Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island and unincorporated territory of the United States, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its diverse geography includes lush rainforests, bioluminescent bays, and pristine beaches perfect for water sports and relaxation. Moreover, the island’s accessibility for U.S. travelers, coupled with its status as a U.S. territory, simplifies logistics without sacrificing the allure of an international getaway.
Whether exploring historic San Juan, hiking in El Yunque, or unwinding on the beaches of Vieques, Puerto Rico offers a Caribbean experience that exceeds expectations, making it a hidden gem worth discovering. From its vibrant capital city of San Juan to its pristine beaches and lush rainforests, Puerto Rico has something for every traveler to enjoy.
Regions
Puerto Rico is commonly divided into several main regions, each offering unique attractions and characteristics.
- San Juan Metropolitan Area: Located in the north of the island, San Juan is the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico. It includes historic Old San Juan, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions.
- East Coast (Costa Este): Known for its lush rainforests and beautiful beaches, the east coast features towns like Fajardo, known for its bioluminescent bay, and Luquillo, famous for its beach and kiosks.
- West Coast (Costa Oeste): The west coast is home to cities like Mayagüez, known for its university and cultural events, and Rincon, a surfing destination. This area also offers beautiful beaches and scenic views.
- Central Mountains (Cordillera Central): The central mountain range runs through the middle of the island, offering stunning landscapes, coffee plantations, and opportunities for eco-tourism. Towns like Jayuya and Orocovis are located in this region.
- South Coast (Costa Sur): The south coast includes towns like Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second-largest city known for its historic architecture and cultural heritage. This region also offers beaches and outdoor activities.
- North Coast (Costa Norte): This area includes cities like Arecibo, known for its observatory and beaches, and Dorado, a resort area with golf courses and luxury hotels.
The Same
Our trips to Puerto Rico brought out two distinct perspectives: both of us loved wandering the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and diving into the island’s amazing food scene, but our journeys took different paths from there. Each of us discovered different sides of Puerto Rico’s charm, showing just how diverse and captivating the island really is.
Local Cuisine
Puerto Rican cuisine is a delightful fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno influences, resulting in a rich and flavorful culinary tradition. Here are some of the iconic dishes and food items that Puerto Rico is known for:
- Mofongo: This beloved Puerto Rican dish consists of mashed green plantains seasoned with garlic, salt, and olive oil, formed into a ball or mound, and typically served with a filling such as shrimp, chicken, or pork.
- Lechón Asado: Roast pork, or lechón asado, is a traditional Puerto Rican dish often served at special occasions and festivals. The pork is marinated in a blend of garlic, oregano, and other spices, then slow-roasted until tender and crispy on the outside.
- Tostones: Tostones are twice-fried green plantains that are flattened and fried until crispy. They are typically served as a side dish or snack and are often accompanied by a dipping sauce such as garlic aioli or mojo sauce.
- Pernil: Pernil is a popular Puerto Rican dish consisting of slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in a blend of spices, garlic, and citrus juices. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a crispy exterior, often served with rice and beans.
- Alcapurrias: These deep-fried fritters are made from a mixture of mashed green plantains and yautía (taro root), filled with seasoned ground meat, and then fried until golden brown. They are a popular street food snack in Puerto Rico.
- Bacalaitos: Bacalaitos are crispy salted codfish fritters made from a batter of flour, water, and seasonings. They are fried until golden brown and served hot as a popular appetizer or snack.
- Café con Leche: Puerto Rico takes its coffee seriously, and a café con leche (coffee with milk) is a beloved morning ritual for many residents. The coffee is strong and rich, often served with steamed milk and a touch of sugar.
Old San Juan – San Juan Metropolitan Area
Explore the charming cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and historic forts of Old San Juan. Visit landmarks like El Morro and Castillo San Cristobal, which offer panoramic views of the city and coastline. In Old San Juan, there’s a wealth of activities to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Puerto Rico. Wander through the charming streets of Old San Juan lined with colorful colonial buildings, historic churches, and charming plazas. We did our own walking tour of the city including.
