Puerto Rico has announced that fully vaccinated U.S. travelers no longer need to travel with negative COVID-19 PCR tests starting this Memorial Day!
Unvaccinated guests are still welcome but will need to travel with proof of a negative test.
Capacity at indoor establishments has been increased from 30 to 50% and fully vaccinated locals and travelers no longer need to wear a mask in outdoor settings like parks and beaches. Alcoholic beverages will no longer be prohibited at public pools and beaches.
Furthermore, Puerto Rico’s coliseums are finally reopening at 30 percent capacity, with either a vaccination card or proof of a negative antigen test required to gain admission.
But best of all, the curfew that has been in place on the entire island since March of 2020 is also being lifted!
“As restrictions loosen, we look forward to welcoming travelers seeking to responsibly explore our Island, immerse themselves in unforgettable culture, unique natural wonders and delicious cuisine,” said Brad Dean, the CEO of Discover Puerto Rico.
So of course, we had to ask Mr. Dean where to visit when we arrive on Puerto Rico’s sunny shores. Here are the top 5 places you can’t miss on a Puerto Rican getaway.
- Old San Juan
San Juan is an old town, settled almost 100 years before the Mayflower landed in Massachusetts. Surrounded by walls that are 15 feet thick, the city is a glorious mix of amazingly preserved history and unique modern energy. Cobblestone streets are filled with restaurants, galleries, shopping and a buzzing night life.
Make sure to get to the northwesternmost point of the islet of to visit the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th century citadel that would guard the entrance to the San Juan Bay
- Rio Camuy Caves
About one hour’s drive from the capital of San Juan is where one of the planet’s largest underground rivers has helped carve out around 220 caves over the course of ten miles. The system is known as the Rio Camuy Caves.
It’s here, where nature at her most stunning that you can tour the caves. Just be careful not to wake the hundreds of sleeping bats, nested at the top of the caves!
Surrounded by high rises and resorts, Condado Beach is in the heart of San Juan. Water sports and bars abound and when you’ve had too much sun, the shops of San Juan are just steps away.
4. El Yunque Rainforest
The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service, El Yunque is a natural treasure. Immerse yourself in nature on a trail hike, bathe in the natural pools beneath waterfalls, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Go island hopping just seven miles from the mainland and discover the gems that are Vieques and Culebra.
Go for the endangered turtles and herds of wild horses, stay for the incredible beaches. Several beaches are deserted but the biggest draw on Vieques is Mosquito Bay. Sure, the manatees feeding off sea grass will delight, but it is the bioluminescent bay- yes, a bay that glows in the dark that will have you never wanting to leave Puerto Rico.
Fortunately, when you do have to leave the island paradise that is Puerto Rico, being that it is a U.S. territory, it’s excluded from the CDC requirement to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to return to the mainland.
So…what are you waiting for? Get booking!
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