Whether you’re visiting because Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show piqued your interest or just for the great weather, there’s no bad reason to visit Puerto Rico.
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The tropical island is a hard-to-beat destination for Americans for many reasons. First, you don’t need a passport to visit. Second, you can find actual hidden gems like Culebra. Third, the list of tours available in large cities cover a range of must-sees, from bioluminescent kayak tours to colonial history deep dives.
But there is a catch.
Puerto Rico’s tourism industry is growing at a quick rate. That means that tourist traps are multiplying, along with business ventures that don’t actually benefit locals or the destination. Airbnbs, unsurprisingly, are right in the center of overtourism questions—like whether short-term rentals actual benefit communities.
The bad news: There’s no straightforward answer when it comes to responsible tourism in places like Puerto Rico. You need to do some research before you making your bookings to avoid money grabs and subpar experiences.
The good news: I’ve rounded up Airbnbs in Puerto Rico that are hosted by Boricuas. You can book them with the knowledge that you’re investing in good tourism, and also giving yourself a top-notch experience by linking up with residents. After all, local Airbnb hosts know where to find the good stuff, from hidden beaches to great restaurants to artisanal shops.
Disclaimer: Airbnb doesn’t have a filter for locally owned Airbnbs (as far as I know). I’ve identified Boricua-owned Airbnbs by first creating a filter for listings in Spanish, then verifying each host to make sure they live in Puerto Rico.
From there, I read host profiles. Boricuas are proud, so they aren’t shy about telling you a bit about where they’re from and why their listing is special. If there’s a massive Puerto Rican flag hanging from the balcony, that’s also a solid sign.
Airbnbs in Puerto Rico with Boricua flair
House in the Clouds (Utuado)
Stay high above the misty clouds at this three-bedroom cottage. It’s a classic Puerto Rican country house—one that runs on generators and has two water tanks, giving you a digital detox-style stay. The panoramic mountain views are truly unspoiled. Despite the natural wonders, you’re only 15 minutes from downtown Utuado where you can do your shopping.
The Hidden Cabin (Utuado)
Go rustic in this 20×10 foot cabin. It comes with two queen-sized beds, along with three inflatable mattresses—you can fit the whole family. The views are impressive, giving you a vantage over the mountains and Utuado below in the valley. The real coup is the ‘music of nature’ that other guests have raved about. If you miss rural living and its natural charms, don’t skip Utuado.
Rural Retreat House (Juan Gonzalez)
This mountain cottage is also rural, except it’s surrounded by lush jungle. This rental comes with two bedrooms and is located on the first floor of a three-floor rental unit. It’s ideal for travelers who want to hike through the mountains, then kick back and enjoy views over a wine or coffee. Just know that it gets cold at this spot in winter, so bring your coat or book during summer.
Le Sirenuse #1 (Ponce)
This one-bedroom rental is located right on the Caribbean coast in the town of Ponce on Puerto Rico’s southern coast. It’s location is ideal for anyone who enjoys hearing the waves lap against the sand. There’s also a balcony that juts out over the beach. Relaxation is a theme throughout the property, making this great for beach-lovers who also want a romantic escape.
Shades of Blue (Aguadilla)
With its colorful design and location right on Pena Blanca Beach, Shades of Blue is a lovely little casita that delivers on Puerto Rican flair. The casita also has a bespoke tub, which overlooks the sea, and air conditioning in the bedroom and living room. Just know that this Airbnb is a guest house that’s part of the host’s main residence, meaning you have the choice of asking for recommendations. I’ve also had great luck making friends with hosts by bringing a small gift from my home town.
Montecito (Jayuya)
If you’re looking for a cottage that’s a bit more upscale, this two-bedroom option has modern amenities and comforts. For example, there’s a smart TV and great Wi-Fi. There’s plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the mountain views, too, from the balcony to the fire pit.
La Moca House (Limaní)
This rustic farm stay lets you see the inner workings of a coffee plantation. The two-bedroom treehouse is surrounded by nature, meaning you’ll sleep with opened windows and a mosquito net. But you do have a shower, smart TV, regular toilet, and tons of outdoor space to relax and enjoy the views.
Aires del Campo (Hayales)
This gorgeous studio cottage has a large king-sized bed and a climate-controlled pool outside, making it perfect for romantic escapes. There’s also a large outdoor grilling area and sitting area where you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains. You can also choose packages upon arrival that come with balloons, champagne, and/or rose petals.
Papipa’s Little House (Cabo Rojo)
With a garden that opens onto the sandy beach, this rental is perfect for those who want to maximize their time in the waves. It’s got a full kitchen and upscale features throughout, which pair well with the traditional casita design. The rental is located in the town of El Combate, which slows down during the week before turning into a lively spot over the weekends.
A Little Piece of Heaven (Lajas)
A large balcony with couches, hammocks, and swing-chairs overlooks a lush beach—need I say more? This two-bedroom cottage has plenty of space to enjoy the sea breeze and views, along with enough queen-sized beds to sleep six. Just know that this is still a rustic cottage setup. You need to climb 60-ish stairs to reach the cottage, which doesn’t have hot water. The Wi-Fi is very basic. Go here to drop off the map.
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