Craving for a tropical vacation in the Caribbean? How about exploring this Caribbean island, with a landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and a tropical rainforest! Yes, you guessed it right. We are talking about Puerto Rico, a US territory. Its beautiful palm-fringed beaches, the Caribbean lapping the golden sands, and gentle waves for the surfers make it a perfect destination for a vacation. There are a lot of things to do in Puerto Rico. Hence, be prepared for a long vacation on the island.
Best Time To Be in Puerto Rico
The climate of Puerto Rico is tropical. This small island territory has several ecosystems, including coastal and marine, dry and rainforest, mountainous areas, and Puerto Rican karst. You may not find winter, fall or spring here. However, summers are warm, hot, and humid throughout the year.
The best time to book a flight to Puerto Rico is between mid-April and June, when the weather is comparatively pleasing. Tourists also flock to the island between October and January. However, it is the peak season and getting budget-friendly accommodation is tough. Moreover, the top tourist places remain packed with tourists, making the beaches crowded.
Tourist Attractions
Puerto Rico has many surprises from the visitors. From the US Forest System’s only brainforest to Bioluminescent Bay, the natural wonders here are spectacular. Moreover, the colonial architecture and old forts of San Juan are another highlights of the trip. The western shoreline is also replete with several beaches with swaying palm trees and the waves of the Caribbean here are perfect for surfing and swimming.
Here, we have curated some of the best things to do in Puerto Rico. Check them out!
Old San Juan
Old San Juan or San Juan Viaje is popular among the tourists for its old colonial style buildings and imposing forts. This 500 year old city is America’s second oldest city and boasts a blend of Spanish colonial culture and present-day Puerto Rican lifestyle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has several 16 and 17th century buildings, which are worth a visit.
Its top highlights are Calle del Cristo, El Morro, and Castillo San Cristóbal. Take a walk on the cobblestoned streets lined by the brightly colored colonial houses and experience its vibrant culture. Additionally, the entire area is replete with several food vendors and restaurants, where you can stop by to grab a lunch.
Book flights to San Juan and explore its best attractions.
El Morro Fort
The El Morro Fort, set on Saint Juan harbor, is one of the top tourist places in Puerto Rico. The fort’s history dates back to 1539 and was named in honor of King Philip II of Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in conjunction with the San Juan National Historic Site was built to protect the entrance of San Juan Bay. It also withstood two world wars.
Additionally, the fort has maze of tunnels, prison cells, and barracks. One can also access the exhibitions or watch a park film showcasing the fort’s history. It is one of two forts inside the historic site. Its sister fort San Cristobal is one of America’s largest spanish fortresses. Be sure to climb the top of the wall and walk out on the guard towers for a stunning view of the ocean.
El Yunque National Forest
If you are more into nature and wildlife, a trip to El Yunque National Forest is one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico. This national forest, spreading along the Luquillo Mountains, is home to the only rainforest in the National US Forest System. There are several walking trails that take you through the forest and offer a unique experience. It allows hikers to get a closer look at more than 240 species of trees, plants, more than 50 species of orchids, and abundant smaller wildlife.
The peak of the forest is at an elevation of 3,500 feet above sea level and covers 43 square miles. It also has three quarters of the island’s remaining virgin forest. While traversing through the trails, be sure to visit the La Coca Falls, Bano Grande, La Mina Falls, Yokahu Tower, and Bano de Oro. These are the top highlights of the forest.
Vieques and Bioluminescent Bay
Vieques, a popular island, eight miles from the mainland of Puerto Rico, is known for several beach side resorts, small and upper-end hotels, galleries, restaurants, and shops. The beaches here exudes unhurried ambience and the palm-fringed white sands are ideal for sunbathing. The island is 21 miles long and five miles wide and is the largest of the Spanish Virgin islands.
Visitors to the island spend the day swimming and sunbathing on the beach. However, the fun begins after the sundown. The unique phenomenon at Mosquito Bay attracts both domestic and foreign tourists. The bioluminescent Bay, where a large concentration of phosphorescent dinoflagellates light up the water at night. You can take a boat out in the water or canoe to experience this natural wonder.
Cayo Icacos
Cayo Icacos is just a 20-30 minutes boat ride from Fajardo and is located in La Cordillera Nature Reserve. Due to its location in the protected area, you may not find any modern infrastructure here, however, visiting this island is one of the things to do in Puerto Rico. This deserted island is often loved by the beach goers for ist less crowded and peaceful surroundings.
One can also enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the calm waters. Additionally, you may not find any food stalls here and hence it is better to bring your own water and snacks. Visitors also take a tour on a large catamaran that includes transport, lunch, and drinks as well.
Crash Boat Beach
No, boats don’t crash or ships sink here. Instead, this fun beach has plenty of activities to do. Tourists often flock to the beach for the water adventures it offers. Snorkelers love to visit the beach for the multitude of colorful fish it houses in the clear water. Additionally, locals also come here to play volleyball, so catching a match isn’t tough. The turquoise waters here are perfect for scuba diving, swimming, and for fishing.
The sands too are ideal for sunbathing and for walking around. There are a few kiosks near the beach where you can get refreshed and grab lunch. You can also take a ride into the island to visit one of Aguadilla’s restaurants.
Final Takeaway
There are plenty of things to do in Puerto Rico. This tropical paradise in the Caribbean has history, culture, natural wonders, beaches, and a rainforest. All these elements make it a popular tourist destination. Hence, while planning for a tropical vacation, consider visiting Puerto Rico next.
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