A First Time Visitor’s Guide to Puerto Rico
If you're planning a trip to the incredible island in the Caribbean, you need this visitors guide to Puerto Rico!
This tropical destination doesn’t require a passport for Americans, and it is packed with beautiful beaches, a tropical rainforest, stunning architecture, historic forts, and a bioluminescent bay.
In short, there’s something here for everyone, and it’s the perfect place to vacation for families, honeymooners, history buffs, and outdoor adventurers.
Skip the other Puerto Rico visitors guides, and get ready to feel like a local with these island travel tips.
Below, you’ll discover everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Puerto Rico, from what part of the island you should stay in, what tours need to be added to your itinerary, and where to eat.
All you need to do is have an amazing time!
Colorful buildings in Viejo San Juan
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Why Should You Go to Puerto Rico?
I’ve had friends tell me that they’d never go to another island in the Caribbean because they visited Nassau, Bahamas, on a cruise once, and “all of the islands are basically the same.”
Y’all. Nothing could be further from the truth, as each of the islands in the Caribbean has its own culture and history.
Puerto Rico, in particular, is not like any of the other Caribbean islands I've visited.
It has its own vibe that’s not quite American or Hispanic, despite having ties to both cultures.
It's just it's own carefree, history-packed, insanely gorgeous self.
If you’re looking for a super easy island vacation from the mainland United States, Puerto Rico needs to be at the top of your list.
After all, you don’t need a passport to get here if you’re an American citizen!
You can get the same incredible, bright blue water that you can find on Andros Island and the other Bahamian islands, Jamaica, and elsewhere in the Caribbean with none of the worry that comes along with international travel.
There is a tropical rainforest here, where you can see the tiny, cute species of frog known as coqui.
You can kayak in a bioluminescent bay, which feels like something right out of a fantasy novel.
There are beaches and islands to explore, historical forts to walk through, and waterfalls to hike to (and, in some cases, slide down!).
In short, it’s one of the most incredible islands in the Caribbean with something for every interest.
What Area of Puerto Rico is Best to Stay In?
For short, first time visits to the island, you’ll want to focus your time on San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico.
But, if you have a little extra time, I highly recommend exploring more of the island than just San Juan, as this is the best way to see the beautiful outdoor areas, the beaches, and culture of Puerto Rico.
In this section, I’m highlighting the best areas for visitors to explore all around the island. It’s not meant as a comprehensive list of every small town, but rather the places that have the most to offer in the way of hotels, tours, and local experiences.
The Different Areas of the Island
San Juan
San Juan is the vibrant hub of the island, and it’s what most people think of when they’re considering a trip to Puerto Rico.
This is where you’ll find the Luiz Muñoz Marín International Airport, where flights from across North America take off and land everyday.
It’s also where you’ll find Viejo San Juan (or Old San Juan), which has colonial architecture, well kept plazas, seaside promenades, and the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro at the mouth of the San Juan Bay, or Bahía de San Juan.
San Juan is located on the northern side of the island near Luquillo, and you’ll find the highest concentration of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tours here.
Luquillo
This area of the island is in the northeastern corner, and it’s the easiest to access from San Juan.
If you want to be close enough to San Juan for a day trip, but would rather a more laid back experience, consider the short drive to a hotel or resort in the Luquillo area instead of staying in the capital city.
Luquillo is also home to El Yunque National Forest, one of only 3 rainforests in the United States and the only tropical rainforest.
Fajardo
Moving clockwise around the island, Fajardo is to the right of Luquillo, and another great options for visitors who want access to great tours, outdoor adventures, and plenty of hotels without the hustle and bustle of San Juan.
It’s the closest area of the main island to the two outer islands, Culebra and Vieques (see below for more information on those), so if you plan to visit either or both of those while you’re in Puerto Rico, Fajardo is a great place for a home base.
From Fajardo, you’ll get easy access to Cayo Icacos and the Cayos de la Cordillera Beach Nature Reserve, both which are known for its beautiful, unspoiled beaches.
