5 Reasons To Choose Puerto Rico For Your Next Incentive Trip

Selecting the ideal destination for your group, doesn’t have to mean choosing between beach or city, or compromising luxury for affordability. The Caribbean island and U.S. territory, Puerto Rico, strikes that balance—home to tropical beaches, and plenty of culturally immersive experiences.

Located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, the island is rich in history with friendly locals whose cultural pride is inspiring. The Discover Puerto Rico familiarization (FAM) trip, provided insight to what it means to truly “Viva Boricua!”

Here are the top five reasons to choose Puerto Rico for your next incentive trip:

Natural beauty and excursions

The island of Puerto Rico is by no surprise surrounded by gorgeous sandy beaches, but the inland landscape is full of its own natural wonders. From the Central Mountains, to El Yunque, The United States’ only tropical rainforest and 29,000 acres of one of the most biodiverse forests in the world. The mountain backdrop can be appreciated from some of the island’s top resorts, or experienced firsthand through guided hiking tours, ziplining, adventure parks, or cave tours.

For those looking to explore the basin of the El Yunque, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are a great mode of transport and activity alike. Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park provides versatile options, including both ATVs and accessible Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), ensuring everyone can enjoy the adventure safely in small guided subgroups.

Options options options! Hotels and stays

From the Hyatt Regency’s gated beach bound resort, to the urban-luxury vibe of the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, Puerto Rico has an impressive range of upscale stays to meet your group’s needs. If your group is looking for space to sprawl and enjoy the relaxation of private luxury, the Hyatt Regency’s property might be the best option. However, if you’ve got a group who is excited to let off some well-earned steam, La Concha Renaissance Resort & Casino might be the right choice, equipped with an Electronic Dance Music bumping bar, adult pools, and the casino of course!

Cuisine

Traditional Puerto Rican cuisine reflects the blended history of the land. Comprised of Spanish, African and Native Taino influences, traditional dishes include Mofango (plantains and pork) or Bacalao Guisado (fish stew). For seafood lovers, the options are endless as culinary leaders prioritize sustainability, and self-sufficiency by producing decadent dishes from strictly locally sourced ingredients. Chef Martin Louzao of Cincosentidos Cooking Collaboration is a leader behind this push, with restaurant partners across the island who are perfect choice for an offsite elevated meal that is both a culturally inspired and locally informed concept.

Rich culture and history

If your incentive group happens to be a bunch of history buffs, they will never find a dull moment on the island. Walking the European-like roads of old San Jaun, you will find monument after monument. Some might be hard to miss like the Castillo San Cristobal, the fortress that amasses 27 acres and others might require some background knowledge to understand their depth, such as the 40 foot tall tower “El Tótem Telúrico” which is both tribute to the colonization of the island and commemoration of the violence between the indigenous populations and Europeans settlers.

In order to make the most of the experience, a guided tour could be a great option, whether that be via the comfort of a Spotify playlist, or an official tour guide. The city tour guides are very knowledgeable and can take your group through 1 to 2 hour walks depending on interest and time.

There is a plethora of museums across the island, from the archivist’s paradise of La Casa del Libro Museum Library, to the historical re-created experience at Hacienda Mis Suenos. The Contemporary Art Museum is a popular option that serves not only as a rich cultural experience, but as a chic offsite dinner or cocktail venue.

Logistics: Easy and affordable

Practically speaking, Puerto Rico should be the number one option for travelers coming from the U.S. with all the allure of a tropical destination, without the hassle of international travel (no customs & no passport required!) Major cities like Chicago, NYC, Charlotte, Boston, Miami, Dallas, fly direct to San Jaun. Additionally, because of the diverse range of potential experiences—from luxurious resort to vibrant city—cost is flexible depending on group size and preference.

Looking to plan your next destination? Visit Discover Puerto Rico to get started.

Originally published: April 23 2025.