Just an hour west of San Juan lies Arecibo, a historic coastal town where life moves to the rhythm of the ocean and community ties run deep. With its laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and rainforest adventures like cliff-jumping at Las Paylas, Arecibo offers a weekend escape that’s equal parts thrilling and restorative. Locals embrace the outdoors, savor fresh seafood caught daily, and celebrate life with traditions like “chinchorreo”—a lively bar crawl of sorts through roadside eateries serving up mofongo, pasteles, and crispy ceti. Arecibo also happens to be the home of Eric Maldonado, President of the newest Caribbean office, Coldwell Banker Puerto Rico. His partner Mike Azimi shares with us, “Puerto Rico is a breathtakingly beautiful and multifaceted landscape, rich with potential.” He continues, “While its complexities pose a significant barrier to entry, they also create an outsized opportunity for seasoned investors with patient capital and the vision, resilience, and expertise to navigate its unique challenges and unlock extraordinary value.”

For travelers and real estate seekers alike, Puerto Rico presents a rare blend of accessibility and authenticity. U.S. citizens can buy property without international red tape, and the island’s diverse regions—from the colonial charm of Old San Juan to the sun-soaked beaches of the west and the cultural richness of the mountains—offer something for every lifestyle. Based on a personal visit a few years ago, I can also attest to the joyful celebrations and beautiful spirit of the people of Puerto Rico. How about an entire pig roast to “practice” for the upcoming Christmas holiday, weeks in advance? Any excuse to get together with family and friends, enjoy great food, and at the right time of year – a bit of coquito. If you’re drawn by the ocean views, the vibrant nightlife, or the warmth of the people, Puerto Rico invites you to discover a life that feels both adventurous and deeply rooted.

Where do you live? I was born in New York, but my family moved to Arecibo, Puerto Rico, when I was 8 years old. I grew up working in our family’s supermarket and feel the town’s deep-rooted traditions really shaped who I am today.  I still live there and drive into and around San Juan for business.

What is the perfect weekend day like? Arecibo is one of the oldest and largest cities in Puerto Rico, with a lot of history and charm. It’s about an hour west of the San Juan (on the island’s North Coast). The town is truly laid back and weekends are all about being outside.  Most families head to the beach during the day or might venture to Las Paylas in the rainforest and explore the waterfalls, natural waterslides, and cliff jumping. Imagine being in the rainforest and sliding down 30 feet of rock into 5 feet of cool water!

In the evening, it gets a little more lively – you can go somewhere casual to eat or head to a nightclub for some live music and dancing. But what I love most about Arecibo is the strong sense of community—people truly care about where they come from. And the food? Amazing. It’s a coastal town, so you can still catch fresh fish that same morning.  I definitely recommend you try our local delicacy ceti’ – typically friend and eaten whole – or our famous pasteles, which are like tamales, but better!

What are the common modes of transportation there? Most people use a car; public transportation is limited.

Tell us about the foods your area is known for. Fresh seafood and typical plates of rice and beans, mofongos (a Puerto Rican dish made from mashed plantains), and a great variety of custom plates.

What is your favourite meal, at home or at a restaurant? The freshest seafood from the Atlantic Ocean! I live directly in front of the ocean, so we are accustomed to the best quality of fresh fish, like queen snapper, red snapper, tunas, and of course, the delicious lobster.

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region and why? Puerto Rico has a great variety of places to vacation. It will depend on your preference. If you like nightlife, then San Juan, our capital, will be your place. A must when visiting our island will be to visit Old San Juan where you can get a feeling of Spanish culture with its beautiful colonial architecture and excellent Spanish cuisine.  If you like the sun and beautiful beaches you should head to the west and experience the true beauty of a tropical island. If you want to see the culture of Puerto Rico and get to know the warmth of our people, you can head to the mountains and enjoy a total adventure of Puerto Rican culture.

What is your favourite recreational or leisure time activity? I live on the coast for a reason! I love the beach and boating, if you are going to live on an island you should have a view of the water.

Is there a specialty your area is known for? Our beaches are truly stunning, and the foundation of our tourism and our economy is built on their beauty.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: Puerto Rican culture is super interesting. People here love to party and enjoy the island. There are a lot of holidays on the island and if you are here you will be amazed how the people go out to the beaches and enjoy what they call the “Chinchorreo” (it refers to a popular tradition of hopping from one small bar or eatery to another, sampling local food and drinks, particularly those serving seafood and traditional Puerto Rican dishes).

If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why? Definitely Miami! I love the beach, the warm weather, and the Latin culture—it honestly feels like an extension of Puerto Rico. Same tropical vibe, same family values, and that hardworking spirit of people chasing their American Dream while staying true to their roots. I’d feel right at home there, and it’s a place where I know I could keep growing.

Territory Summary:

Puerto Rico is a beautiful Caribbean Island with a unique mic of culture, history, and opportunity. We’re known for tourism, but we’re also growing fast in finance, healthcare, and real estate. As a U.S. territory, it’s easy for investors and businesses to operate here, and we keep our strong Latin roots and traditions. Plus, Act 60—the Puerto Rico Incentives Code—offers huge tax benefits for people and businesses that relocate, which is attracting entrepreneurs from all over. It’s a place where culture, history, and economic growth really come together.

Key Facts:

Population: 3,235,289

Language(s) Spoken: Spanish and English

Climate: Tropical

Currency: USD

Industry Facts:

Types of Architecture: Mixture Colonial and Modern

Average Sale price: $280,000

Average years in house/apt: 10 years

Instagram: @coldwellbankerpuertorico