Spanning 500 years of history, Old San Juan is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic and treasured places in Puerto Rico. Wander the cobblestone streets to soak up the unique architecture and colorful streets. You’ll find fun local shops and lively restaurants and bars scattered throughout the old city. Free trolleys can take you around the most important landmarks such as El Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, Cuartel de Ballajá, La Fortaleza, among others. You can also take guided tours to learn more about the history of the many 500-year-old buildings, local cuisine, and even visit the place where one of the most popular drinks was born, the world-famous piña colada.
A picturesque ocean drive from Carolina to Loíza where you can enjoy local dining experiences and practice what Puerto Ricans call chinchorreo. Sample delicious specialties while you hop from food stand to food stand and go back and forth to the beach. Enjoy the peaceful waves at La Pocita or Vacía Talega, two secluded beaches where you can go swimming or soak in the sun
Located in Río Grande, on the east side of the Island, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest that is part of the U.S. National Forest System. Home to more than 240 types of trees, unique birds, native species like the coquí frog, and beautiful scenery, the forest spans 28,000 acres of land that includes 25 waterfalls, several rivers, and ancient petroglyphs of Taíno deities. Only a one hour drive from San Juan, you can either navigate it on your own or take a guided tour to get to the most popular locations. Choose between hiking, ziplining, or horseback riding, and fall in love with the astonishing view from the top of the forest overlooking the region’s lush valleys.
If Puerto Rico has a best-kept secret, it is the islands of Culebra and Vieques. Puerto Rico is an archipelago, so it has dozens of cays and islets. Two of its most popular nearby islands are Culebra and Vieques. Whether you're coming for a day trip or making it an extended stay, these two islands are worth the trip, and both are world-class destinations in their own right. Culebra has Flamenco beach, which the Discovery Channel named the second-best beach on the planet.
The Santurce neighborhood, home to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, among many other galleries and local shops, is located very close to the Condado district, and about 20 minutes from Old San Juan. The area has become an arts and culture hub with many buildings displaying murals, and galleries showing works by local artists. Food is also a big deal in Santurce. You can find elegant restaurants alongside little pop-up eateries at gastronomy parks (Lote 23). La Placita de Santurce (Santurce Marketplace), offers tradition, live music, culture, and authentic local food all-in-one vibrant stop. Farmers sell their fresh produce during the day, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and local dishes, and a block party-style celebration takes place on weekend nights.
If you want to experience what locals do to have fun during the weekends, eat authentic tasty food, and enjoy inspiring panoramic views, then Guavate is a must. Guavate, part of the town of Cayey in the center of the Island, is well known for its lechoneras, outdoor eateries specializing in slow-roasted pork. Located high in the mountains, you’ll find amazingly tender pork, live music, a friendly atmosphere, and cooler temperatures. A few lechoneras to visit: El Rancho Original, Lechonera El Mojito, Lechonera Los Pinos, and Lechonera Los Amigos.
Enjoy a welcome cocktail at the waterfront Bat Bar Pavilion, then join a guided tour to discover how BACARDÍ rum is made, and learn about the family-owned company’s history of craft and innovation. Other experiences include a rum tasting tour, mixology class and bottling your own BACARDÍ.
Flavors of San Juan Food and Culture Tours® is Puerto Rico's highest quality and best rated culinary and cultural tourism company, founded in 2009. We are professionally certified by Food Tour Pros, The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, and are members of and advisors to the Global Food Tourism Association. Trust you are with the pros.