puerto rico tourist attractions

Puerto Rico   Travel Guide

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26 Epic Things to Do in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's must-visit attractions range from the adventurous (like daytrips to the jungles of El Yunque , zip line tours , camping in the mountains of Jayuya, and exploring the Cueva Ventana, a mostly undeveloped cave with guided tours) to the

• All Things To Do

Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay (Vieques) Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay (Vieques)

This south Vieques beach might not sound like much, but it's one of travelers' favorite experiences in Puerto Rico. During the day, Mosquito Bay is nothing special as Caribbean beaches go. At night, the waters emit a blue glow from organisms called dinoflagellates that live in the waters and light up when disturbed by boats, paddles or hands dipped in the water. Hundreds of thousands of bioluminescent dinoflagellates live in each gallon of bay water, and the light show put on by these tiny creatures provide is truly a (natural) wonder to behold.

Avoid visiting the bay during a full moon, since the moonlight somewhat spoils the display. Recent travelers recommended going out in a kayak to get the full effect of the glow. Some note that the bay isn't as bright as they hoped.

Old San Juan Old San Juan free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Many visitors flock to Old San Juan for nightlife, but you'll find more locals in La Placita de Santurce, a farmer's market by day that hums with music, dancing, dining, and drinking at night. – Robert Curley

Viejo San Juan is home to a variety of top attractions, including the Castillo San Felipe del Morro (a.k.a. El Morro ) and the Castillo San Cristóbal , the two centuries-old forts guarding the walled city of San Juan. Within the walls you'll find Calle del Cristo, one of Old San Juan's most popular shopping and entertainment districts, and Calle de la Fortaleza, which regularly has art dangling from above. While most visitors take advantage of seeing the historic and iconic sights, wandering the narrow streets and plazas of Old San Juan is an experience in itself. Many of the best tours in Puerto Rico include strolls through the old town's cobblestone streets to view the historic, colorful architecture and experience Puerto Rico's vibrant culture. No need to leave for lunch: Old San Juan is bursting with street vendors and restaurants ready to satiate your appetite. At night, the city comes alive and is filled with a bustling nightlife known for its drinks and Latin dancing.

El Morro (El Castillo San Felipe del Morro) El Morro (El Castillo San Felipe del Morro)

El Morro, which sits within the San Juan National Historic Site, juts out of San Juan harbor and beckons to cruise ships. Construction of the hulking, six-story fortress started in 1539. It was originally built to deter sea attacks, and went on to withstand two world wars and several other battles under the control of the Spanish and, later, the United States. Now, El Castillo San Felipe del Morro (known simply as El Morro) is Puerto Rico's go-to tourist attraction, both for its extensive history and its outstanding vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. You can also walk through the fortress' depths, which include a maze of tunnels, barracks and prison cells. Exhibitions and a park film offer a more in-depth look at the fort's history, and park rangers are stationed around the site to answer questions and lead interpretative programs. A photo in one of the fort's iconic watchtowers is the ultimate Puerto Rico selfie stop.

You'll enjoy exploring more if you wear comfortable walking shoes, as the fort is quite large: it can take up to three hours to explore the whole place on foot. Travelers tend to agree the El Morro is worth visiting whether you're a history buff or not but for a little guidance on the fort's history, consider signing up for one of the best tours in Puerto Rico .

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Culebrita Culebrita free

If you really want to get away from it all, and a trip to Vieques or Culebra doesn't quite scratch that itch, consider a visit to Culebrita. This mile-long coral island, the easternmost point of Puerto Rico, sits offshore of Culebra. Part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, the island is largely uninhabited other than by pelicans, green sea turtles and other wildlife. Daytrippers who come over from Culebra to bask on the Culebrita's half-dozen or so beaches, including the aptly named Playa Tortuga, home to nesting sea turtles. The beaches typically have clear waters and soft white sand. The island also has a number of tidal pools that are popular swimming holes for visitors who disembark from tour boats at a dock on West Beach; Turtle Beach is about a 15-minute walk from the boat dock.

Culebrita Lighthouse is one of the few manmade objects on the island; raised by the Spanish in 1886, the now decommissioned beacon guided ships through the Virgin Passage and Vieques Sound.

Flamenco Beach Flamenco Beach

On the island of Culebra, which sits about 20 miles east of Puerto Rico, visitors will find a beach perfect for families, snorkelers and those looking for a remote spot that boasts a delightful aesthetic from nearly every angle. Flamenco Beach's 1-1/2-mile strip of sand is the most popular on Culebra and is often recognized by travelers and experts as the most beautiful in all of Puerto Rico.

Facilities like bathrooms and showers can be found on-site, and the beach's white sand is peppered with kiosks selling refreshments or offering chairs and umbrellas for rent (about $10 each). Amenities and tranquility are part of the allure of Flamenco Beach, but above all else, travelers simply can't stop raving about the beach's beauty. Some travelers do complain that Flamenco Beach's popularity means it can get a bit crowded on the weekends (despite a lack of upscale resorts or restaurants).  One unusual highlight of the beach is several rusting battle tank hulks in the surf — a reminder that Culebra was once a bombing range for the U.S. military.

Casa Bacardi and other rum tours Casa Bacardi and other rum tours

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The piña colada cocktail was born in 1954 at San Juan's Caribe Hilton . Visitors to the hotel's Caribar can order the original recipe drink as well as more modern takes on this classic poolside refresher. – Robert Curley

A visit to Puerto Rico wouldn't be complete without tasting one of its best-known beverages: rum. The spirit, derived from sugar cane, is one of Puerto Rico's top exports and the island is often referred to as the "rum capital of the world." There are many kinds of rum from traditional white rum to dark rum as well as several producers, including Bacardí , Don Q , Ron de Barrelito , and PitoRico , a smaller brand.

Cabo Rojo Cabo Rojo free

Nicknamed for a notorious Puerto Rican pirate, this town on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico is known for the unspoiled and protected beaches of the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge and the 5,000-acre Boquerón State Forest, both of which have hiking trails as well as beautiful shorelines. Combate Beach in Boquerón is a particular favorite for sunsets and jumping off the pier.

The picturesque Los Morrilos Lighthouse (located in the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge) was built by the Spanish in 1882, is still operational. The lighthouse can be seen from the crescent of La Playuela beach, one of the best on the island, and visitors say the short hike to the lighthouse is more than compensated by the great clifftop views.

Sun Bay (Vieques) Sun Bay (Vieques) free

Mosquito Bay is popular in the evenings, but the island of Vieques' daytime beachcombers like the chalky sands and serene vantage point of southwestern Sun Bay. It's also the only beach on Vieques with public facilities: The approximately 2-mile beach has lifeguards, showers, bathrooms and a small area to purchase food. Plus, the town of Esperanza (and its restaurants and bars) is just a short walk away.

While San Juan's beaches have a distinctly urban vibe, travelers appreciate Sun Bay's comparative seclusion. Reviewers said there's plenty of room to spread out along the beach and it is relatively uncrowded, save for a herd of wild horses. The on-site amenities were also a bonus. In addition, beachgoers say Sun Bay a great family beach; the waves are calm, too. If you're an avid snorkeler, however, you may want to skip these waters as there's not much marine life to see here.

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Cueva del Indio Cueva del Indio free

Aricebo is best known for its incredible observatory , but the north coast town has an interesting attraction below the earth, too. The Cueva del Indio is a natural cavern used by indigenous Taino people who left behind a series of paintings on the cave walls. The artwork is estimated to have been made sometime between 1200 and 1500.

Located on the Caribbean coast, the cave entrance is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and arches (the Siete Arcos), one of which is said to resemble the face of an ancient Taino man. In addition to walking through the cave, visitors can explore the cliffs and beach. The caves have appeared as a location for several movies and TV shows, such as the miniseries "Treasure Island" (2012).

El Yunque National Forest El Yunque National Forest free

The El Yunque National Forest, or simply El Yunque, is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. It's also a particular favorite for vacationers who like to hike, but even if nature really isn't your thing, travelers urge you to make the trip about 30 miles east of San Juan.

Remember to wear layers that can get wet (the highest elevations can receive up to 200 inches of rainfall annually) and pack a water-resistant camera to capture some of the area's splendor. In the evenings, Puerto Rico's tiny coquí tree frogs begin their unmistakable serenade.

Castillo San Cristóbal Castillo San Cristóbal

Spanning 27 acres, Castillo San Cristóbal was built to protect Old San Juan from land attacks. It doesn't receive as many visitors or as much adoration as its sister fortification, El Morro , but visitors are typically just as amazed by the majesty and significant history of the site. Allow several hours to visit both sites.

The forts' stellar shoreline views (not to mention the occasional iguana) draw travelers to the sprawling site. Though the fort tends to draw crowds (especially cruise ship passengers), recent visitors said that due to the sheer size of the complex touring San Cristóbal never feels cramped.

Calle del Cristo Calle del Cristo free

Shoppers should come to Old San Juan prepared to let go of a few dollars. The city's Calle del Cristo is a haven of restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. In addition to popular stores, those walking the street can discover local crafts and artisan shops.

If you're looking to skip shopping altogether, Calle del Cristo is still a worthwhile spot to get a feel for the beauty of Old San Juan. Past travelers routinely praised the churches and centuries-old colonial residences and commercial buildings that line the cobblestone streets.

Camuy River Cave Park Camuy River Cave Park

The Camuy River flows through the third largest cave system in the world — so extensive, in fact, that it underlies parts of three towns: Camuy, Hatillo, and Lares. Accessible via the main entrance in Camuy, the small fraction of the caves open to the public can be explored on guided walking tours offered by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, which manages the nearly 300-acre Camuy River Cave Park. Highlights of the tour include the largest stalagmite in Puerto Rico, glimpses of the underground river (and maybe some bats), and a 450-foot deep sinkhole that allows light from the surface to penetrate the cave.

Daily visitors are limited at the cave, so make reservations in advance; day-of tickets are limited. A number of visitors complained about being turned away from the cave because tours were at full capacity. Also, while many praised the beauty of the caves, others noted that the experience requires a great deal of walking, including up some steep hills. Finally, note that the Camuy River Cave Park may be a bit more rugged than some other "show caves" you may have visited. That said, make sure you wear closed-toed shoes.

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Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

Located in the bustling Santurce neighborhood of San Juan, the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico houses more than 1,000 works of art created by Puerto Ricans. The collection showcases pieces that date back to the 1600s and includes sculptures, photographs, paintings, drawings and more. The 24 exhibition galleries are housed across two wings. The west wing is a neoclassical building designed in the 1920s, while the east wing is a modern structure designed by Puerto Rican architects. The east wing also features a stained-glass piece by Eric Tabales called Taíno Sun Rising.

Visitors rave about the museum and say that its exhibits helped them better understand the island's history and culture, with an impressive collection despite its relatively compact size.

Condado Beach Condado Beach free

If you're staying in San Juan and want to stretch on the sands, you won't need to venture farther than Condado Beach. For many sun-lovers, that's just fine. Condado is framed by a string of high-rise hotels and resort complexes, plus it's ground zero for water sports and beach bars. Families, however, sometimes forego these sands for one of the government-run beaches, or balnearios — notably Playita del Condado — because Condado beach's tide is often too strong for young swimmers.

According to past travelers, you won't be disappointed with Condado, as long as you recognize it's not a remote strip of sand, but rather a beach that sits alongside a bustling city. But its proximity to so many hotels and resorts makes it all the more tourist-friendly.

Carolina Beach (Balneario de Carolina) Carolina Beach (Balneario de Carolina) free

Located near the Isla Verde resort district in the metro area, lengthy Carolina Beach is a popular public beach among both visitors and locals. Families especially love its white sand, warm water, the on-duty lifeguard and on-site paramedics. What they're not so thrilled with are the crowds. The beach tends to get busy during the weekends, but you can avoid crowds to some extent by visiting during the week.                                                         

There are plenty of vendors nearby selling food and renting water sports equipment. The beach has a volleyball court and a playground for children. It also has a team dedicated to helping wheelchair users, though this service is available Monday through Friday only and must be requested in advance . Another minor drawback is that Carolina Beach's proximity to the airport means you may hear a bit of loud noise from airplanes overhead.

Cayo Icacos Cayo Icacos free

The Reserva Natural Cayos de la Cordillera is a national park that protects the Cordillera Cays, a series of small, uninhabited islands off the east coast of Puerto Rico. Cayo Icacos, aka Icacos Island, is one of the most popular islands thanks to its location just a mile and a half off the mainland coast and its exceptional beaches.

Most visitors come to swim or snorkel for the day — overnight visits are prohibited — and the island's location close to Fajardo makes access easy. For a fee of about $60, water taxis take visitors from Fajardo's Las Croabas neighborhood on the short trip over to Cayo Icacos, making multiple round trips daily from early morning to late afternoon. The island is also a popular stop for charter catamarans doing snorkeling trips. The latter typically supply all you'll need for a fun day on Cayo Icacos, but if you go the water taxi route be sure to bring cash for payment as well as beach necessities (blankets, sunscreen, water and more) since there are no facilities on the island – and that includes restrooms.

Crash Boat Beach Crash Boat Beach free

Despite its name, you won't need to worry about sinking ships at this beach in Aguadilla. Snorkelers regularly trek to Crash Boat Beach for its clear waters and multitude of fish. The beach and its pier are also beloved by sunbathers, fishermen, volleyball players, scuba divers and daredevils who love to jump into the water from the pier. After a day in the sun, stop by one of the area's many food kiosks to refuel or take a short drive to one of Aguadilla's restaurants.

It's no wonder this western beach is one of Aguadilla's most popular spots for travelers of all ages. Repeat visitors said the beach is smaller after Hurricane Maria, but tourists loved the beach's turquoise waters and ample activities. The near-constant crowds don't seem to bother many travelers, but if you're looking for a quiet environment this may not be the beach for you.

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Luquillo Beach (Balneario la Monserrate) Luquillo Beach (Balneario la Monserrate) free

The resort beaches in Condado and Isla Verde are beautiful, but if you tire of the same old scenery, take a 30-mile drive east from San Juan along Route 3 to Luquillo Beach. Families flock to this beach for its reef-protected calm waves, and you'll also see a lot of day-trippers fresh from a jaunt in the nearby  El Yunque National Rainforest .

Luquillo Beach isn't usually crowded, but some visitors say cleanliness can be an issue, both on the beach and in the changing rooms and bathrooms. The natural beauty, however, cannot be denied.

San Germán San Germán free

Puerto Rico's second oldest city is a miniature Old San Juan in the sense that it has street after colorful street of historic colonial-era buildings dating back to the 16th century. Highlights of the historic district include the Porta Coeli, a convent and church dating to 1609 that's now a museum of religious art — one of many art and history museums in the city — and the Iglesia San Germán de Auxerre, consecrated in 1688. The Museo de Arte Religioso Porta Coeli is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Because it's located in the mountains and not on the coast, San Germán sometimes gets overlooked by visitors seeking fun in Puerto Rico's Caribbean sun. But the city once rivaled San Juan in importance as the seat of government for the western half of the island. Visitors can experience local culture at the Fiestas Patronales de San German Auxerre, a July festival celebrating the city's patron saint.

Observatorio de Arecibo Observatorio de Arecibo

The Arecibo Observatory has a rich history. Scientists used the site's massive telescope to collect data about Earth's atmosphere, the solar system's planets, comets and more since its debut in the 1960s. Though Puerto Rico may seem like an odd place for this important device, it was the perfect location. Situated near the equator, the telescope was in the ideal spot not only to study the Earth's ionosphere (its original purpose) but also to study planets. In addition, Puerto Rico could accommodate the space needed for the telescope's reflecting mirror: The dish is 1,000 feet in diameter and 167 feet deep.

In 2020, cables holding the central platform broke and the platform collapsed into the dish, damaging the dish. In 2022, the National Science Foundation announced it plans to open a STEM research facility on-site but funding would not include rebuilding the telescope.

Museo Castado Serrallés Museo Castado Serrallés

Set on a hill overlooking Ponce's historic district, the former home of rum baron Don Juan Eugenio Serrallés houses a museum focusing on the sugar industry and rum production. Additionally, because the city of Ponce purchased the mansion with most of its furnishings, visitors get a glimpse of life in a Puerto Rican estate home in the 1930s.

Built in Spanish Moroccan style and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Serrallés mansion presides over a 2.5-acre property with formal gardens and an oblong pool. The museum complex also includes a Japanese garden and the Cruceta del Vigía, a 100-foot-tall hilltop crucifix with a horizontal sky bridge served by elevators offering scenic vistas of Ponce.

Piñones Piñones free

Afro-Caribbean culture and cuisine draw visitors to Piñones, a small community within the town of Loiza. Settled by formerly enslaved people from the African Yoruba tribe in the 16th century, Loiza is famous for its Festival of St. James, with parades featuring dancers wearing traditional vejigantes masks made from coconuts. But even if you can't make it in July, Piñones makes a great lunch stop on the way to El Yunque , Loquillo or Fajardo. Visitors come to sample frituras like green banana and taro root fritters, seafood pancakes called b acalaí tos and other local food at hundreds of food stands in the seaside community.

Piñones isn't just about food: it's a center for a cherished part of Puerto Rican culture called chinchorreo , gathering where friends and family meet for food, drink and dancing. Loiza lacks the big resorts that are typical elsewhere in this part of Puerto Rico, and it's no accident: locals are fiercely protective of their culture and low-key community life.

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Guavate Guavate free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you can't make it to Guavate but want Puerto Rico's famous roast pork, head to Naranjito or Trujillo Alto, respectively located southwest and southeast of San Juan. Both are less than 25 miles from San Juan. – Robert Curley

For a deep dive into Puerto Rican culture and cuisine, follow la Ruta de Lechón (the "Pork Highway") into the mountains to the barrio of Guavate (in Cayey), home to a string of l echoneras serving roast pork right off the spit with crispy skin and juicy meat. The communal feast is accompanied by live music; cold beer; sides of mofongo, rice and pigeon peas; and other traditional food.

Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park

An admission fee of just $5 gains you entry to what has been described as the most important archeological site focusing on the Taíno people in the Caribbean. The Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park is located in the mountain town of Utuado and has a small museum, with visitors also welcome to walk around the excavated remains of stone monoliths, plazas, and ceremonial ball courts, and to view petroglyphs dating to as early as the 13th century. The park also features recreated bohios , thatched-roof homes typical of those built by the Taínos.

The Caguana ball courts, where the traditional game of batey was played, have been designated a National Historic Landmark. The game, played with a rubber ball, was similar to soccer in that all parts of the body other than the hands could be used. Games were also culturally significant in that the games helped Taínos resolve disputes and make important decisions.

Toroverde Adventure Park Toroverde Adventure Park

The town of Orocovis in Puerto Rico's central mountains is home to this high-energy adventure park, located about 40 miles inland from San Juan. Attractions include multiple zip lines, the roughly mile-long Beast (a zip line that attaches you to a harness so you can fly like Superman) and the Monster, a 1.5-mile zip line. High-altitude tours feature multiple zip lines plus crossing suspension bridges.

The park's ToroBikes operate on the longest cable bike system on earth, more than 1,000 feet long. It's just like it sounds: you pedal a bike across a cable suspended in the air. Other attractions include climbing walls and the ToroRoller, a cross between a zip line and a rollercoaster where visitors are suspended from an overhead track.

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The 12 best things to do in Puerto Rico

Nov 30, 2023 • 11 min read

Puerto Rico has some incredible beaches but that's not all... © Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

From the lush and humid forests of the central mountains to the idyllic surfing beaches of the northwest, Puerto Rico is a haven for ecotourism. If it's nature that entices you here, it's the sands, the islands, and the historical cities that will keep you enchanted.

Come for the outdoor adventures – hiking, zipping, surfing – but stay for the heritage, culture, sand and amazing Caribbean nights, bars and restaurants.

Here are the 12 best things to do in Puerto Rico that show off the island in all of its multifaceted glory.

1. Bar hop along Calle San Sebastián in San Juan

Lined with historic buildings, including San José church, the historic Hijos de Borinquen bar and  Casa Blanca  – former home of the island’s first Spanish governor – Juan Ponce de León, La Calle San Sebastián allows visitors the chance to savor a little bit of  Old San Juan . Named after Saint Sebastian, this cobblestoned street is one of the most beautiful on the island.

By day, you can snap photos of beautiful, colorful balconies, walk the narrow alleyways and peek between the buildings for a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean.

At night, there’s plenty of bar hopping to do. Fancy dancing to anything from salsa to electronic beats? What about sipping top-notch cocktails made by expert mixologists? Head over to ultra-hip  La Factoría .

If you prefer a chilled-out place to hang,  Taberna Lúpulo  has open-air seating and a massive selection of local and international beers.

Prefer to grab a few Medalla beers and dance to some reggaeton?  La Sombrilla Rosa  is where you want to be. There are plenty of watering holes to choose from, so put on your best sneakers and enjoy the humid sea breeze while you wander from bar to bar.

2. Take an architectural tour of Old San Juan

Walking through the cobblestone plazas and narrow alleyways of Old San Juan is an essential Puerto Rico experience.

There's no need to have an itinerary here – just get lost in a maze of colorful, Spanish colonial-style houses with famously ornate balconies, lush courtyard gardens and ceilings adorned with intricate mosaics of Catholic saints and virgins and ornate  criollo  tiles.

There isn’t a corner of the islet that isn’t steeped in history, from historic churches to grand homes from the 18th and 19th centuries.

You can wander around the neighborhood and  gawp for free  but for insights into San Juan's architectural heritage and rich political, social and economic life, the  Puerto Rico Historic Buildings Drawing Society  runs a series of walking tours exploring landmarks such as  Casa Blanca , the abandoned Normandie Hotel, sailors' haunt Calle Sol, and the city's lovely parks and plazas.

3. Eat your way along the Ruta del Lechón-Guavate

There’s no better way to get a taste of traditional Puerto Rican flavors and the island's folklore than by taking a tour through Guavate in Cayey.

Known as La Ruta del Lechón – the Roast Pork Route – the road to Guavate takes you deep into the mountains flanking the town of Cayey, where you can restaurant-hop in search of the best spit-roasted pork and steamy arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas) on the island. It’s a ritual that’s revered by Puerto Ricans, especially at Christmas time.

Each establishment is family-owned, and most have informal picnic-style tables where you can mingle with other patrons, have a few drinks, and perhaps even dance to música típica (folk music). 

It’s a nourishing experience in every sense of the word and a great way to dive into the wet, mountainous central region. Such a beautiful tradition inevitably draws a crowd, so if you go on a weekend, arrive early or be ready to wait in line.

4. Make your own cheese at Vaca Negra

It’s not difficult to get a taste of rural life in Puerto Rico. Fertile soil and the warm and well-watered climate allow crops to flourish year-round and the island is dotted with farms raising local produce and livestock.

At Vaca Negra , in the town of Hatillo in the northwest, you can go a step further and make your own Puerto Rican-style aged cheese.

This is a relatively new concept on the island, as Puerto Rican cheese is traditionally freshly prepared. Using raw cow’s milk from Hatillo's cattle ranchers, staff will help you create some of the best-aged cheese you’ve ever tasted – you can even opt for lactose-free. 

There's one small hitch: the cheese takes approximately two months to reach maturity. If you’re only passing by, you can purchase some of their pre-made cheeses and yogurts from the farm store or swing by for brunch in true Puerto Rican country style, one of the best food experiences on the island .

5. Go ziplining at Toro Verde

Adrenaline lovers rejoice! Deep in the mountains of Orocovis lies Toro Verde , one of the biggest and best adventure parks in the Caribbean.

The brave can ride ziplines such as 'The Monster', a 1.5 mile (2.5km) cable that whooshes across the forested slopes, reaching speeds of up to 95mph (152.8 km/h). It's no exaggeration to say that you’ll get a bird's-eye view of nature.

The rest of the park is a wonderland for adventure lovers, with thrilling rock climbing walls, rope fields, obstacle courses, hanging bridges, free falls (with safety gear, of course), suspended cycling and moonlight tours.

6. Go canyoning at Cañón San Cristóbal

The San Cristóbal Canyon is one of the most precious and underexplored natural treasures in Puerto Rico. Nestled between the towns of Aibonito and Barranquitas in the Cordillera Central mountain range, the canyon was once used as an unofficial landfill site until local non-profit organizations stepped in to save the site for future generations.

Today, San Cristóbal Canyon is the setting for one of the most thrilling hiking trails on the island, where you can rappel, hike and swim under waterfalls, surrounded by lush green jungle.

You’ll need to be in good physical condition though as the trails are challenging: the canyon is 500ft (152m) deep and the hike is more than 6 miles (9km) long, most of that uphill through rocky terrain. Don’t go alone – the trails are largely unmarked.

Guided hikes and tours are led by the conservationist group Go Hiking PR , run by Puerto Rican teachers, students and geographers.

7. Sip coffee the Puerto Rican way at Hacienda San Pedro

In Puerto Rico, coffee is a ritual not taken lightly. Unlike in the United States, you’ll rarely see people drinking coffee in their cars on their way to work or rushing with a cup of coffee in their hands. Instead, coffee in Puerto Rico is a state of mind, a little respite from the world outside. 

Join locals appreciating their coffee at Hacienda San Pedro in the mountains of Jayuya in the Central Mountains, which dates from the 19th century and has been owned by four generations of the Atienzo family. 

You can tour the coffee fields where the beans are picked by hand and then toasted in equipment that’s been used for more than a century.

The hacienda has a museum where you can see original artifacts and learn more about the processes that make Puerto Rican coffee so amazing. Before you leave, stop for a hot cup of Joe and pick up some of the best beans on the island to take home.

8. Get a history lesson at Centro Ceremonial Indígena Tibes

Ceremonial grounds, religious effigies and plazas formerly occupied by Puerto Rica's indigenous population – specifically the Ígneri and Taíno tribes – make the Centro Ceremonial Indígena Tibes  in Ponce an essential stop if you want to understand the island's pre-colonial past.

Archeologists have dated the site, located in the Tíbes sector of Ponce, to between 400 BCE and 1000 CE.

Annual excavations have uncovered indigenous pottery, foraging patterns and instruments that provide tantalizing glimpses of the civilizations that populated Puerto Rico before the arrival of the Spanish. The site has a museum and offers guided tours, but it’s best to call ahead for hours and availability.

9. Surf the waves in Rincón 

Ever since Domes beach in Rincón hosted the 1968 World Surfing Championship, surfers of all levels have been flocking to northwestern towns such as Aguadilla , Rincón and Isabela to take advantage of the warm Atlantic waters and catch some of the tallest waves in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico’s surf culture is quite laid back and you'll learn a lot about beach conservation talking to the surfers who spend their days riding these thrilling breaks.

While the Atlantic tends to be a little unruly, the sun rises early and the crystalline water makes it easy to spot the currents so you can make the best of your surf session.

Gas Chambers and Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla offer waves that range from 5ft (1.5m) in the summer to 20ft (6m) during the winter months. These make for a killer ride, and in between sessions you can take in great views and visit the ruins of a pier formerly used by the US Air Force.

If you just want to admire or photograph some big swells and the surfers who ride them, come for the Corona Pro Surf Circuit, usually hosted in the spring.

Don’t despair if you don’t know how to surf; private and group lessons are available at many local surf schools. Check out the classes run by Surf Lessons Puerto Rico – owned by pro-surfer, Ramse Morales – and PR Surf Adventures in Aguadilla.

10. Spot wildlife on the Corredor Ecológico del Noreste

The lush, green Corredor Ecológico del Noreste spans six of the most beautiful municipalities in the Northeast of the island. This protected nature reserve offers a chance to bike, boat, surf or drive along roughly 3000 acres of virgin coastline, taking in the lovely beaches at San Miguel, La Selva, Las Paulinas, El Convento and Colorá.

The coastal forests provide a habitat for plentiful bird and animal life, including manatees and leatherback turtles, which nest on the beaches here from March to August.

The corridor also spans the municipality of Río Grande, home to the El Yunque National Forest , the towns of Luquillo, Fajardo, and Vieques, and Culebra's islands, which you can visit by ferry.

Dating from the 16th century, the town of Loíza and its citizens are the keepers of some of the most charming traditions in Puerto Rico. If you happen to be there in July, take part in the Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol, celebrating Loíza’s patron saint.

Participants don colorful, traditional vejigante devil masks with three horns and dance the bomba , and artisans sell local crafts.

11. Bike the Piñones Trail

If you’re an avid cyclist, head to the Piñones area on Road #178 along the east coast, where you can feel the wind in your hair as you ride along some of the wildest, most undeveloped coastline you’ll find on the island. 

The Piñones Trail takes you through mangroves and oceanfront forests, and it runs below sea level, so don’t be surprised if you have to climb a small hill of sand to get to the beaches. Take some mosquito repellent as these critters get really bitey in the afternoons and close to sundown.

Stop at one of the kiosks along the way for some of the best Puerto Rican snacks you can find – including bacalaítos (cod fritters), empanadillas de jueyes (crab pasties) and alcapurrias de camarones (shrimp fritters).

A pro tip: rather than stopping at the first kiosk you see, ride further down the road to El Boricua . The line will be long, the wait may be longer, but you’ll thank us later for the flavors – the alcapurrias here are made to order by hand with plantain leaves.

It's worth sticking a bathing suit in your bag because en route is Vacía Talega, one of Puerto Rico's best – but lesser-known – beaches. With clear turquoise waters, this arc of uncrowded, palm-backed sand is a real find. Be wary of rip currents here. If the locals aren't swimming, it's best not to go in yourself.

12. Have a beachside craft beer at Ocean Lab Brewing Co

Located inside the  VIVO Beach Club  on San Juan's  Isla Verde Beach , which faces one of  the most beautiful stretches of white sand on the Puerto Rico ,  Ocean Lab Brewing Co  is the place to come for premium craft beers and a picture-perfect drinking location.

There's a full menu too; the chicken and longaniza sausage sliders and fried whole snapper fish come highly recommended. 

The trade winds coming from the east bring soothing breezes and beers made with local ingredients like passion fruit, grapefruit and blood orange will leave your tastebuds imploring you to upsticks and move to the Caribbean.

Serious beer enthusiasts can take a brewery tour and get a first-hand look at the brewing process. Call ahead for tour hours.

This article was first published Jan 3, 2021 and updated Nov 30, 2023.

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20 Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico — From Uninhabited Islands to Bioluminescent Bays

With incredible beaches and historic cities, Puerto Rico is a must-visit island destination.

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Everyone from  reggaetoneros  hunting out Bad Bunny's favorite party places to starry-eyed honeymooners drawn by posh beach resorts can agree: Puerto Rico easily lives up to its name as the  Isla del Encanto , the Island of Enchantment. A slew of new  flights to the island offered by Delta  and other major carriers are kicking off this winter, making it easier than ever to enjoy a trip to this tropical paradise —  no passport needed .

Part of the joy of a visit to Puerto Rico comes from scouting out its hidden beaches, visiting tiny, white-sand islets, and hiking to the jungle waterfalls that other travelers missed. With the help of locals and insiders from PADI, Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, we've assembled a list of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico, from the best surf spots to winding cave systems and the best places to chow down on  local dishes like  alcapurrias  and  mofongo . 

Related:  Travel + Leisure 's Guide to Visiting Puerto Rico

Old San Juan

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The historic heart of Puerto Rico's capital, Old San Juan is vibrant beyond its colorful colonial architecture or its iconic "Umbrella Street," Calle de la Fortaleza. Stroll down cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old mansions before arriving at Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a Spanish fortress crowning the western tip of the historic neighborhood and offering spectacular ocean views. End a day of exploring with local bites at one of the neighborhood's countless rooftop restaurants or with a drink at  La Factoría , named the best bar in the Caribbean in 2023.

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The oceanfront Condado neighborhood is the place to be in San Juan, with upscale apartments, the city's best restaurants, and plenty of fantastic shopping. Visit La Placita de Santurce, a favorite destination with locals and visitors alike, for frequent cultural events, street parties, and  Puerto Rican bites  at local spots like La Alcapurria Quemá.

Condado is also home to some of our readers' favorite resorts in Puerto Rico . Among them shines the Condado Collection of hotels and resorts, including  La Concha Resort ,   Condado Vanderbilt Hotel , and  Condado Ocean Club , nestled along some of the most beautiful beachfront in San Juan.

Dorado Beach

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Those looking to enjoy a retreat from energetic San Juan without traveling far will love the palm-fringed, pristine beaches of swanky Dorado Beach. Stay at  Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve , perhaps Puerto Rico's most exclusive resort. Known for its championship golf courses and the sanctuary-esque Spa Botánico with treehouse treatment rooms, it offers the bespoke luxury experience you'd expect from a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property.

El Yunque National Forest

The only tropical rainforest within the U.S. National Forest System,  El Yunque National Fo rest  is one of the island's natural gems, crisscrossed by hiking trails and home to endless rivers and hidden waterfalls. While El Yunque makes for a popular day trip from San Juan, there's much more to explore than a day trip allows, including  natural swimming holes  like Charco El Hippie and the over 1,500-foot-tall Yokahú Observation Tower with its panoramic canopy vistas. Finish your visit with a stop for farm-to-table Puerto Rican cuisine at nearby  Bacoa Finca + Fogón . 

Related:  T+L's Guide to the Underrated Region of Eastern Puerto Rico

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There are no stoplights on the island of Vieques, just untouched beaches and dreamy boutique accommodations on the largest island off the coast of the Puerto Rican mainland. The most popular attraction on Vieques is the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, which glows blue at night as visitors kayak through its waters filled with phosphorescent plankton. Enjoy a day trip to the island or spend a few nights at  Finca Victoria  in one of 14 unique cabins, treehouses, or guesthouses amidst the lush vegetation of the island's interior.

La Parguera

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Travelers who can't make it to Vieques to experience Puerto Rico's most famous bioluminescent bay should head to  La Parguera . Located on the island's southwestern coast, La Parguera is home to the only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico where visitors can swim through the glimmering waters, so make sure to bring your suit. Drive in for the experience, or spend a night in one of the small guesthouses in town and spend the day visiting nearby keys for snorkeling and paddleboarding among the mangroves.

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Located off the eastern shore of the main island of Puerto Rico, the laid-back island of Culebra is tiny but packs a serious travel punch. Home to less than 2,000 permanent residents, it earned a spot on our list of our  readers' favorite islands in the Caribbean in 2023 . Culebra's famed Flamenco Beach often appears atop lists of the world's most beautiful beaches. The abandoned, graffiti-covered U.S. Navy tank at one end of the shore is simultaneously an Instagram icon and a dark monument to the island's past use for naval gunning and bombing exercises.

From Culebra, jump on a 15-minute water taxi ride to the even more remote islet of Culebrita. Impressive beaches with impossibly clear water are the main draw to this speck of an island. Tortuga Beach, named for the numerous sea turtles that nest here year after year, is considered one of the  best beaches in Puerto Rico .

Cayo Icacos

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Yet another of the white-sand keys located off the island's eastern coast,  Cayo Icacos  is an increasingly popular day trip destination in Puerto Rico that beach lovers won't want to miss. Take an excursion from Fajardo to Cayo Icacos by booking a catamaran trip to enjoy the untouched beaches and shallow waters of this uninhabited island for the day.

Río Camuy Caves

Escape the heat of the Caribbean sun at Río Camuy Cave Park  in northwestern Puerto Rico. These limestone caverns have been carved out over centuries by the immense underground river, Río Camuy. While geologists have identified at least 220 caves and 17 miles of natural tunnels, much of the area remains unexplored. Reservations are required, so make sure to book in advance with a registered tour company.

Palomino Island

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"Forget the Maldives, I'll stay in Palomino," muses Bad Bunny in his hit song, "El Apagón." There are no overwater bungalows here, but the white sands and clear seas at Palomino Island certainly warrant a comparison to a Maldivian atoll. The 100-acre, uninhabited island off the eastern coast of the Puerto Rican mainland is for the exclusive use of guests of the  El Conquistador Resort , located just a short ferry ride away.

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On the island's western shores, the town of Rincón reigns supreme as one of the best destinations for surfing in the Caribbean. Numerous beaches offer waves for surfers of all levels, though Domes Beach is where you'll find the massive swells that host an international surfing competition every year. October through February is the  best time to visit Puerto Rico  if you're scouting out waves, but Rincón has plenty to offer year-round, even for those who prefer to stay on the shore.

Desecheo Island

Puerto Rico is home to an impressive array of diving destinations, but few are as famous as the uninhabited Desecheo Island, located just off the island's western coast. With an intricate cave system offering memorable swim-throughs and a dive site so colorful it's known as “Candy Land,” visitors will have plenty to see while enjoying what  PADI  considers some of the best underwater visibility in all of Puerto Rico.

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Surfers and travelers scouting out the best beaches on the island will love Aguadilla, located on the island's western coast. Aguadilla's Crash Boat Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the island, with an intoxicating mix of white sand, water sports, and a party atmosphere fed all day by beach bars and food trucks serving up tropical cocktails and local fare. While the beach offers great visibility for snorkeling, take care when getting in the water; towards the north of the beach is Gas Chambers, one of Puerto Rico's most famous surfing breaks.

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Many travelers skip over Mayagüez, the largest city on Puerto Rico's western coast, and head directly for the area's smaller beach towns. However, Mayagüez can be a convenient base for exploring the best of the western side of the island; its charming historic center and booming culinary scene certainly don't hurt. Mayagüez is also known as the "City of Pure Waters" for its proximity to some of Puerto Rico's best diving destinations, including Desecheo Island and Mona Island.

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Isabela is Puerto Rico's ultimate laid-back beach town, boasting shores that attract everyone from backpackers and surfers to the San Juan elite looking for a weekend escape. Trace the coastline and visit Isabela's most beautiful beaches by renting a bike and hitting the Paseo Lineal de Isabela, a 4.5-mile oceanfront route perfect for morning jogs or contemplating the sunset. Or, head inland to Guajataca State Forest for miles of lush, forested trails, hidden caves, and camping.

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Puerto Rico's second-largest city tends to be overlooked by travelers, but the "Pearl of the South" has the historical charm and cultural weight to warrant a trip. Explore the city's historic plazas and numerous museums, or escape to the countryside for a visit to  Hacienda Buena Vista , a coffee hacienda (among countless others) that once brought Ponce both wealth and fame.

Casa Bacardí

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It wouldn't be a trip to the Caribbean without sampling some of the best local rums. Puerto Rico is home to a few different distilleries, though  Casa Bacardí , located just across the bay from Old San Juan, is the number one destination on the island for visitors curious to learn more about the Caribbean's most famous beverage. An impressive visitors' center and panoramic views of the city make for a great tasting and tour experience, though the unmatched rum selection is the real star of the show. 

Related:  5 Best Tours to Take in Puerto Rico

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Located just 45 minutes west of San Juan, the coastal town of  Manatí  feels a world away from the big city. Come here for stunning, less-crowded beaches like the half-moon-shaped crystalline bay at Mar Chiquita or Los Tubos Beach, known for its perfect surfing pipes. 

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Puerto Rico's  Capital del Sol (Capital of the Sun) is fittingly home to some of the island's most beautiful beaches. Luquillo Beach and Balneario Monserrate are the most popular playas in the area for their size and extensive public beach amenities, but there are several beaches in Luquillo to choose from. Head to Luquillo after a day spent exploring neighboring El Yunque National Forest, or use this town as a base for exploring less-visited areas of the rainforest.

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