MEETING OF THE AMERICAS
A one-of-a-kind gathering by Endeavor Puerto Rico
PlateaPR, a digital media outlet from Puerto Rico, brings you the definitive guide to discovering the Island of Enchantment. From the best local cuisine to unique natural spots and places to enjoy music and gastronomy, this selection of activities captures the true essence and culture of Puerto Rico. Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or exploring a 'chinchorreo' route (a local tradition of bar-hopping, which we will explain later), this guide has something for you.
WHERE TO EAT?
A small house in the heart of Santurce, where you immediately feel a cozy atmosphere. Chef Natalia Vallejo, the first Puerto Rican to win a James Beard Award, showcases the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine through unique recipes made with local ingredients—an impressive feat in a country where 85% of food is imported.
Platea Tip: Try the rice with rabbit and ripe plantain.
Fresh Seafood, Fried Foods by the Beach
Upon flying over Puerto Rico, the Piñones coast welcomes you. Located between the municipalities of Carolina and Loíza, this coastal stretch is one of the first gastronomic treasures you'll encounter after landing at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Each kiosk and eatery offers a culinary adventure, from crispy local fritters to fresh seafood and traditional Puerto Rican dishes.
Platea Tip: Try Kiosko El Boricua.
Heading south, a great stop for fresh seafood is the town of Salinas. In the bay area, you'll find a variety of restaurants, with El Dorado standing out for its fresh seafood.
For a traditional Puerto Rican meal in a restaurant that recreates an old countryside home, visit Casa Vieja in Ciales. One of their signature dishes is pastel al caldero.
For Vegans:
Aliado in Old San Juan offers a cozy space with an open-kitchen concept, defining itself as a conscious plant-forward cuisine. Their cocktail selection enhances the overall experience.
100% HP in Santurce allows visitors to enjoy local fritters, different rice dishes, and vegan burgers.
For those venturing beyond San Juan, El Grifo in Caguas is an award-winning restaurant in the heart of Puerto Rico. Platea Tip: Try the honey pepperoni pizza (made with cashews, sun-dried tomatoes, and local ingredients) and pair it with pumpkin-coconut soup, you won’t regret it.
The Lechón Route
Lechón (roast pork) is a staple in Puerto Rico year-round, but especially during the holiday season. If you're offered cuerito (crispy pork skin), don’t turn it down—it’s the crunchiest and most flavorful part. The iconic route for trying this dish is Guavate, in the town of Cayey, where locals and tourists enjoy plates of rice with pigeon peas, root vegetables, blood sausage, and lechón.
Pizza (other options)
Puerto Rico is experiencing a true artisanal pizza revolution with places like Fidela, Biga, and La Santurcina, elevating this dish to gourmet status.
Platea Tip: These spots don’t take reservations, so arrive early. If you visit Fidela (extra tip: try the mushroom and lemon pizza), put your name on the list and enjoy a cocktail at La Penúltima while you wait.
Chinchorreo Recommendations
The word chinchorrear has become a verb in the Puerto Rican vocabulary, referring to a weekend activity where groups or families drive through scenic routes, stopping at different bars for local fried foods and drinks while enjoying coastal or mountain views.
Some chinchorreo options starting from San Juan:
-El Nido in Bayamón
-El Rancho de Don Nando in Naranjito
-Café Museo El Yagrumo in Corozal
-Naturola La Barra in Jayuya
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Music and art are part of Puerto Rico’s DNA, manifesting both in established cultural spaces and on every corner of its streets. Here are four must-experience activities to immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant artistic scene:
La Casa de la Plena Tito Matos – Yes, plena, the traditional music style featured in Bad Bunny’s latest album, has gone global. Here, you can learn about its history, different rhythms, and key artists.
The Salsa Route – From San Juan, Ponce, Caguas, and Toa Baja, you can explore the neighborhoods that inspired the island’s legendary salsa musicians.
Guided tour with the Puerto Rico Historic Building Drawing Society – This group has spent years documenting Puerto Rico’s history through its architecture.
Bomba Dance Classes – Experience this ancestral rhythm with Taller N’Zambi in Loíza.
