Tag: Rico

5 Reasons Why Puerto Rico Is One Of The Hottest Destinations Of The Year

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Puerto Rico has been growing in popularity among travelers in recent years as the ultimate destination for a tropical island getaway.

This Caribbean island, which is a territory of the United States, saw a record-breaking 5.1 million tourists in 2022 — a massive increase from the 3.7 million tourists it received in 2019.

Why is Puerto Rico so hot right now?

Here are some of the reasons to consider this island destination for your next vacation:

1. Easily Accessible From The U.S.

Getting to Puerto Rico could not be easier. As a territory of the United States, American travelers to Puerto Rico do not need a passport.

There are nonstop flights from more than 25 cities across the U.S. to Puerto Rico, with frequent service on budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier. This makes Puerto Rico an affordable destination if you’re looking for a Caribbean getaway.

It’s also a short flight from many destinations in the United States. For example, Miami to San Juan is only 2.5 hours, while New York to San Juan takes 4 hours.

2. Beautiful Beaches

One of the biggest draws to Puerto Rico is the island’s beautiful beaches. Many of Puerto Rico’s beaches are regularly named among the best in the Caribbean.

Flamenco Beach, on the small island of Culebra, was recently rated as one of the best in the world.

If you’re looking for powdery white sand, gently swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear blue waters, you’ll find it in Puerto Rico’s many stunning beaches.

On the western side of the island, beaches like Rincón are popular spots for catching a gorgeous sunset.

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3. Lots Of Hotels And Resorts

Visitors to Puerto Rico will be pleased to discover that there is a great variety of hotels and resorts on the island, perfect for any type of traveler.

From sprawling resorts to intimate boutique hotels, there are options for every traveler. You will also find hotels and resorts at every price point.

Room rates are lower during the off-season in Puerto Rico, which lasts from June through November. Although it may be a little rainier and more humid on the island during these months, it’s a great time to travel to save money on accommodation costs.

The hotel options in Puerto Rico are only continuing to grow. Hilton has announced they plan to open 10 new hotels in San Juan, Ponce, and Dorado by 2025.

4. History And Culture

If you’re more interested in exploring a destination’s history and culture than just lying on the beach all day, Puerto Rico is the perfect place for you.

Along with its natural beauty and beaches, Puerto Rico is also a great cultural destination.

San Juan is a popular place to stay in Puerto Rico because it offers a great mix of history, culture, art, and cuisine, while still being close to good beaches.

From historic Spanish forts to colorful streets to art galleries and museums, San Juan is a must-visit destination to explore while in Puerto Rico.

5. Adventurous Activities

Finally, Puerto Rico is a great adventure travel destination. There’s so much more to the island than just beaches — you’ll find tropical rainforests and lush mountains too.

Exploring El Yunque National Forest is one of the top activities to do in Puerto Rico. You can walk on elevated pathways among the treetops, discover beautiful waterfalls, and even try ziplining through the canopy if you want to get your adrenaline pumping.

Another unique spot to visit in Puerto Rico is Mosquito Bay, known for its bioluminescence, which has been recognized as the brightest and most vivid in the world.

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June 8, 2023
10 Reasons To Visit Puerto Rico This Winter

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As wintry weather hits most areas of the United States, travelers are looking for options close to home that offer a break from the cold and a boost in mood from the sun. Puerto Rico has consistent sunshine with summertime feels all year round, and to make things even more enticing, its tourist board just released the best road trip itinerary to explore the island.

The route has been inspired by its official Pantone color, a red-orange hue that resembles Puerto Rico’s sunlight. Puerto Rican physicist Hector J. Jimenez calculated the color of sunbeams at different times of the day and locations using models of solar radiation and the atmosphere to identify the color.

The color has been incorporated into many of Puerto Rico’s businesses and attractions, and now the Sunshine Route points to various attractions where you can experience Puerto Rico’s sunshine color.

“There has never been a better time, or easier way, to visit Puerto Rico, with new direct flights departing from across the U.S. daily, and no passport required. Especially as the cold settles in across much of the mainland, we encourage people to feel the warmth in Puerto Rico,” said Leah Chandler, CMO of Discover Puerto Rico, in a press release.

Check out some of the top 10 highlighted road stops below:

A Sunshine-Inspired Lightshow

Located in the San Juan metro region, Puerto Rico’s massive new entertainment complex DISTRITO T-Mobile will be putting on a unique light show inspired by the Pantone color using its 14,000 feet of LED screens, including America’s largest 4K horizontal LED screen.

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Frozen Treats

Senor Paleta is a specialty store in Old San Juan known for creamy and fruity frozen desserts on a stick, otherwise known as Paletas. The artisanal shop has created a Puerto Rico Sunshine-inspired paleta with papaya and pineapple flavors. Make sure you take your paleta to-go so you can enjoy it during the sunset over San Juan Bay.

Stunning Beaches

You’ll be spoiled for choice with Puerto Rico’s many glorious beaches as you wait for its orange-hue sun to disappear at the end of the day. Playa Pastillo is known for its turquoise waters and its cave, Cuevas de Las Golondrinas, which is only accessible during the summer months. During winter, you can take a casual beach walk to view it. If you want something for the whole family, Sun Bay beach offers all the amenities you need, while an off-the-beaten-path option is Zoni Beach which has fewer crowds and offers natural caves and sea grapevines.

