I have to say, Puerto Rico is one of my favorite vacation destinations in the world. It is one of the very few places that I have traveled to more than one time over the past several years, and I plan to return again. Why, you may ask. What makes this tiny country my favorite Caribbean island? Is it really worth a spot in your limited vacation time? Should you visit Puerto Rico? My answer is a resounding YES! But don’t take my word for it. The New York Times named the island its top destination for 2019!
There are so many things to love about Puerto Rico! We want you to know just how much there is to love about Puerto Rico, and why you should visit this amazing little nation. If you didn’t make it in 2019, its okay, as it will still be a perfect destination in 2020 and beyond. We will soon be sharing some of the multitude of amazing Puerto Rico Vacation options, and there will probably be one that is right for you!
But before we get into our 1 week Puerto Rico Road Trip, our Best Day Tours from San Juan, our Walking Tour of Old San Juan, or even share our Puerto Rico Driving Guide, I want to be sure you know all of the reasons Puerto Rico is probably right for you. So, I have put together my 15 Reasons to Visit Puerto Rico. Perhaps you will be ready to start planning your Puerto Rico Vacation before you finish!
My Top Reasons to Visit Puerto Rico
- The Islands are Gorgeous!
- The Landscape is Diverse.
- Did I Mention Beaches?
- There’s a Tropical Ranforest!
- Bioluminescent Bays
- It’s Safe (Wherever You Wander!)
- It’s Summer, All the Time
- Interstellar Communications
- San Juan
- The People
- The Vibrant, Self-Created Culture
- Good Eating
- There are 2 National Languages
- Its SO Easy
- Resilience and Recovery
If you would like a little explanation, and some photo proof, read on for more details!
Reasons You Should Visit Puerto Rico, ASAP!
1. Puerto Rico is Gorgeous
Puerto Rico is in simplest terms, a beautiful country. From the brilliant blue of the waters surrounding the islands, to the abundance of green flora, there is a feeling of earthiness and aliveness. I say islands, because Puerto Rico is not AN island, it is an archipelagio of 143 separate islands. While only a handful of them can be visited, all of those that can, are perhaps more beautiful than the main island.
Even in the cities, the bright Caribbean colors, the Spanish colonial architecture, and the open plazas and commons areas, come together in such a way that exudes a lovely charm. Certainly there are neighborhoods that are run down, and look a bit worse for wear. Most definitely there are areas of suburban sprawl that are just as unsightly as in any other country. Of course there are towns and neighborhoods still recovering from Hurricane Maria, and will be for years. But even with all of these, the beauty of the islands is one that sticks with you.
2. The Puerto Rico Landscape is Diverse!
Surprisingly for such a small parcel of land, Puerto Rico has a landscape flowing with diversity surpassing many larger countries. The combination of a volcanic origin, ocean currents, atmospheric winds and tropical temperatures result in a variance of elevations and levels of rainfall. To those that do not venture across the island, these differences may remain unknown.
Everyone knows Puerto Rico has beaches, but not everyone is aware that there other coastal environments on the islands, including salt flats, marshlands, and mangrove swamps. In the western portion of the island, there are even farmlands. But a significant are of the main island is actually mountainous, with dramatic vertical rises, and a portion of the mountainous areas feature a karst landscape, where sinkholes and caves are common. The island is also sprinkled with a variety of forestlands, including a national tropical rainforest and 20 state forests which encompas a range from sub-tropical dry forest to moist broadleaf forest and dwarf pine forest. There is a plethora of great outdoor experiences to be had!
3. Did I Say Beaches?
Being composed of islands almost automatically coincides with having beaches. But what isn’t automatic it that in Puerto Rico, all beaches belong to the people, meaning they are all public regardless of where they are, or what businesses have made a home there. If you can get there, you can enjoy the sand, in whatever way you like to enjoy it!
On top of that, the island has beaches of every type and for every water loving desire. If you travel with a family, there are ideal beaches, with natural rock barriers breaking off the undertow and large waves. If you love to ride the waves, there are beaches that attract the best surfers in the world, with abundant crashing waves. If you want to see the underwater life, there are beaches along reefs that allow excellent snorkeling and dive locations. If you crave adventure, there are certainly tourist based beaches where you can paraglide, kayak and jet ski. And, if you simply want to lie on the sand, you can find plenty of soft white, golden, and even a bit of black sand, lined with the shade of palm trees, to relax.
