Big Island, Puerto Rico Travel Guide
Discover the Big Island of Puerto Rico: A blend of history, nature, and vibrant culture in the heart of the Caribbean.
The Big Island of Puerto Rico, known as Isla Grande, is a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. This Caribbean gem offers pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and bustling cities. The island is a haven for adventure seekers and history buffs alike. San Juan, the capital city, is a must-visit. Its cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings tell the story of Puerto Rico's Spanish heritage. The impressive Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal are historic forts that offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Nature enthusiasts will find a paradise in El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. The forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, as well as scenic hiking trails and waterfalls. For a unique experience, visit the bioluminescent bays in Vieques and Fajardo, where the water glows with a magical blue light at night. Puerto Rican cuisine is another highlight. Savor local dishes like mofongo, tostones, and lechón asado at roadside stands and local eateries. Don't miss trying a refreshing piña colada, which was invented here. The island's vibrant nightlife includes lively salsa clubs and beachfront bars, offering a taste of the local music and dance culture.
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Big Island.
- Visit El Yunque early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler temperatures.
- Bring insect repellent when exploring natural areas, especially in the rainforests and near the bioluminescent bays.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. While English is widely spoken, locals appreciate the effort.
- Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace. Public transport is limited outside major cities.
- Check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities, particularly during hurricane season (June to November).
Top City Travel Guides in Big Island
The cities of Big Island, and the easiest places to base yourself.
Destinations in Big Island
Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.
Explore Big Island: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More
Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more
Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Big Island
Top-rated picks
Best Attractions
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All Attractions
Snorkeling Puerto Rico | Boat Tours
Dive into the vibrant marine life and breathtaking coral reefs of Fajardo with Snorkeling Puerto Rico - a top destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
La Guancha
Experience the vibrant culture and stunning coastal views at La Guancha, a must-visit promenade in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park
Discover the captivating Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park, a blend of history, culture, and stunning coastal views in Puerto Rico.
Museo Castillo Serrallés
Explore the historical riches of Museo Castillo Serrallés, an architectural gem in Ponce, Puerto Rico, showcasing the island's vibrant culture and heritage.
Best landmarks in Big Island
Top-rated picks
Best Landmarks
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All Landmarks
San Juan National Historic Site
Explore the enchanting San Juan National Historic Site, a blend of history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking coastal views in Puerto Rico.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Discover the grandeur of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a historic fortress in San Juan, where history meets stunning coastal vistas.
Puerto Rico Premium Outlets
Discover unbeatable savings and a vibrant shopping experience at Puerto Rico Premium Outlets, your ultimate destination for fashion and more.
El Yunque National Forest
Explore El Yunque National Forest, a tropical paradise in Puerto Rico, where lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and stunning waterfalls await adventurers.
Best restaurants in Big Island
Top-rated picks
Best Restaurants
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All Restaurants
Barrachina
Discover Barrachina: A Culinary Gem Offering Authentic Puerto Rican Flavors in San Juan's Historic Heart.
Casita Miramar
Discover the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine at Casita Miramar—where flavor meets tradition in San Juan's vibrant Santurce district.
Islote Beach Restaurant
Experience authentic Puerto Rican cuisine with breathtaking ocean views at Islote Beach Restaurant in Arecibo.
Alambique Beach Lounge
Experience exquisite dining at Alambique Beach Lounge, where culinary delights meet breathtaking ocean views in Carolina's vibrant beach scene.
Best bars in Big Island
Top-rated picks
Best Bars
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All Bars
La Factoría
Discover La Factoría, San Juan's lively cocktail bar with a unique atmosphere and creative drinks that celebrate Puerto Rican culture.
La Taberna Lúpulo
Discover La Taberna Lúpulo, a vibrant beer hall in San Juan offering an extensive selection of craft beers and mouthwatering cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
The Cannon Club - Restaurant & Piano Bar
Experience the best of San Juan's nightlife at The Cannon Club, where exquisite dining meets extraordinary live music in a vibrant setting.
Los 3 Cuernos
Discover Los 3 Cuernos, a vibrant bar in San Juan offering delicious cocktails, lively atmosphere, and an authentic taste of Puerto Rican nightlife.
Best nightclubs in Big Island
Top-rated picks
Best Nightclubs
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All Nightclubs
Vivo Beach Club
Experience the vibrant energy and stunning views of Vivo Beach Club, the perfect destination for dining, relaxation, and unforgettable events in Puerto Rico.
Club 77
Discover the heart of San Juan's nightlife at Club 77, where great music, vibrant atmosphere, and unforgettable memories await.
