Last updated on March 4, 2024 by Wandering our World
If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean, the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico might be on your list of potential destinations. Situated close by to one another, these charming islands both have much to offer, despite their contrasting sizes and geopolitical situations – Cuba is a country of 42,800 square miles, while Puerto Rico is a territory of the U.S., measuring 3,435 square miles.
The two islands aren’t all that far apart, but it’s not too easy to travel from one to the other and see them both on the same trip. Therefore, you’ll most likely need to decide on just one of them to visit. Given that they both have beautiful white sand beaches, spectacular scenery, and amazing architecture, it may not be an easy decision to make.
So, should you pick the bigger and busier island of Cuba, with its stunning white-sands, dramatic valleys, and colorful capital of Havana? Or are you better off heading to the smaller island of Puerto Rico, with its awesome adventure tours, exciting outdoor recreation opportunities, and historic coastal forts?
Well, this guide is here to help you figure it all out. Below, we’ll take an in-depth look at Cuba vs. Puerto Rico, exploring the big similarities and key differences between these two Caribbean islands. We’ll dive into their activities, nightlife scenes, food, beaches, and even average costs to help you see which one suits you the best.
Contents:
- A Quick Overview Of Cuba vs Puerto Rico
- Which Is Best For Activities?
- Which Is Best For Beaches?
- Which Is Best For Nightlife And Live Entertainment?
- Which Is Best For Shopping?
- Which Is Best For Food?
- Which Is Best For Families?
- Which Is Best For Couples?
- Which Is Best For Backpackers?
- Which Is Cheapest?
- Where To Stay According To Your Budget
- Cuba vs Puerto Rico: Which Is Better?
Wandering Our World’s Ten-Second Comparison:
A Quick Overview Of Cuba vs Puerto Rico
Cuba: A Quick Overview
Cuba is an island nation, made up of the main island of Cuba, as well as the large island of Isla de la Juventud, and thousands of smaller islands and cays in the surrounding area. It’s situated at the spot where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and it’s the second most populous country in the Caribbean, with a population of approximately 11 million.
The history of Cuba goes back thousands of years, with indigenous people living here as far back as the 4th millennium BC. But everything changed when Spanish settlers came in the 15th century, colonizing the island and ruling over it for several centuries, building cities like Havana in the process.
Eventually, in 1902, Cuba became independent. It’s had some tumultuous times since then, but has also emerged as a popular touristic destination for many people around the globe. Lots of travelers are drawn to the country’s capital, Havana, in particular, because of its attractive Spanish Colonial architecture and long list of landmarks.
As well as Havana, Cuba has much more to offer to tourists, from its diverse beaches to its lively nightlife scene, fantastic annual festivals and firework displays, and rich range of outdoor activities. So, whether you’re interested in history, entertainment, hiking, cycling, sunbathing, or something different, you can find it all here.
Puerto Rico: A Quick Overview
Puerto Rico, which means “Rich Port” in Spanish, is a Caribbean island which is classed as both a Commonwealth and unincorporated territory of the U.S. It’s situated in the northeast Caribbean Sea, east of Cuba and around 1,000 miles from the U.S. mainland. It’s made up of the main island and a range of smaller islands, with a population of around 3.2 million.
Like Cuba, Puerto Rico was home to many indigenous people for thousands of years, before Spanish settlers arrived in the 16th century, forming various towns and cities, like San Juan, which would go on to become the island’s capital and most populous city, as well as its main touristic center.
At the end of the 19th century, with the conclusion of the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory, and citizenship was granted to all of its inhabitants in 1917. This makes it very easy for Americans to travel to and from Puerto Rico, especially compared to Cuba, which requires travelers to apply for and obtain visas before they arrive.
Puerto Rico has a strong economy compared to many other islands around the Caribbean, and tourism plays a big part in that. Many travelers flock to this island to enjoy its scenic sights, tour its historic “Castillos,” and explore its spectacular natural spaces, like the picturesque El Yunque National Forest and Camuy River Cave Park.
Which Is Best For Activities?
There’s a lot to do in both Cuba and Puerto Rico. Of course, given that Cuba is around 12 times larger than Puerto Rico, it’s naturally got more to explore and enjoy, making it a better pick for long stays. However, Puerto Rico also offers many interesting activities and attractions. Let’s take a look at the best things to do on these islands.