4. You Can Experience a Tropical Rainforest
One of the Puerto Rican jewels, and located less than an hours drive from San Juan, is El Yunque. El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest managed by the US Forestry Department, and is also a UNESCO International Protected Biosphere. Rainforests are among the most important ecosystems in the world, producing significant portions of the world oxygen supply, and having unsurpassed biodiversity, but they account for only 2% of the overall surface of the earth.
Why does that matter to you as a traveler? Rainforests are incredibly beautiful, for their plant life, their colorful flora and fauna, and the water formations created by the abundance of rain. You can get out and explore it, and you will be amazed at the abundance of plant life, including bright flowers, that you will see in no other ecosystem. If you are lucky, you will come across some of the bright birds, butterflies or frogs that make the forest home. (We were fortunate enough to see a dazzling iridescent Puerto Rico Emerald hummingbird on our visit!) And you will most definitely be wowed by the waterfalls, fast moving streams and rivers, and the natural swimming holes of the forest.
5. Bioluminescent Bays
Maybe you have heard of bioluminescent bays and maybe you haven’t. If you haven’t, it isn’t really surprising as it is said there are only 5 of them in the world. While this is not exactly true, they certainly are very rare, and 3 of them are in Puerto Rico, which in itself, is enough reason to visit!
What exactly is a bioluminescent bay? According to Wikipedia, bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism, such as a lightning bug glowing yellow as it flies in the night. Dinoflagellates are microscopic life forms that glow a neon blue when agitated at night..
There are at least 1,500 species of dinoflagellates, and not all of them are bioluminescent. But those that are can actually be found all around the world. However, it is very rare when the conditions are exactly right for them to flourish in such abundance that the glow can actually be seen.
In Puerto Rico it is the mangrove swamps that create the perfect conditions. Every movement in the water agitates the organisms, causing them to light up, and it appears that the water itself is aglow. It is remarkably difficult to photograph the effect, and most photos are highly doctored. I recommend that you leave your camera behind, and just be in the moment. You will not forget it!
6. It is Safe- Even in the Forest
There are few places in the world where you can freely explore wild-lands without being aware of, and prepared for dangerous animals, just in case. In my own state I must be aware of poisonous snakes when I hike. I also know that although they are rarely seen, there are bobcats in the deep forest. While I appreciate the wildlife, it is a nice thing to wander the forests of Puerto Rico, climb on the rocks, and swim in the natural pools, knowing there is nothing there that will hurt you.
Why is this? The island of Puerto Rico was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, thus rising from the sea, much like the younger Hawaiian Islands. This isolated environment was shut off from all mainlands and became a habitat only to creatures that could fly, float or swim to the island. So while there are a lot of bird and insect species, there are few others. Amphibians are limited to frog and toad species, and reptiles are also fairly limited, consisting of a few anole, iguana, gecko and turtle species. There are a couple snake varieties, but they are harmless to humans. Bats are the only mammals native to the island, feeding only on insects and plants. The agricultural and domestic animals that are present were brought to the islands by people.
7. It’s Summer, All the Time
The islands of Puerto Rico are located at a latitude of about 18 degrees north, about 2 degrees south of the Tropic of Cancer. Sometimes when we talk about a tropical paradise, we don’t actually consider whether or not the locations is actually in the tropics or not, between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Certainly not all areas within the tropics are a paradise, and certainly not all paradise locations are in the tropics, but Puerto Rico is in reality a tropical paradise.
There is some variance of temperature, being at 18 degrees north, and there is a small variance in daily hours of sunshine. But seriously, we are talking 5 degrees, and 1 hour. In the 5 hottest months, it gets up to 88 or 89 degrees each day. In the 3 coldest months, it only gets up to 83 or 84 degrees. Brrr! It actually rains a bit more in the hotter months. There are roughly 12 hours of sunlight every day, except in the dead of winter, December and January, when there are only 11 hours of sunlight a day. It truly is summer all the time. The only thing weird will be for those of you who may travel from Canada, or Europe, as you may just wonder why it gets dark so early!
8. Interstellar Communications
Sadly, Arecibo Observatory succumbed to weather, and is no longer standing.
If you are at all a space buff, a science fiction nerd, or an astronomical science aficionado, then you also need to come to Puerto Rico, even if nothing else here appeals. What does this tiny island nation have to do with interstellar communications? It happens to be the home of Arecibo Observatory, one of the largest single-dish filled-aperture radio telescopes in the world. In fact it was THE largest one for over 50 years, until 2016. Pop culture buffs will also like the fact that this telescope played a role in the movie Contact, and the climax of James Bond Golden Eye, The Survivor, Species, and The Loser, as well as episodes of the X Files and Where in the World is Carmen Santiago. It also had a level of the top video game of 1997, Golden Eye 007.
