Nestled throughout the coronary heart of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a very gorgeous island. With an iconic shoreline, centuries of historical past and a heap of waterfalls – you’ll be spoilt for alternative with all of the epic and greatest issues to do in Puerto Rico.
Now, in case you’re something like us, you’ll wish to discover as a lot of the island as you may. This generally results in us getting fairly pressured when making an attempt to cram all of it in – which, we rapidly realised isn’t enjoyable for anybody. You find yourself leaving being so exhausted as you’ve tried to cram in an excessive amount of.
So, that can assist you alongside your method, I’ve popped just a few agency favourites that you just actually shouldn’t miss in Puerto Rico. It’s a shocking island.
Have a look, beneath, at the very best issues to do in Puerto Rico. Have the very best journey!
1.) Discover San Juan
Exploring San Juan is well the most effective issues to do in Puerto Rico when you arrive on the island. In truth, I’d go so far as saying you could’t miss it!
After spending a while on the Museum of Artwork, touring Casa Bacardi (with a tipple of rum in hand) and exploring the colourful space of La Placita (with all of the dwell bands, bars and foodie spots) you should definitely discover the historic spots in San Juan.
Which means you need to pop over to Outdated San Juan, too.
Outdated San Juan is Puerto Rico’s oldest settlement and is listed on America’s Nationwide Register of Historic Locations the place you may simply spend half a day wandering round.
Sure, there’s a straightforward trolley bus across the museum, however it’s much more fascinating simply to lose your self in its historic streets on foot; properly, so long as it’s not within the evident warmth of noon.
Additionally, you should definitely go to the San Juan Nationwide Historic Website, too.
Situated in Outdated San Juan, this Nationwide Park Service-protected website homes various spots corresponding to; the forts of San Felipe del Morro (El Morro), San Cristóbal and San Juan de la Cruz. Attractive!
In spite of everything that exploring, head over to Verde Mesa for the yummiest of dinners -their seared tuna is so good.
Lastly, end off your night time on the rooftops at AC Rooftop Bar and Eter Rooftop Lounge in Condado.
Each have some epic cocktails.
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2.) See El Rio Camuy Caves
Round an hour’s drive from San Juan is the world’s third-largest underground cave system. It’s completely superior (within the literal sense of the world).
Now, you most likely gained’t have time to view the complete 10-miles of caverns or each one of many 220 caves, however a guided tour is a should and properly value gander round. Plus, you’ll be capable of strive your hand at zip-lining, going for a dip and river-leaping.
It’s a lot enjoyable.
3.) Discover El Yunque Nationwide Rainforest
Perched on the east coast of Puerto Rico, you’ll discover one of many pure wonders of the island, only a 45-minute drive from the centre of San Juan.
By way of lovely surroundings of El Yunque Nationwide Rainforest, you may take a path from the Customer Centre right down to the waterfalls. Actually, the Rio Espiritu Santo Waterfall or Juan Diego Falls are each gorgeous.
Sure, the roads could be a little on the tough aspect when travelling right here however it’s completely well worth the journey.
Alternatively, observe the Mount Britton Path or discover Torre Britton in case you fancy giving your legs a relaxation.
4.) Unwind on Culebra Island
So far as seashores go, visiting Flamenco Seaside is one among its most beloved and simply the most effective issues to do in Puerto Rico in case you love a little bit of solar, sea and sand!
With its sands stretching for a mile and a half across the fringe of the island of Culebra (solely round 20 minutes off the coast of Puerto Rico), this seashore feels each distant but additionally a number of providers; which means you’re by no means too removed from snacks or rest room breaks. Each important on the seashore!
To get right here, it’s best to hop on a chartered boat tour or head over to Ceiba Ferry Terminal to seize a ship to Culebra itself.
Plus, the island is dwelling to the ruins of Faro Isla de Culebritas, a lighthouse which operated from 1886 to 1975, and is now on the US Nationwide Register of Historic Locations which might be seen.
Earlier than leaving the island, cease off at Zaco’s Tacos that serves up a few of Culebra’s greatest seafood tacos. Belief me on this.
5.) Trek Cueva Clara
Perched within the northwest of the island, exploring Cueva Clara is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Puerto Rico if you wish to discover the island’s pure historical past.
With guided excursions accessible, you’ll get to discover contained in the cavern, see the views throughout the island and discover the attractive a part of Puerto Rico.
Excursions happen on the hour, so arrive properly earlier than your reserving (30-minutes is greatest).
6.) Stroll by Vega Alta
Nestled, simply west of San Juan, Vega Alta is a area that’s simple to go to, particularly for Cerro Gordo Nationwide Park which hugs the shoreline.
For a straightforward to entry seashore, head over to Balneario Cerro Gordo and Cerro Gordo Seaside West which is completely simple to go to for a protracted afternoon. Plus, close by Playa Tocones is nice in case you fancy testing your expertise at browsing!
Alternatively, for a busier seashore (with a number of little foodie spots and many others), head over to Playa Puerto Nuevo which is nice for households, too.
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7.) Go to Ponce
Located on the south of Puerto Rico, Ponce is likely one of the giant cities on the island that’s properly value a little bit go to while on the south coast.
As soon as right here, you should definitely discover Cruceta del Vigía (The Watchman Cross) with its 10-storey excessive viewing platform with views throughout the Caribbean Sea.
Oh, and cease off at Castillo Serrallés Museum which showcases the historical past of Puerto Rico and its sugar plantations and rum. Plus, cease by the Museum of Artwork to discover the Carribeans largest artwork museums which is nice in case you fancy seeing a few of Puerto Rico’s artistic endeavors.
For among the greatest ice cream, head over to King’s Cream. Their treats are all do-it-yourself and completely scrumptious.
8.) Stroll by Los Morrillos Lighthouse
Perched on the very tip of South-West Puerto Rico, Los Morrillos Lighthouse is completely simple to go to and properly value a gander. It’s a shocking place to wander for a stroll throughout the coast.
It’s a very simple hike and doesn’t take a lot effort in any respect – completely nice for a soothing afternoon. Plus, it has a beautiful seashore for a day dip at Playuela, Cabo Rojo, too.
9.) Discover Chorro de Doña Juana (waterfall)
Proper within the coronary heart of the island, visiting Chorro de Doña Juana is well the most effective issues to do in Puerto Rico in case you fancy escaping town for just a few hours to discover extra inland spots.
Once more, the roads right here could be a little winding and fairly slim at instances, so listen., That being stated, in case you’re used to European roads you gained’t have a lot hassle in any respect.
Straightforward to cease and simply off the highway itself. It is a spot everybody can take pleasure in.
10.) go to Isla de Mona (Mona Island)
Midway between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, Isla de Mona is a 22 sq. mile uninhabited ecological reserve that’s for the adventurers amongst us. It’s not the sort of spot you go to for a fast day journey and is definitely a spot for that’s not for everybody. It requires weeks of planning.
Although, in case you’re properly ready and up for a protracted journey, you’ll simply discover Mona Island as the most effective issues to do in Puerto Rico. Sure, you have to to extensively plan, particularly for harsh environments which might be very harmful.
Oh, and simply remember, there’s a restricted variety of permits for guests every day and you have to to organise transportation to go to.
To add a twist of historical past and tradition to your exploration of this lovely island, go on a seek for the carvings left in among the many caves by the Taíno Indians.
If you happen to’re one thing of a survivalist, need an enormous journey and keen to go with out inns, potable water and cell service, this is perhaps the sort of journey for you? If not, keep properly clear!
11.) See the watefall at Gozalandia
Round a 100-minute drive from San Juan, Gozalandia Waterfall is straightforward to go to while pairing up different northeastern gems to see on the island.
You may must pay a small-ish cost to park up (round $10) however it’s properly value it for the paths and waterfalls.
It’s simply the most effective issues to do in Puerto Rico while exploring the islands in additional rural areas. Simply you should definitely tread rigorously in wetter situations – this space will get tremendous slippy.
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