Landmarks and Iconic Places

With breathtaking national parks and striking colonial architecture, Puerto Rico is a beautiful country that you must visit!

Puerto Rico is filled with fun and vibrant people and has a long history that is represented by the many historic sites scattered throughout the islands. The population is also influenced by the mix of Spanish, US, and Afro-Caribbean cultures present throughout the country.

From the old cobblestone streets in San Juan to the luscious spa haven that is Coamo, there are so many places waiting to be explored and added to your Puerto Rico itinerary! As you travel, consider adding a few of these historic sites to your itinerary. Beyond their lasting cultural value, many offer incredible scenery to enjoy as well — so you can double your fun.

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean Island that boasts a vast amount of history and culture, which makes it bound to have some incredible landmarks worth visiting. To help guide you, here are the most popular landmarks to visit in Puerto Rico!

Old San Juan

An absolute must-visit if you take a trip to Puerto Rico is the beloved Old San Juan. This seemingly ancient city is definitely worth your time as you can’t see anything like it anywhere else in Puerto Rico.

Part of what makes this place so special (besides its vast beauty) is that it serves as a reminder of how much Spanish influence the island of Puerto Rico actually holds. Walking through the city, you’ll be surrounded by dozens of cobblestone streets and buildings made of brick and stone that date back to the 16th century. Old San Juan also houses some of San Juan’s more popular monuments and buildings, such as La Fortaleza and San Juan Cathedral.

Paseo de la Princesa

Paseo de La Princesa is an iconic promenade of Old San Juan. The walk goes around the walled city until it reaches San Juan’s Gate, the only gate left of the five gates that allowed access to Old San Juan.

Besides a beautiful view of the San Juan bay, Paseo la Princesa is home to the iconic Raices Fountain, a celebration of Puerto Rico’s heritage. If you visit Puerto Rico during the holidays, then the promenade is ideal for taking a stroll with your family, as it lights up with ornaments and festivities. There’s even plenty of art shops and food stalls available!

El Yunque Rainforest

Located in Río Grande, on the east side of the Island, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest that is part of the U.S. National Forest System. Due to the size of the island itself, El Yunque is also one of the smallest rainforests in the world. It spans barely over 28,000 acres but is still filled with exotic scenery and comprises most of the island’s unique biolife, including the coquí species of frog.

Home to more than 240 types of trees, unique birds, native species like the coquí frog, and beautiful scenery, the forest spans 28,000 acres of land that includes 25 waterfalls, several rivers, and ancient petroglyphs of Taíno deities.

Only a one hour drive from San Juan, you can either navigate it on your own or take a guided tour to get to the most popular locations. Choose between hiking, ziplining, or horseback riding, and fall in love with the astonishing view from the top of the forest overlooking the region’s lush valleys.

Piñones

Piñones, Puerto Rico (de lo mas alto ) | QuedateEnPuertoRico.com

Just minutes from San Juan and the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), you can find the Afro-Caribbean coastal neighborhood of Piñones.

Piñones is full of delicious authentic street food, made in the traditional fogón, the many little chinchorros (small dining stands) offer fritters made from plantain, fresh fish, oysters, and a lot sazón. You can also buy cold coconut water, drink it from the coconut itself, or try the crabmeat alcapurrias and bacalaítos (codfish fritters). The weekend is particularly busy if you want to find a bustling local scene. If you want to relax before you eat, be sure to bring your swimsuit and dive in at a nearby beach (wait 45 minutes after eating before you swim).

La Placita de Santurce

La Placita de Santurce, a grand public plaza at the heart of San Juan’s up-and-coming Santurce neighborhood, serves two purposes.

During the day, it’s an awesome place to hang out and browse for fruit from local vendors. At night, the plaza explodes into life. It’s definitely the best place to be once the sun goes down if you’re looking to dance the night away with locals.

