The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list. Puerto Rico is not your typical island destination. While it may be easier to relax in a fancy hotel, there are plenty of opportunities for more authentic experiences on the island.
Once a Spanish colony, Puerto Rico is now a US territory with unique influences from Spanish, American and Native Taino cultures. In fact, the New York Times gave the Caribbean Island the number one spot on its highly anticipated 52 places to travel list. In this piece, we will share with you some of the reasons why you should put Puerto Rico on your travel bucket list.
1. Playa Flamenco
Flamenco or Flamenco Beach is a public beach on the island of Culebra in the Carribean. It is a pristine white beach with impeccable crystal clear waters. The waters of the beach are home to some amazing fishes and some Crustacean species. Occasionally some turtles like leatherback and hawksbill sea can be seen at beaches because it is also used as a major breeding ground.
If you are looking for an incredible holiday, book a trip to Playa Flamenco and you’ll never experience tropical paradise like never before. In fact, the beach is so stunningly beautiful that it got ranked 3rd best beach in the world from TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice 2014 March. If you are planning to visit the area, you want to consider passing by the two abandoned M4 Sherman tanks that were left by the US Navy in this beach 1975.
2. Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Fort San Felipe del Morro is a 16th Century fortification built by the Spaniards on the westernmost tip of San Juan Islet. Its purpose was to guard the entrance to San Juan Bay and in doing so, the entire southern coast of the city of San Juan. Now, the centuries-old fort is open as an entertainment venue and travelers can explore its different areas – making it the most famous in the country.
If you are traveling with your kids, paying a visit to this World Heritage Site is a must as it can be a fun yet educational experience for the whole family. Castillo San Felipe del Morro is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and admission is free!
3. Mosquito Bay
Mosquito Bay may not have the most appealing name but it is one of the most beautiful things in the entire world. It’s got muddy brown water, and sure there are a few flying insects but to see the secret, you have to stay up past your bedtime and check it out at night. If you are planning a trip to Puerto Rico, make sure to have spare time to visit this must-see tourist attraction.
Rent a boat and try to get a good view of Caracoles, a mangrove island of La Parguera. La Parguera is considered as the brighter counterpart of Laguna Grande. Its charm is magical as you’ll see the beach water glows bright blue due to microscopic bioluminescent organisms. In fact, The bioluminescent bay in Vieques is so beautiful that it was officially declared the brightest in the world by Guinness Book of World Records in 2008.
Friendly and informative tour guides will surely give you an unforgettable experience at the Bio Bay. You can explore it on a kayak or electrically powered boat tours.
4. Las Cavernas de Camuy
If you are seeking for an exhilarating new activity to enjoy whilst traveling to Puerto Rico, try the Las Cavernas de Camuy. This extensive network of subterranean caverns makes up a 268-acre park filled with exquisite limestone rock formations and other excellent natural wonders. Located in the Southwest of San Juan, Las Cavernas de Camuy only takes a two-hour drive from San Juan to the caverns at de Camuy.
If you plan to add this picturesque tourist attraction spot in your Puerto Rico itinerary, make sure to book a tour (and it is strongly recommended) so you can enjoy a safe trip through the caves. All package tours are conducted by a friendly and experienced guide. Travelers should also keep in mind that the caves are home to thousands of bats which might be distracted on occasion of the tour.
5. El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the United States Forest Service System. Commonly known as Bosque Nacional El Yunque, the forest covers about 28,000 acres of lush and diverse forest and receives more than 200 inches of rain annually.
Hailed for its rich biodiversity, El Yunque National Forest is home to more than 400 different plant species. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-rush activity, Bosque Nacional El Yunque offers more than a dozen maintained trails that are perfect for hiking and bushwalking. The rainforest is also a good tourist location for picnic gathering and it also has an interpretative visitor’s center.
6. Seven Seas Beach
Puerto Rico is synonymous with great beaches. Seven seas beach is among the best. Seven Seas Beach is a small, crescent-shaped beach with soft sand and palm trees that provide enough protection from the direct rays of the sun. The views are magnificent as Seven Seas Beach is a prime beach perfect if you’re looking for some downtime and relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you’re looking for a paradise beach, head to Seven Seas Beach and you will not regret it. Be mesmerized by the picturesque views of the surrounding; look out at the waters and see the lighthouse in the distance. Seven Seas Beach also has a small coral reef good for beginner snorkeling. Indeed, you and your family will surely enjoy the crystal blue waters of the beach.
7. Parque no Bombas
The Parque de Bombas is a historic firehouse situated in Ponce, Puerto Rico. It is one of Puerto Rico’s most notable buildings, with some considering it by far the most readily recognized landmark on the Island. The Parque no Bombas was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and taking a trip to this ancient site is a must if you’re in Puerto Rico!
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