Puerto Rico Introduction

Puerto Rico, nestled in the waters to the west of the Virgin Islands, has long since offered an idyllic home base for a jaunt to the Caribbean. Breathtakingly beautiful stretches of white sand framed by impossibly azure waters provide quite the scene for beach bums, but the appeal of this island nation by no means ends there. For culture vultures, that appeal comes in thick and fast, courtesy of the colorful colonial buildings and 500-year-old fortresses of Old San Juan, though nature lovers often prefer to explore the island's lush forested landscapes.

Hotels in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico hotels often sit right at the water's edge. The more upmarket accommodation options often come complete with private beaches, sparkling pools, and delicious dining. Some hotels up their game even further, adding sleek spas and neon-lit casinos to their line-up of amenities. There are plenty of options for budget travelers, too, not least an impressive parade of discount hotels touting cozy rooms and a friendly vibe. The island's 3-star picks sit somewhere in the middle, while a taste of authenticity, as well as a free breakfast, can be enjoyed at oodles of guesthouse-type deals.

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Where to stay in Puerto Rico

An excellent choice of hotels sitting proudly alongside world-class attractions and vibrant nightlife afford the Puerto Rican capital plenty of street cred, though it's atmospheric Old San Juan, with its cobblestoned streets, 16th-century landmarks, and Spanish vibe, that really draws a crowd. If you'd prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital, hotels in Isla Verde, just 6 miles to the east, make for an attractive alternative. And, should you want to truly get away from it all, the tranquil island of Culebra, home to the fabulous Flamenco Beach, is a place where you can do exactly that.

Things to see in Puerto Rico

If you've plumped for one of the hotels in San Juan, then you won't need to travel far to get to one of the island's major cultural wonders. The Castillo de San Felipe del Morro is perhaps Puerto Rico's most recognizable landmark, and this 6-level citadel serves up a veritable showcase of military history, from the 16th century and beyond. Travelers keen to discover the island's natural attributes, instead, need only head east to El Yunque National Forest, where almost 30,000 acres of untouched terrain comprising towering trees, rushing rivers, tumbling waterfalls, and spectacular ocean views, awaits. It's a beautiful scene, but perhaps one that comes a close 2nd to Puerto Rico's 3 bioluminescent bays. The brightest, Mosquito Bay, is reached via a scenic ferry ride from Fajardo to Vieques and is at its most glorious on a moonless night.

How to get to Puerto Rico

The easiest way to get to Puerto Rico is to fly. There are 2 international airports and both offer daily flights to major cities in the United States. San Juan International is the main airport, and also the busiest in the Caribbean. It's situated in Carolina, in the northeast of the island, and a 7-mile trip from San Juan itself. Rafael Hernandez Airport is in Aguadilla, on the west coast, around 8.5 miles from Aguadilla Pueblo. Taxis are readily available from both. Airfares are pretty consistent overall, but do climb during Easter, Puerto Rico's biggest holiday, as well as throughout Christmas and New Year. Once you're all settled in, you'll find local tour companies lining up to chauffeur you around.