If you can’t tell, I’m having a love affair with Puerto Rico. We’ve been fortunate enough to spend the last 3 months here and I’m amazed at how much this territory has to offer. The island is only 100 miles by 40 miles, which is one tenth the size of my home state (Indiana), but it has everything from pristine beaches to tropical rainforests. The only thing it’s missing is some snowy peaks.
People often ask us what is our favorite place we’ve visited. That’s a difficult question, because we have several and for various reasons. But when asked for recommendations for vacation spots, I can’t help but sing Puerto Rico’s praise. Here are eight reasons why we think your next vacation should in Puerto Rico.
1. Nearly 300 miles of Pristine Beaches
With nearly 300 miles of gorgeous palm tree lined beaches, if you are looking for a beach vacation, look no further. White sand lays just steps away from the airport on Playa de Isla Verde, so you can have the ocean breeze in your hair just minutes after arriving on the island. With a mixture of popular beaches near the city and secluded island beaches, there’s a beach for everyone in Puerto Rico.
2. The Only Tropical Rainforest in the US National Forest System
Puerto Rico is home to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. A day exploring this park is a day well spent. The lush green forest is full of various species of trees, orchids, ferns, plants, birds, and frogs. People flock to El Yunque to check out its several waterfalls or to climb the tallest peak (3,500 ft) which sits among the clouds. In addition to the excellent hiking, zip-lining and horseback riding tours are offered nearby.
3. US Conveniences with Puerto Rican Flair
The best thing about Puerto Rico is that you can experience a new, colorful culture without sacrificing US conveniences. Puerto Rico is a US territory, so leave your passport at home when traveling here. Flying into San Juan is just like flying into any other US city. In addition, the Post Office, driving, and federal laws are the same in Puerto Rico as they are in the US. You’ll even find many of the same big box stores and chain restaurants. And depending on your cell phone carrier, your cell phone service may be exactly the same (no extra charges). But despite all of the similarities, there are some noticeable differences between the US and Puerto Rico. You’ll get to experience new food, music, art, and customs on this gorgeous island. This makes traveling to Puerto Rico a cultural experience without many of the headaches associated with traveling abroad.
4. The Oldest City Under the US Flag
Founded in 1509, Old San Juan is the oldest city in the US and its territories. There’s an incredible amount of history that can be discovered in this delightful city. From the massive city wall that was built to protect the city to the blue cobblestone streets to the hundreds of roaming cats, Old San Juan is as charming as it gets. The Spanish architecture resembles the French Quarter in New Orleans and you can spend hours just getting lost in the streets among the bright, colorful buildings.
5. Paradise Island
When we talk about our favorite places in the Caribbean, Culebra and Culebrita are at the top of our list. If you are looking for a deserted island with a fabulous beach, then Culebrita is the place for you. The island is uninhabited, so you’ll have to take a charter boat to get there. Once there you can enjoy the gorgeous white sand beach, swim in the natural swimming hole known as the Jacuzzi, hike to an old lighthouse, watch goats graze on the hillside, or snorkel the bay with the turtles.
Culebra is only an hour and a half ferry ride from main land Puerto Rico (out of Fajardo) and will only set you back $4.50 (round-trip). Culebra has it all—amazing snorkeling, a gorgeous white sand beach, and a cute town with fun restaurants and bars.
6. It Won’t Break the Bank
Despite its recent sales tax increase to 11.5%, prices in Puerto Rico are comparable to those in the US. Of course the more touristy areas will be a little more expensive, but there are plenty of good deals around the island. Currently a flight from Miami to San Juan costs less than $100 each way. Unlike many of the islands in the Eastern Caribbean, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to vacation in Puerto Rico.
7. It’s Never Winter
The residences of Puerto Rico enjoy 80-85°F weather every day. We spent hurricane season (July-October) in Puerto Rico and expected horrible storms and rain. Instead we got mostly sunny skies. Even when the forecast called for rain, we found that we usually had blue skies until about 3:00 in the afternoon when some scattered thunderstorms would roll in. There might be an increased chance of storms during the low season, but typically Puerto Rico has amazing beach weather year-round.
8. Bioluminescent Bays
The first time I saw bioluminescent waters, I was mesmerized. It was our first overnight sail and I spent my night shifts with my head over the side of the boat watching the water glow as Kairos glided through. I also get a kick out of flushing the head in bioluminescent water and observing the light show. It is something you have to experience. Puerto Rico has 3 bioluminescent bays located in Vieques, Fajardo, and La Parguera. Go for a swim at night in one of these bays and you’ll look like a human torch.
Zika Disclaimer: Like many of the countries in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has been affected by the Zika virus. Though it is unlikely that you will contract Zika during your visit, precautions should be taken. We recommend using OFF Deep Woods bug spray when hiking in wooded areas and at dusk. Before traveling here, be sure to review the CDC recommendations and warnings, especially if you are pregnant or considering starting a family in the near future.