{"id":24166,"date":"2019-06-11T15:19:18","date_gmt":"2019-06-11T15:19:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/?p=24166"},"modified":"2019-06-11T18:37:50","modified_gmt":"2019-06-11T18:37:50","slug":"6-reasons-to-visit-puerto-rico-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/6-reasons-to-visit-puerto-rico-now\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Reasons to Visit Puerto Rico Now"},"content":{"rendered":"

Considering a trip to Puerto Rico<\/a>? Great idea! Sher from Sher She Goes shares the scoop on why NOW is a great time to make your visit happen.<\/i><\/p>\n

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Photo: Sher She Goes<\/p><\/div>\n

I spent 5 days exploring Old San Juan, Condado and Isla Verde, and quickly fell in love with the colors, sights and sounds of Puerto Rico. Here are 6 highlights from our trip to help you prepare for yours!<\/p>\n

What to Expect When Visiting Puerto Rico<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1. Vibrant Festivals<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Photo: Sher She Goes<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cTo know where you are going, you must know your heritage,\u201d said our tour guide on a walking tour of Old San Juan. Puerto Rico’s culture is a fusion of Ta\u00edno Indian, African and Spanish influences. Nowhere is this lively mix more evident than during Puerto Rico\u2019s vibrant festivals.<\/p>\n

In December, there is Old San Juan\u2019s White Christmas Festival, Puerto Rico Heritage Artisans Fair, the religious procession of Las Ma\u00f1anitas and the dazzling light display at the Town of Bethlehem.<\/p>\n

In January, this is followed by the Three Kings Festival and San Sebastian Festival, the latter which we were fortunate enough to attend. Dubbed \u201cSanse\u201d by locals, San Sebastian was a mixture of art fairs, street food vendors, parties and parades \u2013 with festivities lasting long into the night.<\/p>\n

Puerto Rico has festivals each month in addition to year-long celebrations. So, whenever you visit, you\u2019re sure to be swept up in Puerto Rico’s zest for life!<\/p>\n

2. Beautiful Old World Architecture<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Photo: Sher She Goes<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Old San Juan is the second oldest city established in the New World and a must visit! Walk through a 500-year-old fort overlooking the Atlantic, worship at the second oldest cathedral in the Americas and take countless photographs of the city’s colorful buildings and archways.<\/p>\n

For historic charm, stay in El Convento<\/a>, a former convent turned hotel within the walled gates of Old San Juan.<\/p>\n

3. A Flourishing Restaurant Scene<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Photo: Sher She Goes<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Puerto Rico proudly calls itself the ‘Dining Capital of the Caribbean’ due to its exotic blend of African, Spanish and American cuisines. Ready your taste buds for exotic flavors and hearty comfort food! Must try classic Puerto Rican dishes include mofongo<\/em> (mashed plantains), pernil<\/em> (slow roasted pork shoulder) and arroz con gandules<\/em> (rice with pigeon peas and pork).<\/p>\n

Some notable meals during our trip include:<\/p>\n