There are many tours that you can jump onto from Fajardo if you want to see these.
Culebra and Vieques
A deserted beach on the island of Vieques
If the island of San Juan doesn’t have enough beaches for you, head over to these two islands off the northeastern coast.
Vieques is the larger of the two, with slightly more infrastructure and hotel options. Culebra is home to Flamenco Beach, which is regularly voted one of the world’s best beaches.
You can take a ferry or plane to these islands, and there is a ferry that runs between the two if you want to explore both.
Ponce
Ponce is Puerto Rico’s second largest city, and another great option if you want plenty of shopping and eating options, while still being close to beaches, hotels, and resorts.
Ponce is located on the southern side of the island, almost in the middle of that bottom coast, and provides great day trip options to Salinas, Guayama, Guánica, and La Parguera on either side of the city.
Both Ponce and La Parguera (in nearby Lajas) have fantastic tour options, including kayaking, hiking, and boating tours.
Rincón
Beach day in Rincón | source
Rincón is where you go on Puerto Rico if you want to get away from it all, but still have some tour and resort options.
This side of the island is far less built up than the northern side, but you can find some gorgeous hotels and plenty of scenic overlooks.
Rincón is located on the western side of Puerto Rico, almost directly across from Luquillo and Fajardo. You’re only 2.5 hours from San Juan by car, but keep in mind that staying in Rincón does prevent you from easily accessing El Yunque National Forest, Culebra, or Vieques.
There’s still plenty to do with a little driving to nearby Mayagüez to the south or Aguadilla to the north, but Rincón is best for hanging out by the water and relaxing.
Isabela
Isabela is located on the northern side of the island about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Puerto Rico by car.
It has some incredible beaches, which isn’t the case at every area I’ve listed above. In many of the hotels in and around San Juan, the currents are too strong to have naturally occurring beaches.
So, if beach time is a key component of your tropical getaway, Isabela is a great option. Places like Montones Beach and Pozo Teodoro are perfect for relaxing the day away next to crystal clear blue water.
Explore more of the Caribbean with these posts:
What are the Best Hotels in Puerto Rico?
The main lobby at the Caribe Hilton
There are hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of hotels across Puerto Rico, and determining where to stay is crucial to the success of your overall trip.
While Puerto Rico isn’t a huge island, it’s big enough that you don’t want to drive from one coast to the other over and over again while sightseeing.
Instead, you’ll want to pick a hotel or resort that’s closest to the most important things you want to see and do while you’re here, and use that as a home base.
Below, I’m sharing some incredible hotels and resorts from different areas of the island so that you can choose which one works best for your vacation. For each entry, I’ve included details about the property and where it’s located in Puerto Rico.
Hotel El Convento
Located in: Viejo San Juan
Spend the night (or several!) in a 300-year-old Carmelite convent in the heart of Old San Juan.
If you know that you just want to visit the historic city center of San Juan, and that you’re not heading anywhere else on the island, this hotel is an incredible place to stay.
Take a taxi or ride share from the Luiz Muñoz Marín Airport, and you won’t have to worry about driving or parking on the cramped, colonial-style streets that remind me so much of my hometown of Charleston, SC.
Once settled into this boutique hotel, you’ll be within easy walking distance of everything that Old San Juan has to offer.
You’re a 6 minute walk to Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, a 9 minute walk to the Paseo de la Princesa, and an 11 minute walk to the ferry terminal if you’re interested in doing the Bacardí factory tour across the bay.
Caribe Hilton
Located in: San Juan
This hotel is located on the corner of the Atlantic Ocean and Condado Lagoon in the Condado area of San Juan.
It’s been a staple of Puerto Rican vacations for more than 70 years, and went through a complete renovation after Hurricane Maria hit the island in 2017.
The Caribe Hilton is also the birthplace of the classic island cocktail, the piña colada, and the hotel bar still blends up the frosty, delicious beverages to this day. They’re a must when visiting.
Read more about visiting the Caribe Hilton and my experience there.
