Puerto Rico travel guide

It’s graced by fabulous beaches, year-round sun and numerous opportunities for deep-sea fishing, diving and surfing, but there’s far more to Puerto Rico than suntans and snorkelling. Beyond the glitzy veneer of San Juan the coast remains incredibly raw and unspoiled, lined with miles of glittering white sands. Dig deeper and you’ll see the influence of the island’s rich stew of cultures – African, European and Taíno – in an exuberant array of festivals, tantalising criollo food, gracious colonial towns, world-class rum and a dynamic musical tradition that gave birth to salsa. 

Where to go in Puerto Rico

When you think of Puerto Rico, imagine a place where you can experience everything from misty rainforests to crumbling karst formations. Take a drive through El Yunque, and you'll find yourself in a lush, green paradise. Head towards the southwest, and you'll encounter the dry forests that contrast sharply with the rest of the island's greenery. 

Don't miss the chance to visit the bioluminescent bays, where the waters glow magically at night. Renting a car makes it easy to hop between these diverse landscapes, from cool mountain forests to sun-drenched beaches, all in a matter of minutes.

Start in San Juan

Most journeys in Puerto Rico kick off in the bustling capital, San Juan, one of the Caribbean's largest and most vibrant cities. Here, you’ll find a delightful mix of history and modernity.

Old San Juan is a treasure trove of Spanish colonial charm. Wander through its cobbled streets, where elegant eighteenth-century houses are adorned with vibrant flowers. You'll come across quaint chapels and grand mansions, each telling a story of the island's rich past.

When the sun sets, San Juan comes alive with an energetic nightlife. 

Relax on the beaches of Condado and Isla Verde

For those looking to unwind, the resort zones of Condado and Isla Verde offer beautiful stretches of beach. 

These areas combine the luxury of resort living with the natural beauty of Puerto Rico's coastline, making them perfect spots to relax and soak up the sun.

Luquillo

A visit to Luquillo isn't complete without indulging in the wickedly tempting kiosco food. This town serves as the gateway to the east coast and offers a delightful culinary experience you won't want to miss.

El Yunque National Forest

Overlooking the entire region is El Yunque National Forest, a stunning rainforest filled with towering peaks and lush greenery. Explore the crisscrossing hiking trails that take you through this tropical paradise.

You can enjoy a range of activities at  El Yunque can such as trekking, swimming in natural pools and waterfalls, birdwatching, and picnicking. 

Vieques for the bioluminescent bay

The island of Vieques is blessed with vast stretches of sugary sand backed with nothing but scrub, palm trees and sea grape. 

Swimming in the bioluminescent bay here is a bewitching experience, boats leaving ghostly clouds of fluorescence in their wake. 

Inland Puerto Rico

While the coast attracts the most tourists, the spiritual heart of Puerto Rico lies in the mountains, accessed by the winding Ruta Panorámica and famous for its lechoneras, roadside diners roasting whole pigs over wood or charcoal fires. 

Other highlights include the massive flower festival at Aibonito, the jaw-dropping Cañón de San Cristóbal, and the rural town of Jayuya, which offers poignant reminders of Puerto Rico’s Taíno heritage. 

At the far end of the route, Maricao is the producer of some of the world’s finest coffee.

Best beaches of Puerto Rico

It's no surprise that the beaches are one of Puerto Rico's main attractions. Thanks to dedicated environmental groups, development has been limited, preserving the natural beauty.

• Flamenco Beach, Culebra Island: Often rated one of the best beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach boasts soft white sand, clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Playa Crash Boat, Aguadilla: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and clear waters, Playa Crash Boat is popular for swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying local food from nearby kiosks.
• Luquillo Beach, Luquillo: Just a short drive from San Juan, Luquillo Beach offers a crescent of golden sand, gentle waves suitable for families, and nearby food stalls serving local cuisine.
• Playa Buyé, Cabo Rojo: Located on the southwest coast, Playa Buyé is known for its calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling, with soft sand and a relaxed vibe.

