Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a US territory in the Caribbean with beaches, rainforest, and Spanish colonial history. You don’t need a passport from the US and they use US dollars. The island is small enough to drive across in a few hours. Hurricane Maria hit hard in 2017 but most places recovered. A week covers the main spots. Spanish is the main language but most tourist areas speak English.

Puerto Rico San Juan and Old San Juan

San Juan is the capital on the north coast. Old San Juan has colorful Spanish colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. El Morro fortress sits on the point with ocean views. The walls are massive and you can walk on top. San Cristobal fort on the other side protected the city from land attacks. The blue cobblestones came as ship ballast from Spain. Condado and Isla Verde areas have resort hotels and beaches. La Placita market square has bars and dancing at night.

Puerto Rico El Yunque and East Coast

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest system. Trails lead to waterfalls through thick jungle. La Mina Falls is the popular one but gets crowded. It rains a lot here obviously because it’s a rainforest. The coqui frogs make loud chirping sounds at night. Luquillo Beach nearby has calm water and food kiosks selling local food. Fajardo on the east tip has bioluminescent bays where the water glows blue when you move. Kayak tours go at night to see it.

Puerto Rico Vieques and West Coast

Vieques island off the east coast has amazing beaches. The US Navy used to control most of it. Mosquito Bay has the brightest bioluminescence in the world. Flamenco Beach has white sand and clear water. Rincon on the west coast is the surf town. The waves are good and the vibe is laid back. Ponce on the south has colonial architecture and museums. The island interior has mountains and coffee farms.

Food is mofongo mashed plantains, arroz con gandules rice and pigeon peas, lechon roasted pig, tostones.