Endless beaches, a charming capital, delicious cuisine and hospitable people make this Caribbean island – Puerto Rico – irresistible. Here’s a list of top 10 things to do if you’re visiting the island for the first time. By Pallavi Mehra
Travellers who visit Puerto Rico (Spanish for “Rich Port”) are welcomed with a little slice of paradise, brimming with some of the best hotels, restaurants and bars in the world. Puerto Rico is a beautiful oasis, and has something for everyone, regardless of taste and budget. With its serene beaches, delightful local food, thriving nightlife, vibrant art scene and activities such as surfing, hiking, fishing, snorkelling, and scuba diving—Puerto Rico is an awe-inspiring destination.
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Puerto Rico, an unincorporated United States territory also boasts a culturally rich and charming capital—San Juan, as well as a landscape of mountains, waterfalls and a tropical rainforest. Your first visit to Puerto Rico will be the beginning of a new lifelong adventure. Here, we round up the 10 best things to do in Puerto Rico.
- Old San Juan
View this post on InstagramOld San Juan is the historical centre. It is the perfect blend of Spanish and American culture. Old San Juan is a delight to explore on foot, as it’s blessed with colourful Spanish colonial buildings, old-world art galleries, stylish cafés and restaurants, quaint museums, centuries-old fortresses and eccentric boutiques. While wandering through the cobblestoned streets, don’t forget to experience the lively street fairs and markets as well.
- El Yunque National Forest
View this post on InstagramEl Yunque, formerly known as the Caribbean National Forest, is the only tropical rainforest in the United States. This national treasure has a hilly terrain, unique flora and fauna, and majestic waterfalls. Some of the most popular activities at El Yunque include climbing a tower for uninterrupted views of the distinctive landscape, hiking, and swimming in the waterfalls.
- Castillo San Cristóbal
View this post on InstagramDating back to centuries, Fort San Cristóbal was built by the Spanish as a part of an intricate defense system for San Juan. It is one of the biggest fortresses on the American continent. Presently, visitors looking for a magnificent and historic experience may walk through the fort, which includes a moat, a plaza and tunnels with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro
View this post on InstagramThis is the most well known fort in Puerto Rico. Castillo San Felipe del Morro was also built for security purposes. Currently, this centuries-old fort is a tourist attraction, and not only does its location provide stunning ocean-front views, but it also has a sprawling lawn, which is ideal for a picnic or other outdoor activities.
- Bioluminescent Bays
View this post on InstagramBioluminescence is a natural phenomenon, which is caused by living organisms in the water that glow in the dark. There are three (La Parguera, Laguna Grande and Mosquito Bay) magical bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, which light up at night. Kayaking in one of these surreal water bodies is an unforgettable experience, and is straight out of a dream.
- Glorious Beaches
View this post on InstagramAzure skies, golden-brown sandy beaches and the mystical sound of crashing waves — Puerto Rico’s beaches are some of the best in the world. Luquillo, Rincón, Condado, and Vieques are the most renowned beaches in Puerto Rico. From the fashionable resorts of Condado to family-friendly Luquillo, and surfer’s paradise Rincón, there is a beach for everyone. Each beach offers a spectacular and distinctive setting.
- Bacardi Rum Factory
View this post on InstagramBecome a rum connoisseur on a guided tour of Bacardi’s largest rum factory. At this factory, up to 100,000 bottles of rum can be bottled per day. Discover the craft of rum making, learn the history of Bacardi—a family owned company, and have your own private rum tasting. Sip on five different Bacardi rums and learn about the diverse types of flavours.
- Culerbra Island
View this post on InstagramTake a day trip to Culerbra Island, east of San Juan. Culebra is picture-perfect with soft, white-sand beaches, and clear blue skies. Swim, snorkel, scuba dive and unwind on Flamenco Beach in Culerbra. Flamenco Beach is renowned as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. At night, you can camp at Flamenco Beach and sleep under the stars!
- Puerto Rican cuisine
View this post on InstagramPuerto Rican food is influenced by the cooking traditions of Spain, the United States and the native Taínos. Savour scrumptious dishes such as Mofongo (mashed plantain), Aroz Con Dulche (sweet sticky rice), Arroz Con Gandules Y Lechón (rice with peas and pork) and Mallorca (tropical madeleine). If you are a coffee lover, you must try Puerto Rico’s smooth and rich coffee, which is exported all over the world.
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- Nightlife
View this post on InstagramPuerto Ricans know how to party! Begin your bar crawl in Old San Juan with La Factoria, a fun speakeasy, which was in the video of the world-famous song ‘Despacito.’ Also, don’t miss La Placita de Santurce, a market by day, which transforms into a street party on the weekends with live music, DJs and salsa dancing.
