Puerto Rico is a beautiful Caribbean island renowned for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. If you are looking for a slice of paradise, this is it.
If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful country, here are some of our top recommendations for things to do in Puerto Rico.
Visit Old San Juan
Old San Juan is the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico and is known for its colorful colonial-era architecture.
In our opinion, the best way to take in the town is on a self-guided walking tour.
Be sure to visit trendy Fortaleza Street, better known as Umbrella Street. The street is covered with vibrantly colored umbrellas that draw you to the plentiful shops, restaurants, and bars that line the street.
From Umbrella Street, make your way to Paseo de la Princesa, a beautiful tree-lined promenade lined with fountains and stunning views of San Juan Bay. The artisan markets along Calle San Jose are the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts.
Hike Through El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is located in northeastern Puerto Rico. It is a beautiful, unique destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The forest offers trails of varying difficulty levels, ranging from easy, family-friendly hikes to challenging, strenuous treks.
El Yungue is known for its lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views. The scenery is breathtaking, regardless of the trail you choose.
Check weather conditions before you embark on your hike. El Yunque is a tropical rainforest, so expect rain, humidity, and high temperatures.
Experience A Bioluminescent Bay
There are three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico: Laguna Grande in Fajardo, La Parguera in Lajas, and Mosquito Bay in Vieques.
The bays have high concentrations of microscopic plankton that emit a bright blue-green glow when disturbed, creating a beautiful and otherworldly effect.
Our favorite is Mosquito Bay, which is considered the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. It is a popular destination for nighttime kayaking tours - an experience not to be missed when traveling to Puerto Rico.
The best time to visit the bay is during the new moon phase when there is little to no natural light.
Castillo San Felipe Del Morro
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, located on a peninsula overlooking the ocean, is a historic fortress in San Juan that dates back to 1584.
The views are spectacular but note that the fortress is in an open area with little shade. Sunscreen and water are a must! The fortress has a lot of stairs and uneven terrain, so wear comfortable shoes when you visit.
There is a lot of history surrounding the fortress so we highly recommend taking a guided tour. It gave us a good understanding of the fortress and its significance.
Mona Island
Mona Island is located off the western shore of Puerto Rico. It is an excellent destination for scuba diving, hiking, and wildlife watching. The island offers rich marine life and is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.
Only 100 people can visit Mona Island at a time to preserve the island's ecosystem. There are several designated camping areas but you must obtain a permit. The incredibly clear night sky is perfect for stargazing and is definitely worth an overnight stay on the island.
Visit A Coffee Plantation
Small-scale coffee farms are scattered throughout the island's central mountain range. Many farms are family owned and operated, and the coffee is typically grown using traditional, sustainable farming practices.
The high-quality Arabica coffee beans produced here make visiting an authentic hacienda a must. If you're visiting Old San Juan, Hacienda Muñoz is a quick 30-minute drive into the hills. The walking tour runs through coffee growing from planting to roasting, with coffee tasting to end the trip.
Explore the Rio Camuy Caves
The Rio Camuy Cave Park, located in Puerto Rico’s northwestern region, covers an area of over 268 acres. It is one of the largest cave systems in the world.
The caves were formed over millions of years by the Camuy River, which has carved deep channels and underground chambers through the limestone bedrock.
In our opinion, this is an unmissable attraction. The unique geological formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, and the diverse ecosystem are fascinating.
Visit The Isle Of Enchantment
The Isle of Enchantment is a fitting moniker for Puerto Rico. Rich in culture, ancient architecture, and mesmerizing natural wonders, Puerto Rico is a top-tier travel destination.
If kayaking, surfing, and zip lining are not for you, the island offers a vibrant nightlife scene of bars, clubs, and beach parties.
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