Puerto Rico has long been a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, rich colonial history, and vibrant culture. However, the island’s tourism industry is evolving, and a new kind of tourism is emerging. • Sustainable Tourism

• Agrotourism

• Local Experiences

• Responsible Travel

These concepts are increasingly becoming a part of the island’s tourism strategy, with many local tourism leaders aiming to promote a more environmentally friendly and culturally rich experience for visitors. Agriculture-based tourism, also known as agrotourism, is becoming an increasingly popular way for visitors to engage with Puerto Rico’s natural environment.

For example, Ingrid Rivas, owner of Hacienda Tahiti Verde, offers visitors a chance to stay in one of her rustic cottages, enjoy farm-to-table meals, and learn about sustainable agriculture practices. Rivas’ farm is located in the southwest Cabo Rojo region, where she grows dragon fruits and ornamental plants. “We are committed to creating a farm that not only produces food but also nurtures people and the land for future generations,” Rivas said. Rivas’ story is one of resilience, as her farm faced significant challenges in the past, including a devastating drought in 2015 and a hurricane in 2017. Despite these setbacks, Rivas is now thriving, and her farm is a model for sustainable agriculture in Puerto Rico. Another example of agrotourism in Puerto Rico is Ricardo Caraballo’s beekeeping tours. Caraballo, a tour guide in Puerto Rico, offers visitors a chance to learn about beekeeping and gastronomy, and to try homemade dishes made with local honey. Caraballo’s priority is to educate his guests about the importance of bees in pollination and the impact of their activities on the environment. “We want to educate (visitors) about the importance of bees in pollination and the impact on the ecosystem for maintaining sustainability in flora and fauna,” Caraballo said. As many popular destinations grapple with the effects of over-tourism, Puerto Rico is no exception. However, the island’s agro-tourism activities offer a welcome respite from the crowds and an opportunity to learn about the essence of Boricua culture. The Green Path

Discover Puerto, a marketing organization tasked with promoting the island, recently launched The Green Path, a new microsite that aims to encourage visitors to become certified “Responsible Travelers” through engaging educational content and immersive storytelling focused on sustainability. • Discover Puerto

• The Green Path

• Responsible Travel

The Green Path invites travelers to embark on a personalized digital journey aligned with their travel values and learn best practices for eco-conscious exploration across the island. According to officials with Discover Puerto Rico, The Green Path was designed to reduce overcrowding, encourage exploration beyond the most visited regions, and inspire longer stays, aiming to drive consistent occupancy and ensure the benefits of tourism are shared more evenly across the island. “This project is about creating a more balanced and thoughtful approach to tourism,” said Glorianna Yamín, vice president of marketing at Discover Puerto Rico. “By spotlighting diverse regions and responsible travel opportunities, we aim to extend the benefits of tourism across the Island – supporting local economies, preserving our heritage, and protecting our environment.”

Tourism Economy is Booming

Puerto Rico hit a whopping $1.95 billion in lodging revenue in 2024, a sign that the island continues to be a popular choice for many travelers. However, recent travel trends indicate that travelers are now seeking places that foster deep connections with local cultures and environments. According to Discover Puerto’s marketing data, 2025 has already witnessed a noticeable shift toward eco-friendly accommodations and activities, such as snorkeling, that minimize environmental impact. As Rivas’ property has expanded to agrotourism, she welcomes more visitors to her property, where she cooks farm-to-table dishes from fresh produce and shares her journey with her guests. “Education is at the heart of our mission,” Rivas said. “We aim to inspire younger generations by demonstrating that success is achievable when they learn and work with the land. At the same time, we strive to educate people of all ages about different crops, farming methods, and sustainable practices.”

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The Rise of Agrotourism in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s tourism industry is experiencing a significant shift towards sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. One area of focus is agrotourism, which combines agriculture and tourism to promote local food systems, environmental conservation, and community engagement. Agricultural tourism offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the island’s natural environment and learn about sustainable agriculture practices. This can include:

1. Visiting farms, gardens, and orchards to learn about local produce and farming methods
2. Participating in farm-to-table meals and workshops to learn about sustainable agriculture and cooking
3. Staying in eco-lodges and rural accommodations to experience rural life and connect with the local community

