Puerto Rico Travel Guide
Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Puerto Rico packs the Caribbean's greatest hits into one US territory: the 500-year-old blue-cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, the only tropical rainforest in the US Forest Service (El Yunque), and three of the world's few bioluminescent bays. No passport needed for US citizens; the dollar is the currency.
The essentials: El Morro fortress, the forts of the old city walls, a night kayak in a bio bay, and El Yunque's waterfalls. Beyond: the surf town of Rincón, the pork highway (Ruta del Lechón) in Guavate, and the islands of Vieques and Culebra.
Destinations in Puerto Rico
Old San JuanBlue cobblestones, pastel houses, the city walls: 500 years in one neighbourhood.
Mosquito Bay, ViequesThe brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.
El Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro)The 16th-century fortress guarding the bay: lawns, garitas, ocean views.
El Yunque National ForestThe only tropical rainforest in the US Forest Service: La Mina Falls, the Yokahú tower.
Flamenco Beach, CulebraThe white-sand beach with the old tank on the sand.
Castillo San CristóbalThe larger, later fortress: tunnels, dungeons, the Devil's Sentry Box.
Ruta del Lechón, GuavateThe pork highway: whole roast pig, mofongo and live música jíbara.
RincónThe west coast surf town: Tres Palmas, sunsets at the lighthouse.
Camuy cavesThe Río Camuy cave park: one of the world's largest cave systems.
La Placita de SanturceSan Juan's market square turned nightlife strip, best Thursday to Sunday.
PonceThe Pearl of the South: the Parque de Bombas firehouse, the art museum.
Caja de MuertosThe offshore island reserve: the lighthouse hike and empty beaches.
Hover an island to explore it. Click a city pin to open its guide.
Top Cities & towns in Puerto Rico
Regional food
- Mofongo: garlic mashed plantain with chicharrón
- Lechón asado: whole roast pig from the Guavate pork highway
- Piña colada, invented in San Juan (the Caribe Hilton claims 1954)
Getting there
Luis Muñoz Marín (SJU) in San Juan is the gateway, with direct flights across the US, plus Spain and Latin America. Públicos (shared vans) and AMA buses cover the island; rental cars are the practical choice. Ferries run from Ceiba to Vieques and Culebra.