Puerto Rico Earns Spot on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel List 2022
More than 200 travel experts within the Lonely Planet family designated Puerto Rico as one of the top 10 regions to visit in 2022. Published annually, the Best in Travel list ranks the world’s must-visit countries, cities and regions.
Additionally, Lonely Planet teamed up with Platea and notable Puerto Rican rapper and doctor PJ Sin Suela to share why Puerto Rico needs to be high on your travel wish list. In this video, PJ showcases his favorites. There’s so much to see and experience here. To simplify your research, we’ve curated this travel guide of PJ’s “musts” in Puerto Rico.
Outdoor adventures
Beaches
- Aviones Beach
Located in Piñones (in the northern [Metro] region of the island), Aviones Beach is a popular beach for surfing. It’s also an ideal spot for experiencing the island’s iconic chinchorros, food kiosks and casual restaurants serving Puerto Rican dishes like fritters, pork, rice, fried plantains, alcapurrias and bacalaitos. Just head towards Bella Vista Bar & Grill—where the road of chinchorros begins—and walk around. There are plenty of options.
- Condado Beach
For a Miami Beach vibe, head to Condado Beach. It’s just about 15 minutes west of Aviones Beach (almost 9 miles/14.48km). Backed by high-rise hotels, this stretch of sand provides the perfect setting for people watching, alfresco dining, enjoying live music and ample outdoor activities. Hit the water for a day of jet skiing, surfing, paddle boarding and snorkeling. Or, stay on the beach and jump into a game of beach tennis with Caribe Beach Tennis.
- Vieques
This 21-mile-wide island municipality is situated 99km (62 miles) offshore from San Juan. Vieques is known for its picture-postcard beaches, dreamy azure waters and laid-back atmosphere. Its waters are home to a wealth of marine life and semi-wild horses roam freely on land. You’ll also find Mosquito Bay, one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays—there are only five bio bays in the world. Get there by plane from San Juan or take the ferry from Ceiba (a 90-minute drive from San Juan).
- Culebra
In the video, PJ shares that he visits Culebra every summer. Visit once and you’ll see why.
Situated about 27km (17 miles) east of Puerto Rico’s mainland, this archipelago comprises the main island and 23 smaller ones that lie off its coast. Beach lovers will be in heaven. Culebra has several unspoiled coasts from which to choose. Idyllic Flamenco Beach consistently ranks on “world’s best beaches” lists. It boasts gin-clear turquoise waters that lap onto powder white sand. Zoni, Tamarindo, Carlos Resario and Melones beaches are others worth visiting. To get to Culebra, fly out of San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport or the José Aponte de la Torre Airport in Ceiba. Ferry service runs out of Ceiba as well.
Hikes and waterfalls
- El Yunque
Located within the Sierra de Luquillo on Puerto Rico’s Northeast Coast, El Yunque is a 45-minute drive from San Juan. Aptly named the ‘Home of the Gods’ by the indigenous Taíno people, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest on U.S. soil. It preserves an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, including the Puerto Rican boa and endangered Puerto Rican green parrot. A dozen well-marked trails provide adventure for all fitness levels. Keep your ears perked for a serenade from Puerto Rico’s unofficial mascot—the sonorous coquí, a small tree frog.
- Charco el Ataúd
Head to Garzas Street in Puerto Rico’s south-central town of Adjuntas for some serious waterfall fun. Charco el Ataúd is a secluded, multi-level waterfall with natural pools for swimming. The Ataúd is a small section of the Garzas River, one of Puerto Rico’s most popular rivers for swimming and waterfall jumping. The first level is easy to reach and the water is fairly shallow. The second level requires a descent over rocks. The hike isn’t too difficult, but you should be in good physical condition to attempt. Parking is available on the side of the road. From there, it’s about a 2-minute walk along a narrow path before it opens up to the river.
Must-see history
Spend some time in Old San Juan for a look at Puerto Rico’s fascinating past. Explore historic fortifications Fort Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro, part of the San Juan National Historic Site. A historic walking tour should also include La Fortaleza, Arms Square, Catedral de San Juan Bautista and Museo de las Américas.
Foodie favorites
- Ponce
Located just an hour south of San Juan, Ponce is not only a historic treasure but an excellent destination for foodies. We recommend a visit to Papa Rupe Brewing Co. Housed within a historic 127-year-old house, this microbrewery offers 20 beers on tap and varied beer-based eats (we strongly suggest the wings). Enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner at El Rastro. The menu features Puerto Rican cuisine with an international twist. Their risotto de gandules—creamy risotto with pork and pigeon peas—is legendary, and the signature cocktails are not to be missed.
- San Juan
Tucked within the neighborhood Santurce’s residential enclave, Casita Blanca is a must. It’s been a favorite of local families for 30 years. Savor traditional Puerto Rican food in casual, homey environs. Platea picks include the Empanada de Pollo, Fricasé de Pollo, Tres Leches and Flan de Guayaba.
- Cidra
Sampling local pork dishes—lechón, specifically—is imperative for an authentic Puerto Rican culinary experience. Lechón is the method of roasting the pig whole over an open fire for at least four hours. Just about a 40-minute drive from San Juan, the southeast region of Cidra is a good place to begin your pork odyssey. Lechonera los Amigos touts “the best suckling pig in Puerto Rico.” Round out your roast pork with sides like pickled bananas, rice and yucca mojito. If one restaurant isn’t enough, follow the Ruta de Lechón. The “Pork Highway” is a stretch of restaurants dedicated to the island’s iconic dish. Expect heaps of food served on communal tables, cold beer, live music and loads of fun.
Nightlife
- San Juan
There’s always a party somewhere in Puerto Rico’s capital city and we can help you find it. Known for creative cocktails, a global fan base and unique multi-theme bars-in-one-bar concept, La Factoría has been packing in the crowds since it opened in 2013. Parts of the video for the hit song “Despacito” were filmed here.
By day, it’s a bustling farmers market. At night, La Placita de Santurce transforms into one of the city’s liveliest party spots. Restaurants welcome families and friends catching up over a meal, then at 10pm the celebration spills out into the streets and outside bars. Live music and salsa dancing often continues to sunrise.
For a low-key night with friends, head to Esquina el Watusi, a corner bar in the Santurce neighborhood. Grab a bite, enjoy local beer and dance when the music moves you. Snap a selfie for the ‘gram in front of the building’s vibrant murals.
Also in Santurce, El Nie was the backdrop for PJ Sin Suela’s video of his hit song Bailame. It’s a popular hub for live music, dancing and tasty craft cocktails made with fresh fruit juice.
- Ponce
Asturias Lounge Bar offers a cozy speakeasy atmosphere that draws in island residents of all ages. Pop in and you might share a drink with 81-year-old Ana Salazar, a local regular.
Ready to plan your Puerto Rico vacation? We’ve created a comprehensive travel guide with tips on how to get here, where to stay and even more things to do on the island.
