🇵🇷 Puerto Rico

Discover Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a US territory offering the perfect blend of American convenience and Caribbean culture. Known as the "Island of Enchantment," Puerto Rico features stunning beaches, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System (El Yunque), bioluminescent bays, historic forts, vibrant culture, and no passport required for US citizens. The main island and surrounding islands of Vieques and Culebra deliver diverse experiences from colonial architecture to pristine beaches.

From the cobblestone streets of 500-year-old Old San Juan to the underground caves of Río Camuy, Puerto Rico combines natural wonders with rich history. World-class resorts line the coast, rainforest adventures beckon from the mountains, and the warmth of Puerto Rican hospitality—along with incredible cuisine—makes every visit memorable. As a US territory, visitors enjoy familiar amenities while experiencing authentic Latin Caribbean culture.

Award-Winning Excellence

Notable Award-Winning Properties & Services

• Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve - Puerto Rico's Leading Resort 2025
• Caribe Hilton San Juan - Puerto Rico's Leading Hotel 2025
• Don Rafa Boutique Hotel and Residences - Puerto Rico's Leading Boutique Hotel 2025
• San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino (Presidential Suite) - Puerto Rico's Leading Hotel Suite 2025
• Hertz - Puerto Rico's Leading Car Rental Company 2025

Top Attractions & Things to Do

• Old San Juan - UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful colonial buildings, El Morro and San Cristóbal forts, cobblestone streets, and vibrant culture
• El Yunque National Forest - Only tropical rainforest in US National Forest System with waterfalls, hiking trails, and coquí frogs
• Bioluminescent Bays - Mosquito Bay (Vieques), Laguna Grande (Fajardo), La Parguera—glowing waters from microscopic organisms
• Culebra Island - Pristine Flamenco Beach consistently ranked among world's best, calm turquoise waters, excellent snorkeling
• Vieques Island - Undeveloped beaches, wild horses, Mosquito Bay bioluminescence, laid-back Caribbean vibe
• Río Camuy Cave Park - Third-largest underground river system with massive caves and sinkholes
• Castillo San Felipe del Morro - Iconic 16th-century fortress overlooking San Juan Bay, kite-flying spot
• Arecibo Observatory - Former world's largest radio telescope (featured in GoldenEye and Contact)
• Luquillo Beach - Family-friendly crescent beach with calm waters, kiosks serving local food
• Camuy Caverns - Spectacular limestone cave system with underground rivers and rock formations
• La Placita de Santurce - Traditional market by day, vibrant nightlife hub with salsa dancing on weekends
• Caja de Muertos - Nature reserve island with lighthouse, hiking, pristine beaches, and snorkeling

Regional Highlights

Beaches & Coastal Beauty

Puerto Rico boasts over 270 miles of coastline with diverse beaches from calm Caribbean shores to dramatic Atlantic surf breaks. Flamenco Beach in Culebra features powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Luquillo offers family-friendly swimming with food kiosks. Isla Verde near San Juan provides convenient beach access with resorts and amenities.

Surf beaches include Rincón's Domes and María's for winter swells, and Jobos Beach for year-round action. Hidden gems like Playa Sucia (Cabo Rojo) offer dramatic cliffs and lighthouse views. Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo provides calm waters perfect for kayaking to bioluminescent Laguna Grande. Each coast offers distinct beach experiences.

Adventure & Nature

El Yunque National Forest offers numerous trails from easy nature walks to challenging peak hikes, with waterfalls including La Mina Falls and Juan Diego Falls. The forest receives 240 inches of rain annually, creating lush vegetation and numerous swimming holes. Night tours reveal bioluminescent fungi and the endemic coquí frog chorus.

Adventure activities include zip-lining through rainforest canopies, caving in Río Camuy, kayaking to bioluminescent bays, surfing world-class breaks, diving coral reefs and walls, deep-sea fishing, and ATV tours. The central mountains offer coffee plantation tours, scenic drives, and cooler temperatures perfect for hiking.

Puerto Rican Culture & Cuisine

Puerto Rican culture blends Spanish, African, and Taíno indigenous influences creating unique traditions in music, art, and daily life. Salsa, reggaetón, and bomba music fill the streets. Spanish is the primary language, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas. The warmth and friendliness of Puerto Ricans ("Boricuas") is legendary.

The cuisine features bold flavors and generous portions. Must-try dishes include mofongo (mashed plantains), lechón (roast pork), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), alcapurrias (fried fritters), pastelillos, tostones, and flan. Don't miss food kiosks in Luquillo or Piñones, chinchorreos (bar-hopping food tours), and piña coladas (invented at Caribe Hilton). Local coffee and rum (Bacardí, Don Q) are world-class.

Travel Tips

• Entry Requirements: US citizens need NO passport (government ID sufficient). International visitors need valid passport
• Getting There: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan. Direct flights from major US cities
• Getting Around: Rental car recommended (drive on right). Taxis, Uber, públicos (shared vans). Ferries to Vieques/Culebra
• Currency: US Dollar (USD). All major credit cards accepted. ATMs everywhere
• Language: Spanish primary, English widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning basic Spanish enhances experience
• Best Time to Visit: December to April for perfect weather. Hurricane season June-November. Year-round warm temperatures
• Cell Service: US carriers work normally (no international charges for US visitors)
• What to Pack: Light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, hiking shoes for El Yunque, rain jacket, water shoes, insect repellent
• Tipping: Standard US tipping (15-20% restaurants). Some add automatic 18% gratuity
• Safety: Generally safe in tourist areas. Use normal city precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night. Don't leave valuables in rental cars