Cuba: The Activities
The first thing most people want to do upon arrival in Cuba is visit Havana. Indeed, the Cuban capital often ranks as a “bucket list” destination, thanks to its intriguing history and alluring aesthetics. It’s a city quite unlike any other, said by many to be “stuck in the past” with its pretty colonial buildings, vintage cars, and iconic landmarks dating back to the Cuban Revolution.
In terms of what to do in Havana, the list is long. There are lots of amazing buildings here, like the National Capitol, dating back to the 1920s, as well as the decorative Grand Theater. Historic Old Havana is where you’ll find the prettiest sights, things to and there are many grand plazas, fortresses, castles, statues, and multiple museums to learn about Cuban culture and history.
But there’s much more to Cuba than its capital. There are many more interesting cities and towns to explore, like historic Trinidad, home to some of the island’s best examples of colonial architecture, as well as Santiago de Cuba, where you can get in touch with Afro-Cuban culture and enjoy exciting festivals and live music performances.
Or, if you get tired of urban excitement and want to see some of Cuba’s natural side, you can take your pick from multiple majestic green spaces, like the 1.5 million acre Zapata Swamp – one of the world’s best bird-watching hotspots – or hiking havens like Vinales National Park and shimmering waters of Hanabanilla Lake.
Puerto Rico: The Activities
Just like how many visitors to Cuba flock straight to Havana, lots of people who go to Puerto Rico are eager to see the island’s biggest and best city: San Juan. There, you can enjoy brightly-colored colonial buildings in the Old Town, admire stunning churches and cathedrals, people-watch in the plazas, or visit historic coastal forts like El Morro and La Fortaleza
San Juan is also a super city to dive into Puerto Rican culture and history. There are many excellent museums here, like the Las Americas Museum, housed in an amazing old building once used as military barracks, or the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, home to a fabulous collection of artworks created by local artists dating back to the 17th century.
Beyond the capital, Puerto Rico is also an awesome place for outdoor recreation. There are some stunning natural spaces here where you can enjoy truly one-of-a-kind experiences, like Mosquito Bay, which is illuminated in an otherworldly blue glow in the evenings, due to the bioluminescent plankton that call the bay home.
Alternatively, outdoor adventurers might like to island hop to places like Culebrita to spot pelicans and turtles, or visit the El Yunque tropical rainforest for hiking. For something even more thrilling, you could try zip lining at Toroverde or cave diving at Camuy River Cave Park, the third-biggest cave system on the planet.
Overall, there’s much to do and enjoy in both of these charming Caribbean destinations. Both offer equally impressive outdoor recreation opportunities, with lots of super places to hike, cycle, climb, kayak, and more, but Cuba is a bit more diverse and dynamic in terms of cities and towns, with bigger urban centers and a livelier, more colorful atmosphere.
Which Is Best For Beaches?
The Caribbean is known around the world as one of the best places for beaches and seaside fun. The islands here have some of the whitest, softest sands on earth, along with lots of sunshine and warm waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and more. Cuba and Puerto Rico are no exception, but which is best for beach fun?
Well, given that Cuba is bigger, it obviously has a much longer coastline and bigger, broader selection of beaches to see. The diversity here is second-to-none. You can find family-friendly spots with gentle waters, like Varadero, which runs on and on for over 10 miles, as well as paradise postcard scenes, like Playa Pilar, often ranked as the prettiest beach in all of Cuba.
Thanks to the size of the island, it’s also easy to find more secluded spots for romantic moments, like Playa Paraiso and Cayo Jutias, as well as absolutely world-class diving and snorkeling sites in areas like Bahia de Cochinos, Punta Frances, and Guardalavaca – whether you’re seeking exotic fish or sunken shipwrecks, it’s all here.
Despite being smaller than Cuba, Puerto Rico has close to 300 beaches, giving visitors plenty of options. From cozy, secluded coves for couples to vast stretches of sugar-like sand and crystal clear waters, there are many amazing coastal scenes to discover here, like the sunbathing spot of La Playuela or the surfing haven of Domes.
Flamenco Beach is another Puerto Rican gem, with the whitest sands and most wonderful views. Or, you could hit up the natural playground of Crash Boat, perfect for everything from swimming to snorkeling, diving, and even fishing, or visit prime snorkeling spots like Combate Beach and Cayo Icacos.
