Puerto Rico travel guide: What to do & see
Top things to do & see
Old San Juan
Take at least a half-day to explore the cobbled streets of the Spanish Colonial district with its massive fortresses that have guarded the island (even repelling a fleet led by Sir Francis Drake) for centuries. They include El Morro, San Cristobal and San Juan de la Cruz, all of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among its many other charms are Plaza de Armas, a picturesque square dotted with historic statues, and Casa Blanca, a gracious 16th-century home built for Juan Ponce de Leon.
Beaches
Puerto Rico features a temperate climate, averaging 83 degrees F in the winter and 85 degrees F in the summer. Trade winds cool the coastal towns and temperatures fall in the higher mountains. San Juan’s beaches are concentrated in the hotel districts of Candado and Isla Verde, about a 10-minute taxi ride from the cruise piers. Or take a ferry out to the isle of Culebra to Playa Flamenco, with its broad span of white sands, turquoise waters and offshore reef that is a favorite among snorkelers. The beach town of Rincon on the west coast is the prime spot for surfing.
Shopping
Old San Juan is the place to browse for everything from fine art to kitschy souvenirs. Local items to look for include woodcarvings, masks, baskets, hammocks, ceramics and hand-rolled cigars.
Rum time
Puerto Rico’s most famous product is also a tour favorite. Frequent ferries leave from Pier 2 in Old San Juan over to the Bacardi Rum Factory where there are interactive exhibits on rum history and production as well as a gift shop and hibiscus gardens. Distillery tours and tasting can be enjoyed at Destileria Serralles, which produces Don Q, one of the oldest rum brands made on the island.
Art scene
Puerto Rico has a lively contemporary scene and an artistic heritage that includes the renowned 18th-century painter José Campeche. Art lovers will want to explore the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, Galeria Nacionale and the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Puerto Rico, all in San Juan.
Golf
There are more than 15 championship courses in the San Juan area, including two 18-hole, Tom Kite-designed courses at Trump International Golf Club.
Snorkeling & scuba diving
Escambron Marine Park right in Old San Juan offers snorkeling in protected waters. The island’s prime snorkeling and dive spots are found off Fajardo on the east coast where reefs and underwater caverns near a string of islets. Catamaran excursions to Fajardo are available from San Juan.
Casinos
Las Vegas-style casino gaming is available in some of San Juan’s luxury hotels.
Family-friendly options
- Parque Las Cavernas de Rio Camuy: Kids will enjoy the tram ride to these massive caverns as well as exploring the surreal dripstone formations and underground river filled with crabs and blindfish.
- Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park: This small theme park built around the Los Morrilos Lighthouse includes a seafaring museum and playground with a pirate’s cave and replica galleon.
- Museo del Nino: Conveniently located in Old San Juan, interactive displays invite exploration of everything from hurricanes to space travel.
YOLO (You only live once!)
A tour by boat or kayak of one of the bioluminescent bays in Vieques is a spellbinding experience. The microscopic organisms that live in the waters glow with an eerie blue-green light as they dart away from movement.
Don’t miss
El Yunque National Rainforest: A network of trails wind throughout this spectacular cloud forest on the slopes of the Luquillo Mountain Range. Hikers can hear the song of local coqui tree frogs, keep watch for elusive wild parrots and take a bracing dip in the pool at the bottom of La Mina waterfalls.
Best bets for dining
- Pig out: One of Puerto Rico’s signature dishes is lechon, suckling pig slow roasted over wood flames. Restaurants that specialize in the succulent treat abound in and around Guavate in the southeast part of the island.
- Old San Juan dining: El Jibarito is celebrated for its take on classic Puerto Rican dishes, including fried plantains and red snapper. Ceviche, oysters, shellfish towers and other fresh seafood abound at Aguaviva. El Picoteo in the historic El Convento Hotel is an atmospheric spot for Spanish tapas and sangria.
Best time to go
- High season: December-April
- Shoulder season: May-June
- Low season: July-November
Puerto Rico has a tropical marine climate with little seasonal variation, ranging from 70 to 90 degrees F. Hurricane season spans June through November, with rainfall likely to occur daily.
Fun facts
- The piña colada was invented in San Juan.
- Juan Ponce de Leon never did find the Fountain of Youth, but he did get to be the first governor of Puerto Rico.
- The town of Loiza, founded in 1719 and populated largely by escaped slaves, is famous for its coconut shell masks used during religious festivals.
When you arrive
Docking information
Cruise ships arrive at one of the four cruise piers located along San Antonio Canal, a short walk to Old San Juan, historic sites and shopping. Many ships stay docked until late in the evening, so there’s a chance to enjoy local dining and nightlife.
Getting around
Taxis are available at the cruise piers. Look for white taxis with Taxi Touristico on the doors. A taxi from Old San Juan to the resort districts of Condado and Isla Verde costs $12-$19.
Public transit: Free trolleys, which stop across from the cruise piers, go around to the major sites in Old San Juan. There is no island-wide public bus system, but San Juan offers two public bus systems for getting around the city.
Car rental offices are found at the airport or in major hotels.
Need to know
Documents: Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so U.S. citizens do not need a passport.
Language: Although both English and Spanish are the official languages, most local people outside of the hospitality industry ane professional class are not fluent in English.
Currency: The U.S. dollar
Your take
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