Top Reasons to Visit Puerto Rico Two Years After Hurricane Maria: Resilience and Renewal
September 20 marks a poignant day of remembrance for Puerto Ricans, commemorating two years since Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017. The tragedy claimed over 3,000 lives, caused $90 billion in damage, and crippled infrastructure, leaving residents without power, food, water, and fuel for months.
Yet, Puerto Rico's spirit proved unbreakable. The ongoing recovery showcases remarkable resilience, transforming the island into a vibrant destination brimming with innovation, new businesses, and compelling reasons to visit. Here are the top highlights demonstrating this renewal.
Revived Natural Wonders
Nature's rebound was swift and striking, with lush greenery returning almost immediately. In El Yunque National Forest, the U.S. territory's only tropical rainforest, new growth sprouted within days. As U.S. Forest Service ecologist Grizelle González noted to Public Radio International, fallen leaves and branches enriched the soil, fueling rapid regeneration. Today, popular trails, swimming holes, waterfalls, and rivers are fully accessible.
Beyond El Yunque, adventure awaits at three bioluminescent bays—Laguna Grande in Fajardo, La Parguera in Lajas, and Mosquito Bay in Vieques—glowing vibrantly, some brighter than pre-storm. Explore Cueva Ventana, tube the Tanama River, or zip-line at ToroVerde. For tailored eco-adventures, try Proyecto Cabachuelas or Atabey Tours.
Agrotourism is booming: Tour organic farms at Plenitud Iniciativas Ecoeducativas, harvest salads amid goats at Frutos del Guacabo, or stay and work the land at Finca Oro Rojo. Plant enthusiasts will love Hacienda Agroecologica Recaos Ortiz and Meyer Nurseries and Floral Farms.
A Thriving Food and Drink Scene
Agricultural revival has elevated dining island-wide. San Juan's Cocina al Fondo prioritizes local ingredients, while vegan spots like Café Yoruba in Rincón gain popularity. In Juncos, Bacoa offers farm-to-table meals from acclaimed chefs Raul Correa, Xavier Pacheco, and Rene Marichal. Discover culinary tours via Spoon Food Tours, including innovative "chinchorreo" bus adventures to countryside kiosks.
Pair meals with Puerto Rico's famed rum: Tour the world's largest distillery at Casa Bacardi, sample artisanal pitorro at Destilería Coqui in Mayagüez, or visit Ron del Barrilito Visitor Center in Bayamón for the island's oldest rum (est. 1880). Craft breweries like Rincón Brewing Company, Old Harbor, and Ocean Lab Brewing Co. at Vivo Beach Club in Carolina offer beachside pints.
Coffee lovers can harvest beans at Sandra Farms in Adjuntas, tour Café Lucero in Ponce, or visit bird-filled Hacienda La Mocha.
A Burgeoning Arts and Design Scene
Puerto Rico's creative landscape is evolving rapidly. Established venues like San Juan's Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, and Ponce's Museo de Arte complement emerging spaces such as Museum of Art and Design Miramar and Pública Espacio.
Street art dazzles on San Juan's Calle Loíza and Calle Cerra, and colorful homes in Yauco. Join Rincón's Thursday Art Walk. Shop local designers like mountain-made Marimú or sustainable Retazo.
World-Class Hospitality
Iconic properties celebrate milestones—the Condado Vanderbilt (100 years), Caribe Hilton (70 years), and La Concha Resort (60 years)—while newcomers like Hyatt Hacienda del Mar in Vega Alta, ALOFT Hotel in Ponce, and Dreams Resort and Spa in Guánica debut. Upcoming 2020 openings include the revived Ritz-Carlton San Juan and El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, plus expanded boutique options.
Puerto Rico offers accommodations for every traveler, ensuring an unforgettable stay.
