Puerto Rico entices vacationers to discover nature: Journey Weekly

Puerto Rico has hidden treasures all over the island. Now the destination challenges visitors to take a road trip to explore, experience, and enjoy these natural wonders, and encourage travel to other communities on the island.

Think of it as a scavenger hunt with clues that will eventually lead travelers to varied and remote coast-to-coast landscapes.

Discover Puerto Rico’s latest Population You campaign focuses on the under-explored, non-guidebook, less populated outdoor locations where travelers can roam without the crowds and claim a little piece of paradise for themselves.

The purpose of the campaign is to promote Puerto Rico as an ideal fly-and-drive destination that offers the allure of an exotic island with the ease and convenience of a domestic vacation since US travelers do not need a passport to Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico.

“The campaign is aimed at responsible travelers who follow local guidelines and restrictions, protect the environment, get out of the island better than they found it, respect local communities, and treat others carefully,” said Dean.

He added that “Travelers have developed a newfound appreciation for conscious travel and Puerto Rico is the ideal destination for those who want to connect with nature but not the crowds.”

“We’re equipping travelers with the right information they need to thoroughly explore the island,” said Dean.

Leah Chandler

As the name of the campaign suggests, locations have been chosen “where the population is just you … and maybe a few coquis” – those little frogs that are native to Puerto Rico known for their distinctive nocturnal chirping – “A couple of curious seagulls or a forest of pristine pine cones,” said Leah Chandler, chief marketing officer of Discover Puerto Rico.

“After the events of the last year and a half, travelers are looking more than ever for a destination that satisfies their wanderlust but also gives them peace of mind when pursuing destinations,” she said.

La Charca Aqua near Ponce is the perfect place for a swim in the river. Image Credit: Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

Travelers share on social media

Discover Puerto Rico worked with the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, local vendors, communities, and two local influencers to identify eight under-visited locations, many of which can only be discovered on foot or by sea.

Each of the eight locations is marked with an eco-friendly sign showing the latitude and longitude of the location, but the names are not revealed.

Along with the coordinates, Discover Puerto Rico also shares a scenic photo of each site on social media so travelers can use them as guides when locating the sites.

Photos show a waterfall, forest, canyon, secluded beach, uninhabited island, beach cave, and coquis.

The campaign kicked off on August 9 for a four-week run, but the signs remain in place for those who wish to visit the locations and include them in their future travel plans.

Discover Puerto Rico shares photos of adventurers visiting the island, find the locations, snap a photo and share it on Instagram with the tag #PRPopulationYou.

“The feedback was extremely positive. The comments on social media include people excited to be part of the adventure, ”said Chandler.

A sign at the Bosque de Pinos, a wooded area in the central mountains of Puerto Rico. Image Credit: Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

She encouraged travelers to plan their rental car plans well in advance of their trip and make their own arrangements for accommodation and luggage – this is where an experienced travel advisor could help.

A quick guide to activities and activities in the area can be found on the Population You landing page at www.discoverpuertorico.com/things-to-do/exploring-remote-destinations-puerto-rico.

“The locations were specially selected because of their road-free access to nature and the outdoors. We encourage our guests to pack items like walking shoes, swimsuits, water and snacks and plan and research their trips accordingly, ”said Chandler.

One of the locations includes a boat trip. Travelers are advised to book a boat charter prior to departure. On the mainland there are signs and notices from coast to coast.

Guides aren’t available in every location because the remote locations are supposed to be “a population of one,” Chandler said.

Entry requirements for Puerto Rico require a travel form through the Puerto Rico Department of Health portal to obtain an airport exit confirmation number and QR code. Fully vaccinated travelers must present a valid vaccination card. If not vaccinated, travelers must provide appropriate documents, such as: B. medical certificates or signed affidavits and the test result of a negative PCR or antigen test carried out within three days of the trip; they must be tested weekly during their stay.