This Caribbean island has Spanish colonial fortresses, three bioluminescent bays, and the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Forest System. Local dishes include mofongo and lechón.
Walk through 16th-century Fort San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan, swim in glowing waters at Mosquito Bay, or hike past waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest. In San Juan's La Placita district, you'll find streets filled with people sharing plates of mofongo (mashed plantains with meat) and listening to live music. Along Puerto Rico's 270-mile Caribbean coastline, you can snorkel at Steps Beach in Rincon or relax on the white sand of Flamenco Beach on Culebra island.
Swimming in Bioluminescent Bays
You can see glowing blue waters at three locations in Puerto Rico: Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Laguna Grande in Fajardo, and La Parguera in Lajas. The glow comes from dinoflagellates - microscopic organisms that create light through a chemical reaction when the water moves. Local operators run kayak tours on moonless nights, guiding you through narrow mangrove channels into these illuminated waters. The best viewing conditions occur between 8 PM and midnight, when the sky is darkest.
Puerto Rican Food
You'll find mofongo - mashed plantains often filled with garlic shrimp or roasted pork - at restaurants across the island. In the mountain town of Guavate, known as "La Ruta del Lechón" (Pork Highway), you can stop at open-air lechoneras where whole pigs roast on spits. Arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) comes with most main dishes. During December and January, you'll see pasteles (meat-filled banana masa wrapped in plantain leaves) at many family gatherings. Street vendors in Old San Juan and along beach areas make alcapurrias (root vegetable fritters) and empanadillas with beef, chicken, or seafood fillings.
Island Life and Language
While Spanish and English are official languages, you'll hear Spanish more frequently in daily life. Most people in San Juan, Condado, and tourist areas speak both languages. San Juan has a public bus system (AMA) and a single-line train (Tren Urbano), but you'll want to rent a car to explore beyond the capital. The weather stays between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C) year-round. In El Yunque and other mountain areas, expect quick afternoon rain showers.
Smaller Islands of Puerto Rico
From Fajardo, take a 30-minute ferry ride to Vieques or Culebra, or catch a 20-minute flight from San Juan. On Culebra, walk along the mile-long Flamenco Beach, where clear waters make it easy to spot sea turtles while snorkeling. Both islands have quiet beaches and coral reefs for snorkeling. Most restaurants close by 9 PM, and many beaches don't have food stands or restrooms, so pack water, snacks, and sunscreen. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas near the Flamenco Beach entrance.