Ingrid Rivas, owner of Hacienda Tahiti Verde, is a pioneer in this movement. Her farm in the southwest Cabo Rojo region specializes in growing dragon fruits and ornamental plants. Rivas is committed to sustainable agriculture and maintains zero waste. Visitors to her farm can stay in rustic cottages, enjoy farm-to-table meals, and learn about sustainable agriculture practices. Rivas’ story is one of resilience, as her farm faced significant challenges in the past, including a devastating drought in 2015 and a hurricane in 2017. Despite these setbacks, Rivas is now thriving, and her farm is a model for sustainable agriculture in Puerto Rico. Another example of agrotourism in Puerto Rico is Ricardo Caraballo’s beekeeping tours. Caraballo, a tour guide in Puerto Rico, offers visitors a chance to learn about beekeeping and gastronomy, and to try homemade dishes made with local honey. Caraballo’s priority is to educate his guests about the importance of bees in pollination and the impact of their activities on the environment. “We want to educate (visitors) about the importance of bees in pollination and the impact on the ecosystem for maintaining sustainability in flora and fauna,” Caraballo said. As many popular destinations grapple with the effects of over-tourism, Puerto Rico is no exception. However, the island’s agro-tourism activities offer a welcome respite from the crowds and an opportunity to learn about the essence of Boricua culture. Agrotourism is a growing trend in the tourism industry, and Puerto Rico is at the forefront of this movement. By promoting sustainable agriculture practices and community engagement, agrotourism has the potential to create a more balanced and thoughtful approach to tourism.

“This project is about creating a more balanced and thoughtful approach to tourism,” said Glorianna Yamín, vice president of marketing at Discover Puerto Rico. “By spotlighting diverse regions and responsible travel opportunities, we aim to extend the benefits of tourism across the Island – supporting local economies, preserving our heritage, and protecting our environment.”

The Green Path

Discover Puerto, a marketing organization tasked with promoting the island, recently launched The Green Path, a new microsite that aims to encourage visitors to become certified “Responsible Travelers” through engaging educational content and immersive storytelling focused on sustainability. • Discover Puerto

• The Green Path

• Responsible Travel

The Green Path invites travelers to embark on a personalized digital journey aligned with their travel values and learn best practices for eco-conscious exploration across the island. The Green Path was designed to reduce overcrowding, encourage exploration beyond the most visited regions, and inspire longer stays, aiming to drive consistent occupancy and ensure the benefits of tourism are shared more evenly across the island. By spotlighting diverse regions and responsible travel opportunities, Discover Puerto aims to extend the benefits of tourism across the Island – supporting local economies, preserving our heritage, and protecting our environment.

Tourism Economy is Booming

Puerto Rico hit a whopping $1.95 billion in lodging revenue in 2024, a sign that the island continues to be a popular choice for many travelers. However, recent travel trends indicate that travelers are now seeking places that foster deep connections with local cultures and environments. According to Discover Puerto’s marketing data, 2025 has already witnessed a noticeable shift toward eco-friendly accommodations and activities, such as snorkeling, that minimize environmental impact. As Rivas’ property has expanded to agrotourism, she welcomes more visitors to her property, where she cooks farm-to-table dishes from fresh produce and shares her journey with her guests. “Education is at the heart of our mission,” Rivas said. “We aim to inspire younger generations by demonstrating that success is achievable when they learn and work with the land. At the same time, we strive to educate people of all ages about different crops, farming methods, and sustainable practices.”

A Sustainable Future

As Puerto Rico continues to evolve as a tourist destination, the focus on sustainable tourism and agrotourism is likely to grow. The island’s tourism industry is already experiencing a shift towards eco-friendly practices, and it’s likely that this trend will continue. The Green Path and other initiatives aim to promote sustainable tourism practices and encourage visitors to become more responsible travelers. By supporting local economies, preserving heritage sites, and protecting the environment, Puerto Rico can create a more sustainable future for its tourism industry. In conclusion, Puerto Rico is a destination that is committed to sustainability and responsible tourism practices. The island’s agrotourism activities offer a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the natural environment and learn about sustainable agriculture practices. The Green Path and other initiatives aim to promote sustainable tourism practices and encourage visitors to become more responsible travelers. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that Puerto Rico will become a leader in sustainable tourism and agrotourism. The island’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices will ensure that its tourism industry remains a positive force for the environment and the local community. A new kind of tourism is emerging in Puerto Rico, one that is focused on sustainability, local culture, and community engagement. This emerging trend is likely to shape the island’s tourism industry in the years to come, and it’s an opportunity for visitors to experience the beauty and charm of Puerto Rico in a more sustainable and responsible way.