8 fun things to do in Puerto Rico from the island's head of tourism
Despite ongoing progress with vaccinations in the U.S., much of the world is still largely closed to American visitors — and testing requirements upon return may deter travelers from visiting those spots that are open.
However, there are a number of spots in the Caribbean that are welcoming tourists from the U.S., including some that are actually domestic locations and thus don't require a negative COVID-19 test to fly home (though they may require one to enter).
And on our recent Return of Travel webinar, we heard directly from one island's head of tourism, as we sat down with Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. He and TPG's founder and CEO Brian Kelly covered a wide variety of topics, including the current process for arrivals, what to expect when visiting the island and things to do once you're there.
Read on for some of Brad's suggestions — and scroll to the bottom for a full recording of the webinar.
Outdoor activities (other than the beach)
Puerto Rico is known for having some wonderful beaches, but Brad mentioned many of the other great nature-oriented activities the island has to offer.
"A lot of people want to get out and hike in El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Forest Service," he pointed out. You can make reservations do this online at least a month in advance at Recreation.gov — though note that spots tend to fill up at least a couple of weeks beforehand.
Then there's the bio-luminescent bays on the island, which Brian did a few years ago in a kayak and described the experience as "pure magic."
Another under-the-radar option? The Río Camuy Cave Park, which Brad described as "the largest underground cave system in the Western Hemisphere" thanks to its 10+ miles of caverns. These recently reopened after an aggressive effort to repair damage from Hurricane Maria.
If you're looking for more adrenaline-fueled activities, consider including the mountainous central region of the island in your plans — especially if you can take a ride on the second-longest zip-line in the world (aptly named "The Monster"). This area also features what Brad described as "the Napa Valley of coffee, with great coffee haciendas that take you back to the 1800s, when coffee was one of the main exports for Puerto Rico."
Finally, he pointed out the multitude of things to do on the western side of the island — which includes surfing at Rincón, seeing the pink salt flats in Cabo Rojo and strolling one of the longest boardwalks in America in Aguadilla.
Related: I took a socially distant vacation with my family – here are 6 things we learned
Explore the cities
Of course, there's a lot to enjoy about the island's large cities — San Juan and Ponce — and Brad made sure to point out what these areas have to offer.
"Ponce has great gastronomy, extensive culture and history ... and you're walking the streets that Ponce de Leon once walked," he said. "What's not to like there?"
And while San Juan is a much larger city by comparison (and the most common entry point to the island for Americans), it too has a lot going on.
"There's so much to do right here in the metropolitan area — not only the nightlife, which is vibrant, and (of course) the beaches in the tourist areas. [You also have] some great urban art and a lot of great music," pointing out that Puerto Rico is a well-known hub for both salsa dancing and reggaeton.
Now, he did note that there is currently an island-wide curfew in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. — so bear that in mind if you're planning a trip in the next few weeks.
Enjoy agri-tourism
When Brian asked about how Puerto Rico is focused on sustainable tourism, Brad jumped on the opportunity to highlight how important the agricultural sector is to this goal — pointing out the huge growth in gastronomy on the island.
There are "a number of operations like Frutos del Guacabo in Manatí, Finca Conciencia, Finca Oro Rojo," he said. These "farms are producing environmentally-friendly product, and you can go there to see it, learn it, but then — best of all — enjoy the product itself."
He went even further here, pointing out how the efforts for sustainability isn't just about the environment.
"Sustainability also extends to the heritage and culture of our communities. If we can maintain the special, unique heritage and culture ... and then balance that with environmental sustainability, what we really end up with is a perfect balance that will allow sustainable tourism growth in the long term."
Current entry process
Of course, if you're looking to do any of the above items for an upcoming trip, it's critical to know what it takes to visit Puerto Rico. Right now, all arriving travelers must present a negative result from a PCR molecular COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. They also must complete a Travel Declaration form through the health department's online portal — where they can upload those negative results.
If this isn't possible, the San Juan Airport (SJU) does offer on-site testing and the ability to complete the form upon arrival. However, that will delay your entrance onto the island.
A few other important items of note:
- The negative test must be a PCR test — rapid antigen tests are not allowed.
- At this point, proof of vaccination does not serve as a substitute for a COVID-19 test. While this may change in the future, even fully-vaccinated travelers must still take the PCR test and show the negative result.
- In addition to the curfew mentioned above (10 p.m. to 5 a.m.), many businesses are still operating at limited capacity — so Brad strongly suggested advance reservations for dining or other high-demand activities that aren't fully reopened.
Bear in mind that, since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and not a foreign country, your return back to the states will not require another negative COVID-19 test (which is currently mandated for all international arrivals).
Finally, these restrictions are always subject to change — so be sure to bookmark this page on Discover Puerto Rico's website for up-to-date information as you plan your trip.
Full recording
Want to hear more of the conversation with Brad? Check out the full recording right here:
Run of show
- 1:55 — Brian's introduction
- 8:26 — Digital nomads in Puerto Rico
- 12:06 — What to expect when visiting
- 14:35 — Vaccine passports
- 16:48 — Cruising from/to Puerto Rico
- 19:19 — Meetings and events
- 24:18 — Infrastructure and Hurricane Maria recovery
- 28:45 — Sustainable tourism
- 32:34 — What to do as a visitor
- 35:51 — Family travelers
- 40:05 — Q&A
"The Return of Travel with Brian Kelly" is a series of live events to help consumers prepare for the comeback of travel as the world emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. Join Brian as he interviews top experts and company executives on a range of topics, including the anticipated boom in leisure travel, what travel looks like for various groups, the return to cruising, destination reopening and much more.
You can view a recap and recording of the first episode at the following link:
For recaps of this series' predecessor — "The Future of Travel with Brian Kelly" — please visit this page.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.