Best place for vacation in puerto rico: 15 Puerto Rico Best Places to Vacation & Stay

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June 20, 2022
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The Most Beautiful Destinations in Puerto Rico

When visiting Fajardo, Puerto Rico, take a day trip to the beautiful Cayo Icacos | © Gillian Pullinger / Alamy Stock Photo

Courtney Stanley

9 September 2021

Puerto Rico is a beach lover’s paradise, and its pristine shores and many attractions make the US territory the biggest tourist destination in the Caribbean. You’ll walk through historic squares lined with Spanish colonial architecture, float in bioluminescent lagoons and take incredible snorkelling trips in the dazzling Caribbean waters. Here are the most beautiful destinations on the island.

Old San Juan

Cathedral

Visiting this historic district is like travelling back in time. Walk the twisting cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to find grand, pastel colonial architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries and old Spanish military forts. Despite its well-preserved history, the more than 500-year-old settlement – the oldest in Puerto Rico – is also home to more modern Puerto Rican culture. Be sure to stop by the 16th-century El Morro citadel, the neoclassical San Juan Cathedral and the Fortaleza. However, the whole district is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, so you really can’t go wrong.

Playa Flamenco

Natural Feature

The pristine white-sand shores and sparkling crystalline waters of Playa Flamenco are regarded as the best on Culebra, a small island about 27km (17mi) off the east coast of Puerto Rico. Indeed, Playa Flamenco is often noted as one of the best beaches in the world. The beach’s name comes from the flamingos that rest in a nearby lagoon in the winter. Visit during the week when the beach is at its least crowded.

El Yunque National Park

Forest, Park

Along with its stunning beaches, Puerto Rico’s natural beauty comes from a lush rainforest in the most famous national park on the island. Hike through the mist under giant green canopies in the Sierra de Luquillo, and try to spot as many of the forest’s 240 species of trees and hundreds of plant species as you can. The 111sqkm (43sqmi) park contains El Yunque’s 1,055m (3,461ft) peak, the 26m-tall (85ft) La Coca Falls and much more.

Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay

Natural Feature

This incredible, rare sight is not to be missed on a trip to Puerto Rico. The glowing waters of the island’s three bioluminescent bays are the result of many factors, including the water’s shallow depth, high temperature, low circulation and high nutrients. These qualities combine to make an excellent habitat for dinoflagellates, the plankton that creates the stunning star-studded sight of the glowing lagoons. Swim, kayak or watch the glow from the shores. Mosquito Bay is regarded as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, though its magic is hard to capture on camera.

Rincón

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

This famous surfing town is hugely popular with international travellers, prompting Puerto Ricans to call it “Gringo Paradise”. The waves swell to huge proportions here, but there are also beaches on the south side of town that are great for swimming and relaxing with a piña colada. The area is also popular for humpback whale-watching trips from mid-January to March.

Isla Desecheo

Natural Feature

This satellite island off Puerto Rico’s west coast, about 19km (12mi) from Rincón, is a top destination for divers wanting to escape the heavily crowded tourist areas. The water is calm and translucent, with a visibility of around 24m (80ft), perfect for viewing the coral reefs and spotting bright fish in the water. The tiny uninhabited island is a wildlife and marine reserve managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

Ponce

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

Ponce is a city that is uniquely Puerto Rican. Take a walk through the Pearl of the South’s historic town centre to see fantastic examples of colonial architecture and well-preserved mansions as well as a dozen or so great museums – including art, history, music and more. You can also walk 5km (3mi) south to the coast to find the Paseo Tablado La Guancha – a boardwalk home to many excellent restaurants and bars.

Río Camuy Cave Park

Park

This cave park is one of the largest cave systems in the world, covering 108ha (268 acres). The limestone caves and waterways were carved out by the Río Camuy, the third-largest underground river in the world. Here, you can ride a trolley bus into the depths of the 61m-deep (200ft) cave. There are numerous rooms featuring stalagmites, stalactites and running rivers. Although the cave system wasn’t rediscovered until 1958, there is evidence that Puerto Rico’s first inhabitants explored them.