Puerto Rico’s prized World Heritage Site, this giant collection of historically significant buildings rests on the northern part of San Juan. It was used as Spain’s primary passageway through the Caribbean, which made trade much easier. It’s within these walls that you’ll find over a dozen important monuments to Puerto Rico such as Castillo San Cristobal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo San Felipe del Morro is an impressive citadel built by the Spanish between the 16th and 18th centuries. The citadel is full of rich history and remarkably picturesque scenes.

As part of the San Juan National Historic Site, Castillo San Felipe del Morro is on the southern end of San Juan and originally acted as a military fortress to protect the city. This fortress is the sister of another popular fortress that protects the city, San Cristobal, though del Morro was constructed over 70 years prior. By visiting del Morro, you can get amazing views of the city unlike anywhere else!

Raices Fountain

Definitely worth a visit during the night time, especially if you like scenic views, is the Raices Fountain located on the far-off edge of el Paseo de la Princesa.

Featured in this fountain are three different people, which honors the island’s influence from Spanish, African, and the indigenous Taino heritages. The Raices Fountain was constructed in 1992 as a way to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the ‘founding of the Americas’ by European colonization.

La Fortaleza

La Fortaleza is the oldest military fort built in Puerto Rico by Spanish colonizers in the 15th century. Its architectural design is a clear indicator that it was used primarily for military and government purposes rather than lavish living, despite it being the home of the governor of Puerto Rico since the beginning of Spanish rule.

La Fortaleza was such an important part of Spanish influence that it eventually became its own UNESCO world heritage site. Today the fortress is the residence and work offices of the governor of Puerto Rico and is the oldest mansion in executive functioning in the Western Hemisphere.

Castillo San Cristóbal

Castillo San Cristóbal is another fortress from Puerto Rico’s colonial past. Unlike Castillo San Felipe del Morro, which was built to protect Puerto Rico from sea invasions, Castillo San Cristóbal was designed with land attacks in mind.

As you walk through San Cristóbal, you can go through cannon loopholes, enter sentry boxes “garitas”, navigate tunnels, and observe exhibits from former military barracks. Be sure to check out the infamous “Devil’s Garita”, legend has it of soldiers who mysteriously disappeared.

Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo San Cristóbal is a must-see for tourists.

Museo Castillo Serrallés

Museo Castillo Serrallés is a Spanish revival style home built in the 1930s by the Serrallés family.

It’s located in Ponce, Puerto Rico and overlooks the downtown area. Within the mansion is a Japanese garden, a butterfly nursery, the Vigía Cross, and plenty of other scenic rooms which often host events.

San Juan Cathedral

San Juan Cathedral is one of Puerto Rico’s most deeply-cherished religious sites, and for good reasons.

It’s the second oldest church throughout the entirety of the Western Hemisphere, first constructed in the 1500s. The original name (also still used by Puerto Ricans in today’s time) is Catedral de San Juan Bautista, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It’s also the seat of the Archdiocese of Puerto Rico and the resting place of Ponce de Leon.

La Rogativa

When English forces invaded La Puerta in 1797, they were met with a determined crowd of thousands holding torches and praying to God.

The invaders mistook this for a strategic act of deception and fled from the city – little did they know, the Puerto Rican forces actually used this as a last resort. La Rogativa is a sculpture of four people holding up torches and religious items near the borders of La Puerta. The monument has a great view of San Juan Bay, which makes for excellent photos and even better reflective thinking.

Capitolio de Puerto Rico

Built in 1929, the Capitol Building of Puerto Rico (or Capitolio de Puerto Rico in Spanish) has been serving as the seat of the Puerto Rican legislative assembly for almost a century.

The structure sits right at the entrance to Old San Juan and is a jewel for those interested in history and politics. Designed in the Neoclassical style, the Capitol has a wide-ranging art collection alongside its display of the Puerto Rican constitution.

Cuartel de Ballajá

Cuartel de Ballajá, or the Ballajá Barracks, is a military barracks situated just a few blocks away from Old San Juan.

