Discover Puerto Rico’s Agrotourism: Sustainable Travel Beyond the Beaches for a Greener Future

Published on July 20, 2025

Famed for its breathtaking beaches, lively culture, and colonial history, Puerto Rico is expanding its offerings to promote its off-the-beaten-path natural beauty. The new movement of agrotourism is transforming how visitors see Puerto Rico. As the island welcomes an influx of tourists, a new movement focusing on agrotourism is redefining the way visitors see Puerto Rico. From isolated bee farms in the mountainous heartland of the island to thriving dragon fruit fields in Cabo Rojo, agrotourism provides a welcome respite from the overcrowded tourist meccas. This type of tourism exposes visitors to the culture of the island while also encouraging environmental sustainability and community-led effort.

Famed for its breathtaking beaches, lively culture, and colonial history, Puerto Rico is expanding its offerings to promote its off-the-beaten-path natural beauty. The new movement of agrotourism is transforming how visitors see Puerto Rico. As the island welcomes an influx of tourists, a new movement focusing on agrotourism is redefining the way visitors see Puerto Rico. From isolated bee farms in the mountainous heartland of the island to thriving dragon fruit fields in Cabo Rojo, agrotourism provides a welcome respite from the overcrowded tourist meccas. This type of tourism exposes visitors to the culture of the island while also encouraging environmental sustainability and community-led effort.

The Rise of Agrotourism in Puerto Rico

In recent years, Puerto Rico has seen a substantial rise in ecotourism, with visitors opting for experiences that leave a minimal carbon footprint. Agrotourism, which combines agricultural practices with tourism, is at the forefront of this shift. The initiative aligns perfectly with the growing global demand for sustainable travel, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience life on the island beyond its popular tourist spots.

Local farmers and entrepreneurs have been at the heart of this agrotourism movement, offering visitors an opportunity to stay on farms, learn about sustainable agricultural practices, and experience life as it was for the island’s original inhabitants. By focusing on eco-friendly farming methods, these farms also promote the regeneration of natural resources and the cultivation of organic crops.

Farm Experiences: From Dragon Fruit to Beekeeping

In Puerto Rico’s southwest Cabo Rojo region, for example, visitors can find themselves on a 25-acre farm, where regenerative agriculture is practiced with a focus on sustainable, organic methods. Dragon fruit and ornamental plants are cultivated here, and visitors can learn about the environmental benefits of these crops while staying in rustic cottages on the farm. These eco-lodgings offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery, allowing guests to reconnect with nature.

Further inland, in the rural mountains of Yauco, another unique agrotourism experience awaits. Here, tourists can explore the intricacies of beekeeping at a local farm that specializes in honey production. Guests are educated about the vital role bees play in pollination and their impact on both agriculture and the ecosystem. These tours provide not only insights into the delicate balance of nature but also offer a taste of local gastronomy, with homemade dishes made using honey harvested from the farm.

Both farms emphasize the importance of sustainability and community engagement, with a mission to preserve the land and culture for future generations. Visitors are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices in their own lives, inspired by the farm’s commitment to zero waste and its regenerative approach to farming.

Sustainability: A Core Element of Puerto Rico’s Tourism Vision

The Puerto Rican government, alongside local tourism boards, has recognized the need for responsible tourism. In response to concerns over overcrowding in major tourist hubs like San Juan, efforts have been made to promote lesser-known areas of the island and educate travelers about the importance of sustainable practices. One such initiative is The Green Path, an educational program designed by Discover Puerto Rico to encourage responsible travel. This microsite offers a curated selection of eco-friendly travel options across the island, including sustainable accommodations and activities that have a minimal environmental impact.

The Green Path aims to reduce the strain on Puerto Rico’s most visited areas by encouraging tourists to explore off-the-beaten-path regions. In doing so, it also helps distribute the economic benefits of tourism more evenly across the island, ensuring that all local communities, especially those in rural areas, can benefit from increased tourism.

Agrotourism as a Tool for Community Building

Agrotourism not only provides a boost to the island’s economy but also plays an important role in community building. Through collaborations with local farmers and entrepreneurs, tourists can engage directly with Puerto Rican culture. These experiences emphasize the island’s agricultural roots and provide a platform for visitors to understand and appreciate local traditions, foods, and practices.

By visiting farms and participating in hands-on activities, tourists gain insight into the hard work and dedication of local farmers. Additionally, many of these farms prioritize employing locals, ensuring that the surrounding community also benefits from the tourism influx. This model helps support small businesses while encouraging sustainable farming methods that are beneficial to the environment.

The Economic Impact of Sustainable Tourism

Puerto Rico’s tourism economy continues to boom, with $1.95 billion in lodging revenue recorded in 2024. This surge is a testament to the island’s growing popularity as a travel destination. However, as more travelers seek to reduce their environmental footprint, the demand for sustainable tourism options is rising.

Agrotourism provides an opportunity for Puerto Rico to capitalize on this shift while preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage. In 2025, the focus is on offering eco-friendly accommodations and low-impact activities, including hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the island’s rural landscapes. These experiences allow tourists to connect with the land while minimizing their environmental impact.

The Future of Agrotourism in Puerto Rico

Going forward, agrotourism in Puerto Rico is set to expand. As an increasing number of people are looking for authentic ways to be close to nature and to engage with local communities when they go on holiday, the island’s countryside will be vital in driving the future of tourism. With its emphasis on sustainability and community support, Puerto Rico is providing a leading example for other destinations globally.

For tourists, the appeal of agrotourism is obvious: rest, education, and connection in one, with the promise of leaving an imprint for good—on a traveler and the land they are visiting.

References: Discover Puerto Rico, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Agrotourism