La Parguera Natural Reserve

Natural Feature, Park

Near La Parguera village and resort is a beautiful area of preserved natural beauty. The reserve houses some of the most extraordinary natural sights in Puerto Rico, including mangroves, salt marshes, coral reefs and a smattering of satellite islands. There is no camping allowed on the reserve, but there are hiking trails, boat rides, and snorkelling and windsurfing opportunities.

Lago dos Bocas

Natural Feature

In the centre of Puerto Rico, between Arecibo and Utuado, this human-made lake was constructed in 1942, and it’s one of the island’s drinkable water reserves. Jump on a ferry and take a ride on the lake’s calm waters – the area is full of natural charm and beauty. Enjoy lunch at one of the lakeside, open-air restaurants while you bask in the peacefulness of it all.

Guánica

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

In southern Puerto Rico, Guánica is a town that lies in the narrow harbour of the same name. It has stayed connected to its traditional roots, and there are plenty of historical sights to see. Visit the Caprón Fortress, Guánica Lighthouse and the Guánica State Forest. You can also visit a little place called Gilligan’s Island, named after the popular TV show.

Fajardo

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

This area is popular among native Puerto Ricans and tourists. Fajardo is known for its excellent seafood, high-quality hotels and proximity to Palomino, Icacos and Palominito – all popular islands for day trips. The turquoise sea on Fajardo’s shores is calm and fitting for snorkelling trips, and it houses one of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent lagoons, Laguna Grande. Visit Las Cabezas de San Juan Lighthouse, one of the oldest in Puerto Rico, and check out Puerto del Rey Marina, one of the largest marinas in the whole Caribbean.

These recommendations were updated on September 9, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.

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Where to Stay in Puerto Rico → 5 BEST Areas & Hotels (+Map)

The best area to stay in Puerto Rico is San Juan because of its perfect location and number of wonderful accommodation options, lots of restaurants and bars. However, if you are looking to stay on the beach nothing beats Culebra, for budget travelers Rincon is a perfect choice and Ponce is perfect for culture buffs!

In this post I will be guiding you through where to stay in Puerto Rico, sharing 5 great areas, neighborhoods, and the best hotels you should check out before planning your escape to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is a bustling island archipelago consisting of one main island (of the same name) plus 4 other smaller islands off its coast. Although it is technically part of the USA, it is situated northeast of the Caribbean Sea. With the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands on its outskirts, its climate typically ranges from warm to hot – making it a popular summertime tourist destination all year long.

What makes Puerto Rico a tempting Caribbean getaway is its unparalleled landscape of mountains, clear waterfalls, and bewildering rainforests. Additionally, it’s also home to some of the most beautiful beaches that you will ever step foot on. You won’t run out of sandy beaches to relax on in Puerto Rico, and that already says a lot!

Contents

If you are in a hurry
1. Old San Juan – where to stay in Puerto Rico for the first time
2. Culebra Island – where to stay on the beach
3. Rincon – where to stay for budget travelers
4. Ponce – where to stay for culture enthusiasts
5. Vieques Island – where to stay for couples
RECAP: Best Areas in Puerto Rico:
Which is the best city to stay in Puerto Rico?
Frequently asked questions about Puerto Rico

If you are in a hurry

Since Puerto Rico is a sought-out destination by lots of people, it’s helpful to have a list like this where you can conveniently see the top 4 best hotels you should be looking into:

luxury hotel

Sheraton Old San Juan

Best luxury hotel

Book now

airbnb

Casa Ámbar

An Airbnb with amazing reviews

Book now

mid-range hotel

Villa Cofresi

Best value for money

Book now

budget hotel

Navona Studios

Best affordable accommodation in the center

Book now

To help you visualize the best places to stay in Puerto Rico, here is a handy map of the great areas I will be talking about.

Old San Juan
for first-timers

Culebra
for sandy beaches

Rincon
for budget travelers

Ponce
for culture

Vieques Island
for couples

1.

Old San Juan – where to stay in Puerto Rico for the first time

Old San Juan, is a neighborhood inside the island’s largest city, San Juan, Puerto Rico. It’s the city’s center of rich culture, historical landmarks, and thriving nightlife. After just a 10 min drive from the airport, the Old San Juan neighborhood of Puerto Rico is a great place to discover the island’s past.

