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Top Things To Do
Offering a wide variety of landscapes, activities, atmosphere, and attractions, Puerto Rico is the kind of place that guarantees to keep everyone happy. Whether you feel like relaxing under the sun on its idyllic Caribbean beaches with a cocktail in your hand, or putting your hiking boots on to go explore its natural gems, there are so many holidays packed in one single destination.
Get transported by the vibrant pace and unmissable heritage of San Juan, or head inland to taste the freshest cup of coffee whilst admiring the mountains. Enjoy some exciting shopping spree or escape to the simpler life and peaceful atmosphere of Culebra and Vieques. Explore the incredible beauty of the archipelago’s many dive sites and bioluminescent bays or have a game at one of its 21 world-class golf courses.
EL YUNQUE NATIONAL RAINFOREST
A 45 minutes-drive from San Juan towards the eastern coast of Puerto Rico takes you to this 28,000 acres-large gem of natural beauty. Take a day to explore the forest through its hiking trails for a chance to encounter rare species of birds and trees, in thick verdant surroundings dominated by peaks reaching up to 3000 feet.
PARQUES DE LAS CAVERNAS DEL RIO
Take an 80 minutes-drive west of San Juan to reach what has been designated as the “First Natural Delight of Puerto”, the world’s third largest underground cave network, through which the Rio Camuy runs. Take a tour of the caves and experience the jaw-dropping sight of its impressive rock formations, estimated to be around 45 million years old, and the stunning Empalme Sinkhole.
GUAJATACA
Take a hike and explore the many sights that compose this quiet coastal destination featuring a river, beach, old railway tunnel, as well as a natural infinity pool. A relaxed scenic walk to be enjoyed by the whole family.
PINONES
Take a 15mn drive East of San Juan to enjoy a slice of authentic Puerto Rican life in this beach-side town. Rent a bike and explore the area, enjoy the warm crystalline waters, or make your way through all the delicious local snacks on offer.
COFFEE PRODUCTION
The production of coffee beans is a long standing tradition of the island that has gained it a reputation with worldwide connoisseurs and amateurs.
CABO ROJO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Yet another haven of stunning nature, Cabo Rojo offers hiking and biking trails taking visitors through a variety of landscapes ranging from striking salt-pans, postcard-like beaches, dry forests, and mangroves.
ARECIBO OBSERVATORY
The second largest radio telescope in the world is found in the Arecibo mountains, on the northwestern end of Puerto Rico’s main island. Inaugurated in 1963, the observatory has played a decisive role in the experimentation and development of radio astronomy, space sciences and planetary studies - a role that led it to be featured in two Hollywood movies (Contact, GoldenEye).
LAS CABEZAS DE SAN JUAN
Stretching over 434 acres, this nature reserve composed of various ecosystems provides an opportunity to witness the natural phenomenon of bioluminescent bays at the park’s beautiful Laguna Grande, the second brightest one in the world. Explore the dry forests, mangroves,
LAJAS & LA PARGUERA
For a more rural experience, head to the town of Lajas on the western end of the island, driving through scenic valleys and sweet pineapple fields, and explore the nature reserve located in the seaside village of La Parguera. There you can snorkel, dive the La Parguera Wall, or kayak through the mangroves, and discover the rich ecosystems that compose this stunning reserve.
FARO DE LOS MORRILLOS
Standing proud on a 200 feet high limestone cliff, this lighthouse was built by the Spaniards in the late 19th century andis one of the most visited local landmarks for the amazing 360o views it offers. Whilst visiting the lighthouse, take the opportunity to explore the area and other stunning local landmarks such as the Morrillos cliffs and the Puente de Piedra.
CUEVA DEL INDIO & SIETE ARCOS
Head to the northern coast to explore this picturesque site which was used as a set for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Siete Arcos (Seven Arches) is an impressive sight of natural strength and beauty, whilst the Cueva del Indio (Indian’s Cave) is an archeological gem with Taíno petroglyphs dating back to the 15th century and earlier.