Overall, both islands are up there among the very best beach destinations in the Caribbean, and both offer a great range of sandy spots for all sorts of activities. Cuba gives you more options and is the better choice for snorkeling and scuba diving, but Puerto Rico still has many gorgeous beaches of its own to suit all tastes and ages.
Which Is Best For Nightlife And Live Entertainment?
There’s lots to enjoy in the daytime in Cuba and Puerto Rico, and the fun continues into the night. Cuba, for example, has no shortage of thrilling clubs and bars where you can dance, party, and drink the night away. Fun and festivity are huge parts of the culture here, with lots of dancing and live music night and day, especially in Havana.
Puerto Ricans also love to dance and have fun, with this island contributing greatly to Latin American music and dance over the years. You can easily find plenty of buzzing bars and cool dance clubs dotted across San Juan and Ponce, along with lively street festivals and carnival celebrations throughout the year.
Overall, both islands have super nightlife scenes and provide easy access to live entertainment, like musical concerts and more. However, with its bigger population and more bustling cities, Cuba’s nightlife scene is a little deeper and more energetic than Puerto Rico’s, with a wider selection of party hubs and dance clubs.
Which Is Best For Shopping?
For shopaholics, Puerto Rico is a fantastic destination. San Juan, in particular, is a shopper’s haven, with the biggest shopping mall in all of the Caribbean region: the Plaza Las Americas. This place has over 300 stores, along with restaurants and entertainment. There’s also the massive Mall of San Juan, and lots of quirky stores dotted around Old San Juan, too.
You can also find multiple markets in Puerto Rico offering up a mixture of fresh produce, crafts, clothing, homeware, and more. Then, there are Puerto Rico’s many outlets, with cut-price items from big chain brands. Even though prices here are generally higher than in Cuba, there’s a lot more to buy and hundreds of stores to see.
In contrast, Cuba’s shopping scene isn’t particularly special. In fact, it’s notable for the lack of stores and recognizable brands. Visitors here may be surprised by the absence of chain stores from other parts of the world. Instead, your shopping experiences will mainly be limited to simple markets or souvenir stores selling Che Guevara shirts, bottles of rum, and wooden crafts.
Overall, Cuba is fun for buying some eclectic souvenirs and gifts, but Puerto Rico is definitely the better place to shop, with way more stores and options.
Which Is Best For Food?
Food is another highlight of visiting either Cuba or Puerto Rico, with flavorful Caribbean dishes on every menu. If you head to Cuba, you’ll most likely want to try some of the country’s classics, like ropa vieja (stewed beef) or arroz y frijoles negros (rice and black beans). Cuban sandwiches are delicious, too, and many bars serve colorful cocktails made with local rum.
Over in Puerto Rico, you’ll also find a great range of traditional dishes, many of which center around seafood and fish. Deep-fried snapper and barbecued fish are always popular, along with other dishes, like mofongo and pasteles. You can also spot American fast food joints and other global restaurant chains dotted around Puerto Rico for burgers, pizzas, and more.
In general, there’s no clear winner here, as it all depends on what food you like best. Cuba is amazing for people who want to try traditional cooking and flavors they’re not used to, as well as meals you can’t really find anywhere else on earth. The prices are also super low. Puerto Rico is perfect for seafood fans, while also offering a little more variety compared to Cuba.
Which Is Best For Families?
For families, Cuba and Puerto Rico are both terrific destinations to consider. They’ve both got dozens of family-friendly beaches, along with awesome seafront resorts and friendly locals waiting to welcome you to their home. But which one is best for parents and kids to have the time of their lives?
Well, if you opt for Puerto Rico, you can have tons of fun in the great outdoors. This is a premier location for active families who like to hike, cycle, trek, and explore nature together. Plus, the weather tends to be really warm all-year long, making it easy to have fun in the sun. There are also some cool family attractions, like Arecibo Historical Park, as well as the old Spanish forts.
Over in Cuba, families are sure to adore the irresistible allures of Havana’s touristic center and historic buildings. There are also many outdoor adventure activities for adrenaline addicts, like canopy tours and ziplines, as well as horse riding, wildlife watching, kitesurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Overall, it’s tough to pick a winner. Puerto Rico is more accessible and arguably better-suited to families with little ones, with plenty of kid-friendly amenities and attractions. However, Cuba has a more diverse array of activities and is perhaps better for those with teens or more adventurous spirits, thanks to its unbeatable snorkeling, diving, and quirky, characterful cities
Which Is Best For Couples?