It’s a great place for first-timers since you’ll find a little bit of everything here, walk the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and appreciate the colonial Spanish architecture, narrow sidewalks, and some of the finest restaurants in Puerto Rico.

Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll find that Old San Juan, Puerto Rico is one of the most walkable places in the Caribbean and the people here are some of the friendliest you’ll find anywhere on the planet. The center has a lot more to offer than just its culture as you are reminded of its modern touch with its crowded nightclubs and upmarket accommodations.

To put it simply, Old San Juan is a town shaded with centuries-old culture – further enhanced by modern-day practices and architecture but if you’re looking to spend a day on the sand, head next door to Isla Verde beach.

Luxury hotel

Sheraton Old San Juan

4-star luxury, San Juan hotel located in one of the best areas. This upscale accommodation is one of the best hotels in Puerto Rico with its spacious rooms, clean beds, outdoor restaurants overlooking the port, dedicated courtyard, and understated aesthetic. Enjoy the beautiful sunset in the afternoon while feasting on their Puerto Rican cuisine.

Book now

Other accommodation options in Old San Juan

mid-range

Decanter Hotel

Luxurious value hotel featuring rooms with relaxing decor, private terrace, and swimming pool

Book now

budget

Navona Studios

Friendly, private inn with outdoor terrace and rooms filled with leafy decor in San Juan

Book now

airbnb

Classic Queen

Located in the San Juan city center, this private Airbnb has a historic vibe with interesting rooms and a big hot tub

Book now

Things to do in Old San Juan

Visit the notable landmarks at Sitio Histórico de San Juan
See the Spanish influence of San Juan and fortification at Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Witness the beauty of the old town while sipping wine with a sailing tour
Visit the second oldest cathedral in the Americas, Catedral Basílica Menor de San Juan Bautista
Learn something new at the Museo de las Américas
Enrich yourself with Old San Juan/Puerto Rico culture, and cuisine with this guided tour
Check out the Casa Blanca house
Visit all 22 plazas of Old San Juan
Explore the surrounding areas of Old San Juan with a fun 2-hour ATV adventure
Take a day trip to Explore the El Yunque National Forest
Walk around the neighborhouring area of Isla Verde

2.

Culebra Island – where to stay on the beach

If appreciation for warm, sandy, beaches and a true tropical Caribbean island vacation is more of your thing, then Culebra is the best place to be. In stark contrast to the happening atmosphere of San Juan, Culebra is its own sleepy island situated just a 45min boat ride from the “mainland” (~3h 10 min if you are going by car from San Juan).

Even if you don’t plan on spending your whole vacation here, it definitely deserves a day or two because of its unbeatable beaches with long stretches of sand and crystal clear waters.

It’s a popular spot for water sports and activities like diving, snorkeling, surfing, cruising, sailing, and many more. It’s also perfect for those traveling with their family due to its shallow waters which will let your little ones splash around safely.

Culebra is a tropical paradise that embodies Puerto Rico’s summertime beauty. Don’t be put off by its isolated facade, there are still plenty of bars, boutiques, restaurants, and nature reservation centers which means playing with sand isn’t the only thing to do here.

Luxury hotel

Club Seabourne

Secluded vacation home close to the beach with modern interior design and clean ensuites. Its beds are comfy and cozy along with its spacious living rooms that accommodate a flat-screen TV and huge sofas. It also houses a courtyard for staying active and a private rooftop terrace where you can relax and appreciate the perfect sunsets of Puerto Rico.

Book now

Other accommodation options in Culebra

mid-range

Country Family

Cozy apartment with interesting furniture, air conditioning, fantastic location

Book now

budget

La Romana Apartments

Chic Airbnb with a sizeable sofa and living room and a private backyard near a beach

Book now

airbnb

Ocean Front Villa

Private bungalow suites for a tropical stay in Culebra with a kitchen, cozy and colorful rooms

Book now

Things to do in Culebra

Partake in water activities like snorkeling, surfing, and scuba diving in its shallow waters
Take a walk along the sandy and warm beaches of Culebra like Melones Beach
Snap a photo or two with the Painted Tank local attraction at Flamenco Beach
Visit the national wildlife refuge, Vida Silvestre Culebra
Spot sea turtles at Playa Tamarindo Grande
Take a kayak tour around the bays

3.

