón Marine Park
Escambrón Marine Park
For those unsure in the water but wanting to discover more of the submarine world, Escambrón Marine Park is ideal. Set within San Juan itself, the beachfront reserve offers some of the best snorkeling in Puerto Rico without even the need to leave the capital.
Escambrón’s protected status means its coral reef is thriving with marine life including schools of blue tangs, sergeant majors, and parrotfish, as well as green sea turtles.
Food & Drink
Puerto Rican food
That Boricua culture really comes to the fore with Puerto Rican cuisine, also known as “cocina criolla”, where Taino, Spanish, African and American influences all come together like nowhere else.
The Tainos brought yuca, yams, and maize, with the Spanish colonizers adding pork, rice, and olives—all elements still featuring heavily today. To these ingredients, enslaved Africans contributed deep frying and plantain, while since Puerto Rico came under American rule, more globalized cuisine has been added to the blend.
Dishes to note include lechón asado, which is slow-roasted pork, arroz con gandules, a combination of rice and pigeon peas, and pastelón, a plantain-based lasagna. Being an island nation, seafood also features highly with conch, red snapper, and lobster abundant. The tropical climate also adds mangoes, guava, and passion fruit, which are all available year-round.
Bacardi Distillery
Puerto Rico is home to the famous rum brand Bacardi, as well as several smaller distillers that create small-batch aged rums that rank among the best in the world. The island’s signature cocktail, piña colada—a fruity blend of rum with coconut cream and pineapple—was invented here in the 1950s. Go easy on these, the sweetness can hide the strength of the Caribbean rum which packs a powerful punch.
Best Time to Visit
Isla Verde
Puerto Rico is warm year-round, but the best time to visit is between December and April, when the weather is dry and temperatures reach into the high 80s. It’s also a great time to sample a dose of local culture, especially at the turn of the year. In January, there’s the Día de Reyes festival and the San Sebastián Street Festival, both held in San Juan.
It’s worth bearing in mind that January is peak season, and so the island tends to be busier at this time of year. For those looking for fine weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder months of December and April are ideal.
Read: Best Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan
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