Puerto Rico is one of the most beautiful and historic islands in the Caribbean, and it’s no wonder why people flock to it each year. Whether you’re looking to explore its tropical rainforests or lounge on its pristine beaches, Puerto Rico has something for everyone! Here are five reasons why you should visit Puerto Rico today.

1) The people

The people are known for their warmth and hospitality. From its residents to its visitors, there’s a sense of friendship that permeates throughout. There’s a saying on the island: Buen Provencho, meaning enjoy your meal. Yet, it means more than that. it’s also a sign of good wishes, good health, and hospitality to visitors. They embrace life and are always willing to help out—their community is important to them.

2) The landscape

The diverse and beautiful terrain of Puerto Rico is your playground. Whether you want to explore forests, hike mountains, swim in rivers, or lounge on beaches, there’s no shortage of places to go and things to do. A walk through Loiza Forest or a trek up Rio Abajo mountain will give you a unique perspective on tropical rainforests in general—plus fresh air. And if you’re looking for something more relaxing, head to El Yunque National Rainforest. Here, trails are well-marked and maintained by rangers who can help guide you along your way.

3) The weather

While mainland America sweats through summer and shivers through winter, Puerto Rico enjoys a climate that’s perfect for year-round travel. Even in December, it’s rarely cold enough to wear more than a long-sleeved shirt. With high temperatures averaging in at 86 degrees and lows around 73, there are few better places to escape from winter than in Puerto Rico. The low humidity—averaging 69 percent—helps keep everyone comfortable no matter what time of year you visit.

4) The history

In 1493, Christopher Columbus landed on Puerto Rico’s southeast coast. Spain later ruled here until 1898, when it became a United States colony. Because of its unique colonial history, Spanish is spoken along with English in many communities across Puerto Rico. The local cuisine reflects these diverse influences: Plantains and rice are staples of Taino cooking (the original inhabitants), and cornmeal-based dishes are typical fare for those of African heritage. For a true taste of Puerto Rican culture, head to Old San Juan. Here you can sample authentic food at outdoor kiosks while wandering cobblestone streets or shopping at boutiques featuring handcrafted jewelry and artwork by local artisans.

5) Food & Drinks

No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without sampling some of their world-famous rum. For a drink that will make you feel like you’re on vacation, try a piña colada. It’s a blend of pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rum. It’s sweet but refreshing—the perfect way to cool off after a day at the beach. While in Puerto Rico, don’t forget to try bacalán, which is codfish cooked in a tomato sauce seasoned with cilantro and onions. The fish has a texture similar to pulled pork. Some popular favorites include arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and mofongo (mashed plantains).

Getting to Puerto Rico

Before you can enjoy all of Puerto Rico’s natural and cultural attractions, you need to actually get there. If you’re coming from North America, your first stop will be a major city such as Miami or New York. From there, you’ll take a flight to San Juan. Flights from Miami are about 2 hours.

Getting to Puerto Rico as a US citizen is easy, as no passport is required to this US territory. Your US dollars are accepted everywhere, and nearly all the residents speak a mix of Spanish and English.

As for authenticity, Puerto Rico is a fantastic island for a Caribbean visit, and not overcrowded with massive all-inclusive resorts. Puerto Rico also prides itself on being a safe destination and LGBTQ+ friendly.

Want assistance in planning a trip to Puerto Rico? We have been there many times and are happy to assist.

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About the Author

Tonya Denmark is a well-established travel writer based in Central Florida. Tonya focuses on hidden gems, National Parks, history, and good food while traveling.