Guide to Traveling Puerto Rico Sustainably with iBestTravel

From small, farm-sourced restaurant menus to guesthouse stays, community tours, and Afro-Puerto Rican cultural workshops, Puerto Rico is strengthening its sustainable tourism scene.

Beyond the major hotels and natural sights that have reopened since COVID-19 and Hurricane Maria, there is a significant shift in mindset wherein local experiences and cultural immersion are taking center stage, including a big push to preserve or create all that’s homegrown on la isla.

1. Food Hop in Old San Juan

Enjoy a three-hour walking tour to discover locals’ favorites for coffee, snacks, and meals served at family-run businesses that continue to thrive in gentrified Old San Juan. The morning kicks off at Don Ruiz Coffee Shop, tucked inside the Cuartel de Ballaja, a former military barracks turned cultural center. You’ll savor the mallorca—a sweet and savory pastry stuffed with ham and cheese—and wash it down with exquisite single-origin coffee sourced from Yauco’s mountains, which is being replanted after Hurricane Maria’s devastation.

Learn about the historical context of food in San Juan and sample iconic dishes like slow-roasted pork served at a traditional family-owned restaurant. Fresh fruit juices and local desserts are also part of this culinary exploration.

2. Immerse in Afro-Puerto Rican Culture in Loíza

The seaside town of Loíza in the Piñones region is celebrated as the heart of Afro-Puerto Rican culture and the birthplace of bomba. Visit the Corporación Piñones Se Integra (COPI) community center, where outdoor murals and an open space for bomba dancing and drumming workshops await.

Engage in a bomba workshop, gaining insights into the history and socio-political challenges of marginalized Black Puerto Rican communities, while ensuring your travel dollars support COPI’s cultural preservation efforts.

Following your workshop, enjoy a delicious lunch at roadside kiosks or at the seaside Mi Casita, famous for alcapurrias and sweet-plantain mofongo.

3. Join Local Guest’s Community Experiences

A women-led social enterprise and tour company, Local Guest offers immersive experiences designed to connect visitors with local culture and nature, providing sustainable income to diverse communities throughout the island. Engage in unique activities such as caving, Taino pottery workshops, or kayaking Puerto Rico’s longest river, Rio La Plata, all while contributing to local restoration projects.

4. Stay at an Organic Farm on Vieques

Experience the charm of Finca Victoria, an organic farm guesthouse nestled in the hills of Vieques. Just a ten-minute drive from stunning beaches, this eco-conscious property offers relaxation with natural pools, complimentary yoga, and locally sourced vegetarian breakfasts. Each cottage suite features king-size beds, outdoor showers, and mini-organic gardens.

5. Explore Calle Loiza’s Farm-to-Table Dining Scene

Following Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico has embraced a farm-to-table movement evident on Calle Loiza in San Juan. Begin your day at Tostado* for a breakfast made from locally sourced organic ingredients. Don’t miss The Dreamcatcher’s monthly four-course vegan dinners featuring local chefs.

This article highlights sustainable practices and culturally enriching experiences in Puerto Rico, aimed at fostering responsible tourism while supporting local communities.