PUERTO RICO’S BEAUTIFUL BEACHES REPRESENT PERHAPS ONE OF THE MOST DESIRED ATTRACTIONS FOR THE LGBTTQI COMMUNITIES. HOWEVER, WE CAN OFFER SO MUCH MORE SINCE THE ISLAND’S GREEN COUNTRYSIDE, VARIED CUISINE, CULTURAL WEALTH, ABUNDANT SHOPPING VENUES, VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE, AND THE WARMTH OF OUR PEOPLE MAKE US AN EVER-GROWING LGBTTQI-FRIENDLY DESTINATION.
By Robert Colberg Orengo
And how could it be otherwise when diversity is more than welcome on our island! Nature lovers will find the perfect place to admire our plentiful scenarios within the central mountain region’s forests. Add the white sandy beaches that invite you to bask in the sun, the San Juan metropolitan area’s vibrant nightlife, our restaurants’ delicious fare, and our fantastic shopping centers.
In an informal poll conducted by ¡Qué Pasa!, the top five destinations among participants were:
Supreme Cabo Rojo
A vast majority of our visitors fall in love with the attractions found in the municipality of Cabo Rojo, located in the island’s southwestern region. Boquerón is home to one of the most-visited beaches and a popular beachside village featuring themed restaurants, kiosks selling delectable fritters, and a laid-back atmosphere. You’ll have a grand time here!
If you want to take stunning photos, you must go to Los Morillos lighthouse. In addition to the stunning structure built in 1882—and still in operation—there are trails to be explored on foot or while riding a bike. Other places you should not miss are:
• La Playuela – You will find this jewel of nature at the foot of Los Morillos lighthouse. You can happily spend all day here at this pristine beach.
• Las Salinas – The site includes lagoons, salt marshes, mangroves, and a dry forest. Its natural diversity allows visitors to observe regional birds, trees, and plants.
• Combate Beach – If you want a day of absolute relaxation while watching the horizon and allowing yourself to be caressed by the gentle breeze, this is the place!
• Joyuda – This area is known as “The Golden Mile of Good Food” due to its numerous restaurants. Most have dining rooms from which you can watch the sea, the mangroves, Ratones Island, and the lagoon.
Legendary Old San Juan
You will find so much cultural richness within the walls of the San Juan islet! Hundreds of years of history and tradition attract thousands of visitors each year. All because there is just so much to do in Old San Juan!
Whether as part of a tour or on your own, a walk along the cobblestone streets to admire historic buildings is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
A visit to Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal will take you back to the times when the Spanish ruled Puerto Rico. Going down Del Cristo Street means enjoying one of Old San Juan’s most emblematic areas while shopping in its quaint stores. And visiting one of the many museums will allow you to appreciate art and history from a different perspective.
• San Juan Gate – Its location gives tourists the opportunity to visit other attractions such as Plaza de la Rogativa, Paseo del Morro, and Paseo de la Princesa. It’s a great spot for taking pictures.
• Paseo de la Princesa – The Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s headquarters—whose structure was once used as a prison—is among the most visited sites by both tourists and locals. The building has an art gallery presenting temporary exhibits, as well as historical areas. At the end of the promenade is the Raíces (roots) fountain, which is part of the beautiful view of the Bay of San Juan. It is a very romantic spot enjoyed by many couples. On weekends, it is common to see artisans along the promenade and live music shows.
• Palacio de Santa Catalina – Also known as La Fortaleza, it is the official residence of the governor of Puerto Rico. Along with the San Juan Historical Archives, La Fortaleza was declared a world heritage site by Unesco. Beautiful gardens welcome visitors, who should call 787-721-7000 extension 2211 or 2323 to make reservations to tour the grounds.
• Museums – You will be so fascinated by Old San Juan’s history that you’ll definitely want to visit a museum. Take your pick from the San Juan Museum, Felisa Rincón de Gautier Foundation & Museum, La Casa Blanca, Museum of the Americas, Pablo Casals Museum, and La Casa del Libro Library Museum. Visit our Museums page to see a list of museums in both San Juan and the rest of the island.
El Yunque: Green Majesty
In Puerto Rico’s eastern area, a preferred destination is El Yunque, the only tropical rain forest under the U.S. National Park System. Begin your experience by going to El Portal visitors’ center, where you can get information on the forest trails and available tours. Even more detailed information is available at www.fs.usda.gov.
La Coca Falls, Palo Colorado information center, and La Mina trail and its refreshing waterfall are mandatory stops on this adventure. The area’s greenery and the tranquility you will experience there become evident upon reaching the observation tower located at Mt. Britton. The view is simply spectacular—and one of the most beautiful you’ll ever see!
Additional attractions for your consideration include:
• Baño Grande – It is an artificial pool built in 1930 that features a stone trail and a structure formerly used as a bathhouse. Although people are no longer allowed to bathe in it, its surroundings are perfect for taking spectacular photos.
• Big Tree – This is one of the two trails that reach La Mina waterfall.
• Baño de Oro – You will be surrounded by unique beauty as you walk along this trail bordered by numerous trees, plants, and shrubs.
