Destination of the Week: Puerto Rico

Photo credit: Discover Puerto Rico.

This week, Daily Travel Source is featuring the gorgeous Island of Puerto Rico. We caught up Davelyn Tardi, Public Relations Director at Discover Puerto Rico to learn about outdoor adventures, must-see beaches, and mouth watering dishes that travelers should try while visiting.

Traveling to Puerto Rico looks like such a unique cultural experience and opportunity to connect with nature! For families that are planning their first trip, what are a few locations that you’d recommend they visit if they have one week to explore?  

Puerto Rico offers countless opportunities for families to connect through adventure, culture, and nature. A great place to begin is Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest European settlements in the United States. Here, families can wander the city’s cobblestone streets, admire the colorful architecture, and explore centuries-old forts.  

For nature-loving families, El Yunque National Forest is a must. As the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Forest System, it offers accessible hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and a vibrant ecosystem that feels straight out of a storybook. Families can also visit El Portal del Yunque, the park’s main visitor center, which offers visitor information, exhibits, a café, and an interpretive trail that lets families explore the surrounding area – and familiarize themselves with the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot!  

For a bit of adventure, head to Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park. Located in the mountains of Orocovis, this park offers thrilling experiences, such as “El Monstruo,” the longest zipline in the Americas. Younger travelers will also love Parque de las Ciencias in Bayamón, which has recently reopened after renovations and features interactive science exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities. And when it’s time to unwind, Isla Verde is home to family-friendly beaches perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, and soaking up the sun.  

Speaking of nature, Discover Puerto Rico recently partnered with Calm to release some audio experiences. Sounds super cool and relaxing! How did this collaboration come to fruition, and what are a few of your favorite places to relax in Puerto Rico? 

This collaboration was inspired by a growing shift in traveler preferences – we’re seeing people seek not only adventure and culture, but also moments of wellness, mental clarity, and emotional restoration. This led to a first-of-its-kind partnership, where Discover Puerto Rico became the first destination partnered with the Calm app, launching an exclusive suite of content including nature soundscapes, guided meditations, and a sleep story narrated by the renowned Puerto Rican superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

Some of my favorite places to unwind on the Island are stunning natural settings that offer a true escape from the everyday. As mentioned before, El Yunque National Forest is another favorite. A walk through its lush trails along the Río Espíritu Santo is the perfect way to reconnect with nature. Another lesser-known river, the Tanamá River, tucked in the mountains near Utuado, offers a relaxing float down its tranquil rivers. And, of course, nothing beats a quiet afternoon on one of the Island’s secluded beaches. 

We have to ask about your favorite beaches! What are some of your go-to beaches, and are there activities that travelers can experience on the Island, like surfing?  

With nearly 300 beaches along 270 miles of coastline, Puerto Rico is a beach lover’s dream. Playa Flamenco in Culebra is a personal favorite, known for its white sand and turquoise waters and often ranked as one of the best in the world! 

If you’re up for adventure, head to Domes Beach in Rincón, a legendary surf spot, for some more great waves and even whale-watching when in season. For snorkeling or paddleboarding in crystal-clear waters, consider taking a boat to Cayo Icacos or Playa Tortuga in Culebra. 

Any tips for must-have food and dishes to try while in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico’s traditional dishes reflect – and celebrate – a rich culinary heritage shaped by Spanish, African, and Taíno influences, and tasting them is essential to truly experiencing the Island. A must-try is mofongo! A “comfort dish” on the Island, mofongo is traditionally made from deep-fried green plantain pieces mashed with garlic and either salt-cured pork, pork crackling, butter, or oil, and often served with vegetables, meat, or seafood. Another favorite is arroz con gandules: rice and pigeon peas cooked with pork and flavorful sofrito. Frituras are especially popular at beachside restaurants. These are deep-fried treats, such as alcapurrias (torpedo-shaped fritters made from shredded root vegetables like yuca and yautia, and stuffed with meat) and bacalaíto (a flour, cod, and parsley batter deep-fried into what resembles giant corn flakes). 

The Island is also home to a vibrant mixology scene, and what better way to experience it than by sipping Puerto Rico’s national drink: the piña colada. This sweet cocktail was born in San Juan. 

To truly immerse yourself in the local food scene, I highly recommend going “de chinchorreo,” which is a laid-back, all-day food tour that takes you to multiple dining spots along La Ruta del Lechón in Guavate. This scenic mountain road is lined with lechoneras (pork restaurants) famous for serving lechón asado, Puerto Rico’s beloved slow-roasted pork. 

For the adventure seekers, are there any day trips or camping experiences to see a different side of Puerto Rico?  

Absolutely. For dramatic landscapes and hidden gems, I highly recommend that travelers explore Puerto Rico’s west and southwest regions.

Guánica’s Dry Forest – one of the largest in the world – features unique flora, scenic trails, hidden beaches like Ballena Bay, and panoramic viewpoints. End your day in La Parguera, home to one of the Island’s three bioluminescent bays – and the only one where you can swim!  

If you’re interested in camping, you’ll find plenty of options, such as the Toro Negro and Río Abajo State Forests, which offer hiking, birdwatching, and peaceful surroundings.  

For those who prefer more comfort, glamping sites like Pitahaya Glamping and Sierra Linda offer furnished tents with bathrooms and kitchens. Meanwhile, treehouse stays such as Yuquiyú Treehouses near El Yunque and Finca Victoria in Vieques provide a unique, immersive experience in nature.