The essential guide to visiting Puerto Rico
Centuries-old forts, lush rainforests, glowing bioluminescent bays, and a vibrant culinary scene reveal an island where history, nature, and culture converge.
The Spanish translation of Puerto Rico means “rich port,” and the island has long been coveted not just for its natural beauty but also for its strategic location as a military stronghold. There are fortifications throughout, and a centuries-long history of occupation that informs the broader culture, blending Spanish, African, and Taino influences.
Today, the island has a distinct identity, evident in evocative street art, local entrepreneurs finding innovative ways to use resources, and the undeniable global impact of Puerto Rico across everything from agriculture to science to entertainment. It is a small island that makes a lasting impression on all who experience it.
Best time to visit Puerto Rico
Winter: Events like the Spanish-language countdown of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve at Distrito T-Mobile and Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian make winter the busiest travel season in Puerto Rico. In February, Carnaval Ponceño keeps the celebrations going on the southwest corner of the island, with vejigante masks on full display. Stop by the Casa Museo del Vejigante to learn more and make your own.
Spring: March marks the PGA Tour’s annual return. Guests interested in golf can play on world-famous courses like the Royal Isabela. Spring is also the sea turtle nesting season. Seek out volunteer opportunities with Para La Naturaleza, a nonprofit organization managing public lands and conservation efforts.
Summer: It gets hot from June to August, so find reprieve from the sun in shaded places. The Rio Camuy Cave Park is the third-largest cavern system in the world and offers pleasant year-round temperatures of 65-70°F. Swap beaches for natural pools like Charco El Hippie and Charco Azul, or natural rockslides at Las Paylas and Las Tinajas. This is also a great time to go tubing in the Tanama River, where you’ll see Taino petroglyphs.
Fall: It’s hurricane season and a budget-friendly time of year to visit. November brings blooms, with peak season at Finca El Girasol, a sunflower farm in Guanica, and an annual poinsettia festival at Jardín Botánico in Río Piedras.
(This stunning trail traverses a tropical rainforest in Puerto Rico.)
Key areas to explore in Puerto Rico
Old San Juan: The city's seven-square-block historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main point of disembarkation for cruise passengers. Highlights include the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, the second-oldest church in the Western Hemisphere and final resting place of Juan Ponce de León, and Paseo de La Princesa, a tree-lined pedestrian walkway with views of the bay. Flying a kite on the lawn of Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a leisurely way to spend an afternoon. Admission here also covers Castillo San Cristóbal as part of the San Juan National Historic Site. Enjoy Puerto Rico’s national drink, the piña colada, and taste Puerto Rican rums at La Casita de Rones.
The rainforest & mountains: El Yunque is Puerto Rico’s tropical rainforest. The visitor’s center, El Portal, is worth a visit in itself and has a welcome video narrated by Benicio del Toro. La Coca Falls is the first waterfall guests pass on their drive. There are several lookout towers, like Yokahú Tower, where you can see out to the ocean on a clear day. The mountains are where you’ll find the best food trails, including the Longaniza Trail and Lechón Trail. Enjoy gourmet coffee and learn about the production process on a tour of coffee plantations such as Hacienda Muñoz and Hacienda San Pedro.
The islands: Puerto Rico is an archipelago made up of many islands. Three are inhabited, including Vieques and Culebra. Vieques has the brightest bioluminescent bay, Mosquito Bay, and is a must-visit during a new moon with a clear-bottom kayak. Culebra has one of the top beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach, which is uniquely dotted with graffiti-covered, abandoned military tanks. There are also other islands, like Cayo Icacos, which is uninhabited and makes an excellent day trip on a catamaran from San Juan or Fajardo.
Taste of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s chefs are leading the island’s celebrated culinary scene, showcasing endemic and indigenous ingredients through fusion cuisine. Natalie Vallejo made history as the first Puerto Rican woman to win a James Beard Award and helms Cocina Al Fondo inside a restored Puerto Rican home. Francis Guzmán is the James Beard-nominated chef-owner of Vianda in Santurce, featuring seasonal, multi-course tasting menus. Raúl Correa is the chef and co-owner of BACOA Finca + Fogón in Juncos, offering upscale, wood-fired cooking on a farm.
On the west coast, Abel Mendoza is a James Beard semifinalist and the chef and partner at Estela in Rincón, one of the best date night restaurants on the island. Chocolatier Germán Ramos is the owner of Montadero Chocolate, a bean-to-bar shop that started in Caguas and now has a second location in San Juan.
(Why Puerto Rico should be your first food destination.)
Where to stay
With many well-known hotels around the island, these three span a broad geographical area, and each has a distinct draw, from distinct architecture to rare amenities.
La Concha Resort: Located directly on the beach, this hotel features multiple pools, a casino, and an iconic shell-shaped structure
El Conquistador Resort: Found in Fajardo, this 500-acre property features a water park for hotel guests only, Coquí Water Park.
Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa: This secluded, family-friendly resort offers easy access to Gilligan’s Island, reached only by water taxi or kayak.
Getting around
By air: Puerto Rico has three main airports: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) near San Juan, the primary gateway; Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla; and Mercedita International Airport (PSE) in Ponce. Smaller airports in Vieques and Culebra offer flights as an alternative to the ferry.
By car: Renting a car is the best way to explore Puerto Rico. Rideshares are available but largely concentrated in metro areas, and public transportation is limited. Local companies like Charlie Car Rental offer convenient options.
By bike: Scenic bike routes exist around the island, including a popular coastal path from Old San Juan to Condado.
Know before you go
Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, the currency is in U.S. dollars, English is widely spoken, and U.S. citizens don’t need a passport or international phone plan.
How to visit sustainably
Support the local economy by choosing independently owned hotels, restaurants, guides, and shops. Seek out community-led experiences and follow Leave No Trace principles when visiting beaches, rainforests, and other natural areas.
Help protect the island's ecosystems by using reef-safe sunscreen, carrying a reusable water bottle, and respecting wildlife. Travelers can also use Discover Puerto Rico's Green Path initiative to find businesses and experiences committed to sustainable tourism.
(Take a step back in time to see photos of Puerto Rico more than 100 years ago.)