Club Brava
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Puerto Rico at Club Brava, a premier night club with live music, cocktails, and an electric atmosphere.
La Respuesta
Experience the vibrant nightlife at La Respuesta, San Juan's premier night club featuring live music and affordable drinks in a lively atmosphere.
Best shops in Big Island
Top-rated picks
Best Shops
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All Shops
Puerto Rico Premium Outlets
Discover unbeatable deals on your favorite brands at Puerto Rico Premium Outlets, the ultimate shopping destination in Barceloneta.
Caribbean Trading Company
Explore the vibrant Caribbean Trading Company for unique souvenirs, local crafts, and exquisite cigars in Río Grande, Puerto Rico.
Ole Puerto Rico
Explore Ole Puerto Rico, a charming hat shop in San Juan, offering unique handcrafted hats and local handicrafts that celebrate island culture and artistry.
Cosas de Ayer y Hoy
Discover unique vintage treasures at Cosas de Ayer y Hoy, San Juan's premier antique store offering a blend of history and charm.
Explore Big Island on the Map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Big Island, mapped for you.
Big Island Essentials
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Big Island in Puerto Rico is easily accessible by air. The main airport serving the island is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan. From there, you can take a connecting flight to smaller regional airports like Mercedita Airport (PSE) in Ponce or Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla. Alternatively, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to reach various parts of the island. There are also ferry services available from Fajardo to the smaller islands of Vieques and Culebra.
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Public transportation on the Big Island includes buses and taxis, but renting a car is often the most convenient way to explore. The island has an extensive network of well-maintained roads. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available in urban areas. For shorter distances, you can also use 'Carros Públicos' (public cars), which are shared taxi services. Biking is a viable option in some towns, but be cautious of traffic.
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The official currency of Puerto Rico is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in larger towns and tourist areas. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas where card payments may not be accepted.
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Puerto Rico is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to remain vigilant. Areas like La Perla in Old San Juan and some parts of Santurce have higher crime rates targeting tourists. Avoid walking alone at night in these areas and keep your belongings secure. Stick to well-lit streets and be cautious when using ATMs. Always stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
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In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Puerto Rico has a robust emergency response system, including police, fire, and medical services. Major hospitals and clinics are available in cities like San Juan, Ponce, and Mayagüez. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available throughout the island.
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Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing due to the island's tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing attire when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. It's appropriate to dress modestly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't block aisles or seats with luggage. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods like mofongo and arroz con gandules. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it can be seen as impolite.
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To experience Big Island like a local, visit the local markets and roadside stands where you can buy fresh fruits and artisanal goods. Engage with the locals; Puerto Ricans are known for their hospitality and warmth. Consider attending a local festival, such as the San Sebastián Street Festival in Old San Juan. For a more relaxed experience, explore the island's numerous beaches and natural reserves, like El Yunque National Forest.
When is the best time to visit Big Island?
Useful Local Phrases for Big Island
You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.
— Eve
Here are the phrases I use most often in Big Island. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️
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- HelloHola
[Oh-lah] - GoodbyeAdiós
[Ah-dee-ohs] - YesSí
[See] - NoNo
[No] - Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
[Por fah-vor/Deh nah-dah] - Thank youGracias
[Grah-syahs] - Excuse me/SorryPerdón
[Pair-dohn] - How are you?¿Cómo estás?
[Koh-moh ehs-tahs] - Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
[Byen. Ee too?] - Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
[Ah-blahs een-glays?] - I don't understandNo entiendo
[No ehn-tyen-doh]
- HelloHola
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- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
[Meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr el meh-noo, por fah-vor] - I don't eat meatNo como carne
[No koh-moh kar-neh] - Cheers!¡Salud!
[Sah-lood] - I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
[Meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
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- Help!¡Ayuda!
[Ah-yoo-dah] - Go away!¡Vete!
[Veh-teh] - Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
[Yah-mah ah lah Poh-lee-see-ah] - Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
[Yah-mah ah oon dok-tor] - I'm lostEstoy perdido
[Es-toy pair-dee-doh] - I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
[Es-toy en-fair-mo/a]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
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- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
[Meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prar...] - I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
[Soh-lo es-toy mee-ran-doh] - How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
[Kwan-toh kwes-tah?] - That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
[Eh-so es mwee kah-roh] - Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
[Pweh-des bah-har el preh-syo?]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
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- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
[Keh oh-rah es?] - It's one o'clockEs la una
[Es lah oo-nah] - Half past (10)Y diez y media
[Ee dyez ee meh-diah] - MorningMañana
[Mah-nyah-nah] - AfternoonTarde
[Tar-deh] - EveningNoche
[Noh-cheh] - YesterdayAyer
[Ah-yer] - TodayHoy
[Oy] - TomorrowMañana
[Mah-nyah-nah] - 1Uno
[Oo-noh] - 2Dos
[Dohs] - 3Tres
[Tres] - 4Cuatro
[Kwah-tro] - 5Cinco
[Seen-koh] - 6Seis
[Sace] - 7Siete
[Syay-teh] - 8Ocho
[Oh-choh] - 9Nueve
[Nweh-beh] - 10Diez
[Dyehs]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
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- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/una...?