When to go to Puerto Rico

The best time to visit Puerto Rico is from December to April, during the dry season, when the weather is warm and perfect for beach activities and exploring the island’s natural beauty. 

This period also coincides with peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds. 

For a more budget-friendly and quieter experience, you could consider visiting between May and November — though do know this is the hurricane season, particularly from August to October. 

This off-peak season offers lower costs and fewer tourists, though the weather can be unpredictable with occasional rain showers. 

Puerto Rican coffee

Puerto Rico boasts a rich coffee heritage, with its mountainous regions providing ideal conditions for growing high-quality beans. 

The island’s coffee plantations, particularly in areas like Yauco, Adjuntas, and Maricao, produce some of the world’s finest coffee. Puerto Rican coffee is known for its smooth, balanced flavour, often featuring notes of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. 

Visiting these coffee-growing regions offers a unique opportunity to tour plantations, learn about the coffee-making process, and sample freshly brewed cups right at the source

Best things to do in Puerto Rico

Besides the beaches and parks, you’ll find that Puerto Rico is a place with plenty of things to do. 

Take a tour at Casa Bacardi

Discover the history behind Bacardi rum, a cherished local tradition. During your tour, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery operations, learn about the rum-making process, and even try your hand at mixing cocktails.

Toro Verde Adventure Park

At Toro Verde Adventure Park in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, you'll find plenty of heart-pounding activities nestled in the island's lush mountains. 

Strap in for "The Monster," one of the world's longest and highest zip lines, offering breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush like no other. If you're up for more, explore hiking trails with scenic vistas, conquer suspension bridges, or try your hand at rappelling. 

Cueva del Indio

This archaeological site is known for its petroglyphs, which are ancient rock carvings created by the indigenous Taíno people. These carvings depict various symbols and figures, providing insights into the culture and beliefs of the Taíno civilization.

Take a kayak-guided tour of the Mosquito Bay

Don’t be afraid of the name of this bay! Taking a guided kayak tour is one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico. 

Here you get the chance to experience the natural wonder of bioluminescence as tiny organisms in the water create a stunning light show when disturbed. Paddle through the bay under the starlit sky and watch as your movements leave trails of glowing blue-green light. 

Ride the trolley in Camuy River Cave Park

Venture underground at Camuy River Cave Park near Lares, where a trolley takes you deep into a labyrinth of limestone caverns. 

Here you’ll find stalagmites, stalactites, and underground rivers that have been sculpted over millennia. Guided tours provide insights into the geological wonders and conservation efforts in place to protect this natural treasure.

Puerto Rican food to try

Puerto Rican cuisine reflects a blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and American influences. Here are some of the best Puerto Rican dishes you must try:

• Mofongo: Mashed green plantains seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings (chicharrón), often served with a choice of meat or seafood.
• Lechón: Roast suckling pig, seasoned with a blend of spices and slow-roasted until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a staple at celebrations and festivals.
• Arroz con Gandules: Rice cooked with pigeon peas, typically seasoned with sofrito (a mix of onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs) and often served as a side dish with various meats.
• Pasteles: Similar to tamales, pasteles are made with green banana and plantain dough filled with seasoned meat (often pork), wrapped in banana leaves, and boiled or steamed.

How to get to Puerto Rico

Flying is the most convenient option, with Aeropuerto Internacional Luis Muñoz Marín in San Juan serving as the island’s main gateway, offering numerous connections across the US and Caribbean. Regional airports like Aguadilla and Ponce also accept direct flights from mainland US and nearby islands.

Direct flights from major US cities like New York and Miami are common, with American Airlines often offering competitive rates. 

For those traveling from Europe, routes typically involve a layover in the US, though British Airways and Virgin Atlantic now offer seasonal direct flights via Antigua.

For a more detailed overview, see our guide on how to get to Puerto Rico.