North Region: Sea Breezes and Off-the-Beaten Path Adventures
Puerto Rico will give you a passion for travel. They don’t call it the “Isla del Encanto” for nothing.
The rich cultural diversity, natural wonders, outdoor adventure, and history make it an enticing getaway. Capture the real meaning of it all on an island road trip. Grab your bags, pack your sunscreen, and put on your cool sunglasses—it’s time to hit the road and discover Puerto Rico. This route sees you fly into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in the vibrant capital of San Juan, where you should spend a few days, before venturing out to explore four of the island’s diverse regions.
Northern region: sea breezes and adventures off the beaten path
After exploring San Juan, rent a car and travel west to Manatí. Head to Mar Chiquita beach, which means “little sea” in Spanish, where two coral formations surround a shallow cove creating the effect of a smaller beach within a larger one. The soothing surf translates into beach conditions ideal for lounging, swimming, and snorkeling without feeling overwhelmed by the waves. Come at lunchtime, your day at the beach improves. Food trucks selling island-style meals have camped out in the nearby beach parking lot. Local delicacies worth trying include picadillo-filled empanadas and coco frío (fresh, cold coconut water served straight from the coconut). Not far from Mar Chiquita, walk around the Tortuguero Lagoon, a diverse ecological area that happens to be one of two natural lakes in Puerto Rico and also offers panoramic views of the ocean.
Before continuing west, take a short detour to Lago Dos Bocas. Rent a boat to take you on a cruise around the lake, or take a ferry to one of the surrounding restaurants. End your day in a homey atmosphere, savoring typical Puerto Rican dishes like fried plantains, roast pork, stuffed potatoes, and rice and beans, along with a chilled bottle of Medalla (a local light beer).
West Region: Surfing Central, Epic Lighthouses and Beach Getaways
Northern region: sea breezes and adventures off the beaten path
After exploring San Juan, rent a car and travel west to Manatí. Head to Mar Chiquita beach, which means “little sea” in Spanish, where two coral formations surround a shallow cove creating the effect of a smaller beach within a larger one. The soothing surf translates into beach conditions ideal for lounging, swimming, and snorkeling without feeling overwhelmed by the waves. Come at lunchtime, your day at the beach improves. Food trucks selling island-style meals have camped out in the nearby beach parking lot. Local delicacies worth trying include picadillo-filled empanadas and coco frío (fresh, cold coconut water served straight from the coconut). Not far from Mar Chiquita, walk around the Tortuguero Lagoon, a diverse ecological area that happens to be one of two natural lakes in Puerto Rico and also offers panoramic views of the ocean.
Before continuing west, take a short detour to Lago Dos Bocas. Rent a boat to take you on a cruise around the lake, or take a ferry to one of the surrounding restaurants. End your day in a homey atmosphere, savoring typical Puerto Rican dishes like fried plantains, roast pork, stuffed potatoes, and rice and beans, along with a chilled bottle of Medalla (a local light beer).
South Region: The Pearl of the South, Thermal Waters and Island Hops
An hour east brings you to Ponce, known for its splendid 19th-century architecture and the must-see Museo de Arte de Ponce. At Museo Castillo Serrallés, tour the elegant estate of one of Puerto Rico’s most storied families, the Serrallés, creators of Don Q rum. Learn how the sugar cane and rum industries intertwine as you explore the interior of the mansion, as well as patios lined with tropical plants and unique architectural details. Take some time to visit the peaceful cross located on the hill, where you can enjoy the picturesque views of the city. As you leave, don’t forget your parting gift: a satisfying glass of fine Don Q rum.
Just a short boat ride from the Ponce coast, embark on a day trip to the Caja de Muertos Nature Reserve. Climb aboard a catamaran or charter a boat and cruise the Caribbean Sea to land on this small island paradise. Breathe easy as you enjoy some quality time on the beach or head out on a nature trail that leads to the old lighthouse. Save some time for snorkeling and keep an eye out for roaming sea turtles. Before heading back north, visit Coamo on the sly, located just east of Ponce. Nestled on the banks of a river, Termas de Coamo is known for its natural, rejuvenating hot springs. Enjoy a therapeutic soak in one of the pools or even a massage at the hotel spa before your journey takes you to the mountains.
Central Mountain Region: Coffee Haciendas, Mountain Ziplines and Lake Cruises
From Coamo, head into the Cordillera Central, the island’s beautiful but less traveled mountainous region. These verdant slopes are home to some of the best coffee-growing land in the Caribbean. For some low-key fun, take a coffee farm tour at one of the local plantations. As you tour the hillside coffee plantations and discover the ins and outs of bean processing, you’ll learn how the cool mountain air and fertile soil create an ideal environment for quality coffee.
This dense tropical landscape feels like something out of “Jurassic Park,” making it a fitting home for one of Puerto Rico’s most exciting attractions, Toro Verde Natural Adventure Park in Orocovis. There are several zip lines and adventure courses here, but the daring should hop on The Monster, one of the longest zip lines in the world at 2.5 kilometers. After a safety briefing and a walk across a 47-meter-long suspension bridge to the launch pad, you’ll be ready to fly (upside down like Superman!) over and through the lush greenery of the mountain to speeds up to 152 km/h. Before heading back to San Juan to conclude your adventure, relax over a plate of mofongo and an island-inspired cocktail at the Toro Verde restaurant.