• Puente Roto – It is a quiet area where you can spend the day enjoying a segment of Mameyes River.
• Angelito – This is a short and easy trail that is usually less congested than others. Your great reward: the natural pool that is formed by Mameyes River.
Partying at La Placita
Located in Santurce, La Placita—the name given to the Market Square area—is an almost mandatory stop to begin enjoying the local nightlife. The gastronomic variety available in the area’s restaurants and bars is ample and ranges from criollo local food to gourmet delicacies. Most establishments and their environments are LGBTTQI-friendly. It is one of the most recommended destinations to become acquainted with the party ambiance within the metropolitan area and to witness how locals have fun. Visit our Dining Section to see a list of restaurants located at or near La Placita.
From there, many people go on to entertainment venues in a hotel lobbies in Condado or Isla Verde. Others tour different LGBTTQI venues in San Juan.
La Parguera
A small village in the island’s western region that is big on LGBTTQI tourism offerings. The boardwalk has artisans, food kiosks, and restaurants specializing in a wide range of cuisines: seafood, criollo dishes, burgers, vegetarian fare, tapas (small plates), and gourmet delicacies.
This area is home to La Parguera Natural Reserve that features coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and the world-renowned Bioluminescent Bay—which you can visit by boat or kayak. La Parguera’s keys are also popular with visitors and include Mata La Gata, Caracoles, and Cayo Enrique. There are operators who offer rides to these sites.
Another place you should visit while at La Parguera is Playita Rosada Pool. This is the Caribbean’s largest natural pool and has earned a Blue Flag designation. Walk down to the dock to the pool and on the shore you will find tables, barbecue, restrooms, and showers. This attraction is free. Call 787-899-1855 for more information.
Endless Possibilities
Puerto Rico features a world of possibilities for tourists from the LGBTTQI communities. Take advantage of your trip and allow yourself to be seduced by our island’s charm! Go to www.seepuertorico.com and begin planning what is sure to be an unforgettable and fun-filled vacation.
Consider getting married here!
As if the beauty and variety found in Puerto Rico weren’t enough, same-sex couples can tie the knot on the island. From north to south and from east to west, including the central mountain region, you will find spectacular natural settings to celebrate your union with an official wedding and a lovely reception.
Many reasons make the island the perfect destination for your nuptials. According to event coordinator Rosalina Torres from Momentus Special Events & More, “the tropical climate that prevails throughout the year is extremely attractive for outdoor weddings.”
Other reasons that will help convince you include:
• No laboratory tests are required for non-resident couples, thus making the process of getting legally married on the island so much easier.
• Puerto Rico is a bilingual (Spanish and English) island so communication between foreign clients and wedding service providers also becomes easier.
• There are superb locations for destination weddings throughout the island, including beautiful beaches, stunning colonial structures, superb mountain sites, stately haciendas, and modern hotels.
• Our gastronomic diversity can satisfy any palate. In addition, there are many entertainment venues where you can have fun day or night.
Take note of the requirements you must meet to get married in Puerto Rico—just go to www.seepuertorico.com/es/ experiences/lifestyle/weddings. You can get additional information by calling toll free: 1-800-866-7827 (for English-speaking representatives) or 1-800-981-7575 (in Spanish).
Wedding Coordinators
When planning your big day, get in touch with any of the wedding coordinators endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Tell them your wishes, and they will do their best to make them come true.
AMK Events, Anne Marie Kleis Weddings & Parties Inc.
• 787-721-1285
• www.amkevents.com
• amkevents@gmail.com
All Events P.R.
• 787-556-8961
• www.alleventspr.com
• alleventspr@gmail.com
Chezelle Dezines Weddings
• 787-919-0532
• www.chezelledezines.com
• info@chezelledezines.com
Creating Weddings Group
• 787-225-4008
• www.creatingweddingsgroup.com
• maribel@creatingweddingsgroup.com
Krizia Díaz Event Planner & Designer
• 787-451-2475
• www.kriziadiaz.com
• info@kriziadiaz.com
Maité Canela
• 787-397-2277
• www.maitecanela.com
• francachelapr@hotmail.com
María A. Lugo Wedding Planner
• 787-548-5561
• www.marialugopr.com
• mariaalugo@gmail.com
Milly Centeno Coordinators
• 787-717-1808
• www.millycenteno.com
• millycenteno@yahoo.com
Momentus Special Events & More
• 787-391-1366
• www.rosalinamomentus.com
• momentusspecialevents@gmail.com
Naya’s Idea Event Coordinator
• 787-533-7544
• www.nayasidea.com
• info@nayasidea.com
Puerto Rico Destination Weddings Inc.
• 939-238-3664
• www.prdestinationweddings.com
• ashley@prdestinationweddings.com
Tropical Weddings Puerto Rico
• 787-671-1690
• www.tropicalweddingspr.com
• tropicalweddings@yahoo.com
WedAffair (Gets/Grand Events)
• 787-775-9500
• www.wedaffair.com
• info@wedaffair.com
Weddings by Silversilke
• 787-633-5509
• www.silversilke.com
• silversilke@hotmail.com
