Regions of Puerto Rico
Exploring Puerto Rico is as easy as it is rewarding.
The Caribbean island measures approximately 100 miles by 35 and has incredible geographic diversity — from glistening white sand beaches to lush mountain ranges. You can drive around it in a couple of hours, although stopping and enjoying the multitude of sights along the way is recommended.
The Island is composed of 78 municipalities that belong to six different regions. Each has a unique identity that manifests itself through the local cuisine, diverse cultural activities, tourist attractions, adventure tours, and other unique attributes. Experiencing more of the Island during your visit will allow you to discover delicious food, beautiful off-the-beaten-path beaches, exciting festivals, and more. In this section, you’ll find many reasons to explore beyond San Juan and discover Puerto Rico.
Metro
Discover amazing food, drinks, and shops while exploring the urban side of Puerto Rico, where history and culture intersect with bustling city life.
The metropolitan area refers to seven towns that make up the urban “downtown” of Puerto Rico, including the capital, San Juan, a city with over 500 years of history.
Things to Do
Old San Juan is like a museum of living history, where you can explore the impressive San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal castles or just wander through the cobblestone streets and soak up the unique architecture of the city.
In this region, you’ll also find attractions such as the Casa Bacardí distillery, in Cataño, where you can learn about the history of rum and enjoy tasting different varieties. You could also visit Plaza Las Américas, which is the largest shopping center in the Caribbean.
The metro area also has museums for adults and children, picture-perfect beaches, and large hotels with casinos, such as the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino.
Region Facts
Towns in this region: San Juan, Cataño, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Bayamón, Guaynabo, and Carolina.
Getting there: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is located in the metro area; Aguadilla’s Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) is about two hours away; the Island’s busiest cruise terminal is located in San Juan.
North
Discover impressive caves, beautiful beaches, and fine resorts.
Nine towns comprise the north region of Puerto Rico, also known as the northern karst because of its large limestone hills (you’ll often notice white stone peaks poking through the green blanket of forest). The diversity of the karst belt and the landscape it forms make this setting unique in the world, and many northern beaches are known for their impressive rock formations.
What to Do
For stunning panoramic views and a fun beach day, get to know Mar Chiquita, a beautiful beach in Manatí just 45 minutes from San Juan that has been a recipient of the Travel Influencer Award. Shopping lovers should head to Barceloneta for a visit to the Puerto Rico Premium Outlets, where you’ll find an impressive collection of designer and name brand outlet stores offering great deals.
In addition to the scenic views, the north region also has attractions such as Cueva Ventana, in Arecibo; the Río Camuy Cave Park (closed since hurricane María hit the Island), which is one of the largest underground cave systems in the world; and the Arecibo Observatory, which was home to one of the largest radio telescope on the planet. The Observatory was closed in 2020 due to cable failures that caused irreparable damages to the platform.
Region Facts
Towns that make up this region: Arecibo, Barceloneta, Camuy, Dorado, Hatillo, Manatí, Toa Alta, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja.
Distance from SJU airport: 1 hour
Distance from Aguadilla (BQN) airport: 1.5-2 hours
South
Get to know the island’s hub of culture and history. Immerse yourself in the south region’s colorful architecture, historic art, and stunning natural beauty.
Puerto Rico’s southern region is comprised of 11 towns that offer visitors remote beaches nestled up to the calm waters of the Caribbean and marinas for boating excursions. This area is a natural destination for outdoor recreation such as water excursions and sightseeing.
Things to Do
The South region offers notable historical and cultural riches, particularly in Ponce, where you can visit Museo de Arte de Ponce, with its impressive European art collection, and the Castillo Serrallés, among other attractions. Ponce’s architecture is bright and colorful, highlighting the colonial and European designs of the 19th century that can be appreciated in landmarks such as el Parque de Bombas and la Cruceta del Vigía.
To cool off from the southern heat, visit Ponce’s famous Pelícano Beach located on the small island of Caja de Muertos, which is a beautiful nature reserve a short boat trip from the city. Make reservations for the private boat tour in advance, if you’re planning to visit. They will provide food and drinks along the way as well.
Another point of interest in the southern region are the hot springs of Coamo, ideal for a relaxed afternoon in a unique outdoor spa. Legend has it that the hot springs are the fountain of youth that Juan Ponce de León, the first governor of the island, searched for during his exploration of the New World. Experience its rejuvenating powers for yourself!
Region Facts
Towns that make up this region: Ponce, Coamo, Salinas, Arroyo, Guayama, Guayanilla, Juana Díaz, Patillas, Peñuelas, Santa Isabel, and Villalba.
Driving Distance from San Juan’s airport: 1.5–2 hours
Driving Distance from Aguadilla’s airport: 2.5–3 hours
East
Puerto Rico’s east region offers secluded beaches, a legendary rainforest, and island excursions. This region of the island — comprised of 15 towns, two small islands, and a legendary rainforest — offers scenic views, leisurely beaches, rivers, and quaint food stands to enjoy after a day at the beach.
Things to Do
The east is home to El Yunque, the only subtropical rainforest in the United States. Its waterfalls, hiking trails, and panoramic vistas are a nature lover’s wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, ranging from a leisurely hike to extreme canyoneering. The waters off the east coast of Puerto Rico are teeming with marine life, making them ideal for snorkeling and diving adventures, fishing, and boat charters of all kinds.