Local Architecture Tour – With strong Spanish heritage, Puerto Rico’s architecture is worth exploring. Booking a tour with the Puerto Rico Historic Building Drawing Society is a great idea. Afterward, stay in Old San Juan to watch the sunset at Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
Street Art at Calle Cerra, Santurce – If you love street art, this is the place to be. During your walk, you’ll find great spots for coffee (Dosis), cocktails (Machete, Identidad, or Watusí), and dining with vegan, Mexican, and fusion cuisine options.
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico – Explore and be inspired by the museum’s exhibitions featuring Puerto Rican artists and their reflections on the island’s reality.
ECO-TOURISM
Condado Lagoon offers a perfect setting for water sports enthusiasts. Whether kayaking or paddleboarding, its calm waters invite you to a unique adventure where you can share space with manatees—gentle marine creatures that inhabit the area. This outdoor experience combines exercise and nature.
Puerto Rico Conservation Trust – Through this organization, you can explore more natural spaces and discover Puerto Rico’s rich biodiversity with routes specially designed for nature lovers.
El Yunque National Forest – Just an hour from San Juan, this is a great destination to enjoy lush flora and fauna, scenic hiking trails, breathtaking views, and refreshing rivers and streams. The forest is home to 97 bird species, including the Puerto Rican parrot.
Cañón Blanco in Utuado – A truly unique spot featuring striking white rock formations emerging from the Caonillas River.
Platea Tip: Go with a guide.
WHERE TO DANCE?
El Boricua – Located in the heart of Río Piedras, just steps from the University of Puerto Rico, this cultural sanctuary brings bomba, the island’s ancestral rhythm, to life with its lively nights of live music.
La Factoría – A gem of Old San Juan, this renowned bar blends high-end mixology with Caribbean flavors, creating a unique atmosphere where expertly crafted cocktails pair perfectly with the best dance rhythms.
COCKTAILS
Identidad, recently nominated for the prestigious James Beard Awards in the Best Emerging Bar category, has become a leading name in creative mixology in Puerto Rico. This cozy spot on Calle Cerra in Santurce offers a unique experience where cocktails crafted with native flavors pair perfectly with a tapas menu that blends local traditions with contemporary techniques.
La Factoría in Old San Juan has received multiple awards and remains a top destination for cocktail lovers.
Another great option on Calle Cerra is Machete.
CRAFT BEER
Ocean Lab Brewing has established itself as one of the most popular craft breweries, offering a wide variety of beers. One of its most popular brews, Mambo, is a perfect fusion with passion fruit (parcha).
As of February 2025, Puerto Rico boasts 24 craft breweries, according to Craft Beer Generation, a local publication dedicated to the craft beer scene.
EXPERIENCES
El Pretexto, Puerto Rico’s first agro-hospedería (agriculture-focused lodging), offers a unique experience in the island’s mountains while providing an opportunity to learn about local farming.
For an immersive culinary journey, check the availability of Bohemia Cocina en Movimiento. With spectacular views, great music, and the expertise of chefs Mariano Sena and Federico Molla, this nearly six-hour experience takes you on an unforgettable gastronomic tour.
Special thanks to our sponsor BACARDÍ for providing an exclusive discount to Meeting of the Americas attendees for their incredible
Casa BACARDÍ tours! From the Legacy Tour, to the Rum Tasting Tour, and even their Mixology Class, aficionados have the opportunity to learn firsthand about this iconic brand.
At checkout, you can use the coupon code "endeavor" for a 20% discount!
BEACHES
It is said that the best beaches in Puerto Rico are on the west coast. For example:
In Cabo Rojo, you can visit Buyé Beach.
In Aguadilla, check out Crash Boat or Peña Blanca.
Isabela has several calm natural pools, with Jobos Beach being the most famous.
The most internationally recognized beach, consistently ranked among the best in the world, is Flamenco Beach on the island municipality of Culebra.
If you're looking for a great surfing spot, Rincón, in the northwest of Puerto Rico, is the island’s surfing capital.
At Platea, we are always searching for the perfect Caribbean sunset, no matter where you are on the island. However, many say that Rincón offers the most breathtaking sunsets.
Special thanks to MyCloudMenu for powering our Regional Selection Panel official website!