Rincon – where to stay for budget travelers

Rincon is a small town in the far west of Puerto Rico Island (2,5 hours by car from San Juan). It’s known for its colorful architecture, smiling locals, and beautiful beaches. Think of it as a mix between San Juan and Culebra! It has the perfect balance of culture and breathtaking views which makes it a compelling place to stay in Puerto Rico with friends.

Moreover, it’s filled with Puerto Rican restaurants and bars that embrace the culture religiously. The accommodations here are fairly cheap compared to the previous neighborhood since it’s relatively far from the center. But luckily for you, the things to do here are nothing short of amazing!

You can check out its famous Playa Doña Lala where tourists and locals alike enjoy its relaxing vibe. After your day at the beach, you can head back to the town where you’ll have your choice of colorful restaurants to eat Puerto Rican delicacies. Some even offer free tastes to get you hooked!

Luxury hotel

Rincon of the Seas

Stunning private beach resort with a garden and boutique aesthetic. Rooms are big and clean while its facilities consist of a private lounge and huge swimming pools where bright sunsets can be seen. There’s also an exclusive, classy restaurant with options for a vegetarian diet.

Book now

Other accommodation options in Rincon

mid-range

Villa Cofresi

Private villa with resort like facilities, huge swimming pools, 24/7 facilities, and clean beds

Book now

budget

Coconut Palms Inn

Cute inn with fantastic location, traditionally decorated rooms, and sizeable sofa

Book now

airbnb

Private Pool & Tub

This spacious Airbnb has charming furniture, an outdoor swimming pool, and comfy beds

Book now

Things to do in Rincon

Explore the parks of this colorful Puerto Rican town
Go snorkeling in the coral reef at RinconBeach
Visit the Reserva Marina Tres Palmas at Steps Beach
Enjoy a laid back time at Domes Beach
Explore the Tres Hermanos National Park
Experience a unique nightlife in its culturally imbued bars and restaurants
Take a day trip to visit the pink colours of Cabo Rojo beach

4.

Ponce – where to stay for culture enthusiasts

San Juan was already a beautiful spot that offers a healthy cultural experience and historic takeaways. But, if you want to take it even further, then let me introduce you to Ponce: the cultural center of Puerto Rico, just a 1.5 hour drive from the capital. Just like Old San Juan, Ponce offers a diversified cultural experience with a hint of history and modern touch.

Ponce is perfect for those who are looking to experience the Spanish roots of Puerto Rico as it has lots of examples of old mansions in the unique Ponce Creole architectural style. It’s also got a plethora of museums and art galleries to explore.

Ponce is not just a plain historic town – it’s a colourful bustling metropolis that is filled with commercialized centers, restaurants, bars, and clubs. It’s so diverse that you can really mistake it as the capital city of Puerto Rico.

Luxury hotel

Hilton Ponce

Popular 4-star resort hotel with perfect views along the coast of the city. It offers rooms with white linens, minimal decor, and a soothing aroma. It also has a beautiful pool, in-house casino, and rooftop hammocks to enjoy a fantastic view of the city.

Book now

Other accommodation options in Ponce

mid-range

budget

Boutique Hotel Belgica

A chic Airbnb which offers historical decor and remarkable walkway

Book now

airbnb

Casa Ámbar

Cozy Villa with good location, cute rooms, and outdoor pool

Book now

Things to do in Ponce

Indulge yourself and discover Puerto Rico’s lagoon landscape in this one of a kind Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour
Walk around the town and discover its fun secrets and details
Take a trip to the uninhabited island of Isla Caja de Muertos
Learn something new at the Museo Castillo Serrallés
Check out the quirky old fire station – Parque de Bombas
Enjoy the Museo de Arte de Ponce (Ponce Museum of Art)
Take a tour of an old coffee plantation at Hacienda Buena Vista
Visit its notable landmarks full of culture and character like the Plaza Las Delicias

5.

Vieques Island – where to stay for couples

Island hopping, long roadtrips, and city center walking can be tiring. If you’re simply looking for a tranquil beach holiday with a great sunset and an epic view, then Vieques Island is the perfect place for you.

