Puerto Rico is giving Miss Universe contestants a taste of island life before the competition officially begins. From exploring local traditions to experiencing the island’s famous hospitality, several international beauty queens are discovering that there is much more to Puerto Rico than its beautiful beaches.
The cultural visit, taking place October 6 through October 9, brings together 17 international contestants and Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2026, Jennifer Barreto, for a special experience celebrating the island’s history, cuisine, natural attractions, and people.
© Gobierno de Puerto RicoOne of the memorable moments came when Miss Universe Costa Rica, Mariale Acosta, met Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón at La Fortaleza, the historic governor’s residence in Old San Juan.
The meeting marked the conclusion of Acosta’s 48-hour cultural experience and offered a glimpse of how Puerto Rico is welcoming international contestants ahead of the 75th Miss Universe competition.
© Puerto Rico Tourism CompanyMiss Universe Costa Rica Meets Governor Jenniffer González Colón
For Miss Universe Costa Rica Mariale Acosta, the trip to Puerto Rico included an official reception at La Fortaleza, one of the island’s most recognizable historic landmarks.
According to Costa Rican newspaper La Nación, Acosta concluded her two-day visit with a meeting with Governor Jenniffer González Colón, sharing photographs and reflections about the experience on social media.
The beauty queen expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to explore Puerto Rico through the government-backed tourism initiative, Descubriendo La Isla (Discovering the Island).
Acosta described Puerto Rico as a beautiful destination rich in culture and filled with joyful people. She also expressed pride in representing Costa Rica during the visit.
Her stop at La Fortaleza brought together two important aspects of the experience: cultural discovery and an official welcome from Puerto Rico’s leadership.
Which Miss Universe 2026 Contestants Are Visiting Puerto Rico?
The island welcomed contestants representing 17 countries and territories as part of a tourism initiative organized by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
The visiting delegates represent Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela.
Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2026, Jennifer Barreto, joined the group as the 18th participant, taking on the role of local host.
© Gobierno de Puerto RicoRather than focusing exclusively on rehearsals, interviews, and competition preparations, the contestants have an opportunity to connect with Puerto Rican culture in a more personal setting.
Each international delegate was assigned a local host to guide her through experiences highlighting Puerto Rico’s history, cuisine, nature, and traditions. The visit also gives the contestants an opportunity to develop friendships before they return to the island for the main competition in November.
Puerto Rico’s Culture Takes Center Stage Before Miss Universe 2026
For Puerto Rico, hosting Miss Universe is about more than welcoming contestants to an international beauty competition. The government is using the event to introduce the island’s cultural identity to audiences around the world.
Through the October visit, contestants have been invited to experience the traditions, food, history, and hospitality that make Puerto Rico a distinctive Caribbean destination.
© Puerto Rico Tourism CompanyWillianette Robles Cancel, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, explained that the initiative aims to show the delegates the variety of experiences available on the island.
The goal is for contestants to return to their home countries with meaningful memories while sharing their experiences with international followers.
With delegates representing countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada, the initiative offers Puerto Rico a chance to reach travelers who may be discovering the destination through their favorite beauty queens.
© Puerto Rico Tourism CompanyThe cultural exchange also gives contestants a different perspective on their host destination before the competitive portion of Miss Universe begins.
Jennifer Barreto Welcomes Her Fellow Beauty Queens to Puerto Rico
Miss Universe Puerto Rico Jennifer Barreto has a particularly exciting assignment ahead of the international competition. As the host delegate, Barreto is helping introduce her fellow contestants to the destination she will represent on the Miss Universe stage.
On October 7, Barreto welcomed the visiting group as contestants began participating in activities across the island.
For the Puerto Rican beauty queen, the experience provides an opportunity to showcase her homeland while building connections with women from different cultural backgrounds.
© Josian Bruno / Wapa DigitalIt also allows international contestants to see Puerto Rico through the perspective of someone who calls the island home.
The gathering offers fans an early look at the personalities and friendships that could become part of the Miss Universe 2026 story.
When and Where Will Miss Universe 2026 Take Place?
The 75th Miss Universe competition is scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico, with the grand finale set for November 24, 2026. The event will be held at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, popularly known as El Choliseo.
The competition marks the return of Miss Universe to Puerto Rico after more than two decades.
Puerto Rico has a strong history in the international pageant, having produced five Miss Universe winners, including Dayanara Torres, Denise Quiñones, and Zuleyka Rivera.
This year's celebration is expected to combine the excitement of international pageantry with Puerto Rico's cultural heritage and tourism attractions.