Built in 1864, the building hosted Spanish troops and their families prior to Puerto Rico’s annexation by the United States. Now, it functions primarily as a museum and is also used as a fine arts school. The building’s architecture is nothing less than stunning.

Playita del Condado

Playita del Condado located at the end of Ashford Avenue in Condado is consider one of the best picturesque landmarks in Puerto Rico. While many consider this destination a hit favorite due to its clear and crystal-like aquamarine waters. The traits of the beach welcomes visitors with its fine golden sand and plenty of trees working up for plenty of shade in the morning and early afternoon.

In front of this historic site lies the panoramic views of Fortin (Fort) San Geronimo. You will also find many good vendors across the beach and many restaurants serving exotic food along Ashford road. The beach has also been updated with lifeguards and showers. If you opt for snorkeling here, you will be thrilled to spot small seashells spread all over the ocean floor.

Piñones State Forest

Named after the Pinyon Pine trees that populate it, Piñones State Forest is a tranquil timberland forest in the Carolina area of the country. It’s a beautifully verdant spot that you should explore on your trip to Puerto Rico.

Also known for being the home of the famous mangrove forest, there’s also a really pretty beach nearby. A boardwalk runs through the center of the forest, which is used for biking and walking trails.

Ponce, Puerto Rico | QuedateEnPuertoRico.com

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Ponce is a major city that is not on the normal tourist route through Puerto Rico, but its ancient city center, with 17th-century buildings and wide plazas, is a treat. The Plaza Las Delicias is a good place for visitors to start because it has cafés and park seats for people-watching.

The red-and-white-striped Old Ponce Fire Station, City Hall, and the considerably more recently erected Cathedral (Catedral Nuestra Seora de la Guadalupe) are among the noteworthy structures. Ponce is also home to a variety of excellent museums, the most notable of which is the Ponce Museum of Art.

Plaza Las Delicias

Located right in the center of Ponce is Plaza Las Delicias. The Plaza is always full of life—it offers frequent events and tourist activities as well as numerous shops.

You will also find phenomenal sculptures, statues, and charming fountains. Plaza Las Delicias is also home to the famous Parque de Bombas, an architecturally captivating fire station unique to Puerto Rico.

Old Ponce Fire Station (Parque de Bombas)

The Old Ponce Fire Station “Parque de Bombas” is a historic old fire station located in the charming town square “Plaza las Delicias” in Ponce, directly behind the town’s Cathedral. You’ve never seen a building like Parque de Bombas, in Puerto Rico’s southern city of Ponce. This bright red and black building — originally opened as a fire station in 1883, now a fire station museum — immediately catches the eye. You’ll see a lot of black and red in Ponce, as they’re the town’s official colors.

For many years, the building housed the city’s main fire station and now houses a small museum in honor and commemoration of the Ponce firefighters. Two staircases located on opposite sides adorn the entrance to the museum, where tourists can observe the technology used against the fires. Among the attractions on the first floor you’ll find vintage machinery used to fight fires, including its famous fire engine and several portable water tanks. On the second floor you will find artifacts used by firefighters and pictures of different colonels and firefighters.

La Guancha Boardwalk

La Guancha Boardwalk is one of the most visited places in Ponce. On the left side of the recreational complex you will find Ponce Beach, with sanitary facilities and an area for sports such as volleyball.

The Recreational and Cultural Complex of La Guancha offers multiple attractions; an observation tower, a boardwalk, restaurants, light food kiosks with a platform with dance music, boat ramp, a passive children’s park and an outdoor amphitheater for the offering of artistic and cultural events. In front of the beach there is a recreational area with swings for children. For those who like a walk in front of the sea, there is the Boardwalk.

The area that most attracts the attention of many is the pier, because there are dozens of fish and pelicans waiting for you to feed them with sardines that you get for sale in the area, in addition you can climb to the 50-foot observation tower where you will enjoy of a spectacular view.

