Inside Secrets to the Best Places in Puerto Rico

The sign says it all: Residents of the town of Humacao have replaced their once infamous “SOS” message, which went viral after 2017’s Hurricane Maria, with a hopeful “Bienvenidos!” As the U.S. territory continues to welcome visitors back, tourism is proving a vital force in spurring its recovery, says Stephen Adair, a Dallas-based Virtuoso advisor. Adair, who spent his teens living in the Cayman Islands, calls Puerto Rico one of his favorite vacation spots and encourages travelers to visit soon because, quite simply, “they need our support.” Inexpensive airfares to the capital of San Juan, more cruise-ship calls than ever, and refurbishments at hotels add even more impetus to go in 2019.

What You’ll Love: Old San Juan quickly got its groove back, and Adair notes that its cobble stoned streets and leafy plazas are as lively as ever – and (bonus) slightly less crowded. The Santurce Farmers’ Market turns the Condado neighborhood into a giant block party on the weekends. Beyond-the-capital pursuits range from treks in El Yunque – the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. – to a paddle through Vieques Island’s bio luminescent Mosquito Bay.

Star Power: Astronomy geeks will want to visit Arecibo Observatory, home to the world’s second-largest single-dish radio telescope, which takes up 20 acres; the refurbished visitor center offers VIP tours.

Puerto Rico is alive and well and here are a few tips are from guide Chiara with Flavors of San Juan Food and Culture Tours in Puerto Rico.

Eat at favorite restaurants around the island:

Mountains of Ciales – Casa Vieja. It is only open on Saturday and Sunday. Order a half pound of pernil (pork) al caldero, an order of tostones, and pastel al caldero. You will not regret it!
San Juan – La Casita Blanca, Molini’s, Acapaulco, Jose Enrique is fine dining.
Barceloneta – Playa Brava. Try the lionfish.
Cayey – El Cunao
Lares – Lechonera Rancho T
Rincon – The English Rose for breakfast and La Cambija for delicious seafood – try the lionfish turnover.

Best Bars of Old San Juan:

The Steinway Piano Bar at The Cannon Club & The Gallery Inn – Beautiful chandelier-lit piano room and interior patio.
Hidden Rooms of La Factoria – listed as Top 50 bars in the world
La Cubanita
The Mezzanine
Carli’s Piano Bistro
La Taberna Lupulo – great place for beer lovers
La Verguenza – salsa dancing

Colors & Corners of Old San Juan:

Walk around Caleta Monjas
Callejon Hospital
Calle Sol
Calle Luna
Sunset at El Morro is a must
Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cementary
Gardens of La Casa Blanca
Bastion de San Sebastian by Castillo San Cristobal

Notes from My Trip to Puerto Rico

I recently enjoyed a 6-night cruise onboard the grand Celebrity Summit. The highlight of my trip was Puerto Rico!

I spent quality time with 80 or more of my best travel advisor friends and building strong relationships with some of the best supplier partners out there. When you work with a travel advisor, you not only get my help in planning your facation, but you get all of the expertise from a strong community of travel partners.