Why Go to Puerto Rico
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Puerto Rico gives you the Caribbean with none of the hassle. Less than three hours from Miami, it's a U.S. territory, so there's no passport needed for U.S. citizens and you pay in dollars. Yet it's every bit an island adventure, with its own rich culture, music and food.
The variety is amazing. Surfers chase big waves while families splash in calm, clear water. Step back in time at the massive fortress of El Morro, then wander the colorful streets of Old San Juan, including lively Calle del Cristo. Hike the rainforest trails of El Yunque, relax on Condado Beach in the city, or head to the west coast for Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla. For true seclusion, take a ferry or short flight to the stunning islands of Vieques and Culebra.
Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the island hard in 2017, and Puerto Rico has worked hard to rebuild. Visiting is one of the best ways to support its recovery. I'll put together the right mix of San Juan, rainforest and beach time so you experience the whole island.
BEST FOR
Beach lovers, history buffs, families and nature enthusiasts
BEST MONTHS
Mid-December to April
EXPLORE
Old San Juan is a walkable historic district; Condado and Isla Verde are urban beach areas; the west coast and Vieques offer different island experiences.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Puerto Rico
North America › Greater Antilles › USA
Cobblestone history, rainforest waterfalls and glowing bays, no passport required.
Beach & Resort
Historical & Heritage
Rainforest
Culture
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Book your bioluminescent bay tour for a night with no moon. The glow is much brighter in total darkness.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Explore on foot early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
Old San Juan
Old San Juan's blue cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, plazas and cafés make it one of the most beautiful historic cities in the Caribbean.
Fly a kite on the lawn in front of El Morro, a beloved local tradition.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
This massive 16th-century fortress guards the entrance to San Juan Bay, with sweeping ocean views and centuries of history.
One ticket covers both El Morro and San Cristóbal, so visit them on the same day.
Castillo San Cristóbal
The largest Spanish fort in the Americas, with tunnels, ramparts and great views over Old San Juan.
Reserve your entry ticket in advance for the main forest road.
El Yunque National Forest
The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, with waterfalls, hiking trails and lush scenery.
Swim in the calmer sections, as currents can be strong in some areas.
Condado Beach
A lively urban beach lined with hotels, restaurants and bars, close to Old San Juan.
An iconic 1919 luxury hotel on Condado Beach, restored with elegant rooms and fine dining.
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Condado, San Juan
City
A stylish mid-century beachfront resort with a lively pool scene and dramatic architecture.
La Concha Resort
Condado, San Juan
City · Beach
A classic luxury resort on Isla Verde Beach, known for its glamorous lobby and casino.
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
Isla Verde, Carolina
Beach · Family
A historic resort credited as the birthplace of the piña colada, with beaches and lush grounds near Old San Juan.
Caribe Hilton
Puerta de Tierra, San Juan
Beach · Family
A boutique hotel set in a 17th-century former convent in the heart of Old San Juan.
Hotel El Convento
Old San Juan
Boutique · City
An exclusive oceanfront estate west of San Juan with secluded beaches, golf and residence-style casitas.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Dorado
Beach
A large clifftop resort with a water park and a private island, close to El Yunque and the bioluminescent bay.
El Conquistador Resort
Fajardo
Family · Beach
A breezy boutique hotel on Condado Beach with a rooftop pool and a relaxed, design-forward feel.
Serafina Beach Hotel
Condado, San Juan
Boutique · Beach
A dependable beachfront option near the airport with good pools and easy beach access for families.
Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
Isla Verde, Carolina
Value · Family · Beach
A sleek, modern hotel in walkable Condado, steps from restaurants, shopping and the beach.
AC Hotel San Juan Condado
Condado, San Juan
City · Value
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Puerto Rico
High 86°F · Low 75°F · Rain 6.4 in
The holiday season begins early in Puerto Rico, with parrandas (holiday caroling) and festive events.
The best time to visit Puerto Rico is mid-December through April, when the weather is warm and dry. Summer brings heat, humidity and lower rates, while hurricane season runs June through November, peaking in August through October. Late spring offers warm weather and fewer crowds.
Best Times to Visit Puerto Rico
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Puerto Rican cuisine is full of bold flavors, blending Spanish, African and Taíno influences. From roadside kiosks to fine dining, the island is a food lover's dream.
- Local favorite: Mofongo, mashed fried plantains with garlic, is the island's signature dish.
- Roadside eats: The kiosks at Luquillo Beach and the lechoneras of Guavate are local institutions.
- Must-try: Lechón (roast pork), arroz con gandules, tostones and a fresh piña colada.
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Walking
Old San Juan is compact and best explored on foot, though the hills and cobblestones can be steep.
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Ferries & Flights to Vieques and Culebra
Ferries leave from Ceiba for Vieques and Culebra, and short flights connect from San Juan.
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Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares are widely available in the San Juan area, with set tourist taxi fares between zones.
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Rental Cars
Renting a car is the best way to explore beyond San Juan, including El Yunque and the beaches of the east and west coasts.
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Cruise Port
Ships dock in Old San Juan, within walking distance of forts, shops and restaurants.
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Flying In
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan is the main gateway, with nonstop flights from many U.S. cities. No passport is needed for U.S. citizens.
Most visitors fly into San Juan or arrive by cruise ship in Old San Juan. Taxis and rideshares make it easy to get around the city, while a rental car is the best way to explore the rest of the island. Ferries and short flights connect to Vieques and Culebra.
Getting Around Puerto Rico