An Appetite for Travel: Puerto Rico

Ocado - Celebrity Cruises partner

28 June 2017

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Glorious waterfalls, palm-fringed beaches, cobbled streets, fascinating architecture, diverse wildlife, flaming sunsets and a pulsating bar scene - Puerto Rico is the Caribbean escape of your dreams.

San Juan gives you the opportunity to visit a cultural capital and an exotic Caribbean beach destination in a day. You’ll see everything from Spanish colonial architecture to 20th century Art Deco, while you’re never far away from a stretch of pristine white sand with lapping azure waters.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Experience Colourful Cuisine

There’s much more on the menu in Puerto Rico than rice and beans. Most authentic soups, stews or sauces start with sofrito, an aromatic purée of tomatoes, peppers, coriander, onions, and garlic. While adobo, a blend of oregano, garlic powder, onion powder and turmeric, used to season meat or fish, is another colourful mainstay. Wander the streets of San Juan and you’ll find many traditional eateries to sample its specialities.

Catch Waves Over Lunch

From casual cafes to swanky five-star restaurants, the city of San Juan has something for every taste and budget. But if you’re simply looking for a table with a view, Uvva at the Hosteria del Mar Hotel, sits right on Ocean Park's beach and serves up stunning food. Uvva's menu changes frequently but you can count on the fish of the day, usually served with garlic sauce. There is also always a ceviche available, though the type of fish may range from dorado to mahi-mahi.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Find Your Perfect Beach

The sheer number of beaches and idyllic islands is what put Puerto Rico on the map. We recommend Boquerón Beach, a picturesque spot with traditional bars and calm waters ideal for swimming.

THE CARIBBEAN

Dance Like a Local

One thing you’ll soon discover about Puerto Rico is that people like to dance. It’s amazing to watch salsa dancing couples, but it’s even more fun to have a go yourself. Bars and clubs offer lessons at different times throughout the week and they’re open to everyone from first-time novices to those who were born blessed with rhythm. If you want to witness the salsa scene in full swing head to Nuyorican Café — San Juan’s sizzling hot nightspot. Expect a glamorous crowd of salseros, ready to strut their stuff. Live salsa music usually gets hips moving at around midnight.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Explore Rio Camuy Cave Park

Just over an hour's drive from San Juan there’s a spectacular cave system some 45 million years old. Divine beams of light penetrate the depths of the cave’s widest opening, creating a stunning light display amidst the darkness. These 200-plus caves feature an exhibition of stunning stalagmites and stalactites and are home to an abundance of wildlife, including river crabs and bats.