Puerto Rico is more than just a vacation destination: it is a place you feel. The history, the rhythm, the stories- it all lingers long after your flight returns back. If you’re thinking of relocating, seeing the island through the eyes of a local guide can change everything. It’s not just about taking in the views, but it’s about understanding the layers of the Puerto Rico market.
Before you settle on a zip code, take time to explore the island with people who know its backroads and backstories. The best Puerto Rico tours offer more than sightseeing—they give you perspective. They introduce you to what living here could really be like.
Here are some of the best Puerto Rico excursions to consider before potentially calling Puerto Rico your home.
Discover San Juan’s Story
Start where most people land—San Juan, and not just the beach resorts. You’ll want to explore both the past and present with a private “Old and New San Juan” Tour. This driving experience takes you from colonial forts like El Morro to the artsy Condado neighborhood, letting you see the contrast that defines Puerto Rican life.
If you prefer something slower-paced and immersive, a private walking tour of Old San Juan puts you right on the cobblestones. You’ll walk past churches, plazas, and pastel-colored homes, while your guide connects each corner to the city’s Spanish, African, and Taíno roots.
Later in the evening, spend time in La Placita de Santurce, a local hotspot where nightlife and culture collide. La Placita is not your ordinary market. After dark, it becomes a gathering place filled with music, dancing, and open-air dining that shows you the social pulse of the city.
Copyright © 2015 Ray Bentz. All rights reserved.
There are tons of things to do in Puerto Rico, but if you time your visit right, you might even catch one of the many festivals in Puerto Rico that take place right in the capital. From the San Sebastián Street Festival in January to local events honoring saints and traditions, San Juan becomes electric with year-round celebration.
These festivals give you a deeper look into the island’s spirit and often include parades, street art, and live music that stretch into the night.
And if you’re looking for something offbeat? The San Juan Ghost Walk weaves together history and mystery—perfect for understanding how deeply Puerto Rico’s past still echoes through its streets.
Take in the El Yunque Rainforest
No Puerto Rico tour list is complete without El Yunque. It’s one of the most unique places to visit in Puerto Rico, not just for its biodiversity but for how connected locals are to this land.
One option is the El Yunque Guided Rainforest and Waterfall Hike—a moderate trek through lush trails, ending at a hidden waterfall. If you want something with a twist, try the El Yunque Rainforest and Bio Bay Kayaking combo. You’ll hike by day and kayak through a glowing bay at night.
If you’re feeling bold, book the El Yunque Cliff Jumping Tour for a more rugged experience complete with mud trails, rope swings, and cliff dives that locals have been doing for generations.
This is one of those Puerto Rico activities that gives you a real sense of what it means to live among nature rather than just vacation in it.
Get a Taste of the Island
If you’re wondering what to do in Puerto Rico that’s both fun and insightful, start with food.
The Private Hands On Culinary Trails of San Juan Experience lets you sample traditional dishes, talk with chefs, and learn how local ingredients are sourced. If coffee is more your speed, the Private Secrets of Espresso Tour dives into local roasts, brewing styles, and the connection between Puerto Rico’s highland farms and its café culture.
Outside the city, you can also tour working coffee haciendas in Adjuntas and Maricao, which is ideal if you’re considering a quieter, rural lifestyle. These farm visits aren’t touristy; they’re intimate, educational, and sometimes hosted by the farmers themselves.
If you love craft beer, make time to check out the best breweries in Puerto Rico. Whether you’re in the metro area or the west coast, you’ll find taprooms and brewpubs highlighting local flavors, often brewed with passion by island-born entrepreneurs.
See the West Coast Differently
There’s a reason so many expats settle in Rincón— it’s laid-back, beachy, and still has that small-town charm. To experience it, book a surf lesson or a sunset walk with a local guide. Even if you don’t plan to surf, watching the lineup from the sand tells you a lot about the vibe here.
Nearby, Cabo Rojo offers salt flats, hidden beaches, and one of the most photogenic lighthouses on the island. Several tour operators offer day trips here that combine scenic drives, gentle hikes, and photo-worthy stops that you won’t forget.
This is where the pace slows down, and the connection to nature and community comes through clearly. Perfect for anyone considering life outside the capital.
Adventure Beyond the Usual
Some of the best tours in Puerto Rico push you off the beaten path; and if you’re even slightly adventurous, there’s no shortage of options.
In Orocovis, Toro Verde’s zipline canopy tour gives you a literal bird’s-eye view of the mountains. You’ll soar through the treetops and come away with a whole new appreciation for the island’s scale and terrain.
Head into the heart of the island for body rafting in Arecibo, or paddle down the Tanamá River in Utuado. These aren’t polished tourist attractions—they’re raw, local-led activities in Puerto Rico that give you a feel for what it’s like to truly live in harmony with nature.
Customize Your Experience
If you have specific places to visit in Puerto Rico or neighborhoods you’re curious about, consider a private custom tour. Whether it’s a guided drive through Piñones, a half-day spent exploring local art districts, or even a stop at the Bacardi Distillery, you can tailor the route to match your interests.
This kind of flexibility is especially useful if you’re house-hunting or just trying to get a sense of different communities. While you won’t get that from a group shuttle, a private guide, especially one who lives where you’re looking, can make all the difference.
From Excursion to Everyday
The best tours don’t just entertain—they inform. In Puerto Rico, where culture, infrastructure, and lifestyle differ from the mainland, that’s invaluable. Talking to local guides about schools, healthcare, weather, and utilities might not sound like a tour highlight—but it often is.
You’ll leave the beach with more than just a tan– you’ll leave with answers, maybe even a sense of direction.
Final Thoughts
When you’re ready to take that next step from exploring to planning, The Colectivo Group is here to help.
We’re not just a real estate agency. We help people navigate every part of the relocation journey, connecting them with local services, communities, and trusted partners, which includes the guides and tour operators mentioned here.
Because understanding Puerto Rico is about more than signing papers. It’s about knowing what life here really looks like—how it feels, how it flows, and what you’ll love most about it.
Book the tour. Ask the questions. And when you’re ready, we’ll help you make the move.