Serralles Castle (Castillo Serrallés)

Overlooking Ponce’s city center is a majestic mansion known as Serralles Castle. This mansion is a 1930s Spanish Revival-style home built by the Serrallés family of the famous DonQ rum. It has a butterfly nursery, the Vigía Cross, and a Japanese garden: an oasis of peace with benches, pagodas, and koi ponds.

Today, Seralles Castle functions as a museum showcasing the Puerto Rican rum and sugar cane industries. Visitors to the museum will learn about Puerto Rico’s fascinating economy and history. This is also a venue perfect for weddings, social events, and more. The museum has a permanent exhibition, and guided tours are given in English and Spanish.

Hacienda Buena Vista

Hacienda Buena Vista is a natural protected area that includes one of the most important coffee and minor fruit estates. During the time that it functioned as a hacienda, Buena Vista served as the setting for a unique relationship between land, water, and slavery.

Today, the heart of what was the hacienda contains a carefully restored historic site with structures that are more than a century old and a unique hydraulic turbine. Rehabilitated and in operation, it is still driven by the waters of the Cañas River, which still serves as an engine for several machines that date back to the heydays of the hacienda.

Having served as one of the main producers of coffee in Puerto Rico throughout the 19th century, Hacienda Buena Vista is now a museum that helps preserve the island’s ties to the coffee industry. This is a great place for tourists to learn more about Puerto Rican coffee production.

Coffin Island (Caja de Muertos)

Caja de Muertos Island also known as Coffin Island is a small island located on the south central coast of the island of Puerto Rico just 4.8 nautical miles from the south coast of the Municipality of Ponce. Definitely this piece of land is a natural paradise. The island is a prefect destination for beach and nature lovers looking to experience the pleasures of an uninhabited island free from development. At Caja de Muertos you can walk, bird watch, explore the lighthouse ruins, or just relax in the sun.

Among the activities that you can do once you arrive on the island are diving in a small underwater sled, walking around the island to the lighthouse or to the pier, kayaking along the north coast of the island, walking along the south coast and simply enjoy the beach that is refreshing and energizing.

The uninhabited island is famed for its native turtle population and is protected by the Nature Reserve of Caja de Muertos. As well as heading to the nature reserve to spot turtles, swimming and snorkeling in the bright blue ocean here are highly recommended. If you are spending a long time in Ponce, it’s worth making a day trip to one of the most popular sites in Puerto Rico. You can reach the island on a small boat that runs multiple times throughout the day.

Culebra Island (Isla Culebra)

Although Culebra is frequently referenced in the same breath as Vieques, this small island, with its beautiful beaches and lush hills, has a distinct personality. The pace is leisurely, and the mood is relaxed. Ecotourism is quite popular on the island, and several of the tourist sites are managed by foreigners.

The roughly circular Playa Flamenco is the island's most popular beach and as close to perfection as you can get. The water is pure, and there is no wave, making it ideal for swimming and diving, and the dazzling white sand is fringed by palm trees.

Culebrita Island (Isla Culebrita)

This beautiful uninhabited island is located off the coast of Culebra, another one of Puerto Rico's beautiful islands. To reach this island, visitors will need to charter a boat or visit with a local tour company. Just as Culebra, Culebrita is an island paradise with stunning beaches known for its crystal clear waters and powder-like sand.

If you decide to stay on Isla Culebrita, be ready to embrace the island life to the fullest (a glorious once-in-a-lifetime opportunity). While it might be a setback for some tourists that there are no chain hotels present on this small island, you will find many vacation rentals and small inns that serve the best to make tropical getaways feel like home.

Mosquito Bay “Bioluminescent Bay” and Vieques

Vieques is one of the smaller islands in Puerto Rico, with the magical Mosquito Bay situated on the southern coastline. The bioluminescent bay lights up due to the plankton that lives in the sea, creating a stunning glow across the water.

