El Yunque Rainforest
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Bioluminescent Bay
Old San Juan
El Morro Castle
Museo De Arte De Ponce
Isle De Culebra
Tibes Indian Ceremonial Park
Cueva Ventana
Puerto Rico Musts
No trip to Puerto Rico would be complete without a visit to El Yunque Rainforest on the eastern side of the island. The natural, serene beauty of this rainforest is unsurpassed and you can explore its many trails and streams either on your own or with a guide. Either way, the experience will be unforgettable.
La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay is an absolute visual wonder. In the dark of night, long after the sun has gone down, take a boat ride out onto the bay and watch as it sparkles with a bioluminescence created by billions of microscopic organisms! Although bioluminescent waters do exist in other parts of the world, La Parguera is one of the few places where you can count on the spectacle to happen every night.
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Old San Juan can easily be mistaken for a quaint and romantic European city. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy its clean, cobbled streets, pastel-colored buildings, museums and plazas, pretty little churches and open-air cafés. Take part in the delightful San Sebastian Street Festival that takes place in January. Also, don’t miss visiting the many historical monuments in the city including the magnificent La Fortaleza.
Another absolute must do while in Puerto Rico that is steeped in the island’s history is the El Morro Castle. The massive fort is situated on the Northwest tip of San Juan and its original stone tower dates back to 1539! The fort is perched atop cliffs overlooking the sea and offers spectacular views both out to sea and of the fort itself.
For a look at Puerto Rico’s history long before the Europeans arrival, the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Park is a definite must do. The native Indians used this venue for festivals, sports and other events over a thousand years ago. A visit to the park offers a hands-on immersion in the history of the island’s original inhabitants.
The Batey Zipline Adventure is, without question, a must do while in Puerto Rico. This experience is thrilling and educational at the same time. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the tropical forest from above in an adrenaline-filled adventure!
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Batey Zipline
Visit the famous Cueva Ventana or the “window cave” overlooking the Río Grande de Arecibo valley and do the guided 45-minute tour. The hike to the cave is amply rewarded with the spellbinding view of the lush green valley 700 feet below. Super-friendly and informative guides with helmets and torches make it a completely safe adventure for the entire family.
Museo de Arte de Ponce has been described by many as having the finest collection of art in the entire Caribbean. The museum houses over 4500 works of art, ranging from the Old Masters to the contemporary Latin-American artists. Explore its 14 galleries filled with vivid masterpieces, ancient pottery and gardens with beautiful sculptures – all at a nominal entry fee.
Far away from the hectic city life, Isla de Culebra awaits you with picturesque beaches and an ocean vibrant with coral reefs. The surreal beauty of Flamenco beach is world famous while Tamarindo is perfect for snorkeling. The shady mangroves, the green silhouettes of the islands rising from the deep blue sea, the local vendors selling mouth-watering delicacies, all make you want to come back again and again. The tiny island is also the nesting ground for sea turtles and is protected as a marine wildlife reserve.
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San Cristobal Fort
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Sometimes referred to as the “other fort,” but no less impressive than El Morro, the San Cristobal Fort was built in 1634 to protect the city of Old San Juan. It may be less frequented than El Morro but it is certainly worth the time to go see the fort and explore its tunnels and towers. You can even check out graffiti etched into the fort’s walls up to 200 years ago!