Vieques is a dreamy island situated a 30min ferry ride, southeast of Puerto Rico’s main island (~3 hours altogether if you are traveling from San Juan) and couples will love the romantic atmosphere.

Sure, San Juan and any of the other neighborhoods I have already talked about are also great places to destress, but Vieques truly runs on island time and is the best place to take your mind off the stresses of everyday life.

Be on the lookout for wild horses roaming about the island!

And don’t miss the bioluminescence at mosquito bay as Vieques Island has some of the most vibrant marine nightlife in the world. With over eight miles of beaches, Vieques Island offers some of the most beautiful white sand in the Caribbean for you to enjoy! The island also has a rich history dating back to the Taino Indians, who occupied the land before the European arrival.

Luxury hotel

Bravo Beach Hotel

Private beach resort with a large outdoor pool, tidy rooms overlooking the coast of Puerto Rico, and a private balcony. It also has its dedicated kitchen and dining area, and even a garden. Living rooms are big enough to accommodate a family and with beds that are clean, this is one of the perfect places to stay for those who just want to relax.

Book now

Other accommodation options in Vieques Island

mid-range

Finca Victoria

Friendly, boutique, resort hotel with bohemian decor and rooms full of Caribbean art

Book now

budget

Isla Hermosa Guesthouse

Private apartment with a fantastic location which offers spacious rooms, and even furry friends to accompany you!

Book now

airbnb

Casa San Juan

Lovely Airbnb with colorful decor, air conditioned rooms, and even a vehicle you can borrow for road trips

Book now

Things to do in Vieques Island

Lay back and chill on a Vieques Island beach
Visit the Museo El Fortín de Conde Mirasol
See the neighborhood in a different way with Colon Horseback Riding
Navigate the friendly town of Vieques and discover its love for art
Witness the bioluminescence at mosquito bay
Snap some pictures on the Black Sand Beach
Go snorkeling at Playa La Chiva

👑 Luxury price:	$300
Mid-range hotel:	$160
🛏️ Budget:	$100
🏠 Airbnb:	$140
💰 Accommodation prices:	High
📍 Best Area:	Old San Juan
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Sheraton Old San Juan
👛 Best budget hotel:	Navona Studios

RECAP: Best Areas in Puerto Rico:

1.

Old San Juan

2. Culebra

3. Rincon

4. Ponce

5. Vieques Island

Which is the best city to stay in Puerto Rico?

San Juan is the best city to stay in Puerto Rico as it offers the largest range of different types of restaurants, amazing attractions for all interests, and the best nightlife. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget, plus San Juan’s location amongst the beaches couldn’t be more perfect!

Frequently asked questions about Puerto Rico

🏡 What is the best area of Puerto Rico to stay in?

Old San Juan is the best area of Puerto Rico to stay in because of its rich cultural roots and love for history. It also has a mix of modern touch with its diverse choice of restaurants, bars, and shopping centers.

🏘️ Where should you not stay in Puerto Rico?

Avoid areas like La Perla and some parts of Puerta de Tierra since these neighborhoods aren’t supervised by policemen and aren’t advisable for safety.

✨ Which side of Puerto Rico has the best beaches?

Culebra Island is the best place to stay if you are all about the breathtaking beaches and sea views of Puerto Rico. If you’re wanting to stick to the mainland close to the capital, Isla Verde has a great beach!

🏖️ What is the safest place to stay in Puerto Rico?

Old San Juan is the safest place to stay in Puerto Rico due to being the capital city and heavily guarded by policemen. Isla Verde is also a good option if you are looking for somewhere safe with a good beach.

✈️ Where is the best place to stay near the airport?

The best town to stay in close to the international airport of Puerto Rico is Isla Verde. You will find affordable suites, hotels and resorts within 5 mins drive to the airport.

Conclusion

Yahoo! You have finished my guide to where to stay in Puerto Rico. We’ve gone through the best areas and accommodation for your stay so I hope that I helped you find the perfect hotel and you’re ready to relax on the beach.

I’ve given you so many options already but if you haven’t chosen any yet, these are my top 2 choices:

Sheraton – Upscale property in Old San Juan with luxury facilities and minimalistic aesthetic.
Decanter Hotel – Good value for money with relaxing decor and spacious rooms in Old San Juan.