LA CORDILLERA NATURE RESERVE
This group of cays and islets is a natural gem filled with fine white sand and colourful nature, offering stunning spots to explore, relax, and snorkel, such as the Palominito Island which was featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
SAN GERMAN
Puerto Rico’s second oldest town offers the charms of Spanish colonial architecture and cobble-stoned streets, with some historic landmarks, such as the Porta Coeli, one of the western hemisphere’s oldest churches.
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OLD SAN JUAN & SAN JUAN
SAN JUAN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Dominating the San Juan Bay, these 500 years-old fortifications are regarded as one of the most impressive sights in Puerto Rico, and have been granted the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing the forts of San Cristóbal, San Felipe del Morro, and San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo), as well as the city walls.
CASTILLO DE SAN CRISTOBAL
Spread over 27 acres on the eastern side of the San Juan islet, the New World’s largest fortification was built by the Spaniards between 1634 and 1790 to guard the area against enemy attacks by land.
PARQUE LUIS MUNOZ RIVERA
Dedicated to one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic political figures, the park is a 27 acres-large haven mixing nature, heritage, and architecture.
CATHEDRAL SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Historic San Juan Bautista is the Americas’ second oldest cathedral as well as being Puerto Rico’s very first school. It is also the site where rest the remains of Juan Ponce de Leon.
LA VENTATA AL MAR
Located in the vibrant and trendy spot that is Condado, this park provides a breath of exotic air in the midst of the city, with verdant surroundings and beautiful vistas of the sea, accessible from the adjacent Condado beach.
LA FORTALEZA
Puerto Rico’s very first fortification is also the New World’s first executive mansion, and a UNESCO World Heritage SIte. The site is part of the San Juan National Historic Site and is the Governor of Puerto Rico’s residence.
PASEO DE LA PRINCESA
A great way to take in Old San Juan’s most scenic sights is to wander this walkway dating back from 1853, where history and modern culture attract both locals and tourists who come to enjoy a picturesque stroll or some local cuisine in one of the exciting restaurants on offer.
CASA BLANCA MUSEUM
San Juan’s very first fortification was built in 1521 and was destined to be the home of Juan Ponce de Leon. Although the governor died before its completion, his family moved into the building, which then house the Spanish army, followed by leaders of the American army.
FORTIN DE SAN GERONIMO BOQUERON
Although visitors are not permitted to enter the historical site, it is observable from the paseo and can be reached via the Caribe Hilton, entering from the Paseo Caribe and Dos Hermanos corner.
CASA BACARDI
The famous distillery offers a variety of tours taking you through the journey of their produce from sugar cane to bottle, as well as the history of rum-making in Puerto Rico. Tastings and mixology-focused tours are also available.
MUSEO DE ARTE E HISTORIA
This bright yellow landmark located on Norzagaray Street houses regularly updated art exhibits and events, and is home to a farmers market every Saturday.
CASTILLO SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO
Harmonising history, architecture and stunning coastal views, it’s no wonder this UNESCO site is one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic and visited sites. During the colonial era, the 16th century citadel was regarded as the New World’s strongest defense position, having only been defeated in 1598, by land.
PASEO DEL MORRO
Starting at the San Juan Gate, this scenic promenade takes visitors along the historic walls guarding the old town, whilst offering stunning views of the San Juan Bay and Isla de Cabras. Make the experience even more memorable by taking a sunset walk!
RAICES FOUNTAIN
Located on Paseo de la Princesa, the “fountain of roots” immortalises the Puerto Rican heritage through a sculpture symbolically representing its Taino, African, and Spanish ancestors.
CUARTEL DE BALLAJA
This cultural centre, now home to a dance school and the Museo de las Americas, was built between 1854 and 1864 to house the Spanish soldiers and their families.
SAN JUAN BOTANICAL GARDEN
Spread over 289 acres, the gardens were originally created as wildlife observation point for scientific research. More than a haven for local flora and fauna, the centre also offers conferences, workshops and tours, destined to raise awareness about issues and threats revolving around wildlife, and has an extensive Library of Federal Forest Service that researchers can access by appointment.
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vieques
FORTIN CONDE DE MIRASOL
The Americas’ last Spanish fort was built on Vieques between 1845 and 1855, and is now a cultural centre dedicated to immortalising the island’s history. The site has retained its beautiful colonial architecture, and visitors can also take a close at the cannons that once contributed to defending the island.
PUERTO MOSQUITO
A trip to Puerto Rico would not be complete without a nocturnal visit to one of its magical bioluminescent bays, and especially to the World’s brightest one, found on the eastern coast of Vieques.
MILITARY BUNKERS
Concealed by earth and grass, this abandoned site located on the western end of the island was once used by the US Army as weapon storage units.
PARQUE ECOLOGICO COSTERO LA CEIBA
On the Northwestern coast of the island is this popular park where both locals and visitors come to admire the star of the show: a three centuries-old ceiba tree around which the park was created.
LAGUNA KIANI
Nature lovers will enjoy taking a stroll around this protected mangrove that is home to one of the island’s bioluminescent sites. Although visitors aren’t able to experience the wonderful phenomenon due to the park’s opening hours and restrictions, the local wildlife and beautiful bird and mangrove species make it all worthwhile.
VIEQUES CONSERVATION TRUST
Founded in 1985, this non-for-profit organisation aims to preserve and educate visitors and locals about the natural and cultural assets of Vieques, through exhibits, lectures, workshops, and multimedia activities destined to both adults and children.
FARO PUNTA MULAS
Built in 1895 by Don Juan Puig Cerber, this beautiful lighthouse stands north from the island’s main town of Isabel Segunda. Restored in 1992, the building now houses a small museum showcasing the local heritage and wildlife, whilst still treating visitors to stunning vistas of the surrounding area.
PLAYA GRANDE SUGAR PLANTATION
On the Southwestern coast of the island lay the ruins of one of the sites that once played a major part in Vieques’ economy. Closed in the 1940’s, the site can be visited by pre-arranged guided tour with the Esperanza Conservation Trust Museum, or by simply taking a self-guided wander around the old ruins.
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OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
CULEBRA
Much like Vieques, Culebra is a small and tranquil haven of peace where visitors come to relax and enjoy activities centred around the island’s natural beauty, whether it’s a lazy day on a dreamy beach, a scenic hike in the verdant hills, or a dive in the colourful marine world that surrounds the coast.
ISLA DESECHEO
Located 13 miles off the western coast of the archipelago’s main island, Desecheo is a wildlife reserve where visitors are strictly forbidden to set foot, for it contains unexploded military munitions. However, some operators offer snorkeling tours to the stunning reefs that surround the island, with clear waters boasting a visibility of up to 200 feet deep.
ISLA CAJA DE MUERTOS
Located off the southern coast of Puerto Rico’s main island, this Nature Reserve is a haven for hiking enthusiasts who will enjoy exploring the untouched islet that is home to endangered species of turtles, birds, and marine life.
ISLA DE MONA
Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Caribbean for its rugged, untouched beauty, the archipelago’s third largest island is also a protected ecological reserve with endangered wildlife and dramatic topography - a mainly flat plateau surrounded by 130 feet-high white cliffs.
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WATERSPORTS
DESECHEO ISLAND
No less than 24 diving sites can be found around this small oceanic island located 9 miles off Puerto Rico’s western coast. Located within a National Wildlife Refuge, the dives around Desecheo offer a great visibility (around a 100 feet) with flourishing marine life and rocky bottoms sloping down to 120 feet, and is regarded by many as Puerto Rico’s diving highlight.
HUMACAO
Found off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, this site offers no less than 35 dives to enjoy within a 5 miles radius, and features a variety of tunnels, caves and overhangs as well as a two miles-long healthy reef where dolphins can be spotted in the Spring.
