“The island of Puerto Rico is rich in festivals, traditions, art, and music – but it doesn’t end there, the culinary scene is exploding, and mixology is a true art form.” From the soulful food to the hip-shaking music, the things that make Puerto Rico such a special place to visit are also what make it a captivating destination for meetings and events. Here are some ideas for giving your event a uniquely Puerto Rican vibe.

Farm-to-Table Caribbean Cuisine
Puerto Rican chefs have always taken a farm-to-table approach to their cooking. The island’s original settlers, the Taínos, used local yuca, corn, and peppers to craft dishes like mofongo and pastelón. Over the centuries, an influx of settlers from Spain, Africa, and Latin American countries have introduced new flavors and cooking techniques to the island’s palate, but the focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients remains the same.
Your guests can get a literal taste of the island’s history on a themed food tour. The Discover Puerto Rico team can help arrange experiences like a mofongo and mojito walking tour or even cooking lessons with a local chef. For an only-in-Puerto Rico experience, hop aboard the Chinchorreo Bus to visit some of the island’s best — and most authentic — food stands and kiosks. Your group will sample local dishes like fritters and fried plantains while enjoying an adventurous ride through the mountains and rainforests.

Authentic Flavors
When the time comes to plan your meeting menu, give your guests a taste of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. As the birthplace of the piña colada, no cocktail reception is complete without the creamy concoction; a deconstructed version using local rum, coconut cream, and fresh-squeezed juices is equally refreshing. For lunches and dinners, our seasoned catering professionals can set up stations of roasted pork, rice and beans, plantains, and other local specialties. 

Island Traditions
Salsa and reggaetón music drifts through the streets of San Juan. It can drift into your function, too, with the help of our talented performers. Hire local pleneros to perform traditional plena music, which combines Afro-Caribbean beats with folkloric storytelling. For even more drama, treat guests to a vejigantes performance. Wearing brightly colored masks and costumes, these spirited performers will roam your event, dancing and interacting with the crowd.

Get Out and Explore
San Juan is the perfect stage for exploring Puerto Rico’s deep cultural roots. Plan a group tour of Old San Juan, where friendly guides lead fun and educational walks through the colorful, cobblestoned streets. Book a group mixology class at Casa Bacardi, the largest premium rum distillery in the world. Or stage a farewell event of historic proportions at San Juan’s iconic, 500-year-old El Morro Fort. Discover more only-in-Puerto Rico team-building ideas here.  

We invite you and your groups to come experience our culture, our traditions and don’t forget to dance.

- Beth Bushman, National Sales Director, Discover Puerto Rico