Puerto Rico has been a popular tourist hotspot for decades now, especially with US citizens getting away from the bad weather of North America. The island offers a heady mix of old and new, traditional and modern and gives anyone who visits more than enough to do, regardless of why they have turned up on the country’s doorstep. The climbing, hiking and water sports obsessed are more than catered for with some fine locales to indulge in, those just wishing to worship the sun are offered some spectacular beaches – both touristy and otherwise, and the culture hounds out there are offered a very interesting mix of styles that is sure to interest even those that have seen the entire world three times over.

San Juan is the ideal spot to easily see the mix of old and new, with the city handily designated into two distinct zones: Old and New. Simple enough. Attractions on both sides are plentiful, with the San Cristobal fort, the African Heritage Museum and San Juan Museum of Art and History offered in Old San Juan. New San Juan offers a much more modern experience with some fantastic architecture and the Botanical Gardens, and both sides offer the wonderful way of life that the Puerto Ricans enjoy – fine food, good drink and relaxing times.

Elsewhere in the country are attractions like the Museum of Art (and the rum museum) in the town of Ponce, the Arecibo Observatory in the town of Arecibo and utterly stunning Phosphorescent Bay near the town of La Parguera, which offers the bizarre and wonderful sight of thousands of underwater creatures lighting up every night. Those not interested in more adventurous times will be happy to stay in San Juan and take in the Americanised high streets and chain stores along with their sun and sand, but those looking for a bit extra from a visit have a plethora of things to do and places to go throughout the island and along its coast.

The Puerto Rican people are friendly, open and welcoming, their food is a fantastic mix of cultural styles, there is wonderful rum (as always) and whilst it isn’t the cheapest place in the world, a visit to the country – away from tourist high season at least – won’t break the bank.