Nature-Inspired Accommodations

With designs inspired by nature, accommodation options such as family-owned Hacienda Tres Casitas allow you to reconnect with nature as you look out into the wilderness and listen to the sounds of the coquis and chirping birds.

Coffee Farms

Nestled in the mountains, Adjuntas has been nicknamed the “City of the Sleeping Giant” and encompasses 1,400 coffee farms with local brands such as Hacienda Tres Ángeles. The coffee hacienda operates a plantation and offers guided tours to learn about how coffee goes from bean to brew, as well as a delicious tasting of the final product at the end.

The Highest Peak

Cerro Punta is the highest peak on the island, which is over 4,000 feet above sea level. Get as close to Puerto Rico’s sunshine as physically possible while experiencing panoramic views of the island either by driving to the peak or hiking it.

Breathtaking Sunsets

Take your pick between the hundreds of locations to enjoy a mesmerizing sunset in Puerto Rico, but Rincón has developed a reputation as one of the best. Located in the Western region of the island, you get to watch a magical display of the sun disappearing below the horizon line.

Nature Reserves

The route includes a stop at La Parguera Natural Reserve, which is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Puerto Rico. This coastal area is known for its mangrove swamps, coral reefs, and estuaries. Spend the day island-hopping between 30 of its cays and islets or enjoy a snorkeling adventure to view its thriving reefs.

Indigenous Parks

The Caribbean’s most important Taíno archeological landmark, the Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Site, dates back more than 800 years and gives a glimpse into indigenous culture prior to the Spanish colonization. Venture back in time with ten “bateys,” known as stone monoliths, and plenty of petroglyphs to interpret.

Hot Springs

There’s nothing more relaxing than an outdoor spa and natural thermal springs as you soak up the sun’s rays. Coamo Hot Springs has been called the Fountain of Youth, and the mineral waters have been known to help different conditions, such as diabetes, joint pain, and circulation issues.

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December 18, 2022
Record Amounts Of Seaweed Invading Top Destinations Including Cancun And Puerto Rico
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Masses of sargassum seaweed have been invading popular and touristic Caribbean destinations—from Puerto Rico to Barbados— for months, ruining travelers’ vacations and worrying local authorities about economic and environmental consequences.

“This year has been the worst year on record,” said the researcher and faculty member with Florida Sea Grant Lisa Krimsky as reported by the news agency Associated Press (AP).

Krimsky, also Water Resource Regional Specialized Agent based in southeast Florida added: “It is absolutely devastating for the region.”

Over 18.8 million tons in May and over 24 million tons of these brown algae spread across the Atlantic Ocean this year and during July authorities informed that the sargassum keeps arriving non-stop and numbers have not decreased.

This year’s numbers have been considered by the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab as “a new historical record” in a report recently published.

Oceanography professor Chuanmin Hu said that according to the data analyzed, the previous record was noted in May 2018 and this year the sargassum levels were higher by 20%. The professor confessed his reaction: “I was scared.”

Over 800 tons of sargassum were collected in June only from Cancun beaches. The different authorities in the Caribbean have been dealing with this problem by applying different strategies to protect local nature and prevent tourism chaos.

What Travelers Should Know About Sargassum

The large brown seaweed is considered harmless to humans but gives off an unpleasant smell —similar to rotten eggs— when it decomposes, covers beautiful sands and pristine waters, and can affect the local ecosystem.

Some people have reported rashes and blisters after being in contact with this seaweed. According to Florida Health’s report, this is caused by sea creatures that live within this algae. So, it’s better to avoid contact with it.

The sargassum creates island-like masses in the ocean that help animals migrate and has an important role in our ecosystem, but it gives off hydrogen sulfide that can irritate the eyes, throat, and nose. Travelers with asthma or other breathing illnesses might be more affected or could have trouble breathing after being exposed to it.

These are general recommendations when visiting a beach with sargassum:
- Avoid touching it.
- Use gloves if you have to handle it.
- Close doors and windows if you are staying near beaches or coasts with sargassum.
- Avoid the beach or staying for too long if you have asthma or respiratory problems.
- Do not cook it or eat it. It is not edible, it can contain metals like arsenic and cadmium.
Another strategy for travelers is to plan their Caribbean vacations during times when they can avoid these algae or consider locations where it doesn’t usually sit.

The best times to visit the Caribbean are between November and March, sargassum’s peak season is usually between May and September.

Top Destinations Dealing With Sargassum

Cancun authorities have assigned local workers to collect sargassum away from there to beaches. Travelers have opted for beaches and locations that do not have these algae like Isla Mujeres or visit spectacular Cenotes around the Quintana Roo state.

In Puerto Rico, local authorities worry about sargassum because they believe that it can affect one of the hottest spots on the island, the bioluminescent bay Fajardo. Tourism kayak companies and the government are studying the sargassum and working on solutions while cleaning it from their coasts.

In Costa Rica, authorities assigned a team to take care of the algae and protect the nesting process of sea turtles. The government also worries about the offshore industry and has been working in collaboration with other nations.

International organizations, including the United Nations, are studying the sargassum, trying to understand why it keeps growing, and working on the best solutions.

Also, different local companies are turning sargassum into new products —from gas to cosmetic products to vegan leather— to use its excess and turn it into innovative solutions.

Read More:

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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August 4, 2022