Balance. That's what it's all about. Whether you're seeking harmony within yourself or searching for synergy with nature, Puerto Rico is the perfect destination for sustainable travel.
The Island has countless beaches, reefs, mangroves, forests, and caves home to hundreds of species, from endemic plants to endangered animals, where you can feel connected and renewed outside while respecting the environment around you.
You can learn about outstanding natural and cultural richness while protecting and improving the lives of the communities in the heart and soul of the Caribbean.
Stay In an Eco-Friendly Lodging
Going eco-friendly doesn't mean you have to give up the luxuries of a resort-like experience. From lavish green hotels nestled in nature to chic treehouses and glamorous campsites, Puerto Rico offers various accommodations to fit your sustainable trip.
Hix Island House
Off the east coast of Puerto Rico, where the trade winds drift through Vieques, is Hix Island House, a guesthouse where the outdoors become the indoors and everything is built in concrete. The lofts are lined with solar panels to augment the electricity and hot water. The water from the showers and basins is repurposed to sustain guava, papaya, banana, and lemon trees. It truly is the perfect place to find harmony away from the city, as there are no TVs, air-conditioning, or Wi-Fi; it is you and nature.
Finca Victoria
Also in Vieques is Finca Victoria, a casona in a farm renovated to accommodate five rooms that make the most of the breezy location overlooking the sea and forest. The rooms are decorated with repurposed furniture and stocked with biodegradable shampoo and conditioner. Your stay includes a locally sourced vegetarian breakfast and local coffee and tea. You can also opt to stay at a treehouse with outdoor showers, organic fabric sheets, and more.
El Yunque Treehouse
Suppose an engaging nature escapade is what you're looking for. In that case, you can check in at El Yunque Treehouse, where you'll be surrounded by the only tropical rainforest in the U.S National Forest Service. The two-story house has its very own kitchen, living room, and dining room. You can find the bedroom and en-suite bathroom at the top level, just underneath the stars.
Pitahaya Glamping Retreat
A zero-waste, zero-carbon footprint option is camping, but that doesn't mean you have to rough it up. Have a glamorous version of the camping experience at Pitahaya Glamping Retreat in Cabo Rojo. There, you can book tents prepared with mattresses and private bathrooms, near pristine rivers and nature reserves to recharge completely in an openly safe environment.
Discover the Best Glamping Spots in Puerto Rico
More Certified Eco Resorts, Hotels & Inns
Other Green Certified facilities include:
Choose Sustainable Activities
With community-based initiatives that enhance the health and beauty of Puerto Rico, there are plenty of eco-friendly activities you can partake in while conserving the Island's resources. From beach-going to agricultural activities and outdoor adventures, there's no need to compromise your visit's authenticity.
Ziplining
Experience the views of the Island from a bird's eye view if you choose one of the many adventure parks in the forest. For an adrenaline eco-fun experience, you can visit the famous Toro Verde in Orocovis, in a tropical rainforest like Rainforest Zipline Park in Río Grande, or go deeper in the mountains to Batey Zipline Adventures in Utuado. Soar through ziplines, rappel, and even walk across exciting hanging bridges.
Jump into more Ziplining Tours Around The Island
Water Activities
And, what is a paradise getaway without a water adventure? Choose from an array of low-impact water activities such as kayaking in bioluminescent bays, scuba diving near a reef, surfing, paddleboarding in the lagoon, and snorkeling. Companies like Black Beard Sports, Water Sports and EcoTours, Pure Adventure, Kayaking Puerto Rico, and Pirate Snorkeling Shack are green-certified and promote ocean, bay, and river conservation.
Find the Best Outdoor Experience for You
Dine Sustainably: Farm-to-Table & Local Cuisine
Savor Puerto Rico sustainably! Choose farm-to-table restaurants that prioritize local ingredients, explore vibrant organic markets, and support local food producers directly. Delight in eco-friendly dining experiences featuring dishes crafted with the Island's bounty. Opting for plant-based meals and sustainably sourced seafood further minimizes your environmental footprint while supporting local communities and enjoying fresh flavors.
Bacoa Finca + Fogón
Nestled in the southeastern town of Juncos, Bacoa Finca + Fogón champions farm-to-table dining. They craft their seasonal menu using ingredients sourced directly from local farms and their own on-site garden, ensuring ultimate freshness. Their commitment to sustainable cooking is evident in their flavorful wood-fired dishes, offering a truly authentic and eco-conscious culinary experience.
Verde Mesa
Verde Mesa is a pioneer in Old San Juan's culinary scene, offering a delicious and responsible dining experience that stands out as the first farm-to-table restaurant on the Island. They craft innovative and sustainable dishes using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Committed to environmentally friendly practices, the restaurant and its chef, Gabriel Hernández—a James Beard nominee—prioritize sustainability in every dish.
Mercado Agrícola Natural Viejo San Juan
Discover the vibrant Mercado Agrícola Natural Viejo San Juan, a Saturday morning haven in Old San Juan. Starting at 8 am, this market directly supports local farmers and sustainable agriculture, offering a colorful array of organic fruits, vegetables, and artisanal goods. Engage with the passionate producers and make delicious, eco-conscious food choices that benefit both you and the community.
Orujo Taller de Gastronomía
Orujo Taller de Gastronomía in San Juan is an award-winning local gem that crafts its menu around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Puerto Rican farms. Diners can savor authentic criollo flavor with experimental techniques from James Beard-nominated Chef Carlos Portela.
Flora
Over in the West region, Flora blends the farm-to-table experience with Puerto Rican flavors using locally sourced ingredients and a rotating menu. Their offering highlights the Island's fresh produce, using seasonal ingredients and reimaging traditional dishes with bold flavors, including vegan options! Committed to sustainability and supporting local agriculture, Flora provides a delicious and eco-conscious taste of Aguadilla's culinary landscape.
Explore Our Guide to Puerto Rico’s Top Chefs
Support Ecotourism in Puerto Rico Through Volunteering
An alternative to your usual leisure vacation is volunteering days to give back and help preserve this Caribbean gem—and create great memories while you're at it.
You can team up with conservation-minded organizations like Para La Naturaleza, World Central Kitchen, Madre Tierra, and Comedores Sociales, among others, to take an active role in protecting communities' livelihoods in Puerto Rico as well as its resources. Maintaining community gardens, planting and sowing farm-to-table products, helping with coastal cleanup efforts, and protecting the endangered turtles and manatees are just a few of the possible activities.
Explore Volunteer Opportunities in Puerto Rico
Start Planning Your Eco-Friendly Vacation to Puerto Rico
Find sustainable stays and immerse yourself in nature with eco-friendly activities and conservation experiences with these resources to guide your green journey. Choose responsibly, explore beautifully, and minimize your impact. If you’re planning your vacation, here are a few tips to help you travel and visit more sustainably.
- Choose green accommodations: Look for hotels or rentals with certifications like LEED, or those using renewable energy and water conservation practices.
- Support local: Opt for locally-owned restaurants, businesses, and tours to boost the local economy.
- Respect nature: Stick to marked trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and never leave any trash behind.
- Bring reusables: Pack a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and cutlery to reduce single-use plastics.
- Choose reef-safe sunscreen: Protect marine life and the bioluminescent bays by using sunscreen without harmful chemicals.
- Volunteer: Look for opportunities to participate in local conservation efforts like beach cleanups.