You can see radio telescopes in other places around the world. We actually wrote about visiting one of the popular locations before, Haleakela. However, you will probably never see one this big. Radio telescopes weigh tons, and it takes an immense amount of strength to support them. In order to construct one of this size, it must be built into a depression in the earth, in this case, it was a sinkhole created by the areas complex karst topography. (The only one larger, FAST, is built in a natural basin in Guizhou, China.) The viewing platform is set up in a manner that visitors can look directly down upon the dish, while the guide explains how it works and what it does.
9. San Juan
On my first trip to Puerto Rico, by myself, I stayed out of the city. The good part of that was that I experienced so much of the main island. On the other hand, when I finally spent some time on San Juan, I fell in LOVE. This beautiful and historic city is a destination in itself, one where you could spend an entire vacation and never get bored. San Juan has both natural and man-made outdoor beauty, from its beach fronts and natural harbor, to the gardens of the University of Puerto Rico, as well as beautiful colonial architecture in brilliant colors. It is a pleasure to behold.
And such history in Old San Juan! No where else in the North America can you walk through so much history in one stunning, compact area. It is built with a European flair, with community plazas throughout the city. The city walls are still in tact, as are all of the defensive forts built on the city island, and the one of the oldest Cathedrals in North America. Even the poorer neighborhoods are beautiful, with their bright colors and street art.
San Juan truly has something for everyone, and the city alone is enough reason to visit Puerto Rico. Whether you want to absorb the history of 500 year old buildings and Spanish colonial architecture, or absorb the sun on a palm lined beach, you will find it in San Juan. Whether you prefer high end shopping, unique boutiques, or local markets, all are available within San Juan. Whether you crave gourmet dining, flavorful street food, or juicy cocktails and vibrant salsa dancing, San Juan has it.
10. The People
The people of Puerto Rico are open and friendly, and quite often willing to talk. In general they are quite proud of their country, its beauty, its many worthy attractions and its delicious food, and they are quite happy to share this information with those who want it. I have been blessed to have locals share favorite restaurants, easier (cheaper) ways to get places, where to get hand made souvenirs, secret local attractions, and even bits about the customs and legends of a place. In San Juan, I got more insider information from the residents than any other city I have visited.
Obviously people don’t just walk up to me and start spouting information. I make a point to look approachable, to ask questions, and to relax in the places locals go. Looking like a preoccupied tourist will not invite conversation. Also remember that locals don’t hang out in the primary tourist areas, and the locals who work there are in their employee role. The information given there is geared specifically for tourists, not for those wanting to really get to know the country. Get a cup of coffee and sit in a public square, have your drink on a bar-stool at a local pub, sit one a bench in a park. You might find a friendly local!
11. The Vibrant Culture
Speaking of the people, that friendliness and pride are deeply rooted, as are work ethic, respect, a love of family, an appreciation of beauty and color, and good times, and a bit of dramatic flair. The culture of Puerto Rico is one that is vibrant, alive, and totally unique in the world. It is a fusion of pieces from the numerous ancestors who have become a part of the heritage, creating a beautiful melange.
The original people were the Taino Indians, a peaceful, agricultural people. When Columbus landed on the main island on his second journey in 1493, the Taino welcomed the crew, showing them their beautiful homeland. The Spanish brought a number of traits, besides their lust for gold, including religion, foods, architecture, a love of celebrations. They enslaved the Taino, and as they died off, brought in slaves imprisoned in western African countries, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Sierra Leona. They brought with them foods, dances, rhythms and a love of bright colors. Centuries later the Americans came, “winning” Puerto Rico from Spain, and claiming it as their own, bringing capitalism and sports, among other things. Somehow, through 500 years of island history, the Puerto Rican people have managed to keep the best parts of each of their ancestors and and left behind most of the shadow parts.
12. I just Said Delicious Food..
And I meant it. Puerto Rico may not be a place that comes to mind when you think of foodie destinations, but I say think again! San Juan has become a hub for up and coming, well trained chefs, springing a new life into the food scene. They seek out the freshest locally sourced ingredients, and add modern twists to the island’s traditional fare. This trend has spread, so many restaurants now have upswing versions of old favorites. With an abundance of fresh seafood and locally grown fruits, there are many options for creativity.