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Located in: San Juan
This luxury hotel is a great destination for the traveler who wants to be close to San Juan while still having easy day trips to Fajardo and El Yunque National Forest.
It’s located on the other side of Condado Lagoon from the Caribe Hilton and has a large private beach, incredible seaside dining, and recently updated rooms.
There are multiple pool areas to relax by, including an infinity pool right by the ocean.
Another thing that sets the Condado Vanderbilt apart from the hotels in the Condado area is its history—the hotel has been here since 1919—and the beautiful Spanish revival architecture.
Both lend a sense of history and permanence to the resort, so that you feel like you’re visiting a relative’s storied property rather than just another cookie cutter hotel.
El Yunque Rainforest Inn
Located in: El Yunque National Forest
If you want to feel as if you’re getting away from it all, but you’re really only 20 miles from the airport, head to the Rainforest Inn on your trip to Puerto Rico.
It’s located inside El Yunque, so you’ll wake up to birds chirping in the surrounding trees.
With an eye towards sustainability, this hotel seeks to coexist peacefully with the surrounding forest and its many animals.
Choose from each of the unique villas, where you can rest in one of the outdoor hammocks, get glimpses of the ocean in the distance, and relax by the communal koi pond.
El Conquistador Resort
Located in: Fajardo
Las Brisas wing of the hotel | source
This sprawling resort on the northeastern coast is one of the island’s most popular places to stay, and for good reason.
Perched on the top of a cliff above the ocean, El Conquistador is one place on the island where you can just show up and not have to leave for the entirety of your vacation.
There’s on-site dining, a huge waterpark and pool complex, a golf course, and spa.
You can ride the funicular up the side of the cliff, get your hair done at the salon, or participate in one of the hotel’s daily activities (which includes everything from a guided tour of the grounds to weekend s’mores parties).
Plus, the resort has its own private island over at Palomino Island, with multiple daily ferries to shuttle guests back and forth.
Hilton Ponce Golf and Casino
Located in: Ponce
One of the blocks of rooms at the Hilton Ponce | source
Another reason for staying on the southern coast of Puerto Rico is that you’ll get more bang for your buck here.
The Hilton Ponce Golf and Casino is less than half the price of El Conquistador, despite the two hotels’ amenities being similar.
The hotel pool area is stunning with multiple pools, a splash pad, and a water slide, all beachfront and surrounded by swaying palm trees.
Villa Montaña Beach Resort
Located in: Isabela
This beautiful resort has a laidback, minimalistic, and rustic feel that fits in perfectly with its beachfront location.
There’s indoor and outdoor dining, a beautiful pool with cabanas, on-site tours for horseback riding and scuba diving, free snorkel gear, and a golf course.
Isabela is on the quieter side of Puerto Rico, so its fantastic that this resort offers so much for visitors on property.
Where Do the Locals Eat in Puerto Rico?
Mofongo and shredded chicken in a traditional Puerto Rican dish
Puerto Rico has so many great places that I don't think you can really go wrong no matter your budget, tastes, or style.
Here are a few general categories to help you choose a great restaurant no matter where you are on the island and suggested dishes at each.
All of these are local restaurants, so you'll be supporting small business owners in this area.
Note that not all of these are in San Juan! I’ve tried to include restaurants from across Puerto Rico and in a variety of budgets.
Traditionally Puerto Rican
El Jibarito (San Juan): chicken or beef empanadas, plantain tamale stuffed pork
Antojitos del Callejón (San Juan): mofongo, tostones
Deaverdura (San Juan): the Puerto Rican sampler platter
Cheap
El Hamburgeur (San Juan): bacon cheeseburger, sweet potato fries
Los Nietos Bakery (Fajardo): Flan, Cubano sandwich
Chocobar Cortes (San Juan): chocolate French toast, chalupitas de mofongo
Jack’s Shack (Rincón): fish tacos, tropical French toast, Mexican chicken sandwich
Bebo’s BBQ (San Juan): fried plantains, pork ribs, BBQ chicken
Fancy
Marmalade (San Juan): paella, beef tenderloin, saffron linguini
Diverso (Ponce): tropical sea bass, duck confit
The Eclipse (Isabel): wood fired pizzas, oceanfront dining
Chef’s Garden (Rincón): res del norte, tuna sashimi
Food Tours
Make your meal an experience with a Puerto Rico food tour!