Whereas many locals associate the blue lights with spirits or ghosts, they are a work of tiny organisms known as dinoflagellates – a microscopic species, present around 700,000 per gallon in number, convert internal chemical energy into light together. The best time to witness this amazing phenomenon is during the night time of course, with less or no moonlight as the bioluminescence dazzles its visitors in near or total darkness. The best thing to do is here is to take an evening kayak tour across the sea, where you can get up close and personal with the bioluminescence at Mosquito Bay.

Beautiful beaches are now complemented with high-quality tourism infrastructure, attracting both Puerto Ricans and international visitors who take the time to visit the island of Vieques. There are no high-rise condo buildings or huge hotels in the area. Vieques is the most populous in the Spanish Virgin Islands, spanning twenty-one miles in length and five miles wide while maintaining a small-island vibe.

Window Cave (Cueva Ventana)

Cueva Ventana, which literally means "window cave," is another breathtaking outdoor adventure in Puerto Rico. During a visit here, you'll not only hike through a limestone cave, you'll also see stone engravings and pre-Columbian petroglyphs. But the cave's main draw is its namesake view. You'll reach a circular opening in the cave that overlooks a lush landscape.

You will be amazed to witness stone engravings, pre-Columbian petroglyphs, the cave’s iconic window-like opening, and the panoramic hiking trails sandwiched between lush surroundings. The cave is also connected with hidden spots, several tunnels, and smaller caves that you can explore during your tour. To visit this wonder, you must join a guided tour. The hourlong trips are given by trained biologists to help tourgoers learn more about the flora and fauna in the cave as well as the Taíno Indians.

Cayo Icacos Island

This is another stunning landmarks of Puerto Rico. Cayo Icacos is the most picturesque and the largest of the cays making up La Cordillera Nature Reserve off the northeast tip of Puerto Rico.

Once you get there, you will fall in love with this Puerto Rico’s most popular cay as this unspoiled, relaxing beach will welcome you onboard with unbelievably clear blue waters accentuated with a diverse and abundant underwater life. Turquoise waves crashing lightly against the white sand sprayed with bits of seashells portray a postcard-perfect view. Cayo Icacos is also an ideal snorkeling site.

Toro Verde Adventure Park

Toro Verde Adventure Park is an ecological adventure park with unforgettable ziplining experiences. In the mountains at the center of the Island is a modern marvel of adrenaline-pumping adventure known as “The Monster,” a 2.5-kilometer zip line that is one of the longest in the world.

Toro Verde Adventure Park is located in the town of Orocovis, about an hour and 45 minutes from San Juan and hidden between rolling mountains covered in dense forest. The area boasts some of the most breathtaking mountain views on the Island, which you’ll see flying beneath you, if you choose to go ziplining.

Since the park opened in 2009, its network of ziplines and suspension bridges has steadily expanded, and now includes two enormous ziplines, The Beast at nearly 1.5 kilometers and The Monster, the second longest zipline in the world, at 2.5 kilometers.

El Indio Cave (Cueva Del Indio)

Located in the northern town of Arecibo, Cueva del Indio is an impressive cave that's surrounded by dramatic cliffs that face the Atlantic Ocean. The cave gets its name from the various pre-Columbian indigenous petroglyphs that are found in the walls of the cave. The natural limestone cave sits on the very edge of the rugged coast, with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.

This amazing site boasts incredible views of the Atlantic with great Insta-perfect picture opportunities. Initially discovered in 1982, the history of this cave dates back to pre-Columbian days. The trail and the wooden ladder down to the cave can be tricky for some people, but it’s worth the unbelievable sights within. This is one of the most popular historic sites in Puerto Rico. Here you can hunt down the Taino petroglyphs and explore the stories of what happened to them so many years ago. Do wear good sturdy shoes and long pants as the rock is very sharp limestone, wet, and slippery.

Palomino Island (Isla Palominos)

This stunning uninhabited island is located just off the coast of Fajardo. Its crystalline waters make Palomino a great snorkeling spot.

