The Caribbean offers many interesting places to visit but Puerto Rico stands from the rest of the islands for it’s unique attractions, rainforest, bioluminescent bays, food, culture and geography. Puerto Rico has so much to offer, each region is considered a destination on it’s own. There are many places to visit along the coast, and the central hillside of the island is filled with cultural, historical and Eco-adventures.
There is something for everyone in Puerto Rico for ages 0-99. One of the surprises that travelers get is the great array of activities and attractions that Puerto Rico offers. You can spend every day of the year exploring the island and you will still be needing more time, this is one of the reasons Puerto Rico sees so many repeat travelers, it’s magic will truly enchant you. If you really want to get to know Puerto Rico, transportation is a must. Get a car rental because the best of Puerto Rico is off the beaten path. We assure you that once you get a little taste of the island, you’ll be coming back for more year after year.
When it comes to accommodations you’ll find that Puerto Rico caters to every type, from families with children to world class surfers to the more cultured traveler that expects the very best. Following is a mini guide to Puerto Rico and what we think are some of the best attractions on the island if you only have a few weeks to spend on the island. By no means are these all the attractions on the island.
The roads are great in Puerto Rico and well marked with modern highways. All you have to do is first decide which region most appeals to you, and start from there, following is a mini-guide to the best and most popular attractions in each region.
Eastern Coast of Puerto Rico Attractions
On the east coast region you’ll find treasures both in land and sea. El Yunque is the most treasured natural attraction on the island. Spend the day exploring the only rainforest under the USA flag and one that has been nominated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. El Yunque is safe environment, with wonderful hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and natural pools.
If you love snorkeling and sailing there are various wonderful charters that will take you on a great adventure on the blue seas to visit offshore little islands and cays that are often featured in movies and travel magazines. If you’re trying to go to Vieques in order to experience the Bio Bay and for some reason you’re not able to do so, there is another Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo which is very bright as well, still Vieques has the brightest one.
If you love golfing, you may want to book a room at one of the luxurious resorts with world class golf courses and at night go dance the night away and try your luck at a casino. We highly recommend El Conquistador Resort & Spa, complete with it’s own private island featured in Pirates of the Caribbean, casino, world class spa and golf course.
Porta del Sol, Puerto Rico Attractions
Porta del Sol and Vieques have a few things in common, the authentic island vibe still remains, it’s laid back and casual, and there are many beach spots which have not been exploited by tourism and development, so as you visit some of it’s gorgeous beaches, you will experience the serenity of the sea.
Drive off to Porta del Sol (west Puerto Rico) and you will find pristine, uncrowded beaches with the most breathtaking warm golden sunsets on the entire island. If you enjoy surfing visit the town of Rincòn, where you will experience the best surfing on the island. If you love scuba diving, then spending part of your vacation in the west coast is a must; the offshore uninhabited islands of Isla de Mona and Isla Desecheo offer the best scuba diving in the Caribbean.
Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Cabo Rojo is located in the south west of the island is the home to the most impressive and scenic attraction on the island; Los Morrillos Lighthouse. Standing at the limestone cliffs you will be in awe by the 360 degree views of the blue horizon, rock formations loved by photographers, natural bridges, bird flying over the wildlife refuge, the reddish salt flats and the prettiest beach cove you will ever see.
Lajas, Puerto Rico
Near Cabo Rojo is the town of Lajas, kayak the mangrove channels, go scuba diving and explore the underwater walls of La Parguera. Schedule a kayak tour to visit the bioluminescent bay; however, if you visited the Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques, you will be disappointed with the one in Lajas; poor development planning and light pollution has sadly hurt the bio bay and it’s no longer in all it’s glory. The best way to enjoy the bio bay in La Parguera is by kayak, the boat tours can’t get to the best places with bioluminescence.
Guanica, Puerto Rico
In the town of Guanica, you can explore the Dry Forest of Guanica, where you will find the greatest population of birds on the island, great beaches and Cayo Aurora (Gilligan’s Island) a tiny little paradise loved by locals and tourists that love the feel of unbeaten paths. There is great scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking trails, and secluded coves.
San German, Puerto Rico
If you happen to spend a week in Porta del Sol and wish to go sightseeing, then on your drive through Porta del Sol, take an hour or two for a walking tour of San German, the second oldest city established in Puerto Rico which looks much like Old San Juan with old world Spanish homes, narrow brick and pebble roads. San German houses Porta Coeli, the oldest church build under the USA flag.
Porta del Sol offers all the services you would need during your stay from emergency medical services to shopping centers and more variety when it comes to accommodations.
Porta Altlantico, Puerto Rico Attractions
About an hour and a half drive from San Juan you can take a day trip to the north coast of Puerto Rico houses two world wonders, the biggest radio telescope in the world and the Camuy Caverns, which is the third longest underground river system in the world.
The Islands of Puerto Rico
Another great destination in Puerto Rico is the island of Vieques, the new capital of weddings and honeymoons of Puerto Rico, where you will find pristine, virgin, and secluded beaches. Vieques will be the cherry on your perfect Puerto Rico vacation. Before you leave Puerto Rico please take at least a couple of days to visit this beautiful island, it is like going back 60 years and seeing the Caribbean the way it was intended to be.
Puerto Rican natives are very friendly and they will make you feel welcomed. Puerto Rico has the charm of an island and the conveniences and roads that you would find in the United States. It is very easy to get around the island. If you get lost, the helpful residents will be happy to lead you in the right direction.
Ready to get on the road, book your car rental and explore beautiful Puerto Rico?