If you want something truly unlike any dining experience you’ve had before, try FlyDining. You’ll be hoisted into the air about San Juan and served a 3 course brunch while you’re suspended above the city.
Or, combine your love of history and architecture with a foodie tour as you taste your way through Old San Juan on this food and walking tour.
You’ll try a variety of dishes at 5 different locally-owned and operated restaurants in Viejo San Juan with a heavy emphasis on Puerto Rican cuisine.
If you’d like to learn about the history of sugar cane production and see the world’s largest rum factory, head over to Cataño for the guided Legacy tour of the Bacardí factory.
Your ticket includes a free drink, and there is a food stall and bar on-site if you’d like to sample more.
You can also upgrade to the rum tasting if you’d like to see the many varieties that the factory produces.
Best Sightseeing in Puerto Rico
Best Historic Sites
Inside Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan is the island’s most iconic historic site, and one that should not be missed.
It’s in Viejo San Juan, a short walk from any of the hotels and restaurants there.
The Castillo is a national historic site and run by the NPS, so don’t forget to stamp your national parks passport and participate in the Junior Ranger program here.
Over in Aguadilla, between Isabela and Rincón, you can see the Faro ruins via a guided UTV tour. These used to be a lighthouse, but today, all that remains are the picturesque ruins of the brick and mortar walls.
Just south in Rincón is the Faro Punta Higueras, another lighthouse, but one that has been restored. You can’t walk up into the lighthouse, but you can meander around the base and on the seaside promenade that runs behind it.
If you’d like to learn about the coffee trade during the colonial period and the enslaved population who facilitated that practice, the Buena Vista Estate (or Hacienda Buena Vista) in Ponce has a great self-guided tour.
Best Beaches
Flamenco Beach in Culebra | source
Because of the island’s position in the Atlantic Ocean, not all areas of Puerto Rico are ideal for a beach day. Many places have rocky shores and no sand, while others have strong currents that are dangerous for swimmers.
However, Puerto Rico does have some excellent beaches, so pack your cooler and put on your swim suit for a day of fun in the sun.
Here are my recommendations for the perfect beach day in various areas of Puerto Rico:
Flamenco Beach (Culebra): routinely named one of the best beaches in the world
Ocean Park Beach (Carolina): sandy beach near San Juan with multiple public access points
Isla Verde Beach (Carolina): wide, sandy beach to the east of San Juan with palm trees along the shore
Icacos Beach (Cayo Icacos): beach off the shore of Fajardo in a nature preserve with beautiful water; accessibly only boat tour or private boat
Playa La Jungla (Guánica): uncrowded beach in a nature preserve that’s popular with locals
Domes Beach (Rincón): local favorite with excellent surfing. There’s a rocky bottom here, so wading only.
Montones Beach (Isabela): beautiful, wide, sandy beach with a natural pool for wading
Best Outdoor Activities
If you love hiking and being outdoors, you have to include a trip to El Yunque National Forest on your Puerto Rico itinerary.
From beautiful waterfalls to scenic tower overlooks, El Yunque has something for every activity level and age.
Learn about the best things to do in El Yunque National Forest here.
The bioluminescent bay tours are truly something that feels unreal, and they come highly recommended if you’re visiting during a new moon.
You’ll paddle out into the night, and, with every touch of the water, the bioluminescent algae in the bay will light up.
It’s something you have to see to believe! Book this one that departs from Fajardo, or this one that departs from La Parguera.
Definitely check out my guide to the best boat tours in Puerto Rico, which covers even more fun and inventive ways to get out into the beautiful waters surrounding the island.
