If you are looking for a tropical paradise with a rich history and culture, Puerto Rico is the perfect destination for you. This Caribbean island offers a variety of places to visit, from the historic and vibrant Old San Juan to the scenic and adventurous El Yunque National Rainforest. In this post, we will introduce you to some of the most beautiful places in Puerto Rico that you should not miss on your trip, as well as some other fun and exciting things to do on the island.
1. Most Beautiful Places in Puerto Rico
1.1. Old San Juan
Old San Juan is the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a charming place to explore the colonial architecture, colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and historic forts of the Spanish era. You can visit the impressive Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, which protected the city from pirate attacks, or admire the stunning Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, where the remains of explorer Juan Ponce de León are buried. You can also enjoy the lively atmosphere, local cuisine, and nightlife of Old San Juan, which is full of restaurants, bars, shops, and museums.
Discover more about Old San Juan in this video: San Juan Puerto Rico 2023 - 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Juan, Puerto Rico
1.2. Playa Flamenco
Playa Flamenco is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, located on the island of Culebra, about 17 miles east of Puerto Rico. It is a pristine white-sand beach with turquoise waters and a backdrop of green hills. You can relax on the soft sand, swim in the clear water, snorkel among the coral reefs, or camp under the stars. One of the most striking features of Playa Flamenco is an old military tank that was left behind by the US Navy and is now covered in graffiti. It adds a touch of history and art to this natural paradise.
Discover more about Playa Flamenco in this video: Flamenco Beach - Culebra Island, Puerto Rico
1.3. El Yunque National Rainforest
El Yunque Rainforest - Photo from ‘viator.com’
El Yunque National Rainforest is the only tropical rainforest in the US national forest system and a biodiversity hotspot. It covers 43 square miles of lush greenery, waterfalls, rivers, trails, and wildlife. You can hike to the highest peak of El Yunque, which offers panoramic views of the island, or to the spectacular La Coca Falls, which cascade 85 feet into a pool. You can also spot some of the endemic species of plants and animals that live in the rainforest, such as the Puerto Rican parrot, the coquí frog, and the orchid tree.
Discover more about El Yunque National Rainforest in this video: Visiting el Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico
1.4. Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay
Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico – Photo: Dorado Beach East Villa
Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay is one of the most magical places in Puerto Rico and one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world. It is located on the island of Vieques, south of Puerto Rico. The bay is home to millions of dinoflagellates, microscopic organisms that emit a blue-green light when disturbed. At night, you can witness this amazing phenomenon by kayaking, swimming, or boating in the bay. The water will sparkle like stars as you move through it, creating a surreal and unforgettable experience.
Discover more about Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay in this video: The Bioluminescent Bay at Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico
2. Other Activities to Do in Puerto Rico
Besides these beautiful places, there are many other things to do in Puerto Rico that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some suggestions:
- Learn about the art of rum-making at Casa BACARDÍ Puerto Rico , where you can take a tour of the distillery, taste different types of rum, and even make your own cocktail.
- Experience some adrenaline rush at Toro Verde Adventure Park , where you can zip line across stunning tropical terrain, including The Monster, which is one of the longest zip lines in the world.
- Explore the underground wonders at Cueva Ventana , a mostly undeveloped cave with guided tours that will take you through chambers full of stalactites and stalagmites and offer you a breathtaking view of a valley through a window-like opening.
- Discover the pre-Columbian history and culture at Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park, where you can see ancient stone carvings and petroglyphs made by the Taino people who inhabited Puerto Rico before Columbus arrived.
- Enjoy some shopping at Old San Juan, where you can find outlets and boutiques selling everything from souvenirs and handicrafts to designer clothes and jewelry.
Find out Top 7 BEST Things to do in PUERTO RICO in the video below:
Puerto Rico is a diverse and fascinating island that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for nature, history, culture, adventure, or relaxation, you will find it here. We hope this post has inspired you to plan your trip to Puerto Rico and visit some of its most beautiful places. Happy traveling!