Discover the 7 Enchanting Regions of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a must-visit destination. With stunning beaches, rich history and culture, amazing food and breathtaking scenery, this island oasis promises to be unlike anything travelers have ever experienced before. Whether they’re on the hunt for excursions and adventures or are in the mood to kick back and relax, Puerto Rico offers something special to every type of traveler.

While small, Puerto Rico is home to seven distinct regions, each of which has its own vibe, must-see attractions and culture. Wondering which region is the best fit for you? Keep reading to learn a bit more about each.

Central Mountains

Nestled within the heart of the island is la Cordillera Central, Puerto Rico’s interior mountain range that runs from east to west through 15 municipalities. Simply referred to as the Central Mountains, this region is brimming with rich vegetation, a strong culture rooted in agriculture and no shortage of java.

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Travelers can try a cup of the region’s famous coffee at a local hacienda such as Hacienda Tres Ángeles where they can enjoy their caffeine buzz in the presence of good company and fabulous mountain views. When it comes time for some subsentence, visitors can sample the Central Mountains’ distinct twist on traditional Puerto Rican cuisine with savory cuts of meat cooked above a charcoal grill, scrumptious rice dishes and the region’s famous mofongo.

Culebra and Vieques

Just a 30-minute boat ride from the mainland, Culebra and Vieques are two majestic islands that happen to be some of Puerto Rico’s best-kept secrets.

In Vieques — aka Isla Nena — travelers will discover a bounty of natural treasures to enjoy as they explore the region’s 20,000 acres of protected land and nine nautical miles of marine reserve. Vieques National Wildlife Refuge occupies over 60% of the island’s total landmass encompassing a variety of beaches — including white and black sand —, bays, mangroves and trails. However, the thing that draws most travelers to Vieques is its world-famous Mosquito Bay, a bioluminescent bay that was named the brightest in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records in the early 2000s.

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Similarly, the tropical island of Culebra is home to a plethora of natural areas and gorgeous beaches — including the world-famous Flamenco Beach — resulting in no shortage of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Here, travelers can spend their days snorkeling alongside coral reefs and sea turtles, snapping pictures near the region’s Insta-perfect ‘beach tanks’ and getting lost within the beautiful Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, a must-see for nature lovers.

East

Located just one hour from the San Juan airport, lush vegetation and rugged mountaintops dreamily dot the skyline in the East region of Puerto Rico. Inland, the area’s diverse towns act as hotspots for culture and dining with interesting museums, vibrant botanical gardens, colorful art galleries and upscale restaurants.

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Away from the hustle and bustle await secluded beaches, tropical cays and the epic El Yunque National Forest, the only subtropical rainforest in the U.S. and one of Puerto Rico’s most-famed natural and cultural treasures.

Metro

Cobblestone streets and colorfully painted buildings intermingle with historic forts and beachside resorts in Puerto Rico’s urban Metro region. Home to the country’s capital city of San Juan, Metro acts as Puerto Rico’s trendy downtown with fabulous bars, restaurants and shops just waiting to be explored.

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This is also the region where travelers will discover some of the Island of Enchantment’s most popular attractions including the impressive San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal castles, famous statues, noteworthy museums and picturesque beaches.

North

Situated alongside the Karst Belt, Puerto Rico’s North region boasts a unique landscape of dramatic limestone hills and beautiful beaches that are known for their impressive rock formations. For an award-winning experience, travelers won’t want to miss a visit to Mar Chiquita, a secluded horseshoe-shaped cove with a picture-perfect white-sand beach and bright turquoise waters.

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Also nearby is Río Camuy Cave Park — one of the largest underground cave systems in the world— and the Puerto Rico Premium Outlets where travelers will find an impressive collection of designer and name-brand shops.

South

Puerto Rico’s South region puts the island’s cultural and historical riches on full display with colorful architecture, historically significant landmarks and a bevy of museums to explore. One of the most notable cities in this region is Ponce — also referred to as “the Pearl of the South” and “Museum City” — where travelers can explore Museo de Arte de Ponce’s stunning European art collection, the beautiful Castillo Serrallés Museum, the iconic el Parque de Bombas and more.

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This region is also famous for its variety of water-based activities with the charming Caja de Muertos nature reserve and the Coamo hot springs acting as popular tourist attractions.

West

Widely recognized as the surfing capital of Puerto Rico — and the Caribbean for that matter — the West region is home to some of the area’s best beaches and the most magical sunsets on the island. Things move slower here, and the vibe is noticeably more relaxed than the exciting pace of the San Juan metro area. Travelers hoping to try their hand at hanging ten can catch a lesson in Isabela, Aguadilla or Rincón. Then, when they’re ready to hit the water, they can rent a board and find the best waves at María’s beach and Domes.

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Of course, there’s still plenty to do for those who prefer not to get their feet wet. Travelers will also find the Los Morrillos Lighthouse, the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, Guánica State Forest and more in the West region of the island.

Become a Puerto Rico Travel Expert

Discover Puerto Rico would like to invite you to become a Puerto Rico Travel Expert. In this program, travel advisors will learn why Puerto Rico is the destination that their clients have been dreaming of, and why visiting Puerto Rico is essential to truly appreciate the region’s unique culture, history and myriad of attractions.

Graduates of Discover Puerto Rico’s Puerto Rico Travel Expert Program will enjoy exclusive FAM trips to the island. Plus, advisors certified by The Travel Institute are eligible for up to 10 continuing education units. Enroll today!

About the Author

Senior Editor for VAX VacationAccess and world explorer, Jenna loves writing about all things travel. When she’s not busy creating content, she spends her time exploring the great outdoors, cuddling with her two black cats and researching her next big (sometimes strange) adventure.