Discover Puerto Rico launches “The Beat of Puerto Rico” with Maestro Cucco Peña
Discover Puerto Rico today announced the official launch of The Beat of Puerto Rico, an innovative, interactive digital tool designed to showcase the Island’s rich musical heritage as part of its strategy to promote music as a key tourism draw. The project was developed in collaboration with Maestro Ángel “Cucco” Peña, a Puerto Rican music icon.
Starting today, The Beat of Puerto Rico is available in the Music & Dance section of discoverpuertorico.com. The interactive platform simulates a digital music mixer, allowing users to explore, mix, and customize seven genres that are emblematic of or closely tied to the Island: salsa, bomba, plena, trova, merengue, Latin jazz, and reggaetón. Visitors can adjust instrument volumes, change tempo and pitch, and create unique mixes that capture the vibrant musical essence of Puerto Rico—all while learning about the history of each genre and where to experience it live on the Island.
With this launch, Discover Puerto Rico becomes the first Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) to integrate an educational and interactive music tool of this kind directly into its website. This experience supports the DMO’s commitment to immersive cultural content, aligned with emerging trends in experiential tourism.
The project is further elevated by the collaboration with Ángel “Cucco” Peña, one of the most influential musicians and producers in the Spanish-speaking world. Renowned as an arranger, composer, and music director, Cucco has worked with iconic artists such as Marc Anthony, Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, Olga Tañón, Ricky Martin, and Gilberto Santa Rosa. His genre-spanning work has earned him numerous accolades, including a Latin Grammy, and he has been honored by academic institutions for his cultural impact. To bring this project to life, over 45 Puerto Rican musicians and vocalists came together to create the original recordings featured in the music mixer.
“Puerto Rico is known around the world for its incredible musical contributions. Our rhythms are our best calling card and one of our most iconic cultural assets. Discover Puerto Rico’s music mixer is an innovative and entertaining tool that uses the rhythms that make us unique to invite the world to explore Puerto Rico’s cultural richness,” said Ángel “Cucco” Peña.
To celebrate the launch, Discover Puerto Rico will host a special free event on Sunday, July 13 at Distrito T-Mobile, starting at 3:00 p.m., where Cucco Peña will perform the original compositions created for the platform live. A full band will accompany him in an immersive performance that blends Puerto Rico’s musical traditions with a contemporary vision.
“This project is truly special to us, as it allows us to continue showcasing Puerto Rican music in an innovative and interactive way. We know today’s travelers value immersive experiences, and we’re confident that The Beat of Puerto Rico will be a hit,” said Dalissa Zeda, Discover Puerto Rico’s Director of Digital Marketing.
This initiative is part of Discover Puerto Rico’s broader marketing strategy to position the Island as a world-class music destination, leveraging the summer concert season as a launching point and complementing the overall destination promotion efforts. Beyond its natural beauty and gastronomy, Puerto Rico is the birthplace of music genres that have shaped global music history and home to a constellation of iconic artists.
The Beat of Puerto Rico seeks to amplify this legacy by connecting with a new generation of travelers who value cultural authenticity. It also reinforces the DMO’s commitment to cultural tourism and local talent promotion. In addition to educating users about the Island’s musical heritage, this tool strengthens Puerto Rico’s positioning as a place to experience music, from concerts and festivals to live cultural events.