If you’re still looking for more, check out my post on the best airbnbs in Puerto Rico. Remember it’s important to book ahead since Puerto Rico hotels are in high demand – it’s a popular tourist spot after all!

The Caribbean is full of beautiful beach islands and resort destinations like Puerto Rico with wonderful landscapes, mountains, rainforests, and of course, beaches! If you’re thinking about island hopping, Punta Cana is another great island that you should definitely check out!

If you have any comments, suggestions, thoughts, or experiences you would like to share, please do so below! I love reading your comments. 🙂

Have fun and safe travels,

Kate

Puerto Rico Tours, Prices 2022-2023, Hotels with reviews, photos and videos along them so easily recognizable Spanish architecture.

Why not a typical picture of Catalonia or Seville? Only Seats and Renaults crawl through the labyrinth of these streets, but Fords and Chevys with American numbers, and every inhabitant of this four millionth country is a US citizen. And all this together is called the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
`Befriended` with America Puerto Rico in 1898, to which it departed under the Treaty of Paris, which summed up the results of the American-Spanish war. In order to appease the newly acquired subjects, since 1917 they have been granted US citizenship, however, a curtailed one. In any case, the fact that Bush became president is not their fault: they have no right to elect presidents.

TOP Popular tourist places

Excursion

Arekibo Radio Telescope

Cuartel de Ballaia

Mosquito Bay

Castillo de San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)

Kamui River Cave Park

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Cape Solares

Museo de Esperanza (Museum of the Foundation for the Preservation and History of the Island of Vieques)

Playa Navio – Navio Beach

Playa Negra (Negrita) – Black Sand Beach

Tree near Palmanova Plaza

La Fortaleza

Bay of Palmas del Mar

Playa Esperanza – Esperanza Beach

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Puerto Rico: Holidays at the Wyndham Garden Palmas Del Mar

Break from an impressive number of hotels, for a holiday in Puerto Rico after a Caribbean cruise, we chose the Wyndham Garden Palmas Del Mar, which is located 60 kilometers on south of San Juan in the resort area of Palmas del Mar. I must say that we were not mistaken with the choice of the place of rest and the hotel itself, since it is difficult to think of a better place. The resort itself…

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12.04.2013

Puerto Rico: Our neighbor Beach Village Palmas del Mar

Next door to our Wyndham Garden hotel, on the right, when looking towards the sea, there was a complex of villas Beach Village Palmas del Mar, whose buildings at first we took them for the buildings of our hotel, they are so similar and not separated by anything. The absence of fences between hotels and free entry is a characteristic feature of the Palmas del Mar resort area. You can walk here…

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12.04.2013

Puerto Rico: A little bit about the Palmas Doradas

The Palmas Doradas had a good view directly from our balcony at the Wyndham Garden Hotel. There were no fences or barriers, only a huge field with evenly cut grass and golf holes and a small lake with a fountain in the middle separated us. A walk along the beach led us to the Palmas Doradas hotel, which we got into without any problems. A row of neat cottages…

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11.04.2013

Puerto Rico: A tour of the Crescent Beach Palmas Del Mar

Out of pure professional interest, we decided to walk through the hotels located near our Wyndham Garden. Moreover, the resort area of Palmas Del Mar, in which we are located, is an amazingly beautiful place both in terms of nature and in terms of architectural solutions for buildings. The hotel, or rather apartments (since everything is rented here),…

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09/16/2011

Kryb instead of Turkey, part 3: Puerto Rico.

Well, finally, Lord! Finally, our vacation (for the whole trip, see part 1) came to the most interesting part – the exotic. After urban landscapes and crowded parks of Orlando, we got out, thank God, to the sea, into silence, broken only by the sound of the surf. Still, it’s hard to force a rural bityug to live in the capitals… And there’s more to come…

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Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico!!!

Having stepped on the land of Puerto Rico, it was somehow windy and all my chic hairstyle was blown away, and I was preparing for a meeting with this island in such a way)))
Well, okay, I’m all about myself))
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Holidays in Puerto Rico | Travel geography from geomasters.

