Peacocks, Ponchos and Piña Coladas

Located in the northeastern Caribbean, west of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico is home to beautiful beaches, historic attractions, and natural reserves.  Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the island of Puerto Rico is a paradise for travelers.

The Caribe Hilton San Juan is one of the island's luxury hotels, surrounded by 17 acres of lush tropical gardens and idyllically situated on a private peninsula. The resort offers a private beach, two swimming pools, and lavish accommodations…hammocks included.  

For the best piña colada on the island, look no further than the Oasis Bar in the hotel lobby where the legendary cocktail was invented! Also at the resort is the world-famous Lemongrass restaurant serving savory Asian fusion cuisine. Dine among beautiful gardens inhabited by peacocks, turtles, ducks, and other wildlife. Stay for dessert and a peacock just may show his full plumage, sometimes followed by a little “victory” dance. www.caribehilton.com

Greeting guests at Lemongrass restaurant

Old San Juan, one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, is a charming Spanish colonial city just 5 minutes from the Caribe Hilton. Admired for its regal architecture and historic attractions, the 500-year-old blue/grey cobblestone streets lead the way to a few of Puerto Rico’s extraordinary art galleries.

Old San Juan

To experience the true history of Old San Juan, the long walk to the Castillo San Felipe del Morro is well worthwhile. The breathtaking views up to the six-level castle are exceeded only by the castle itself. Built in the 16^th century to protect the entrance to the Old City of San Juan, the gigantic fortress has since been preserved as a museum and declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. Explore the underground dungeons and passageways, then climb to the cannonball pyramids 145 feet above sea level and take in the magnificent Atlantic Ocean views.

The top of Castillo San Felipe del Morro

For true tranquility head to El Yunque Rainforest, one of the oldest reserves in the Western Hemisphere and the only subtropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service. The jungle-like forest has a myriad of hiking trails, rivers, and cascading waterfalls that are truly spectacular. The rainforest is also home to 200 species of trees and tropical plants, the endangered Puerto Rican parrot, and the tiny one-inch-long coquí, a tree frog indigenous to Puerto Rico. Buy a poncho at the gift shop before walking through the rainforest…it rains more than 300 days and more than 100 billion gallons a year at El Yunque!

Puerto Rico is a great getaway for a much-needed extended vacation – or a quick escape – since U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to travel to the island. With an average temperature of 82 degrees, every day is a perfect day to experience all that Puerto Rico has to offer.  www.seepuertorico.com.