Junior Rasmussen
Puerto Rico is a popular honeymoon destination, offering a mix of beautiful nature, historical sites, and vibrant culture. As a US territory, it is a convenient choice for Americans, with easy travel and accessibility, and no need for a passport or currency exchange. The island boasts diverse beaches, a UNESCO World Heritage district, colourful Art Deco buildings, battlements, and religious sites, as well as abundant nightlife, shopping, and restaurants. For nature lovers, El Yunque National Forest and El Yunque Rainforest offer lush tropical landscapes, while Old San Juan provides a wealth of history and culture. Puerto Rico also hosts lively festivals, such as the San Sebastián Street Festival, celebrating music and dance, and the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress, where couples can learn the iconic and sensual dance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hospitality | Puerto Ricans are known for their warm and friendly hospitality. |
| Currency | The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). |
| Tipping | Tipping is customary and appreciated. It is common to leave a gratuity of around 15-20% at restaurants and for services like tour guides and hotel staff. |
| Dining hours | Dining hours in Puerto Rico are often later than in some other countries. |
| Cuisine | Puerto Rico offers an abundance of fresh seafood. Some dishes to try include ceviche, bacalaitos (salted cod fritters), mofongo (mashed plantains), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), and lechón (slow-roasted pork). |
| Coffee | The country produces excellent coffee. |
| Festivals and celebrations | Puerto Rico is renowned for its lively festivals and celebrations, such as the San Sebastián Street Festival, the Ponce Carnival, and the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress. |
| Accessibility | As a US territory, Puerto Rico is a great option for those who appreciate easy travel and accessibility. No passport is required for US citizens. |
| Best time to visit | December to May, especially to avoid hurricane season. |
| Hurricane season | June to November. |
| Where to stay | San Juan/Metropolitan area, St Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Blue Horizon Boutique Resort, El Convento, Villa Montana Beach Resort, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort, Rio Mar |
| Attractions | El Yunque National Forest/El Yunque Rainforest, Old San Juan, Culebra, Vieques, Flamenco Beach, Nuyorican Café, La Factoria |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore San Juan's UNESCO World Heritage district, Art Deco buildings, battlements, and religious sites
- Learn salsa dancing at the Nuyorican Café in Old San Juan
- Visit Culebra and Flamenco Beach for white sand and crystal-clear blue water
- Stay at the luxurious St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, with its golf course, spa, and tennis courts
- Sample Puerto Rico's culinary delights, including mofongo, arroz con gandules, lechón, alcapurrias, pinchos, and empanadillas
Explore San Juan's UNESCO World Heritage district, Art Deco buildings, battlements, and religious sites
San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. The city boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site district, colourful Art Deco buildings, religious sites, and impressive battlements. Exploring Old San Juan will take you on a journey through time, from its early colonial days to the present.
Start your exploration of San Juan's UNESCO World Heritage district by visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro, commonly known as El Morro. This large fortress and citadel, located on the northwesternmost point of the islet of Old San Juan, was commissioned by King Charles I of Spain in 1539. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, El Morro has guarded the entrance to San Juan Bay for centuries, protecting the city from seaborne enemies. Wander through its maze of barracks, tunnels, outposts, and lookouts, imagining the soldiers who once walked these halls.
Just across the bay from El Morro lies El Cañuelo, a smaller fortification that worked in tandem with El Morro to defend the city. Together, these citadels and their surrounding walls formed an impenetrable defence system for Old San Juan. Another impressive fort in the area is Fort San Cristóbal, known as the "Gibraltar of the Caribbean." Construction of this massive Spanish fort began in 1634 and took over a century to complete. With its thick limestone and sandstone walls, Fort San Cristóbal is one of the strongest fortifications in the Americas.
In addition to its impressive military history, San Juan also boasts beautiful Art Deco buildings. Stroll through the streets of Old San Juan and take in the vibrant colours and unique architecture of these structures. The city also has several religious sites, such as the Convento de Los Dominicos, where you can learn about the spiritual side of the city.
As you explore, keep an eye out for the battlements that once protected the city. San Juan's natural battlements, in conjunction with its man-made fortifications, made it one of the most powerful plazas in the Americas by 1790. The city's defences were further strengthened in the 18th century, with improvements to El Morro and the construction of additional cannon batteries and walls.
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Learn salsa dancing at the Nuyorican Café in Old San Juan
Salsa is one of the most iconic music styles of the Caribbean and one of Puerto Rico's national dances. So, if you're honeymooning in Puerto Rico, why not learn some of the basic steps in Salsa's home? Head to the Nuyorican Café in Old San Juan for a salsa dance class.
The Nuyorican Café is a popular spot for salsa dancing, with live music and a lively atmosphere. It's located in a side alley in Viejo San Juan, so it can be a little tricky to find, but it's well worth the search. The cover charge is usually around $5, and you can enjoy a drink at the bar or sit and listen to the music. The dance floor is small, but that just adds to the intimate feel of the venue. If you're not confident on the dance floor, don't worry—there are usually plenty of other people dancing wherever they can, whether it's at their table or at the bar.
