Things to do in  Puerto Rico

A territory of the US, the island of Puerto Rico is known for its beautiful beaches, colorful colonial architecture and historic sites in Old San Juan, and a diverse landscape of rugged mountains, lush rain forests, caves, and bioluminescent bays. It’s also the birthplace of the piña colada and has a rich cultural, dining, and music scene.

Old San Juan is the number one attraction in Puerto Rico. It’s home to colorful colonial architecture, blue cobblestone streets, historic cathedrals, and the UNESCO-listed San Juan National Historic Site, which includes the San Cristobal and El Morro forts, most of the old city walls. It also boasts a festive dining and music scene.

Puerto Rico offers lots of activities for different interests. Cultural activities include exploring Old San Juan, food and rum tasting, and dancing to salsa and bachata. Water activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, sport fishing, sailing, and kayaking the bioluminescent bays. Land-based activities include golf, horseback riding, jungle trekking, waterfall hiking, caving, and ziplining.

For culture, history, food, and music, head to San Juan or Ponce. For beaches, relaxation, and water activities, there are many options, including Vieques, Culebra, and Rincon. Head to the central mountains for caverns and coffee plantations. For nature and active adventures, visit El Yunque National Park, the Rio Camuy caves, and the bioluminescent bays.

For culture and history, don’t miss Old San Juan’s historic sites, museums, food, and music. Nature and adventure lovers will want to experience the rainforest and waterfalls of El Yunque, bioluminescent bays, and beaches in Rincon or Vieques. Foodies should be sure to taste local food and drink, such as mofongo and piña coladas.

Puerto Rico has been a US territory since 1898. Puerto Ricans are US citizens who can move freely around the US and are subject to its legal system, but do not have voting representation in Congress and cannot vote for US presidents. Puerto Rico has its own government, though the US’s control board can overrule it.