Best Travel Destinations In Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a US commonwealth, so you can pay with American dollars and understand the language, but it's not quite a home away from home. The island has something for everyone, from 20-foot waves for surfers to calm, clear waters for families. It's a mix of landscapes, from the jungle of El Yunque to brilliant beaches like Condado and the secluded, gorgeous islands of Vieques and Culebra.

Old San Juan is the historic heart of Puerto Rico's capital, with colourful colonial architecture and the iconic Umbrella Street. Vieques is the largest island off the coast of Puerto Rico, with untouched beaches and dreamy boutique stays. Palomino Island is a 100-acre, uninhabited island with white sands and clear seas.

If you're looking for a beach with golden sands, rugged cliffs and turquoise waters, head to Playa Sucia on the island's southwest corner. Crash Boat Beach on the island's northwest corner is a playground for water lovers, with an iconic bright green pier.

For a combination of beach relaxation and nightlife, try Isla Verde in San Juan, or for a quieter option, Mar Chiquita in Manatí offers a picturesque beach experience.

Best tourist destination: Old San Juan

Old San Juan is a historic neighbourhood in Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan, and is the best tourist destination in Puerto Rico. It is the historic heart of the city, with vibrant, colourful colonial architecture and the iconic "Umbrella Street", Calle de la Fortaleza.

History and Culture

Old San Juan has over 500 years of history, with Spanish fortifications from the 16th century, including the San Felipe del Morro fortress, which crowns the western tip of the historic neighbourhood and offers spectacular ocean views. The area also features UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as La Fortaleza, and the San Juan National Historic Site.

Food and Drink

Old San Juan is known for its local bites and cocktails. Visitors can sip on piña coladas, the national drink of Puerto Rico, where they were created at the Caribe Hilton. The area also has countless rooftop restaurants, and La Factoría, named the best bar in the Caribbean in 2024.

Shopping

Old San Juan is a great place for shopping, with local shops and art galleries throughout the old city. Visitors can purchase handcrafted souvenirs, such as iconic vejigante masks and hand-carved santos (wooden figurines).

Getting Around

Old San Juan is best explored on foot, with all major attractions, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. The area also offers free golf carts called Garita Carts, which can take you to important landmarks.

Best for families: Luquillo

With over 12 miles of white-sand coastline, Luquillo is a great choice for families. Located about 45 minutes east of San Juan, it offers tons of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing, with the lush El Yunque National Forest as a backdrop.

Base yourself at Play Fortuna for access to one of the area's highlights: Kioskos de Luquillo, a row of 60 family-owned restaurants serving addictive bacalaitos (codfish fritters), seafood, piña coladas, and ice-cold beers. You can also head to Luquillo after a day at neighbouring El Yunque National Forest, or use the town as a base for exploring less-visited areas of the rainforest.

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. Home to more than 240 types of trees, unique birds, and native species like the coquí frog, the forest spans 28,000 acres of land that includes 25 waterfalls, several rivers, and ancient petroglyphs depicting the deities of the Taíno, Puerto Rico's indigenous people.

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Loíza to watch live bomba music. Start in Piñones to cruise the kiosk strip and buy delectable fritters, like the famous empanadillas de jueyes (crab empanadas) and the plantain-and-ground-beef delicacy pionono. El Boricua is a favourite with locals. Arrive early, as lines can snake around the establishment.

After that, head over to El Imán Bar to listen to live bomba music and watch the bailaores (flamenco dancers) execute increasingly difficult moves to satisfy the drummers and the crowd.

Best for couples: Palomino Island

Puerto Rico is a great destination for couples, with its incredible beaches, historic cities, and romantic retreats. One of the best places for couples to visit is Palomino Island, an uninhabited island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. With its white sands and clear seas, Palomino Island offers a tranquil and exclusive escape for couples seeking privacy and relaxation.

Getting to Palomino Island

Palomino Island is easily accessible by a short ferry ride from the El Conquistador Resort, located on the Puerto Rican mainland. This resort is the exclusive gateway to the island, providing a seamless and luxurious experience for couples.

Exploring Palomino Island

The island spans 100 acres and offers a range of activities for couples to enjoy. You can hike along the pristine beaches, snorkel in the clear waters, or simply relax on the soft white sand. The island is known for its tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views, making it an ideal place for couples to unwind and connect with nature.

