Whether you are planning a vacation or just a quick getaway to get away from it all, there are a number of beautiful places in Puerto Rico that you should consider visiting. From the beautiful rainforest of El Yunque National Forest to the pristine beaches and resorts of Isla Verde, Puerto Rico has something for everyone.
El Yunque National Forest
Whether you are a nature lover, a hiker, or an adventurer, El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico is the place to be. You can find more than 240 different species of plants and birds in the forest. There are also a number of waterfalls.
The El Yunque rain forest is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Puerto Rico. It's also home to the Puerto Rican Parrot, one of the most colorful birds in the world. There are a number of hiking trails in the forest.
The best time to visit El Yunque is early in the morning. You can either drive in, or take a guided tour. You can also take a short nature walk.
The Forest Service has a number of trails in the forest. The La Mina Trail is a hike that follows the La Mina River. The hike offers great views of the forest and the waterfall. It is the only waterfall in the forest that is open to swimming.
Another hiking trail in the El Yunque National Forest is the Cloud Forest. The trail is a bit muddy after rain. It is located in the forest near the Palo Colorado Information Center.
The highest point in the forest is the Sierra de Luquillo. The second highest is the Pico del Este. The third highest is the Pico del Oeste.
Guanica State Forest and Biosphere Reserve
Located on the Caribbean Sea, Guanica is a unique beach destination on Puerto Rico. It is located 21 miles west of Ponce, 73 miles southwest of San Juan. This unpretentious beach town is a great place to spend a day.
The town's most popular beach is Playa Santa. It is located near the Copamarina Resort and offers a variety of water sports. Playa Santa is also a little quieter than nearby Cerro Gordo. However, both beaches are accessible with a vehicle.
Guanica is home to several other beaches, including Cana Gorda, a calm beach lined with palm trees. It has restrooms and changing facilities, and is a popular destination with locals and visitors. There is also a basketball court on the beach. There are also covered picnic areas and lifeguards on duty at Cana Gorda.
There are also a number of nature trails within Guanica's state forest. This forest is home to hundreds of plant species and over forty animal species. The reserve is open Tuesday to Sunday. There are twelve hiking trails, varying in difficulty.
The Fuerte Capron Trail is a six-mile trail that offers incredible views of the Guanica Bay. It also features an historic fort.
Alternatively, the Cueva Trail is a mile-long trail that features natural caves and beautiful vegetation. The trail ends at the coast, where there are many beaches and secret coves. It is a great place for birdwatching.
Isla Verde
Whether you are looking to enjoy a few hours of sun and sand, a day of fun in the water, or just a night out on the town, Isla Verde has something for everyone.
Isla Verde is one of the most popular spots to visit in Puerto Rico. Located outside the city of San Juan, the area offers visitors a pristine beach and a range of exciting activities. You can rent a jet ski, try your hand at parasailing, or take a banana boat ride. The beach is also home to several beachfront resorts.
Those who prefer a more local feel can go to the Balneario de Carolina beach, which has a water park for children. This is also a public beach, with parking and restrooms. The hotel on this beach offers a restaurant, CANA by Juliana Gonzalez, which serves traditional Puerto Rican street food. The restaurant has a terrace restaurant and indoor space for dining.
If you are looking for a great place to stay, consider one of the high-end hotels in Isla Verde. This area is also home to some of the best casino hotels in San Juan. These all-inclusive resorts are great for families and offer complete meals and entertainment.
Isla Verde is also home to several local and global restaurants and eateries, many of which are on the seafront promenade. There are also a few beach bars, so you can enjoy a drink on the beach while you take in the sights.
Old San Juan
Whether you are visiting Puerto Rico for the first time, or you're returning, you'll want to spend a day exploring Old San Juan. This hilly city has a lot to offer, from beautiful historic buildings to delicious food. The best way to see it is on a guided tour. The tour will also teach you about the history of the city.
Plaza de Armas is the main square in Old San Juan. There are several buildings to see, including the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, which is the oldest church in the U.S. It is built of wood in the mid-15th century, and is where Juan Ponce de Leon is buried. It has a pale yellow facade.
You can also visit the Botanical Garden of the University of Puerto Rico. This beautiful garden features a Japanese garden, artificial waterfall, and sculpture garden. It is perfect for those looking to relax and connect with nature. You can also visit the Centro Nacional de Artes Populares y Artesanias, which is a great place to learn about island crafts.
Old San Juan is also home to El Morro fort. This fort, which was built in the 16th century, offers stunning views of the ocean. You can visit the fort on a guided tour, or simply stroll around. The fort is open 9:30am to 4:30pm.
If you're looking for something more contemporary, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico. This museum organizes family events almost every weekend.
Plaza Las Americas
Located at the intersection of Routes 18 and 22, Plaza Las Americas is the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean. It has more than 250 stores, restaurants and fast food restaurants. It is also the second largest shopping mall in Latin America. Plaza Las Americas has completed a $300 million renovation.
Plaza Las Americas also features a unique gallery featuring local crafts. These artisans sell handcrafted items including masks, wooden pilones and colorful bowls. The gallery is on the third floor.
The Museo Las Americas building features a restaurant, coffee shops and shops. It was originally a Spanish military barracks, but now has a permanent art collection. It is also home to the Puerto Rico Art & Crafts gallery.
Another popular attraction is La Cara del Indio, a sculpture in a rock at the entrance to Isabela. It is in honor of Taino chief Cacique Mabodamaca, who opposed the Spanish invasion.
The Guajataca Tunnel, which used to be a railway track, has become a popular plaza for local crafts. It's free to get through. It's also a great place to take the kids.
Puerto Rico has plenty of outdoor activities. Kayaking tours can take you to see bioluminescent bays, including Mosquito Bay and La Parguera in Lajas. There are also several cultural museums.
Another popular attraction is La Placita, a colonial-style produce market. It's a great hangout spot for locals.
Rincon
Located on the West Coast of Puerto Rico, Rincon is a beach town full of charm. It is the ideal destination for visitors who want to spend some time in the sun, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. It is also the perfect place to see the stunning sunsets of Puerto Rico.
The town is known for its beautiful beaches, great food, and great snorkeling. It's also home to an amazing cultural scene, which has helped to make Rincon one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean.
If you're looking for a unique souvenir, you might want to check out the Secret Garden Art Gallery. This small art gallery showcases artwork from local artists, as well as a souvenir shop.
You might also want to check out the El Ultimo Brinco, a small waterfall that's located outside of Rincon. This waterfall isn't easily accessible, but the view from the top is worth the trip.
Rincon also has a few historical sites. The town was once home to the infamous Horned Dorset Primavera Hotel, which was once one of the finest hotels in the Caribbean. The original building was damaged during an earthquake, but was rebuilt in 1922 by the United States Coast Guard.
Rincon is also a great place to scuba dive. There are several companies that offer half-day and full-day charters.
Rincon has the distinction of being one of the best spots for spotting whales. There are whale-watching tours that are available from January through March.