Best Kid-Friendly Experiences
The clear kayaking tour of Condado Lagoon is perfect if you’re visiting with kids, but still want to try something outdoorsy with them. The water during the morning paddles is usually calm enough for children and beginners, making this an awesome first kayaking experience.
Located near El Yunque, the Rainforest Zipline Tour is a fun way to get great views of the surrounding forest without having to hike to one of the tower viewpoints in the National Forest.
Plus, what kid wouldn’t love a zipline ride?!
The Turtle Spotting Snorkel Tour is a gentle introduction to snorkeling, and the added bonus of seeing sealife, including sea turtles, will motivate even the most hesitant of kids.
Snorkel and safety gear comes with the tour cost, so your kids will be ready to jump in for some fun in no time.
Final Tips and Thoughts on Visiting Puerto Rico
Hazy sunset at Condado Lagoon near San Juan
If you're headed to PR for the first time, here are a few things that you should know to make your taste of island life easy and fun:
Pretty much everyone in the tourism industry is bilingual.
Nearly everyone you’ll meet in a front facing customer service job speaks at least basic Spanish and English, so if you're staying in San Juan, Condado Beach, or Fajardo, you'll find it easy to communicate.
Even though most natives' first language is Spanish, the majority of Puerto Ricans know enough English to help you with whatever you need.
Most television programing is also in English, though you will run into commercials in Spanish and English.
Viejo San Juan is compact enough that you can walk to all of the major sites.
This historic district of Old San Juan includes the Catedral de San Juan Bautista and Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
If you're not up to walking, there is a free trolley that will take you around the area.
If you're going to San Juan, a leisurely jaunt through the streets of the historic area, even without a specific destination, is a must, as this is the best way to soak in the vibrant culture here.
Condado Beach is a popular spot for accommodations and entertainment.
Only a short taxi drive (less than ten minutes) away from the heart of historic San Juan, Condado Beach has multiple high rise hotels like the Caribe Hilton where I stayed, casinos, and spas.
If you're interested in seeing more of Puerto Rico than just San Juan, Condado Beach is a great base for exploring the northeastern side of the island.
Make sure to try the local food.
My favorite Puerto Rican dishes are mofongos (plantains mixed with garlic and cracklings) and asopao (a type of stew). They’re delicious and can be found all over the island!
If you’re not sure about what Puerto Rican food is and you want something that’s an easy intro to the cuisine here, I recommend getting an ensalada y pollo con arroz (a salad and chicken with rico) at a local cafe.
Another great introductory dish is fried plantains. Plantains look similar to a banana, but they’re more savory than a banana and have a light taste similar to potatoes when they’re fried.
Puerto Rico isn't very big.
Don't feel like you need to stay confined to the area just around San Juan on your vacation! If you head straight south across the island from San Juan, you'll hit Ponce in just about 2 hours.
And if you head west from San Juan to Mayaguez, you'll reach the western most tip of the island also in about two hours. So, rent a car and take a leisurely road trip around PR!
Get away from San Juan, and you can see one of the three rainforests in the U.S!
The residents have strong opinions on their relationship with the continental U.S.
If you want to hear some interesting perspectives on American policy and government, ask a Puerto Rican what he or she thinks about becoming the 51st state.
Some are strongly opposed, while some would invite the move, but the reasoning behind both sides can jump start a heated discussion across the island.
There aren't any all-inclusive properties on the island.
Unlike most of the other Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico currently does not have an all-inclusive property like a Sandals or a Beaches.
There are certainly large facilities like El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, but they're just big hotels with on-site spas, restaurants, and activities.
You'll pay a la carte for the parts you use.
If you want beach time, make sure to do your research before you book a hotel.
Because of the currents near San Juan, many of the hotels only have pools--and no ocean access.
Even the famed El Conquistador Resort has to boat their guests over to a private island and beach.
There are many unspoiled beaches over on the island of Vieques, and there are some beautiful beaches on the southern and western parts of Puerto Rico.
Or, you could do as the locals do, and rent a boat to explore the hundreds of tiny uninhabited islands that ring Puerto Rico.