Accommodations on Palomino Island

For those looking to extend their stay, the El Conquistador Resort offers exclusive access to the island for its guests. The resort provides a range of luxurious accommodations, including swanky palm-fringed, pristine beaches and the renowned Spa Botánico. It is known for its championship golf courses and treehouse treatment rooms, delivering a bespoke luxury experience.

Dining Options

Couples can enjoy dining at the resort, which features high-end Puerto Rican cuisine and panoramic views. For a more intimate dining experience, private charters like Caribe Bliss offer VIP luxury experiences, allowing couples to enjoy a romantic dinner atop a floating deck in the middle of the Caribbean lagoon.

Nearby Attractions

In addition to the charms of Palomino Island, there are several nearby attractions worth exploring. The Fajardo region, just 15 minutes away, boasts the impressive Laguna Grande, a bioluminescent bay where you can kayak through waters filled with phosphorescent plankton. The area also offers a range of romantic sunset strolls, such as the romantic sunset stroll at Las Croabas.

Practical Information

When planning your trip to Palomino Island, it is important to book your accommodations in advance, especially if you intend to stay at the El Conquistador Resort. Additionally, reservations are required for activities such as guided tours and kayak rentals, so be sure to secure your spots ahead of time.

Palomino Island is a hidden gem, offering couples an exclusive and tranquil escape. With its natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, and nearby attractions, it provides the perfect setting for a romantic retreat in Puerto Rico.

Best for solo travellers: Condado

Condado is a great place for solo travellers to stay in Puerto Rico. It's a beachfront neighbourhood in San Juan, with a range of accommodation options, from swanky resorts to cute guest houses. It's also very safe, and an easy place to meet locals and other travellers.

If you're looking for a budget option, the Nomada Urban Beach Hostel is a great choice. It's sociable and easy to meet others, with a garden, terrace, and BBQ. It's also very secure, with plenty of cameras, and the front desk is open 24 hours. You can choose from a bed in a mixed dorm, a female-only dorm, or even a tent or hammock on the roof!

For something a little more upmarket, try the El Colonial Adults Only hotel in Old San Juan. It's stylishly decorated, with a great view from the rooftop, and the staff are very welcoming. The rooms are beautifully decorated and have air-conditioning and large digital TVs with Netflix.

Condado Beach is also home to the La Concha Renaissance Marriott San Juan Resort, which offers luxury on a budget. The beachfront property features two towers: one with amenities for families, and one adults-only. There are two pools, an infinity pool, and a jacuzzi. There are seven bars and restaurants on-site, including Delicias, which serves up traditional Puerto Rican dishes with a modern twist, all sourced locally and made fresh in-house.

Condado is a great base for exploring San Juan. You can walk to Ashford Ave and Calle Loíza, the main tourist area for nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. It's also just a 15-minute bus ride from Isla Verde beach, where you can surf, jet ski, parasail, or paddleboard.

If you want to explore further afield, it's easy to get a rental car in Condado, and Uber is also available.

Best for nature: El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. It is also a sacred place in Puerto Rican culture, with its name deriving from the Taíno word "Yuke", meaning "white earth", or the Taíno deity of fertility, "Yúcahu".

Spanning nearly 29,000 acres, El Yunque is one of the smallest forests in the National Forest System, yet one of the most biologically diverse. The forest is home to an array of unique wildlife, including the famous coquí frog, as well as over 240 plant species endemic to Puerto Rico. It also features 25 waterfalls and several rivers and ancient petroglyphs depicting the deities of the Taíno, Puerto Rico's indigenous people.

One of the most popular things to do in El Yunque is to hike to one of the natural pools and take a refreshing dip. La Coca trail leads to several ponds, while El Angelito trail features a rope swing and a 4km hike that ends with a dive into a lagoon. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the Yokahú Observation Tower offers expansive views of the mountains from an elevation of 1,575 feet.

El Yunque is located in the Río Grande area, east of San Juan, and is approximately a 45-minute drive from the city. The forest is open daily from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, except on Christmas. While there is no entrance fee, some optional attractions within the forest do have a cost of $8 for adults, with children under 15 entering for free. It is recommended to reserve your visit to El Yunque in advance through the website.

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