Puerto Rico is the perfect destination for guaranteed sunshine all year round. Commonly known by locals as La Isla Del Incanto (The Island of Enchantment) Puerto Rico offers something for everyone from historical city walks in Old San Juan, rainforest trekking at El Yunque and swimming with turtles on the Island of Culebra. An unusual combination of Latin America, its tropical Carribean location and Amercian influence makes it an interesting melting pot - here are our top tips on what to see and where to stay:
We flew British Airways to San Juan via New York. The capital city is a short drive from the airport and makes the perfect first port of call. Three days is more than enough to walk around and take in the old colonial buildings and sites such as El Morro, the old military fort. By night walk along Paseo De La Princesa and enjoy live salsa music in the street played by locals - you can even join in and learn some salsa dance moves. If you are looking to taste some local cuisine look out for restaurants where locals go. Be sure to try the traditional dish Mofongo with beans. There are many hotels in Old San Juan but we recommend sourcing an Air BnB in Old San Juan so you are within easy reach to all the town’s attractions and have a more authentic experience.
A 40 minute drive west of San Juan is the luxurious Ritz Carlton Hotel at Dorado Beach - the perfect next pit-stop for the ultimate relaxation and to recharge your batteries before you head off exploring the rest of the island. The hotel has two pools and two beautiful beaches and is a peaceful alternative away from the hustle and bustle of Old San Juan.
We then headed to the eastern side of the island to Fajardo. An hour's drive from San Juan, this is the perfect location to visit El Yunque rainforest and also the island of Culebra and Vieques. Hotels in the area are few and far between but we stayed in the majestic El Conquistador Resort surrounded by acres of a manicured golf course. With large ocean view rooms, several bars and restaurants, the hotel has something for everyone and is ideal if you don't hire a car. One thing to point out is you have to take a cable car and boat from the hotel to get to the hotel’s private beach which is a 10 minute journey away (boats run every 30minutes-1hour) but you can enjoy jet skis and snorkeling on the coral reefs when you get there.
One of our biggest highlights has to be discovering a local food van El Pescador in Fajardo run by a fisherman and his wife. Every day fisherman and chef Angel catches his own fish and serves up the most amazing mix of Lobster, pink snapper, salads, vegtables and traditional Mofongo. Possibly one of the best meals I have ever had, this is not to be missed. His wife creates beautiful cocktails too for you to sip whilst you wait.
Puerto Rico has endless miles of beautiful beaches but the islands of Vieques and Culebra are not to be missed. And hour’s boat ride from Fajardo, head to Flamingo Beach on Culebra for an unmissable experience of swimming with turtles, but be sure to get to the port for 5.30-6am (yes really!) to buy your tickets as they sell out within the hour.
