Puerto Rico Bed and Breakfast, Cheap Hotel and Guest House Accommodation

Puerto Rico, known as La Isla del Encanto, has a rich history dating back to its indigenous Taíno population before being colonized by Spain in 1493 after Christopher Columbus' arrival. The island remained a Spanish colony for over 400 years, developing a unique blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. In 1898, following the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory, and today it enjoys a distinct cultural identity as a blend of its colonial past and modern American ties.

San Juan, the vibrant capital, is a must-visit city. Old San Juan is famous for its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic forts like El Morro and San Cristóbal. Ponce, known as La Perla del Sur, offers beautiful plazas, museums, and the iconic Parque de Bombas. Mayagüez and Aguadilla on the west coast provide great beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, while Caguas in the central region is rich in botanical gardens and history.

For a taste of Puerto Rico's rural charm, visit quaint towns like Guánica, with its dry forest and beaches, or Cabo Rojo, known for its stunning cliffs and pink salt flats. Loíza, on the northeast coast, offers a deep dive into Afro-Puerto Rican culture with its vibrant music and folklore. Adjuntas and Utuado, located in the central mountain region, are small villages perfect for ecotourism and coffee farm tours.

Popular islands off the coast of Puerto Rico include Vieques and Culebra. Vieques is famous for its stunning beaches, wild horses, and the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, one of the brightest in the world. Culebra is home to Flamenco Beach, often ranked as one of the best beaches globally, with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand.

Fun things to do in Puerto Rico range from hiking through the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, to surfing in Rincon, a top destination for wave enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore the Camuy River Cave Park, one of the largest cave systems in the world, or take a night kayak tour in one of the island’s bioluminescent bays.

The best places to eat in Puerto Rico offer a taste of local cuisine, known as cocina criolla. In San Juan, visit La Casita Blanca for traditional dishes like mofongo and asopao. El Jibarito in Old San Juan serves authentic Puerto Rican flavors in a charming setting. For fine dining, 1919 in the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is a must for a gourmet experience. Rincon's Carta Buena offers healthy, farm-to-table options by the beach.

Tourist seaside towns like Luquillo are known for their long stretches of beach and food kiosks serving local delicacies like alcapurrias and bacalaitos. Isabela, on the northwest coast, is a surfer's paradise with scenic beaches and coves, while Fajardo is famous for boat trips to the nearby islands and the bioluminescent bay in Laguna Grande.

Accommodation options range from luxury resorts to charming guest houses. The Condado Vanderbilt Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton in San Juan are top choices for those seeking luxury and beachfront elegance. El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo offers stunning ocean views and a private island, while eco-friendly options like Hix Island House in Vieques offer sustainable stays. For budget-friendly options, Casa Sol Bed & Breakfast in Old San Juan provides comfort and charm.

Famous hotels, lodges, and guest houses include the historic Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan, a former convent turned luxury boutique hotel, and the Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offering unparalleled luxury in a lush, tropical setting.

Things to see in Puerto Rico include the impressive El Morro fortress in San Juan, which offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the Arecibo Observatory, once home to the world's largest radio telescope. Don't miss the Ponce Art Museum, housing an impressive collection of European and Puerto Rican art, or the serene beauty of Las Salinas in Cabo Rojo.

Carnival and festivals are an essential part of Puerto Rican culture. The San Sebastián Street Festival in Old San Juan is a massive celebration with live music, dancing, and food stalls. The Ponce Carnival, held before Lent, features vibrant parades, masks, and bomba music. The Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián and Loíza’s Festival of Santiago Apóstol showcase the island’s deep-rooted traditions and cultural pride.

Local food in Puerto Rico is a flavorful fusion of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. Dishes like mofongo, made from mashed plantains, and lechón asado, roast pork, are must-tries. Don’t forget to taste alcapurrias, pasteles, and the sweet treat tembleque, a coconut pudding. For beverages, try a piña colada, which was invented in Puerto Rico, or coquito, a holiday drink similar to eggnog.

Famous people from Puerto Rico include singers Ricky Martin, Daddy Yankee, and Jennifer Lopez, as well as playwright and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda. Political figures like Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina U.S. Supreme Court Justice, also have strong ties to the island.

Popular attractions include the vibrant streets of Old San Juan, the historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the stunning beaches of Flamenco and Luquillo, and the lush forests of El Yunque. Visitors can also explore the mysterious La Parguera bioluminescent bay, tour the Bacardí Rum Distillery, or visit the impressive La Fortaleza, the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico.

Local music in Puerto Rico is rich and diverse, with styles like salsa, reggaeton, and bomba y plena dominating the scene. Salsa music, popularized by stars like Marc Anthony and Hector Lavoe, originated from the island’s cultural blend, while reggaeton has gained global fame thanks to artists like Bad Bunny and Daddy Yankee.

Nature sites in Puerto Rico are a highlight for any traveler. El Yunque Rainforest is a must-see, offering waterfalls, hiking trails, and incredible biodiversity. Cueva Ventana, a cave with a window overlooking the Río Grande de Arecibo valley, is another natural wonder. The Guánica Dry Forest and the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats provide unique ecosystems to explore.

Important places to visit include the historic La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The stunning beaches of Vieques and Culebra, the scenic coffee plantations in Adjuntas, and the picturesque waterfalls of San Sebastián are other must-see destinations.

Unusual things to see in Puerto Rico include the giant, mysterious petroglyphs carved by the Taíno people in various locations across the island, and the bioluminescent bays, which glow brightly at night due to microorganisms in the water. The Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park offer both cultural insights and panoramic views, while the stunning La Zanja in Isabela offers a hidden natural pool where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea.