This week, we’re taking you to one of the most unique places we’ve been. Puerto Rico has an amazing mix of natural beauty and historic, manmade structures.

It’s an unincorporated territory of the United States but it definitely has its own culture and feel. We live in South Florida so know plenty of people with Puerto Rican heritage. It’s only about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from Miami.

Us Floridians are familiar with Ponce de Leon, the Spanish conquistador who led an expedition to Florida in 1513. In 1508, he did the same to Puerto Rico and is credited with its colonization.

Puerto Rico is actually an archipelago originally inhabited by indigenous people. Christopher Columbus claimed the area for Spain in 1493. Many European nations tried to take it over the next centuries up until the Spanish-American War.

The war ended in 1898 at which point the United States acquired the territory after the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

Our experience in Puerto Rico was inspiring because we were reminded about a lot of things we learned when we were in school but also got a deeper feel for what Puerto Ricans were all about. There was a sense of pride and independence there that you don’t get in a lot of overseas territories.

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and is a wonderful introduction to the island's history and culture. It is also incredibly easy to reach from the mainland United States, making it a favorite Caribbean destinations for travelers who want an international-feeling getaway without the hassle of international travel.

Start your trip by simply getting lost in Old San Juan. The colorful buildings, blue cobblestone streets, historic plazas, local shops, and restaurants make this one of the most charming parts of the city.

Take your time here because there is something interesting around nearly every corner.

Known simply as El Morro, this massive fortress is one of San Juan's most recognizable landmarks and was built by the Spanish beginning in the 16th century. It sits above the sea and offers incredible views of the coastline.

Give yourself plenty of time to explore the tunnels, ramps, and historic rooms before walking out to the grassy area in front of the fort.

San Cristóbal is another impressive fortress that was built to protect San Juan. It’s the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the Americas and is part of the San Juan National Historic Site.

Exploring both El Morro and San Cristóbal gives you a fascinating look at the strategic importance of San Juan throughout history.

Take a walk along the Paseo de la Princesa for a slower paced experience. This beautiful promenade runs along the edge of Old San Juan and is a lovely place to enjoy the waterfront, browse local vendors, and take in the atmosphere.

I't’s especially enjoyable when the weather is beautiful and you want to slow down and soak in the city.

San Juan makes it easy to combine a city vacation with a beach getaway.

Head toward Condado or Isla Verde to enjoy the sand and Caribbean water without having to travel far from the city.

You can spend a morning exploring historic San Juan and still be relaxing by the ocean later that afternoon.

Head to Santurce for a more energetic experience.

The neighborhood is known for art, music, restaurants, and nightlife. La Placita de Santurce is especially lively, with a market atmosphere that transforms into a popular gathering place filled with music and dancing.

San Juan is a great home base for exploring more of Puerto Rico.

Consider a trip to El Yunque National Forest, where you can hike through a lush tropical rainforest. This was one of our favorite experiences there (even though our bus broke down about halfway there). Or, plan an excursion to one of Puerto Rico's bioluminescent bays for an unforgettable evening on the water.

If you have extra time, getting outside the capital is one of the best ways to experience the island's incredible variety.

Refer a friend using your referral link at the bottom of this email so they can see it too. In addition, you’ll get a copy of our “Wonders of the World” eBook if it’s your first referral.

The easiest way to reach San Juan is by flying into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), located just minutes from the city. There are frequent nonstop flights from cities throughout the United States, making San Juan a surprisingly easy Caribbean escape.

One of the biggest perks for U.S. travelers is that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens traveling from the mainland do not need a passport, do not need to exchange currency, and generally do not need an international phone plan. You can use U.S. dollars throughout the island.

San Juan is also a popular cruise port, and the cruise terminal puts you within easy reach of Old San Juan. If you're cruising through the Caribbean, consider adding extra time before or after your cruise to explore the city.

If you're staying primarily in San Juan, you can get around using a combination of walking, taxis, rideshare services, and public transportation. Old San Juan is particularly enjoyable to explore on foot.

If you plan to explore more of Puerto Rico beyond the capital, renting a car will give you much more freedom. This is especially helpful if you want to visit El Yunque, explore beaches outside the metro area, or take a road trip around the island.

Hotel El Convento - luxury hotel with cooked-to-order breakfast

Decanter Hotel - pets allowed

Condado Vanderbilt - on the beach, has four outdoor pools

HiBird Apartment Suites and Hotel - apartment style, on the beach

Come hungry because Puerto Rican food is one of the best parts of visiting San Juan!

Mofongo is a must-try. This classic dish is made with mashed fried green plantains and is often served with meat, seafood, or vegetables.

Lechón is slow-roasted pork and is a favorite Puerto Rican specialty. If you're a fan of pork, this is definitely something to seek out.

Don't skip tostones, crispy fried green plantains that make the perfect side dish or snack.

You should also try pasteles, a traditional dish made from a root vegetable-based dough and filled with seasoned meat.

For something sweet, look for tembleque, a creamy coconut dessert, or try coquito, a rich coconut-based holiday drink that is especially popular during the Christmas season.

Puerto Rican cuisine is full of bold flavors, so make an effort to try local dishes rather than sticking to familiar foods.

San Juan is warm and tropical, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a swimsuit.

You'll also want comfortable walking shoes for exploring Old San Juan's cobblestone streets and sturdy sandals or sneakers if you're planning outdoor adventures.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. A light rain jacket or compact umbrella is also smart to have, especially if you're visiting during a wetter time of year.

Don't forget a small bag for the beach and a nicer outfit if you plan to enjoy San Juan's restaurants and nightlife.

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in San Juan. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob