Puerto Rico, one of the most interesting countries in the Caribbean region, attracts many tourists with its excellent beaches, surfing spots, and mountainous landscapes.
Puerto Rico is an island located in the eastern part of the Greater Antilles, which is a freely associated state of the United States. The island’s unique cultural heritage is a blend of Spanish, African, and Taíno Indian traditions. Its tropical climate is pleasant year-round, ideal for exploration and relaxation.
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Best places in Puerto Rico
San Juan
Puerto Rico’s capital and cultural center is one of the oldest European-founded cities in the Caribbean region. The historic Old San Juan district, founded in 1521, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its beautiful colonial architecture and colorful buildings.
The city’s most imposing attraction is El Morro fortress, a 16th-century Spanish fortification that guards the entrance to San Juan Bay. From the 42-meter-high fortress, there are breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s panorama. The other significant fortification is San Cristóbal, which defended the city against attacks from the mainland.
Old San Juan’s streets, like the famous blue cobblestone-covered Calle del Cristo, are filled with charming galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Casa Blanca, the former residence of Columbus’s grandson, now serves as a museum. The Paseo de la Princesa, the picturesque promenade along the city walls, is especially romantic at sunset. La Fortaleza, the governor’s palace, is also under UNESCO protection and still serves official functions today.
El Yunque National Forest
The United States’ only tropical rainforest is located in eastern Puerto Rico and is one of the Caribbean region’s most valuable natural treasures. The 11,000-hectare national park boasts incredibly rich biodiversity.
The park is home to more than 240 tree species, 50 orchid species, and countless special animal species, including the coquí, a frog species that lives only in Puerto Rico and is known for its distinctive sound. The rainforest has more than 20 hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes.
The park’s most famous attractions are the stunning waterfalls. La Mina waterfall is an easily accessible 10-meter waterfall with a natural pool at its base, perfect for swimming. Juan Diego waterfall is higher and more beautiful. From the Yokahú Tower, there’s a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Culebra Island
Located 27 kilometers from Puerto Rico’s eastern shores, this small island boasts one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Flamenco Beach’s white coral sand and crystal-clear turquoise water are so stunning that it frequently appears on lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
The island is a nature reserve, so development is limited, which has preserved its original, untouched beauty. The Culebra National Wildlife Reserve is home to rare bird species, including the brown pelican and other seabirds. The island’s shores are surrounded by coral reefs, which offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
Besides Flamenco Beach, it’s worth exploring Zoni Beach, which is quieter and less crowded. The island can be reached by ferry or small plane, and visitors can explore it by bicycle or golf cart.
Mar Chiquita Beach
Located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, near Manatí, it is one of the most unique beaches on the island.
The beach is famous for its crescent-shaped cove, surrounded by natural limestone cliffs. These rocks protect the coastline from the strong waves of the Atlantic Ocean, making the water calmer and ideal for swimming or relaxing. The beach’s golden sand, turquoise waters, and contrasting rock formations create a spectacular setting.
Although it is a popular meeting place for locals, Mar Chiquita has retained its natural, less crowded atmosphere. It is an ideal choice for those who want a unique and photogenic beach experience in Puerto Rico, away from the bustling cities.
Vieques Island
Puerto Rico’s largest satellite island is both a historical and natural wonder. Two-thirds of the island was previously occupied by a U.S. Navy base, but it was returned to nature conservation in 2003, creating the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.
The island’s most special attraction is Mosquito Bay, the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. Microscopic dinoflagellates living in the water emit blue-green light when disturbed, especially on dark, moonless nights.
Among the island’s beaches, Sun Bay stands out – a wide, crescent-shaped beach lined with palm trees. Red Beach and Blue Beach are also stunning, while Secret Beach, despite its name, is easily accessible and perfect for relaxation. The wild horses that roam freely on the island create a special atmosphere.
Luquillo Beach
The gem of Puerto Rico’s northern coastline, often called „La Capital del Sol” (the capital of the sun) due to its almost constant sunshine. This nearly two-kilometer-long, crescent-shaped beach is especially popular with families.
The beach is lined with coconut palms, and the coral reef running along the shore protects it from stronger wave action, so the water is usually calm and safe. The beach has excellent infrastructure: showers, changing rooms, dining places, and lifeguards ensure comfortable sunbathing and swimming.
Near Luquillo Beach is the famous row of „kiosks” – small eateries where you can taste local specialties. Here you can try alcapurrias (fried sweet potato fritters), bacalaítos (salted codfish fritters), and other Puerto Rican delicacies. The beach is also an ideal starting point for exploring El Yunque National Forest.
Ponce
Puerto Rico’s second-largest city is called „La Perla del Sur” (the Pearl of the South). The city is famous for its beautiful colonial and neoclassical architecture, especially in the historic downtown area.