VIEQUES
The island’s best diving spots can be found off its southern shore, in shallow reefs ranging from 40 to 60 feet where thriving coral and marine life in almost untouched conditions can be observed, such as in Angel Reef, Blue Tang Reef, and Patti’s Reef.
MONA ISLAND
Located 50 miles west from the coast, Mona is where divers will find Puerto Rico’s cleanest waters, offering a great visibility (more than 200 feet at times) to spot and observe the 270 different species recorded in the area. A variety of reefs, underwater caverns and walls can be explored around the island, and larger species such as dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and marlins can be spotted during the migration season.
LA CORDILLERA RESERVE
Take a tour to this group of small islands located off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, and which features a diversity of dives offering mini-walls, caverns, as well as stunning reefs boasting various colourful species of coral. Local wildlife includes octopuses, barracuda, and manatees.
FISHING
Puerto Rico’s world-class marinas and diverse fishing destinations gained it to be the host to some of the Caribbean’s most prestigious fishing tournaments, so needless to say that, if fishing is your thing, you’re definitely in for a treat!
LA PARGUERA WALL
An impressive site located off the southwestern end of Puerto Rico island, where a continental shelf drop-off offers a series of highly scenic dives, popular with underwater photographers.
CULEBRA
Located off the eastern coast of the main island, Culebra is a great destination for shallow diving and snorkeling, with two of its cays being open to the public. The island counts no less than 50 diving sites, ranging from a depth of 10 to 50 feet and offering a visibility of 80 feet. Divers will enjoy an abundant marine life in diverse surroundings featuring tunnels, caves, a shipwreck, as well as deep water drop-offs.
KAYAKING
Whether you’re interested in joining a tour with one of the many operators or exploring on your own, kayaking is a great way to discover some of the island’s most stunning natural gems, such as its magical bioluminescent bays, remote mountain lakes, lush mangrove forests and nature reserves.
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GOLF
PUNTA BORINQUEN GOLF COURSE
This 18-hole par-72 course in Aguadilla was Puerto Rico’s first public golf course as well as President Eisenhower’s favourite. Located at the top of a cliff, it stretches over 6,633 yards and offers dramatic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.
RIO BAYAMON GOLF COURSE
Designed by the local municipality in an effort to restore the local flora, through reforestation and control of the river basin’s erosion, this 18-hole course is the first public golf course to have been opened in the metropolitan area, and is located a 20 minutes-drive away from the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport.
EL CONQUISTADOR GOLF CLUB
Located in Fajardo, this 18-hole par-72 course was awarded the M&C Gold Tee Award and is set on 6,746 yards of outstanding nature, treating players to not only stunning vistas, but also chances to spot some local wildlife such as iguanas and mongooses.
ROYAL ISABELA GOLF CLUB
Enjoy more scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean at this picturesque 18-hole par-72 course located in 6,181 acres of nature reserve in Isabela. A real treat for nature and golf lovers.
BAHIA BEACH & RESORT GOLF CLUB
This 18-hole par-71 course is acclaimed for being set in surroundings of outstanding natural beauty, and was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr as a pledge to preserve and protect the local wildlife, by ensuring that the site receives the highest level of care and attention at all time.
COSTA CARIBE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Set between the dramatic Central Mountain and the idyllic Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico’s only island green is a 27-hole par-72 featuring man-made lakes and scenic ocean-front holes, and offers 6,937 yards of natural beauty.
DORADO BEACH GOLF CLUB
Three historic courses to be enjoyed at Laurance Rockefeller’s famous luxury resort: each 18-hole and par-72 course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and offers its own level of difficulty.
COCO BEACH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Voted as one of the Caribbean’s top ten courses by Golfweek Magazine, this set of two scenic 18-hole par-72 courses is also home to the Caribbean’s only official PGA Tour event, the PR Open.
CLUB DEPORTIVO DEL OESTE
This 18-hole par-71 course overlooking the Caribbean Sea is cleverly positioned next to a variety of family-friendly amenities including a pool, tennis court, bars and restaurants to keep everyone happy.
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