For the Family in Puerto Rico

Ravaged by Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico suffered a downtick in tourism, but officials assure travelers the island is ready to welcome them.

According to Carla Campos, acting executive director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, “We will never forget what happened 6 months ago, but we certainly don’t need to be reminded of it with old imagery that impedes someone to want to vacation here now. Instead, we look to the future, to our fast pace recovery and to our amazing progress to remind travelers that the best way to support Puerto Rico is by actually visiting. Tourism is a vital contributor to our economy — so visit and see for yourself.”

If you’re deciding on a Caribbean island to visit this year, what can Puerto Rico offer your family?

History

One of the earliest Spanish settlements in the Western Hemisphere, Puerto Rico boasts ancient structures, fascinating museums and significant sites straight from the history books. Start with some of the earliest finds on the island at Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center. The archaeological site traces indigenous island tribes back to 25 A.D., with excavations uncovering ball courts, burial grounds and ceremonial plazas. Fast-forward in time to San Jose Church, built in 1532 and one of the few remaining examples of Spanish Gothic architecture on this side of the globe. Similarly, San Juan Bautista Cathedral is the second-oldest cathedral in the Americas.

Photo: Raulrosa | Dreamstime.com

Beaches

With more than 270 miles of coast, the top beaches in Puerto Rico include La Monserrate, Flamenco Beach, Carolina Beach and Seven Seas Beach. Whichever you choose, though, you can do so much more than simply lie in the sand (though that’s entirely acceptable, too). Surfing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, paddleboarding, sailing, snorkeling, surfing — it’s all an option.

Cuisine

Restaurants in Puerto Rico are particularly feeling the hit from the lack of tourism; while many hotel rooms are taken by aid and government workers, those same travelers are often not hitting the streets looking for great cuisine while they’re on the job. What are they missing out on? A blend of Spanish-, African- and American-influenced cuisine that produces an array of delicious dishes, from the simple mofongo to extravagant desserts. Try some of the local standbys, like Cafe Manolin and El Jibarito, as well as the fine-dining experiences like those at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel’s 1919, where you’ll find a top-tier menu featuring organic, local ingredients sustainably sourced.