Bioluminescent Bays that seem straight out of a magical film, to the sunniest sandy beaches, quiet green forests, and a great dose of delicious food and culture, will make you forget the winter at home. Puerto Rico is the eternal land of sunshine and summery temperatures! The perfect time to go to Puerto Rico is any time of the year. To help you find your way through paradise, here are some recommendations on the places and best restaurants to visit along the way!
Top Places to Visit and Things to do
Cayo Icacos
Icacos is a small island located on Puerto Rico’s east coast and part of the La Cordillera Nature Reserve. However, it can only be reached by water taxi or catamaran. Its crystal clear waters that crash gently up against the sand make it the perfect place to discover marine life by snorkeling and swimming.
Best restaurant: Pasión por el Fogón, this beloved restaurant from Chef Myrta Pérez Toledo, will make seafood lovers fall in love all over again. The red snapper ceviche infused with lime and lobster in butter are a must-try for everyone.
Bioluminescent Bay
Paddle your way through the natural wonders of Mosquito Bay at night. Light up the night by touching the water and witnessing the phosphorescent dinoflagellates shining. If kayaking isn’t for you, you can still experience this world wonder by taking a boat tour or simply strolling on the beach.
Best restaurant: Bananas offer fine dining near the sandy beach and have some of the best local flavors! After or before going on your adventure, you can eat and have drinks at their terrace or their beach bar and grill. Enjoy the best churrasco steak, frozen banana margaritas, and grilled fish!
El Yunque National Forest
Sure, beaches are fantastic, but El Yunque National Rainforest will take your breath away! The rainforest is home to around 26 unique animal species only found in Puerto Rico and the majestic photo-worthy La Mina Waterfalls. With over 28,000 acres, the forest has extraordinary biodiversity that draws in people worldwide. You can be one with nature as you hike, camp, or even swim, and sightsee all the rivers, waterfalls, wildlife, and more.
Best restaurant: Don Pepe Restaurant is located right next to the forest entrance itself! After your adventure in the forest, you will not want to miss this wonderful restaurant with the best seafood and Puerto Rican food!
Old San Juan
Step into another era as you walk the colonial streets, forts full of Spanish colonial history. Old San Juan is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to El Morro Fort, constructed in 1539. The preservation of the fort and 1th-17th Spanish colonial buildings, the Fortaleza, San Cristobal Fort, and the Cathedral (holding the Ponce de Leon tomb) make it a must-see. Aside from that, you can also shop and eat till you drop!
Best restaurant: Marmalade, Just like Old San Juan, Marmalade is also a uniquely delicious experience. This restaurant is straight out of a romantic movie based in a modern setting over candlelight dinners and drinks. Perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike, Chef Peter Schintler will feed you the most organically yummy dishes paired with the best wines.
Escape the snow and embrace endless summer while you eat good food. Puerto Rico will have you creating and storing away all the sunny memories until winter is over. Don’t forget to download the Andiago app on your travels to discover all of the trendiest places to eat locally!