The Freely Associated State of Puerto Rico is located on a large island of the same name and a number of small adjoining islands and reefs in the Caribbean Sea and belongs to the Greater Antilles. The territory of the country is dependent and administered by the United States of America, but is not part of them. The US Constitution is limited here, and although the power is in the hands of the US Congress (here you can read about traveling to the US), Puerto Rico has its own system of self-government.

Holidays in Puerto Rico are quite exotic and backed by a lot of vivid impressions. Tourists are attracted here by the warm tropical climate, which practically does not change throughout the year, beautiful beaches, the Arecibo Observatory with the largest radio telescope in the world, a unique space museum and a lot of various religious holidays. Every city in the country celebrates its patron saint’s day, often mixing pagan and Catholic pantheons, but not forgetting Spanish, Indian and African traditions. AT Puerto Rico also holds dance ceremonies, music festivals, colorful costumed processions .

One of the best Puerto Rican holidays and carnivals is considered to be St. John the Baptist, held at the end of June in San Juan . Secular and religious events are wonderfully intertwined here. The festival attracts classical musicians internationally and is one of the most important cultural events in the Caribbean. The main moment of the holiday was the colorful procession of the parade of communes, which descends to the sea by midnight. Must visit St. James Festival at the end of July in Leutz and in Mayagüez Feast of the Virgin at the beginning of February . The Festival of Innocence, which takes place on December 28 in Hatillo, is considered very colorful and stormy, when, in memory of the persecution of little Jesus by King Herod, adults put on tin armor with various costumes and jokingly chase children along the streets of the city.
The Christmas holidays are accompanied by dozens of wandering theatrical troupes, orchestras and minstrels roaming the country, holding hundreds of performances. San Juan residents take to the streets in the third week of January when the Saint Sebastian Street Festival takes place. In the city of Ponce, the locals don horned masks for parades and dances and this is the best place for Carnival in February.

Baseball is the main passion of Puerto Ricans, and when the new sports season begins in November, the real fever begins in the country, which reaches its climax only in February during the final draws.
The modern and energetic capital is characterized by high-rise buildings and snow-white stripes of city beaches. This is the main center of commerce of the state, which is rightly considered one of the best historical places here. The city is located on the islet of Morro and is famous for its colonial center, which is connected by a bridge to the main island. Once the city was sufficiently fortified in order to protect against attacks by pirates and the remains of these structures are well preserved and even some of them are used as elements for later buildings. In America, after Peru and Cusco, San Juan is the second oldest city. And even today0130 Old San Juan is well preserved and seems relatively young, although the capital will soon celebrate its 500th anniversary. This excellent harbor has long been the country’s main deep-sea fishing port, which is famous for its excellent theater and unique historical arsenal.

The best beaches and shores in San Juan are in the area of Conado and Ila Verde , which is surrounded by high-rise buildings and the wall of the old fortress of the capital.

The city of Ponce is the second largest city in Puerto Rico and has been mentioned since the end of the 17th century. The city center has the status of a “national treasure” and consists of churches, squares, magnificent fountains and beautifully decorated colonial houses and is the owner of one of the oldest fire stations in the world. The cultural heritage of the region is complemented by the majesty of the Cathedral of the Lady of Guadeloupe in the square called Las Delicias, rising above the urban landscape and the Ponce Art Museum, considered the best in the Caribbean, the Puerto Rico Music Museum and the Museum of History. Tibs Indian Ceremonial Center is a restored village of Arawak Indians who were destroyed by the Spanish enslavers, located 15 minutes north of the city center.

Vacationing in Puerto Rico it is impossible not to visit the picturesque city of San Germán on the southwestern foothills of the Central Cordillera. Its main attraction was the Dominican church of the monks of Port Coeli , which means “Gate of Heaven”, and near the city is the famous Phosphorescent Bay and the magnificent beach of Boguerin. Also visit the city of Rincon with the best surfing (here you can read about extreme water tourism), the rainforests of El Yunque, named the Caribbean National Forest, and the Rio Camai National Cave Park in the northeast of the country.

For holidays on the sea coast in Puerto Rico the most popular are the unique coasts of Luguillo 30 km east of the capital and the beaches of the Atlantic coast at Punta Guillarte, near Arroyo.