Avianca launches its direct route Medellín - San Juan

From December 1, Colombians will be more interconnected with the Boricua territory, as Avianca will inaugurate its direct route Medellín – San Juan (Puerto Rico) with four frequencies a week, scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Currently, Avianca operates daily flights between Bogotá and San Juan, which translates into 20 weekly flights. Now with an Airbus 320 aircraft with capacity for 180 passengers, the offer will increase to 28 weekly flights. 

This destination, which is three hours away by direct flight from Bogotá or Medellín, is considered a jewel of the Caribbean, with immense potential for the Colombian market. Proof of this is that he will be the international guest of honor at the 43rd version of the ANATO fair that will take place from February 28 to March 1, 2024. 

According to data collected by Migración Colombia, ANATO estimates that, in the first half of 2023, nearly 9,000 Colombians traveled to Puerto Rico, which positions the Island as one of the most popular destinations among Colombians. In August 2023 there were eleven weekly frequencies between Bogotá and San Juan de Puerto Rico, which represents an increase of seven frequencies when compared to those registered in the same month of 2022. 

A fascinating island yet to be explored

Puerto Rico is a destination that captures the charm of the “old world”, combined with a lively nightlife and delicious local flavors. San Juan, its colorful capital, is the second oldest city founded by Europeans in the Americas, and is the beating heart of the Island's history and culture, where Colombians can explore the treasures of this colonial city and at the same time cosmopolitan. 

San Felipe del Morro Castle in Old San Juan  

Castillo San Felipe del Morro , known locally as 'El Morro', is a 16th century citadel founded in 1521 by Spanish colonizers, a labyrinth of barracks, tunnels, dungeons and vaults waiting to be explored. Located on the northwest edge of Old San Juan, the fortress was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 due to its intriguing history, making it one of the most iconic sites in the Western Hemisphere. Upon entering through its doors, you will be transported five centuries into the past, to learn about the conquest of the New World and how it was used by the United States as a fort during the two world wars. Today, El Morro welcomes cruise ships as they leisurely sail in and out of the bay and stands as one of the most attractive places in the Caribbean. 

Sunset walks and food tour 

You can learn about the capital's fascinating history, Old World charm, and pastel colors of its architecture, while enjoying local flavors on Spoon's Sunset Walk and Taste Tour , the best way to explore the city and appreciate the Boricua culture and flavors of Puerto Rico.  

Puerto Rican 

Boricua is a unique name that honors the island heritage, it is a way of life, a state of mind, a rhythm and a flavor that accurately describes the Puerto Rican. You can stroll at a relaxed pace through the historic cobblestone streets, visit local restaurants with their own identity and try traditional and modern Puerto Rican dishes. As you delight in delicious flavors and beverages, learn about the Island's Taíno, Spanish, and African roots. You can expect Puerto Rican staples like seasoned roast pork, local coffee, and fresh fish. During the tour, take a look at San Juan's iconic sites, including the second-oldest cathedral in America, a centuries-old convent, and the Plaza de Armas. 

Golden sand beaches in San Juan 

To escape the bustle of the lively streets of San Juan, in search of a quiet and relaxed place, head to some of the most popular and picturesque beaches on the Island without having to leave the city. Among them is Condado Beach in the trendy district of San Juan, which features a stretch of bright golden sand, fringed with palm trees and very close to a lively neighborhood full of shops and restaurants. For the adventurer, El Escambron is known as a metropolitan Blue Flag beach, protected by coral reefs that make it the ideal place to snorkel and explore the Island's marine life, while Ocean Park Beach boasts crystal blue waves. medium in size, making it an exciting option for surfers and amateurs alike. 

Hikes through the El Yunque tropical forest, a nature paradise  

Just an hour from the cobblestone streets and colorful Spanish colonial architecture of Old San Juan, a symphony of endemic bird songs and the croaking of coquí frogs will accompany your journey along the paths of the El Yunque rainforest. It is the only rainforest in the United States National Forest System, with 240 species of trees and lush shrubs, abundant waterfalls, rivers and streams. In this enchanted jungle, enjoy a wide variety of activities, such as ziplining through the treetops or walking the numerous trails, observing some of the exotic wild animals of Puerto Rico. 

Kayak through the world's brightest bioluminescent bay 

Located on the east coast of Vieques, Puerto Rico's lesser-known archipelago, lies this natural wonder, listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as the "brightest bioluminescent bay in the world." Mosquito Bay is filled with dinoflagellates, single-celled organisms that grow in numbers large enough to produce a "glow-in-the-dark" effect when stimulated by movement. With every splash, these organisms not only light up in a neon blue-green color, but so do everything they come into contact with, creating a star-like reflection in the water. For a simply brilliant experience, explore the bay in a clear-bottom kayak and enjoy a mind-blowing view. 

Enjoy your art and your parties 

The island of Puerto Rico is rich in festivals, traditions, art and music. With colorful urban murals and contemporary art museums, the art scene is unique and steeped in history. The Museum of Art of Puerto Rico in Santurce has contemporary and classic pieces dating back to the 17th century. Nearby is the Museum of Contemporary Art that exposes the modern side of the Island. Music lovers can also delight in the contagious musical rhythms that range from the traditional salsa to thebomba and plena, a contagious and inspiring dance that exhibits the African roots of the Island.