The heart of the city is Plaza Las Delicias, where the iconic Ponce Cathedral and the famous firehouse, Parque de Bombas, are located. This black-and-red striped building dates from 1882 and now operates as a museum. Casa Armstrong-Poventud, a beautiful 19th-century villa, now serves as city hall.
Ponce’s artistic life is also outstanding. The Museo de Arte de Ponce boasts one of Latin America’s most significant art collections, with works by European and Puerto Rican artists. Castillo Serrallés, a castle built in the 1930s, is now a museum and event venue, offering wonderful views of the city and the sea. The nearby Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center preserves the memory of Taíno culture.
Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy
Located in northern Puerto Rico, this stunning cave system is one of the world’s largest underground river networks. The Camuy caves were formed in limestone as a result of the Camuy River’s work over millions of years.
The cave system counts more than 220 explored caves, of which the Cueva Clara de Empalme, open to the public, is particularly magnificent. The cave chamber, 45 meters high and 65 meters long, is so imposing that an entire cathedral could fit inside it. Million-year-old stalactites hang from the cave’s ceiling, while stalagmites rise from the floor.
The park organizes guided tours where visitors can explore several different caves. The Tres Pueblos cave contains the world’s third-largest underground chamber. The caves are inhabited by special bat species, and visitors can observe these special mammals in their natural habitat. The park’s educational center features interactive exhibits showing the cave formation process.
Gilligan’s Island
Located near Guánica, this tiny islet surrounded by coral reefs is known to locals as Cayo Aurora. The island was named after the famous American sitcom, although filming never actually took place here.
The island is only a few hectares in size, but its crystal-clear water and white sandy shores make it a paradise for snorkelers and nature lovers. The coral reef surrounding it is home to rich marine life: visitors can swim among colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays.
The island can only be reached by boat, which departs regularly from the nearby harbor. There’s no infrastructure on the island, so it’s worth bringing everything you might need. The shallow, calm water makes it an ideal place for family excursions. The area is part of the Guánica Dry Forest Reserve, which boasts a unique ecosystem.
Mayagüez
The center of Puerto Rico’s western coastline is known as the „Sultan del Oeste” (Sultan of the West). The city’s rich history dates back to the 18th century when it was an important commercial center.
The heart of the city is the beautiful Plaza Colón, where a statue of Christopher Columbus stands. The square is surrounded by beautiful colonial-style buildings, including the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria cathedral and Teatro Yagüez, a neoclassical theater built in 1909 that still operates today.
Nearby is the Zoológico de Mayagüez, Puerto Rico’s only zoo, which specializes particularly in tropical animal species. The city’s port plays an important role in the island’s commercial life, and ferries to nearby Mona Island depart from here. The mangrove forests around Mayagüez Bay are home to rich marine life and provide an excellent venue for kayaking and birdwatching.
Arecibo Observatory Memorial Site
Located in Puerto Rico’s central highlands, this was once one of the world’s largest and most important radio telescopes, which collapsed in 2020. The observatory, which operated for 57 years, played a role in significant scientific discoveries, including the discovery of the first exoplanets.
Today, the former observatory site serves as a memorial where visitors can learn about the facility’s history and the research conducted there. The Angel Ramos Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and scientific demonstrations that showcase the world of space research and astronomy.
The site is located in a beautiful natural environment, in the middle of the tropical highlands. Visitors can hike in the surrounding forests and discover the area’s rich flora and fauna. In addition to learning about the observatory’s history, visitors can gain insight into modern scientific research methods and results.
Cueva Ventana
Located near Arecibo, this breathtaking cave’s name means „window cave”. The cave’s specialty is that a natural „window” opens from it, offering a wonderful view of the Rio Grande de Arecibo valley.
During the 45-minute guided tour, visitors can explore the cave’s interior, where special stalactite formations and underground lakes can be found. The tour’s highlight is the moment when visitors reach the cave’s „window”, from which there’s a view of the valley, river, and mangrove forests from 300 meters high.
The cave also has great archaeological significance, as it contains Taíno Indian petroglyphs that are several hundred years old. The surrounding area boasts rich natural values: more than 100 bird species live here, including rare and endemic species. Visitors often see herons, vultures, and other birds of prey circling above the valley.
Toro Verde Adventure Park
Located in Puerto Rico’s central highlands, near Orocovis, this adventure park boasts one of the world’s longest ziplines. The zipline called „Monster” is nearly 2.5 kilometers long and runs 300 meters above the valley.
The park has a total of eight different zipline courses offering different difficulty levels. Visitors can glide over the tropical forest at speeds of up to 150 km/h while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Its specialty is that it must be completed in a lying position, as if flying.
The adventure park offers not only zipline courses but also suspension bridges and climbing walls. The park also serves ecotourism purposes, showcasing the values of the local ecosystem and the importance of nature conservation.