Couples, too, can find much to love about Cuba and Puerto Rico. You and your partner might enjoy strolling down the main streets of Havana, for example, admiring the vintage cars or strolling hand-in-hand along the romantic Malecon seafront promenade. However, there is a grittier side to this island which may be off-putting to some.
Puerto Rico is certainly a cleaner and more commercialized destination, with fancier resorts and all the amenities that go along with its strong economy. You’ll find plenty of romantic, cozy beaches here to relax with your partner, as well as some lovely historic buildings to visit and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like the bioluminescence of Mosquito Bay.
Overall, Cuba may have more going on, but Puerto Rico is easier to recommend to couples. It’s got an awesome shopping scene, great hotels, and lots of charming green spaces where you and your partner can simply marvel at the miracles of the natural world together.
Which Is Best For Backpackers?
Many backpackers dream of visiting Cuba at least once in their lives, and it’s easy to see why. This island nation is truly unique, not only because of its distinctive political status, but also the look and feel of the place, and the lifestyles of its people. It’s affordable for backpackers on tight budgets, and there’s much to see and do across its many cities and natural areas.
A great way to backpack in Cuba is to stay at “casa particulares,” or local homes. This allows you to live side-by-side with Cubans and learn all about them. There are also so many enriching and exciting cultural experiences, like dance classes and rum distillery tours. However, there are some downsides, like unreliable internet access and long travel times across the island.
In Puerto Rico, there are also some problems for backpackers, like higher prices and fewer things to do. However, you can still have a memorable and magical experience here, touring around places like Old San Juan or hopping to surrounding islands. It’s also a dream destination for backpackers who love nature, with so many super hiking spots.
Another big benefit of Puerto Rico is that pretty much everybody you encounter will speak English, which is great when you want to ask for directions or chat with the locals. Plus, since the island is much smaller than Cuba, it’s faster and easier to get about and see all the places you want to see with minimal hassle.
Overall then, the best backpacking spot depends on your tastes. You’ll most likely have the more moving and intriguing experiences in Cuba, but you’ll find Puerto Rico much simpler to get to and get around.
Which Is Cheapest?
Of course, cost is another big factor to take into account when you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean islands. Prices can vary massively from one island to the next, and many people want to find the best value for money or discover destinations that allow them to indulge and enjoy their time without having to spend huge amounts.
Well, if you want to save money, Cuba’s the place to be. It’s much cheaper than Puerto Rico on the whole. For example, average prices for accommodation and food in Havana are a fraction of those in San Juan, making it much easier to tour Cuba and have lots of interesting experiences on a tight budget.
Where To Stay According To Your Budget
Puerto Rico
Budget: La Jamaca, Puerto Rico, captivates with its mesmerizing beauty. Serene turquoise waters gently kiss powdery white sands, framed by lush tropical foliage. Sunlight dances on the surface, casting a golden glow, while gentle breezes carry the sweet scent of blooming flowers, creating an idyllic paradise for the soul.
Luxury: Royal Isabela, Puerto Rico, enchants with its breathtaking beauty. Perched atop rugged cliffs, the resort overlooks pristine beaches kissed by azure waves. Lush greenery cascades down cliffsides, framing panoramic ocean vistas. A symphony of birdsong fills the air, blending with the soothing sound of crashing waves, creating an unforgettable retreat.
Cuba vs Puerto Rico: Which Is Better?
Overall, it’s quite tricky to choose between Puerto Rico and Cuba, as they both have such wonderful cultures, attractive scenery, friendly people, and interesting histories. Despite being so different in so many ways, they share a lot of appealing characteristics, like their breathtaking beaches, fantastic food, and electrifying entertainment.
Of the two, Puerto Rico is slightly easier to recommend to most travelers, so it just about edges the win in this comparison. Since it’s a U.S. territory, it’s way easier to get to for American travelers, and its strong economy helps to keep this place clean, safe, and pleasant all around, with well-preserved historic buildings and sprawling natural expanses for outdoor adventures.
At the same time, Cuba is absolutely worth considering if you’re looking for something a little different. If you’re willing to overlook the rougher edges of this place, its treasures are clear to see. The entertainment and nightlife scenes are amazing, Havana is unlike anywhere else, and there are so many spectacular beaches, too.
The post Cuba vs Puerto Rico: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose appeared first on Wandering our World.