[Dohn-deh es-tah oon/oo-nah...?] - What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
[Kwahl es lah dee-rek-syon?] - Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
[Pweh-des mohs-trar-me (en el mah-pah)?] - When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
[Kwan-doh es el prohk-see-mo (ow-toh-boos)?] - A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
[Oon bo-leh-toh (ah ...)]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/una...?
History of Big Island
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Before the arrival of Europeans, Puerto Rico, including Big Island, was inhabited by the Taíno people. They were an Arawak-speaking people known for their sophisticated society, agricultural practices, and complex religious beliefs. The Taíno lived in yucayeques (villages) and were skilled in fishing, hunting, and farming crops such as cassava, maize, and sweet potatoes.
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Christopher Columbus arrived in Puerto Rico on his second voyage to the Americas in 1493. He named the island San Juan Bautista. The Spanish began colonization efforts in the early 1500s, establishing the first settlement, Caparra, near modern-day San Juan. The arrival of the Spanish led to the decline of the Taíno population due to disease, forced labor, and warfare.
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During the 16th century, the Spanish constructed massive fortifications to protect Puerto Rico from foreign invasions, particularly from the British and the Dutch. Notable structures include El Morro and San Cristóbal forts. These fortresses played critical roles in defending the island from various attacks and are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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In the 18th and 19th centuries, Puerto Rico's economy thrived on sugar and coffee plantations. Enslaved Africans were brought to the island to work on these plantations, significantly impacting the island's demographic and cultural makeup. The legacy of this period can still be seen in Puerto Rico's music, dance, and culinary traditions.
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The Grito de Lares was a significant uprising against Spanish colonial rule that took place on September 23, 1868. Although the revolt was quickly suppressed, it marked an important moment in Puerto Rican history and national identity. The town of Lares is a symbol of resistance and is commemorated annually.
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The Spanish-American War in 1898 resulted in Spain ceding Puerto Rico to the United States under the Treaty of Paris. This marked the beginning of a new era in Puerto Rican history. The island became a U.S. territory, leading to significant changes in its political, social, and economic structures.
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The Jones Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1917, granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans. This law also established a legislative assembly for the island and restructured its government. Despite gaining citizenship, Puerto Ricans still faced numerous challenges, including issues related to political representation and economic dependency on the mainland.
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In the mid-20th century, the Puerto Rican government initiated Operation Bootstrap, a series of economic development programs aimed at transforming the island's economy from agricultural to industrial. This led to significant migration to the mainland U.S., particularly to cities like New York and Chicago, and had lasting impacts on Puerto Rican society and culture.
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In September 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, causing widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis. The storm's impact highlighted issues related to infrastructure, emergency response, and the island's political status. The recovery efforts are ongoing, and the event has had a profound effect on Puerto Rico's population and economy.
Neighbouring Regions of Big Island
The closest regions to Big Island, if you have time for more than one.
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Explore More of Puerto Rico
Looking beyond Big Island? Discover Puerto Rico for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.
Explore Puerto RicoBig Island in Photos
Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.
The Big Island of Puerto Rico: A Tropical Paradise
The Big Island of Puerto Rico, known as Isla Grande, is a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. This Caribbean gem offers pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and bustling cities. The island is a haven for adventure seekers and history buffs alike. San Juan, the capital city, is a must-visit. Its cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings tell the story of Puerto Rico's Spanish heritage. The impressive Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal are historic forts that offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Nature enthusiasts will find a paradise in El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. The forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, as well as scenic hiking trails and waterfalls. For a unique experience, visit the bioluminescent bays in Vieques and Fajardo, where the water glows with a magical blue light at night. Puerto Rican cuisine is another highlight. Savor local dishes like mofongo, tostones, and lechón asado at roadside stands and local eateries. Don't miss trying a refreshing piña colada, which was invented here. The island's vibrant nightlife includes lively salsa clubs and beachfront bars, offering a taste of the local music and dance culture.