Keyauni and I traveled to Puerto Rico together in 2019, and found loads of amazing food. Keyauni happens to be pescetarian,but there were seafood choices everywhere we ate, so it was no problem. Admittedly, it would be a more difficult destination for a vegetarian, but there are options. We tried everything from some of the most upscale restaurants on the island to street vendors, from chocobars and cafes to pubs. I will not say that every meal we ate knocked our socks off, as that would be untrue. But so many of them did that we will probably write an entire story on Where to Eat in San Juan!.
13. Do you speak English? ¿Hablas español?
Puerto Rico has two official languages, English and Spanish. While this may seem like a strange reason to travel to Puerto Rico, it opens up the door to millions more potential travelers. Fear of not being understood, or not understanding is a very real issue for some would-be travelers, holding them back from many destinations! English and Spanish are 2 of the top 5 most widely spoken languages worldwide.
Be aware that not everyone on the islands speaks both languages. But, the comfort factor for travelers in both languages is that in every tourist area, most people speak English as a matter of business, but everywhere you go, the people will know Spanish. In all of my time in Puerto Rico, I only had one brief moment where there was a communication challenge. Also be aware that in many places, the signs are in Spanish, but you will figure most of them out by the shape and color, which matches those in the US.
14. It’s So Easy
Unfortunately, this only applies to our American readers, so I apologize to our other readers. But I must mention that one reason Americans in particular should visit Puerto Rico is that it is so easy, and so inexpensive in the realm of travel destinations. Because Puerto Rico is a United States territory, there is no need for a passport, there is no need to exchange currency, and your regular cell phone plan will work just fine. You can travel to Puerto Rico with your state issued drivers license or identification card, and your American dollars, and still in essence, be in a different country.
In addition, for those in the eastern states, it is a very economical destination. There is a regular amount of commute to the main island from Chicago, NYC, and Miami. Our round trip flights out of O’Hare cost almost 50% less than a flights to LA or Seattle, and almost 70% less than what it cost to fly to Oahu. All of our rooms cost less than most other major US cities, including those in San Juan (although we did not stay in the resort strip.) And outside of prime tourist areas, our meal prices were more akin to mainstream prices in our hometown.
15. A Country in Recovery
At the exact moment I am writing this, it has been 2 years since Huricane Maria made landfall on the islands of Puerto Rico. The islands have been in recovery since that time, and even now there are attractions that have not re-opened, buildings that have not been rebuilt, flora that has not regrown. The process has been long and difficult, and the dollars have been slow in coming.
But the Puerto Rican people are resilient. They have been resilient since the day Columbus stepped ashore. They have bounced back, and the island is bouncing back. But, if you visit, and go about the island, you will come across locations that have not yet recouped what they once were. Know that your travel dollars, especially those spent in less touristy and more local businesses, contribute to this continuing process. For us, that was just one more reason to visit Puerto Rico, to get out into the country, and to patronize smaller local attractions.
Got Enough Reasons to Visit Puerto Rico?
So now you know our 15 reasons to visit Puerto Rico. Everything we said above is true, and you can indeed find your tropical paradise. If you aren’t thinking about your trip to Puerto Rico now, perhaps you are more of a snowy wonderland person??
If you are thinking about a visit to this beautiful island country, we will have several guides to help you plan your trip, from a week long Puerto Rico roadtrip that circles the island, our short San Juan vacation,our where to eat in San Juan, our indepth El Yunque experience, and whether or not you should pay for the Bacardi experience. Be on the lookout for them! And, if you need something else, comment and we will try to get it for you!
If you really are considering Puerto Rico for your next vacation, you can start pricing, and even reserve rooms, now!
You may also want to check out some of the amazing day trip and activity options available!
As I said from the onset, I have already visited Puerto Rico more than once, and I enjoyed every minute of every trip. I love this small country, and, I will go back. Hope to run into you on the streets of Old San Juan!
We LOVE it When You PIN it!
Exactly where is the cave that is pictured in this article? It is stunning!
Hello Jeannine, I apologize for being so slow. that is Cueva Ventana, or the window cave, which is located a few miles south of the town of Arecibo, off of route 10. It was an unknown attraction until a couple years ago, but now as it has gained in popularity you can arrange a day trip from San Juan through many tour agencies. If you want to drive yourself, you take the Jose de Diego Expressway from San Juan, and exit on route 10. When we post our Puerto Rico Road Trip we will talk about it, but you can buy tickets for a guided tour at https://www.cuevaventanapr.com/.