With direct flights from over 20 U.S. cities, Puerto Rico is perhaps the easiest of all Caribbean destinations for American travelers because no passport is needed, English is the official language, and USD is the official currency. Puerto Rico is also one of the most culturally rich islands with a dynamic mix of Spanish, Caribbean, African and Asian influences infused through its arts, culture, history, and cuisine, which you'll enjoy along with world-famous rum. Over 70% of all rum consumed in the U.S. is made in Puerto Rico! A visit to the Bacardi distillery may sound touristy, but it's set on a lovely, breezy coastline and is a tasty and informative visit. Dining here is so special because Michelin starred chefs return home to the island and work with local producers to create unique, sensational dishes. The reason you won't need all-inclusive resorts here is because there are over 4,000 restaurants on Puerto Rico!
In addition to exciting art galleries, like The Museum of Art of Puerto Rico (my favorite - pictured above from my last trip in October 2019), San Juan boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites like La Fortaleza, which was built by the Spanish in 1533 to defend against the Carib people. It became the Governor’s Official Residence, and 170 governors of Puerto Rico have lived here since, making it one of the oldest governor's mansions in continuous use. In Old San Juan you'll also find the oldest cathedral in the U.S. and the second oldest in all of the Americas - Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. It was the first Roman Catholic diocese of the "New World" in 1511 - meaning it's celebrating 500 years in 2021! It also contains the tomb of Ponce de León , Spanish explorer and Old San Juan settlement founder.
Venturing out from Old San Juan, you'll discover remote, sandy beaches perfect for lounging or surfing (even black sand beaches), rugged mountains, lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, subterranean rivers, and bioluminescent bays. Puerto Rico has more than 300 miles of coastline with the Caribbean to the south and the Atlantic to the north, and it has 21 scenic golf courses too - many located at resorts where Nine Muses Travel has exclusive perks and amenities.
Definitely head south to Ponce to view a whole other side of Puerto Rico where you leave behind colonial architecture and find instead more 19th century influences of the French people who came here to escape the revolution in Haiti. They settled here and built fine homes, squares, and fountains all with different artistic and architectural sensibilities than the rest of the island. The western region is Puerto Rico's prime surfing area with fantastic seafood and beaches, along with the Central Mountains, home to two of the world's longest zip lines. Come during coffee harvest or roasting seasons to join in the processes at an authentic coffee hacienda. In the northern regions, sadly the island just days ago lost its famous Arecibo Observatory, but there are more draws to the north like its excellent resorts, beaches, and natural caves.
Puerto Rico is incredibly romantic and LGBTQ+ friendly - a true island of love. Below is a sample of activities we can arrange for you to enjoy with your partner, family, friends - or even as a solo getaway!
Hotels & Resorts
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is perched majestically above the Atlantic Ocean and features panoramic views. It's been Puerto Rico's premier oceanfront hotel for nearly a century.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is encircled by coral reefs, blue Caribbean waters and a lush tropical forest. It's an intimate retreat offering a true sense of barefoot elegance, serenity, and casual luxury.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico is a luxurious and refined resort nestled between a lush national forest and the sparkling sea.
Su Casa is the crown jewel of Dorado Beach. It's a stunning, modern-style villa residence overlooking the ocean on a private stretch of shoreline.
San Juan Experiences
Cultural walking tour of Old San Juan with a local insider
San Juan art and architecture tour
Taste of Old San Juan foodie tour
Private salsa dancing lesson
San Juan cocktail cruise
Rooftop cocktail reception and private dinner
El Morro to Loiza cycling session with an Olympic trainer
Puerto Rican rum immersion
Pirate mini boat adventure
Eastern Puerto Rico Experiences
El Yunque National Forest hiking and driving tour
Afro-Puerto Rican cultural immersion in Loiza
Icacos catamaran snorkeling tour
Deep sea diving expedition
Luxury diving and watersports yacht excursion to Culebrita Island
Island hopping sail and snorkel excursion
Fajardo bio bay night kayaking
Rainforest canopy zip lining
Picnic lunch at Sand Dollar Beach
Western Puerto Rico Experiences
Coffee plantation tour and tasting
Paddleboard and kayak eco tour
Family-friendly turtle nesting experience
Custom helicopter adventure
Adventure park zip lining
Private surfing lesson
Rainforest horseback riding excursion
Rainforest ATV adventure
Family-Friendly caving experience
Vieques day trip by seaplane
Mountain dining experience
Top Island-Hopping Itineraries Paired with Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico - St. Barths - Antigua
Dominican Republic - Puerto Rico
Nine Muses Travel works with exceptional tour operators who add unparalleled value for my clients.
Expert guides for private tours: historians, naturalists, artists, unique locals
Exclusive experiences
Comfortable, sanitized, and luxurious vehicles
Custom-designed routings
24/7 real-time support
Competitive rates at four and five star properties with strict health and safety protocols
Deep destination knowledge
Flexible and worry-free cancellation policies, including 100% refunds until shortly before travel
Contact Nine Muses Travel when you're ready for the charms of Puerto Rico and to learn more about me and what I can do for you!
I design journeys that inspire by highlighting local arts and culture, history, and cuisine for intellectually curious clients longing to feel deeply inspired by exciting destinations, culinary delights, and authentic cultural experiences on a life-changing, joyful journey of discovery.
Danielle Dybiec
Founder & President
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