Puerto Rico’s Regions
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and the smallest, most eastern Island of the Greater Antilles. Puerto Rico boasts strategic connectivity with major U.S. hubs and travellers have the same entry requirements as those visiting the mainland. You can reach the Island by flying from any of JetBlue’s departure points in the U.K. and Ireland, such as London, Edinburgh, or Dublin, to New York JFK or Boston. From there, it’s just a short flight of less than four hours to Puerto Rico.
With its glistening turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and streets pulsating with vibrant music and art, the Island of Puerto Rico is renowned for being the characterful gem of the Caribbean. It is divided into seven distinct regions, each offering unique experiences:
The Metro region is home to the Island’s vibrant capital, San Juan. Here, you can indulge in exceptional cuisine and immerse yourself in the vibrant Boricua culture – reflecting the Island’s mix of Taino, African, and Spanish heritage. Old San Juan, with its colorful cobblestone streets, invites travellers to explore its rich history, passing iconic landmarks like El Morro along the way.
The East region offers an enchanting mix of secluded beaches, tropical cays, and the legendary El Yunque Rainforest – the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Here, you will enjoy hiking trails, discover unique Island wildlife, and waterfalls, an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Culebra and Vieques, are the nearby islands considered some of Puerto Rico’s best-kept secrets and home to renowned beaches and the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. Accessible by ferry from the East or a short flight from San Juan.
The Central Mountains far from the Island’s coastline, is the innermost mountainous part of Puerto Rico. Known for its coffee farms (haciendas), pristine landscapes, rum distilleries, caves, rivers, and natural beauty, it offers unforgettable adventures and a glimpse into the Island’s rich heritage.
The North region is defined by its dramatic northern karst landscape, a protected area of striking limestone peaks rising above lush greenery. This region features hidden caves, unspoiled beaches, and stunning resorts.
The South region is rich in history and culture, highlighted by colorful architecture, lively festivals, and charming coastal towns. Ponce, the second-largest city, stands out as “the Pearl of the South,” offering an abundance of museums, historical sites, and cultural treasures.
The West region is the Caribbean’s surfing capital and the go-to spot for the Island’s most breathtaking sunsets, with beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and an ideal place to sip on the iconic Puerto Rico cocktail, the Piña Colada!
More about the Island
in the world, to the pristine shores of Cayo Icacos in the East Region, offering expansive reefs teeming with marine life, each beach offers its own unique slice of paradise. Whether you’re snorkelling amidst schools of fish or simply basking in the sun, Puerto Rico’s beaches offer unparalleled beauty and tranquillity.
Culinary
The vibrancy of Puerto Rican culture comes alive in its many rich and diverse dishes, a celebration of flavours that visitors have the opportunity to indulge in. Blending elements of Spanish, African, and native Taíno cuisine, staple dishes include mofongo, made of deep-fried green plantains; tostones, double deep-fried plantain wheels; and lechón asado, a slowly spit-roasted pork dish with juicy meat and crispy skin that was recently declared a Puerto Rican culinary legacy.
Puerto Rico celebrates sustainability and self-sufficiency with its remarkable tours of local coffee and chocolate plantations, known as Haciendas. These tours offer visitors the opportunity to engage in cooking classes and tasting sessions, providing an immersive experience in the Island’s agricultural heritage.
Adventure
For adventurers, Puerto Rico’s natural wonders provide endless opportunities for discovery and exploration. El Yunque National Forest, nestled on the Island’s East side, stands as the only tropical rainforest in the U.S., offering rugged trails, breathtaking waterfalls, and unparalleled biodiversity. Situated on the Island’s East coast, visitors can experience one of Puerto Rico’s natural wonders at Laguna Grande – a bioluminescent bay. Kayaking through the bay reveals a magical display of tiny dinoflagellates illuminating the water with their glow. And for those seeking subterranean thrills, the impressive caves of Puerto Rico offer a fascinating realm for hiking, spelunking, and even rafting. Situated in the North Region, Camuy is home to the world’s third-largest underground river and one of the more complex cave systems on the planet at the Río Camuy Cave Park.
Puerto Rico Travel Specialist Program
Unlock the secrets of Puerto Rico with the Puerto Rico Travel Specialist Program! This engaging, multi-device course offers a Certificate of Completion, powerful sales tools, and insider tips. Dive into captivating modules covering the Island’s regions, history, culture, experiences, hotels, and more! Plus, gain access to guides, stunning images, and real-time updates.
Contact:
Discover Puerto Rico represented by MMGY Hills Balfour
DiscoverPR@HillsBalfour.com
