Having grown up in Puerto Rico, I was surrounded by beauty everywhere I went. While most people only think of Puerto Rico and beaches, there is so much more to explore. From the landscapes, to the food, to the people, Puerto Rico is full of amazing things waiting to be explored by you. Come join us!
1. The Beaches
From coast to coast, Puerto Rico is full of beaches perfect for everyone. The West is the place to be for surfers, but really all the beaches are great to get a nice tan, frolic in the water or play in the sand. Plus, there's always someone playing beach volleyball who would be happy to let you join!
2. The Food
Perhaps the most usual dish for Puerto Ricans is a huge plate of rice, beans and chicken. However, we incorporate a lot of plantain into our dishes. Come join us and try our delicious cuisine filled with adobo and love.
3. The Coffee
The smell of Puerto Rican coffee will envelop you the minute you walk in. Whether you like a little or a lot, dark or light, Puerto Rican coffee is guaranteed to wake you up and leave you with its tantalizing smell.
4. Our sunrises and sunsets
The sunrises and sunsets all over the island are made of dreams. The sky will be set on fire with a large range of colors that will make any spot romantic and filled with the island vibe.
5. Old San Juan
A piece of living history, Old San Juan has been preserved for 500 years in its Spanish colonial style. Whether it's visits to the old forts, the beautiful blue cobblestone streets, the colorful houses, the old Cathedral, or many of the other attractions, Old San Juan is a blast from the past that will allow you to explore Spanish colonial Puerto Rico.
6. Breath-taking Views
Be it city, country, or driving down the highway, Puerto Rico will leave you gasping for air everywhere you look as you are surrounded by beautiful flora and clear, blue skies. Some restaurants even offer gorgeous views for you to enjoy with your meal.
7. Christmas Festivities
Puerto Rico is known for having the longest Christmas season in the world. Starting the day after Thanksgiving and ending in mid to late January, Puerto Ricans bring the party to life. Whether it's taking "parrandas" at 3 a.m. to your friend's house, enjoying coquito, decorating like crazy or enjoying the week long party known as the "Fiestas of Saint Sebastian Street," there will be Christmas cheer everywhere. And, let's not forget that the usual dish of rice with pigeon peas, pork, and pasteles is just about the most delicious meal you'll enjoy ever!
8. The People
Friendly faces will be welcoming you with hugs and kisses on the cheek. We'll bring that sass, but it's all in good nature. Puerto Ricans are happy people who love to laugh and party, so there will never be a dull moment with us!
9. The University of Puerto Rico (Rio Piedras Campus)
Not only does the University offer quality education, but it also creates out-spoken students. You'll be surrounded by a beautiful campus covered in art and talent. Bonus: if you're a cat person, the campus is full of them!
10. The shopping malls
Join us at our malls such as Plaza Las Americas, the 15th largest mall in the US, or the Outlet Mall in Barceloneta for a fun shopping experience. Moreover, you'll surely run into islander craft makers, who will sell you unique and beautiful pieces to take as gifts and mementos of your trip.
11. The Music
From Salsa to Reggueton, Puerto Rico has a variety of music to keep the party going and have you on your feet - even if you can't dance! Don't believe me? Give some of our artists a listen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2wey5o2yBc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G2-r-5ZwnY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lurv4kr-_3o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns9YYSqLxyI
12. El Yunque Rainforest
The largest rainforest in the U.S., el Yunque will provide you with a gorgeous scenery as you explore it's every inch. Gorgeous waterfalls, verdant foliage and lively fauna will make your trip exotic.
13. Bio-luminescent Bays
Little can compare to taking out a boat on the bio-luminescent bays at night and exploring the ocean blue in a different way!
14. The Preserved Taino Culture Sites
Not much is left of the Puerto Rican natives in a sense, yet places like the Tibes in Ponce preserve the culture for everyone to see how the island used to be. Yet, the names of foods and towns - and even the original name of the island (Borinquen) - is a homage to the true Puerto Ricans who walked before us.
15. Cave & Cavern System
When I was younger, every year my school would take us on a trip to the caves and caverns system of Camuy. It is truly a beautiful experience with stalagmites and bats and underground beauty.
16. The Gorgeous Weather
The weather in Puerto Rico is perfect! Mostly blue skies, highs of 90's and lows of mid to high 60s - it's always beach weather. And on those rainy days, you can still enjoy as the landscape becomes greener and is renewed.
17. World’s Largest Telescope (Arecibo Observatory)
Whether you use it for scientific research or as a lover of science, the observatory will give you an unequal experience.
18. The Home of the Piña Colada
The lovely pineapple and coconut drink was originated on the island. With a bit of Bacardi or Don Q rum, it is the perfect tropical drink that packs a punch!
19. Home to the Coquí and the Puerto Rican Parrot
All over the island you are bound to run into the tiny tree frog we call coqui (due to the sound it makes). It will lull you to sleep with its melody. Another lovely and indigenous animal of Puerto Rico is the Puerto Rican parrot; unfortunately, it is endangered, but you might get to see one if you go to places like the rainforest.
20. Home to these talented and gorgeous musicians
Whether with dance-y tune or romantic ballads, artist such as Luis Fonsi, Jennifer Lopez, Tommy Torres, Kany Garcia and Ricky Martin will have you dancing and/or singing along. Plus, those Puerto Rican genes make the nice to look at as you watch their music videos over and over again!
