Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island with an amazing amount of history, culture, and natural beauty. The island has been occupied by humans since 12,000 BCE and has a rich colonial heritage dating back to the Taíno Indians who inhabited the island before the arrival of Europeans in 1493. At just over 100 miles wide and 35 miles long, Puerto Rico is too small to do everything in one trip but big enough that you can see many different parts of it during your visit. Also, we advise you to book excursions in Puerto Rico with professional local guides. Or else, you can experience the beauty of Puerto Rico at your own pace with a car rental.
Here are some of our favorite things to see:
Old San Juan
Old San Juan is the historic district of Puerto Rico, located at the city’s seaward entrance. The oldest part of the city, with narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings dating back to Spanish colonial times, Old San Juan was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.
It’s a great place to visit for sightseeing or shopping; there are many shops selling souvenirs and various crafts along Calle Fortaleza (Fortress Street), which leads straight into Plaza de Armas (“Armour Square”), where you can find some historical monuments such as El Morro Castle or La Fortaleza (Government House).
The area also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like swimming at beaches like Isla Verde Beach Park or taking boat tours around El Morro Island or Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.
Santurce
Santurce is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Puerto Rico, with a mix of Afro-Caribbean and European influences that give it a unique flavor. It’s also home to some of the best nightlife on the island, so if you’re looking for an exciting place where locals go out, this is it!
You can find plenty of restaurants serving up delicious dishes like paella or mofongo (fried plantains), as well as shops selling everything from jewelry to art pieces created by local artists. There are also several dance clubs where you can enjoy live salsa music until dawn–or later if you’re feeling extra energetic!
Vieques
Vieques is an island off the east coast of Puerto Rico, known for its beaches and scuba diving. There are many opportunities for hiking, as well as restaurants, bars and shops.
Playa Flamenco
Playa Flamenco is an ideal beach for those who want to spend their time in quiet solitude. The water is clear and calm, making it a great place for snorkeling or swimming. There are several restaurants within walking distance of the beach that serve delicious seafood dishes at reasonable prices!
Balneario de Carolina
The Balneario de Carolina is a small, secluded beach town on the southern coast of Puerto Rico. It has a long stretch of white sand and calm waters that make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The area is known for its seafood restaurants and hotels, resorts and vacation rentals.
Mosquito Bay
Mosquito Bay is a mangrove estuary located in the municipality of Ponce, Puerto Rico. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the island, as well as a protected area and a Ramsar wetland site.
The bay has been used for centuries by locals for fishing and seafood processing purposes, but it wasn’t until 1892 when its potential as an ecotourism destination was realized when Mr. Antonio Morales opened its first hotel near what today is known as Playa de Matilde.
El Yunque Rainforest
El Yunque is a tropical rainforest that covers about 28,000 acres in eastern Puerto Rico. The forest is part of the United States National Forest System and has been designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. El Yunque also contains numerous endangered species, including the Puerto Rican parrot and coqui frog (the “coqui” being its Spanish name).
If you’re looking for something different from beaches or historical buildings, this may be the perfect place to visit!
The Rio Camuy Cave Park
The Rio Camuy Cave Park is a park in Puerto Rico with a river, caves and underground river. The park has a very large cave system that is still being explored. It’s located in the municipality of Camuy on the north coast of Puerto Rico, close to Arecibo and Aguadilla.
The Rio Camuy Cave Park was established in 1969 when it became part of the National Park System as “El Parque Nacional Cavernas del Rios Camuy”. To date there have been more than 15 miles (24 kilometers) of surveyed passages within this massive underground labyrinth which includes many different types of geological formations like stalactites and stalagmites.
There are two entrances into this unique formation: one at Rancho La Retama; another at Kilometer 3 on Highway #2 between Arecibo & Cabo Rojo (La Parguera).
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and are inspired to visit Puerto Rico! It’s an amazing place with so much to see and do, so don’t miss out on any of it.