If you're a beginner, try to time your visit to the Nuyorican Café for a Wednesday night, when they offer a free salsa class at 9 pm. You can also catch a beginner LA-style class on Friday nights. After the class, the DJs play a range of songs ideal for dancing, and you can practice your new moves. If you're feeling shy, wait until around 1 am when most of the non-dancing tourists have left, and you'll have more space to dance.
The Nuyorican Café is a great place to immerse yourself in Puerto Rico's vibrant salsa scene and learn some new moves. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to have some fun!
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Visit Culebra and Flamenco Beach for white sand and crystal-clear blue water
If you're looking for a tropical honeymoon destination with stunning beaches, Puerto Rico is the place for you. In particular, the island of Culebra, located about 17 miles east of mainland Puerto Rico, is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue water.
One of the most renowned beaches in Culebra is Flamenco Beach, which has been voted one of the top ten beaches in the world for many years. To get to Culebra, you can fly from San Juan or take a ferry from Fajardo, which is a cheaper option.
For accommodation, the Blue Horizon Boutique Resort is a great choice for an intimate and quaint honeymoon experience. The rooms are clean and beautiful, and the location is close to the beach. If you're looking for more privacy and luxurious amenities, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is a perfect choice. It is situated in a remote corner, just east of San Juan, and offers spacious guest rooms with terraces, top-notch restaurants, a full-service spa, tennis courts, and a golf course.
When planning your trip, it is recommended to avoid the hurricane season, which typically peaks from August to October. The best weather in Puerto Rico is usually from December through May, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the upper 90s.
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Stay at the luxurious St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, with its golf course, spa, and tennis courts
If you're looking for a luxurious and private stay during your honeymoon in Puerto Rico, look no further than the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, located in a remote corner just east of San Juan. This resort offers first-rate amenities and services that will make your honeymoon an unforgettable experience.
Indulge in the spacious guest rooms with terraces, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding tropical landscape. Enjoy romantic dinners at the top-notch restaurants within the resort, offering a variety of culinary delights. Unwind and rejuvenate at the full-service spa, offering a range of treatments and facilities to relax your body and mind. If you're feeling active, take advantage of the tennis courts and golf course, providing hours of entertainment and fun.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is also conveniently located near El Yunque National Forest, offering a serene natural escape. Explore the lush greenery, waterfalls, and unique wildlife that the forest has to offer. You can also take a short trip to nearby San Juan, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, history, and nightlife of the city.
For a truly memorable honeymoon experience, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort provides an ideal combination of luxury, privacy, and access to some of Puerto Rico's best attractions. With its range of amenities and nearby attractions, you'll create unforgettable memories during your stay. Whether you're relaxing in the spa, perfecting your swing on the golf course, or exploring the nearby natural and cultural sites, your honeymoon at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort will be an experience to cherish forever.
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Sample Puerto Rico's culinary delights, including mofongo, arroz con gandules, lechón, alcapurrias, pinchos, and empanadillas
Puerto Rico is a melting pot of Spanish, African, and Taino cultures, offering a vibrant and flavourful food adventure. The island is renowned for its culinary delights, including mofongo, arroz con gandules, lechón, alcapurrias, pinchos, and empanadillas.
Mofongo is a scrumptious dish made from mashed green plantains, sometimes fried with garlic and pork fat, and can be served as a main or side dish. For a romantic dinner, enjoy mofongo at Ladi's Place in San Juan, paired with a stunning sunset. Arroz con gandules, the national dish of Puerto Rico, is a wholesome combination of rice cooked with pigeon peas, often accompanied by pork. Sample this delicious dish at Lechonera El Cuñao in Cayey.
Lechón asado, or roasted pork, is a popular Puerto Rican food, especially during Christmas. Take a day trip to Guavate in Cayey to visit the famous lechoneras, with Lechonera Los Pinos being a local favourite. Alcapurrias are a type of street food, made from a "masa" of green bananas and yautia (taro root), filled with ground beef or crab meat and deep-fried to perfection. Pair it with a cold beer for the ultimate beachside treat.
Pinchos are grilled skewers of chicken or pork, marinated in spices and served by street vendors. For a unique twist, try Rellenos de papa, potato balls, and for a cheesy or meaty treat, opt for Empanadillas or Pastelillos, similar to empanadas.
With its diverse culinary offerings, Puerto Rico is a food lover's paradise, blending tradition and innovation in every dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Newlyweds can try the local cuisine at José Enrique, a namesake restaurant by Puerto Rico's most famous chef. Other options include the industrial-chic Gallo Negro, the outdoor food hall Lote 23, and the salsa bar La Factoria, where the "Despacito" music video was filmed.
Salsa dancing is one of Puerto Rico's national dances and is considered one of the sexiest dances in the world. Couples can take a salsa dance class at the Nuyorican Café in Old San Juan. There are also plenty of beaches, including Culebra, which has been voted one of the top ten beaches in the world.
The Blue Horizon Boutique Resort is intimate and quaint, while the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort offers privacy, first-rate amenities, and easy access to El Yunque National Forest. The Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve is another exclusive option set on a former plantation.
The best weather in Puerto Rico is from December to May, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the upper 90s. However, it is important to avoid hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November, with hurricanes most likely to hit the island from August to October.
