Puerto Rico

Known for the tropical El Yunque rainforest, spectacular waterfalls and soaring mountains, Puerto Rico is a nature lover’s dream. It’s also home to Spanish colonial buildings painted all the colours of the rainbow, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife in its vibrant cities. Its days are washed with warm Caribbean sun, and its magical nights are scented with sea air, spices, and the tempting smell of slow-roasted pork.

The capital of San Juan is set on Puerto Rico’s Atlantic coast. Its Isla Verde strip is known for its lively nightlife, including casinos, beach bars, and swanky resorts. Its cobblestoned Old Town dates back to the mid-16th century, and is known for colourfully-painted Spanish buildings, and the imposing oceanfront fortresses of El Morro (said to be the oldest Spanish fortress on the continent) and La Fortaleza. Head to the nature reserve of El Yunque National Forest for verdant hiking trails, waterfalls, and rivers, or glide along the still lagoon waters of Bahía Mosquito at night to see magical bioluminescence whipped up by whirring fish tails underneath. Mountain bike, hike, or go birdwatching at Guánica Biosphere Reserve – a vast, remote desert forest with an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna.