Puerto Rico is home to many unique sights and activities that you won’t find anywhere else. Some are even a little bit out of the way.
For example, in Vieques, you can kayak through one of the world’s only bioluminescent bays—a truly unforgettable experience.
1. San Juan
The capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan is a cosmopolitan beachfront city with plenty to offer. It’s home to gorgeous beaches, romantic hotels, unique museums, gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cobblestoned Old San Juan is a 500-year-old neighborhood originally conceived as a military stronghold. Its 7-square-block area has evolved into a charming residential and commercial district.
Old San Juan is full of interesting historical relics that will make you feel you’re walking through history. The Museo de las Americas, for instance, has permanent and temporary exhibits that will take you from the earliest settlers to the current state of the island’s art, culture and history.
2. Rincon
Rincon is Puerto Rico's surfing paradise, where surfers from all over the world converge to ride the epic waves. But this laid-back northwestern outpost also has plenty of other attractions, like whale watching and a 100-year-old lighthouse.
The town's six beaches are renowned for their surf and picture-perfect sunsets, which are known to glow with cotton candy colors. The public beach is a favorite for swimming, snorkeling and sunning, while the private beaches to the south of town offer calm waters and excellent swimming and surfing opportunities.
If you're not into waves, Rincon is also a prime location for whale watching during mid-January through March, when thousands of migrating humpback whales make their way to the Atlantic Ocean. Tours can be easily arranged in town.
3. Ponce
Ponce, Puerto Rico is home to a number of great attractions. In particular, you'll want to check out the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where you can sip on the water straight from a spring thought to be the fountain of youth.
The city's name derives from Juan Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer who discovered Florida. Though he was unsuccessful in setting up a colony, his discoveries were an important part of the Caribbean's ongoing colonization effort.
He also served as the first governor of Puerto Rico. He subdued the local peoples and claimed the island for Spain.
4. Utuado
Utuado is a beautiful town in Puerto Rico that blends nature and culture. This vibrant region features a plethora of attractions to satisfy every traveler's needs and wants!
In Utuado, you can explore the world-renowned Parque Ceremonial Indigena de Caguana, enjoy some of Puerto Rico's best coffee farms, and much more.
The city is also home to Lago dos Bocas, a stunning man-made lake that offers a tranquil retreat from the busy city life.
The area is also home to several wildlife species, including the Puerto Rican boa - one of the island's endangered species. The boa is a popular species of prey for hawks, owls and hummingbirds.
5. Punta Tuna
Punta Tuna, a hidden gem on the southeast coast of Puerto Rico, is a palm-fringed beach with breathtaking rock formations. This secluded beach is also a nesting site for turtles and boasts a quaint lighthouse that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
A short drive east of San Juan is Fajardo, home to a bioluminescent bay, a dry forest, coral reefs, sandy and rocky beaches, and one of the Caribbean's best hotels. You can take a tour of the island or kayak through the lagoon after dark.
6. Cara del India
- One of the top attractions in the area is La Cara del Indio, a sculpture carved in rock to remember a Taino chief who resisted the Spanish invasion and protected his people. His gray stone visage holds a protective and determined look in his eyes.
- It’s easy to miss this sculpture tucked away on the side of Rt 2 in Isabela, but it’s worth taking a look if you’re passing through.
- A short walk brings you to cliffs that have been hollowed out by waves; one houses a Taino petroglyph. A guided tour is recommended for the best photos.
