On the hunt for an exciting destination for your family travelers? Look no further than sunny Puerto Rico. With its colorful cities, abundant beaches and rugged landscapes, the Island of Enchantment offers endless opportunities for adventure, culture and relaxation. Best of all, U.S. citizens can visit the tropical locale without ever reaching for their passport, making it a hassle-free Caribbean escape for a multi-generational vacation.
But, before families make a beeline for their suitcases, it’s important they take time to consider how they can help protect the Puerto Rico we know and love. “Although the options for excitement are infinite, the world’s resources are not, so opting for a sustainable trip makes you a caring wanderer,” said Discover Puerto Rico. “That means you respect the environment; you’re taking care of nature and your surroundings; you’re down to learning about different places and cultures while having fun in unique and impactful experiences.&rdquo
To better understand how vacationers of all ages can mindfully visit the island, we teamed up with Discover Puerto Rico to share a few ways travelers can be conscientious while still having the time of their lives.
How To Travel Mindfully in Puerto Rico
Planning a sustainable journey begins with intentionality. When it comes to traveling, families are presented with limitless choices surrounding where to stay, what to do (and who to do it with) and what to eat. And, according to Discover Puerto Rico, these same elements play an important role in traveling mindfully as choosing locally led, green-certified operations and accommodations can make all the difference.
Regarding eco-friendly lodging, Discover Puerto Rico named St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Turtle Bay Inn and Casa Sol as family-friendly digs at the top of their list. These all-ages properties run the gamut from tropical luxury to charming and convenient, and some even include onsite activities for youngsters like waterparks and kids’ clubs.
Of course, no trip to Puerto Rico is complete without exploring the island’s natural splendor. For those hoping to channel their adventurous side, the team recommends booking locally led initiatives that highlight “Puerto Rico’s beauty while ensuring the natural resources’ good use and conservation.” This is especially important when visiting popular attractions like Río Camuy River Cave Park, Guánica’s Dry Forest, El Yunque National Forest and more. Additionally, low-impact activities like kayaking in any of the island’s three bioluminescent bays and ziplining through lush canopies on the longest zipline in the Americas are highly recommended for thrill-seeking travelers.
On the flip side, mindfully relaxing on the Island of Enchantment is easy too when families reference Blue Flag Puerto Rico’s website. Associated with the Blue Flag International Program, Blue Flag Puerto Rico issues awards to beaches, marinas and boat tour operators that meet its requirements of sustainability and protection of the environment. Blue Flag Puerto Rico has been in operation since 2005 and includes less-visited beaches like The Escambrón Balneary in San Juan and The Puerto Nuevo Balneary in Vega Baja.
Lastly, when it comes to what to eat, Puerto Rico has no shortage of mouth-watering offerings — and no one knows how to serve them better than the locals. “The agro-diversity offers the opportunity to experiment and taste different fruits, local products (and) local cuisine,” said Discover Puerto Rico. In addition to supporting the people who live on the island by eating local, traveling off the beaten path allows family travelers to experience the culture and traditions of the land firsthand.
An Unforgettable 6-Day Itinerary for Family Travelers
Now that family travelers have a better understanding of vacationing mindfully; they might be wondering which activities in Puerto Rico are best for them. As a special treat, Discover Puerto Rico shared this epic six-day itinerary that’s perfect for travelers of all ages.
Day 1: Parks and Museums in San Juan
One of the best spots to kick off any Boricua adventure, Puerto Rico’s capital city, San Juan, offers plenty of fun for the whole fam. Here are a few attractions not to be missed:
- Museo del Niño de Carolina
- Toro Verde Urban Park
- Guided tours, preferably local, exploring San Juan’s most iconic sights and activities
Day 2: Resorts, Rainforests and Beaches
On day two, travelers can head to Puerto Rico’s East region where they can hit the green with a round of golf, indulge in relaxing spa treatments or get out and explore the island’s natural wonders. Notable things to do include:
- Exploring luxe, family-friendly resorts
- El Yunque National Forest
- Cayo Icacos
Day 3: Sports, Speed and Snorkeling
In Puerto Rico’s South region, vacationers will find no shortage of action with thrilling activities and attractions like:
- Albergue Olímpico Germán Rieckehoff
- Salinas Speedway
- Snorkeling, jet skiing and kayaking
Day 4: Wildlife, Wellness and Watersports
Approaching the island’s West region, family vacationers will find plenty of entertainment by way of nature and wellness with highlights including:
- Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge
- Rejuvenating resort stays with top-notch amenities
- Water activities like snorkeling, diving and surfing
Day 5: Rock Climbing, Cave Exploration and Farm Tours
Adventure is waiting in the island’s North region where families can take their travels to the next level with heart-racing activities and attractions like:
- Roca Norte Outdoor Climbing Gym
- Río Camuy Cave Park
- Frutos del Guacabo, a family-owned and operated farm
Day 6: Jungle, River and Waterfall Thrills
In the heart of Puerto Rico’s Central region, travelers will find countless activities perfect for thrill seekers including:
- Toro Verde Adventure Park
- Río Tanamá
- Cascada Chorro de Doña Juana
For more inspiration planning their family getaway, visitors can visit Discover Puerto Rico’s website.
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