However, if you are looking for a quiet beach where you can enjoy a relaxing day, plan to visit the Balneario La Monserrate, one of the best beaches on the island. La Monserrate has calm waters where you will find a variety of activities, or, if you prefer to simply relax and enjoy the view, there are rental chairs and umbrellas on-site. When hunger strikes, you will find kiosks walking distance from the beach, where you can get local fritters, savory seafood, and ice-cold drinks.
In the east region, you can also explore Carabalí Rainforest Park, where activities include running go-karts and ATVs, horseback riding on the beach or in the forest, and more.
Region Facts
Towns that make up this region: Loíza, Gurabo, Juncos, Las Piedras, San Lorenzo, Caguas, Canóvanas, Río Grande, Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba, Naguabo, Maunabo, Humacao, and Yabucoa.
Driving Distance from San Juan’s airport: 1 hour or less
Driving Distance from Aguadilla’s airport: 2–3 hours
West
Catch a wave and some of Puerto Rico’s best sunsets while enjoying the laid-back surfer vibes of Puerto Rico’s west region.
Home to some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico, the west region is the undisputed surfing capital of Puerto Rico — and the Caribbean — and features the best sunsets on the island.
The feel on the west side of the island is different from the hustle and bustle of the San Juan metropolitan area. Towns here have a more laid-back, surfer vibe, which isn’t a coincidence, since surfers flock to Rincón from all over to ride the waves at iconic beaches like María’s beach and Domes.
Things to Do
The west region is ideal for enjoying water activities, particularly surfing. Beginners who want to learn can find lessons in Isabela, Aguadilla, or Rincón, and more experienced riders can find board rentals and local advice from area surf shops.
For travelers who prefer to stay on dry land, visit Los Morrillos Lighthouse, the puente de piedra (a natural stone bridge), the salt flats, and a stunning white-sand beach called Playuela, all of which can be found at the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. In Isabela, you can enjoy a horseback ride on the beach and pop into beachfront restaurants to savor seafood, local draft beers, mojitos, and fresh coconut water. Also, be sure not to miss a visit to La Parguera, a quaint fishing village in Lajas, which has one of the five bioluminescent bays in the world.
Region Facts
Towns that make up this region: Aguada, Aguadilla, Añasco, Cabo Rojo, Guánica, Hormigueros, Isabela, Lajas, Las Marías, Maricao, Mayagüez, Moca, Quebradillas, Rincón, Sabana Grande, San Germán, San Sebastián, Lares, and Yauco.
Distance from SJU airport: 2–2.5 hours
Distance from Aguadilla’s airport: 45 minutes–1 hour
Central Mountains
Away from the coast is la Cordillera Central, Puerto Rico’s interior mountain region, which runs from East to West through 15 municipalities. With a history and culture rooted in agriculture, this region has diverse vegetation and produces most of the island’s coffee, which you can taste at several haciendas.
Things to Do
The scenery in this area varies from mountains to caves, from plains to canyons and rivers, making this region a great destination for adventures of all kinds. Orocovis, one of the biggest towns in central Puerto Rico, is home to Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park, which boasts one of the longest ziplines in the world.
Another very popular activity in this region is Tanamá River cave-tubing tours, which is the perfect mix of deep adventure and leisurely ride, as you float along waterways and through subterranean chambers.
For some local flavor, choose to visit a working coffee hacienda such as Hacienda Tres Ángeles, in Adjuntas, where you can take a tour of the facility, taste samples of locally grown coffee, and enjoy mountain views. These haciendas usually also serve local food, such as white rice, stewed beans, and fried meat.
Region Facts
Towns that make up this region: Adjuntas, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Barranquitas, Cayey, Ciales, Cidra, Comerío, Corozal, Florida, Jayuya, Morovis, Naranjito, Orocovis, and Utuado.
Driving Distance from San Juan’s airport: 1–1.5 hours
Driving Distance from Aguadilla’s airport: 2–2.5 hours
Culebra & Vieques
Just a short boat ride from the Puerto Rico mainland, these enchanting islands are home to world-renowned beaches and the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay.
If Puerto Rico has a best-kept secret, it is the islands of Culebra and Vieques. Puerto Rico is an archipelago, so it has dozens of cays and islets. Two of its most popular nearby islands are Culebra and Vieques. Whether you’re coming for a day trip or making it an extended stay, these two islands are worth the trip, and both are world-class destinations in their own right.
Things to Do
From the municipalities of Ceiba and Fajardo on the east side of Puerto Rico, you can hop on a boat to reach the islands of Culebra and Vieques, two of the most pristine, secluded places in Puerto Rico. With their breathtaking beaches, Culebra and Vieques are excellent destinations for water activities such as swimming, diving, kayaking, or snorkeling.
Mosquito Bay in Vieques is the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Culebra has Flamenco beach, which the Discovery Channel named the second-best beach on the planet. There is also the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, which has hiking trails and other amenities for nature lovers. At the Cayo Luis Peña Natural Reserve in Culebra, you’ll find impressive spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Getting to the Islands
You can only reach these islands by boat, ferry, water taxis, or small planes, and you’ll find a range of options available for each.
Both Vieques Airport (VQS) and Culebra Airport (CPX) are accessible via flights from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) or the smaller Isla Grande Airport (SIG) in San Juan. In Ceiba, on the east coast, the new Ceiba Airport (RVR) offers some flight service to the islands. There are ferry terminals in Ceiba and Fajardo with boats traveling back and forth several times a day.