Discover the magic of Old San Juan with highlights like Paseo de la Princesa, a scenic waterfront promenade lined with palm trees, gazebos, sculptures—and often alive with local musicians adding a festive touch. Marvel at Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro), the iconic 16th-century fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site where history and breathtaking views come together. Don’t miss the San Juan Gate, the last standing city gate from the original fortifications, offering a glimpse into Puerto Rico’s colonial past. Read our full blog on San Juan to learn more about these landmarks and plan your perfect walking tour through history and culture.
East Coast – Luquillo, Fajardo, Culebra & Palmas Del Mar
The East Coast of Puerto Rico offers a captivating mix of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation, with highlights including Luquillo, Fajardo, Culebra, and Palmas Del Mar. Luquillo’s golden beaches and tranquil waters are perfect for a relaxing day by the shore, while Fajardo is known for its bioluminescent bay and access to the nearby El Yunque National Forest, offering both magical nighttime kayak tours and lush hiking trails. A short ferry ride or flight takes you to the pristine island of Culebra, home to Flamenco Beach, often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. For those seeking a luxurious retreat, Palmas Del Mar offers upscale accommodations, golf courses, and serene ocean views, providing an ideal spot for relaxation while still being close to Puerto Rico’s rich cultural and natural attractions. Whether you’re drawn to adventure or tranquility, the East Coast of Puerto Rico has something for every traveler.
Where to stay:
We stayed at three different places in Puerto Rico and we would recommend all three depending on what you are looking for in your visit. They include Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort, Aloft San Juan, and an Airbnb with ocean views near Luquillo.
Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
Situated in Isla Verde, a prime beachfront location close to San Juan and conveniently near Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. With direct beach access with a beautiful stretch of sand, it made beach time easy and relaxing. The hotel has multiple dining options, a casino, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool with swim up bar. They had my husband at swim up bar and with a welcome drink included, we enjoyed a couple drinks there as soon as we arrived while waiting for our room to be ready. This hotel is best for those seeking a full-service resort experience with easy access to San Juan’s attractions, as well as beach lovers who want to spend plenty of time enjoying the sand and surf.
Aloft San Juan
Located in the vibrant district of Convention Center, near the heart of San Juan, it offered us a convienent access to the cruise port. (We stayed here prior to taking a Caribbean cruise.) It is close to shopping, dining, nightlife and most importantly to us, the cruise port. There was actually a band playing in the Convention Center courtyard one of the nights we were staying there and it was pretty loud but fun. As with most Alofts, the hotel has a stylish, modern design with a youthful vibe. There is a rooftop pool, fitness center, and the W XYZ bar. This hotel is best for Business travelers who are attending events at the convention center next door, those interested in nightlife, dining, and entertainment within walking distance and those taking a cruise that don’t mind being up a little late.
Airbnb with Ocean Views Near Luquillo
Luquillo, known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere is close to El Yunque National Forest and the famous Luquillo Beach. Our Air BNB had a full kitchen, dining room, livingroom and a single bedroom. (Disclaimer, we may have actually rented it via another booking site, I can’t remember.) For us it was the perfect space for a getaway while working remotely as it is often too difficult for both my husband and I to take calls in a traditional hotel room set up. This area felt more authentic and less commercialized then the resort areas around San Juan. This type of accommodation is best for travelers looking for a more personalized, home-like stay with the flexibility to cook and entertain.
The Family
Before we had kids, we took a cruise out of Puerto Rico, staying in San Juan before the cruise. We went back with kids for a long weekend relaxing beach trip. There was so much to see and do at the resort where we stayed that we didn’t leave the resort much.
Summary
Determining “who did it better” in exploring Puerto Rico between the DINKs and the Family ultimately hinges on personal preferences and travel priorities. The DINKs’ itinerary, spanning from the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo to the pristine beaches of Culebra and the vibrant atmosphere of Isla Verde, showcased a variety of adventurous and picturesque destinations. Meanwhile, the Family’s stay in Palmas Del Mar on the east coast allowed for a deeper immersion into local culture and relaxation amidst luxurious surroundings. Each experience offered its own unique highlights, whether it was the DINKs’ outdoor adventures or the Family’s tranquil coastal retreat. Ultimately, the answer to “who did it better” lies in the individual traveler’s perspective—both journeys encapsulated the essence of Puerto Rico, highlighting its diverse offerings and ensuring memorable experiences tailored to different tastes and interests.
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