San Juan

Easily accessible but a true escape, Puerto Rico is known as "la isla del encanto" which means the "island of enchantment." The Caribbean destination offers beautiful beaches, activities for the adventurous, delicious cuisine, and tons of history. The people are friendly and the weather rarely disappoints. If you're looking for a tropical getaway with a bit more to do than just sitting on the beach, Puerto Rico is your place!

Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or a luxury family vacation, Puerto Rico offers something for everyone. As a curator of luxury travel experiences, I highly recommend Puerto Rico as the perfect destination to indulge in a luxury experience, complete with breathtaking natural beauty, world-class cuisine, and warm, welcoming hospitality.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, is special to me for its unique mix of history, culture and convenience. As a US territory, it’s an easy, safe getaway with no passport needed, yet it feels like stepping into another world. I love wandering the colorful streets of Old San Juan, soaking in the rich history and indulging in incredible food that blends Spanish, African and Taino flavors.

Being of Puerto Rican decent, I was excited to visit my homeland for the first time this past winter. While seemingly small, this island has to much to offer. Since this guide focuses on just four short days, you will be exploring the northeastern part of the island. This part of the island is home to San Juan, the rainforest El Yunque, and many fabulous beaches. Get ready to eat, drink and adventure on Isla de Encanto.

The cobblestone streets and vibrantly colored colonial buildings of Viejo San Juan make this Puerto Rico city such a beautiful escape. It’s a hub to experience not only beautiful Caribbean beaches but history, culture & hospitality unmatched in many places. While three days isn’t nearly enough to experience all San Juan has to offer, it’s just enough to dip your toes in and get ready to return on another, longer trip!

Through the centuries, Santurce (formally known as Cangrejos during the 19th century) has witnessed the rise and fall of being a pivotal economic hub in Puerto Rico. From being the only pueblo in Puerto Rico, to being established by people of color, to being plucked away by the wealthy, Santurce has developed into a multicultural network of artists, historians, politicians, and culinary geniuses. From the times of Spanish rule, Cangrejos became an anchor in San Juan that drove different industries, such as manufacturing into the capital. However, with its expansion came overpopulation. In the 1950's, the Puerto Rican government sought to resolve this problem by building apartment complexes to hold more families. It began constructing cultural centers, such as theaters and art galleries to push the Santurcean community afloat.

I’m lucky to call Puerto Rico my home for half of the year. Otherwise know as “La Isla del Encanto”, Puerto Rico is a must-experience destination. Its rich history, incredible natural scenery, diverse and vibrant culture, collection of islands (yes, it’s not just one island!), charm, lively music, and local foods and customs will make you more than thankful to have picked this destination for your next trip.

Puerto Rico has stunning beaches, nightlife, culture, historical landmarks, outdoor activities and amazing food. This destination deserves to be a stand-alone destination, not just one as a port for cruise ship passengers. Puerto Rico is the perfect place for the beach bum, nature lover, night owl, foodie and/or adventurist.

Embarking on a cruise to San Juan promises unforgettable excursions that blend rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. Whether strolling through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan or exploring the lush El Yunque rainforest, each excursion offers a unique glimpse into Puerto Rico's diverse beauty and heritage. From historic forts to tropical beaches, San Juan caters to every traveler's desire for adventure and relaxation.

Being an avid traveler and a foodie, I love exploring a destination known for its delicious cuisine. After visiting San Juan multiple times and planning client trips to the area, there’s no way I could keep these good finds to myself. Below you will find some of the top-rated and most delicious restaurants in the city of San Juan.