This tiny tropical escape charms its visitors with a balmy breeze, white-sand beaches, and clear Caribbean water. Here you can expect nothing more than to relax in an ultimate peaceful environment as there is not much to explore other than the craggy coastline, seagrass beds, and island’s coral reefs. You can enjoy a selection of Caribbean dishes and cocktails served by Iguana’s Café.

Los Morillo’s Light (Faro los Morrillos)

Also known as Los Morillo’s Light, Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo is one of the historic landmarks of Puerto Rico that strikes tourists with its laidback beauty. Located in the municipality of Cabo Rojo since 1881, Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo is a historic lighthouse accentuated with quite simple decorative elements including an unelaborated cornice, a lenticular lens, and the old cast-iron, copper, and glass lantern equipped with the original illuminating apparatus.

You can enjoy breathtaking views at the lighthouse. Just walk outside the fence of the lighthouse and be awed by the picturesque view (be careful not to walk too close to the edge). The lighthouse is still operational as it helps ships in safe navigation through the Mona Passage starting from the Caribbean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.

Black Sand Beach “Playa Negra (Negrita)”

Black Sand Beach “negrita beach” located in the northern part of Vieques, is a black sand beach that contains tiny particles of lava, a reminder of the volcanic origins of the island millions of years ago. It is one of the most beautiful and hidden beaches on the island.

It is one of the most beautiful yet dramatic beaches that you will locate in Puerto Rico. This unique beach offers quite a sight for beach lovers- traces of black volcanic material spread on the beach, contrasting with deep golden shades, and being kissed by the foamy waters simply enchants the sand lovers.

Rock cliffs, beautifully shaped driftwood, and desert-like bushes also play a crucial role in adding to the elegance of the beach. It is due to its awe-inspiring landscape that Victoria’s Secret Angels recently filmed the Victoria’s Secret Swim Special in this panoramic location.

Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Heritage Center

A wonder built by the Taíno around 1270 AD, this 800-year-old archaeological site resides in Caguana barrio, Utuado, Puerto Rico. While on your trip to the famous landmarks in Puerto Rico, give this historic site a priority as here you will find more than 30 of the courts called Bateyes where Taíno Indians used to host ceremonial ball games – something similar to lacrosse or soccer.

Inside you will also find a small museum displaying archaeological exhibits, Indian artifacts, and a botanical garden featuring plants planted by the Taínos that they used to harvest their food such as cassava, corn, sweet potato, and yautía.

Gozalandia Waterfall (Cascada Gozalandia)

Gozalandia Falls, located in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico - on the West side of the island, features a 60ft+ tall waterfall as the main attraction. The area also has an 'upper-falls' with another swimming area and rope swing. What makes this waterfall special is a pool at its bottom where the tourists love to swim in deep and clean waters. You can also discover an underwater cave by swimming on the right of the waterfall.

The main falls features a small half-submerged cave to dive or swim into. You can also take a leap of faith and climb the waterfall to a point where the locals jump from. The path can be slippery but definitely do-able with water shoes and the assistance of the ropes that are tied off throughout the falls. This area also features a shallow area where many families come with children - it is big enough for 30 or so people to hangout comfortably.

San Cristobal Canyon

Sandwiched in between Aibonito and Barranquitas, it is the deepest canyon present in all of the Antilles Islands. Mark our words – this canyon is one of the trickiest destinations to reach so plan ahead or to be on the safe side, contact a tour company.

Your efforts will be worth the scenes. Enchanted mountains lined with plants and trees, rise out of rivers accompanied with beautiful waterfalls is just enthralling. For around 20 years, this canyon also served as the dumping site for metal and machinery.

Cabo Rojo Lighthouse

Cabo Rojo Lighthouse is one of the most famous Puerto Rico monuments. It sits atop 200-foot cliffs, towering over the Caribbean Sea and marking the south-westerly point of Puerto Rico.

The lighthouse is still in operation, helping to navigate vessels through the Mona Passage between the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. This is also a popular spot for bird watching, so make sure you pack your binoculars. Or, once you’ve explored the lighthouse, head to the beach or hike along the cliffs and explore the natural landscape.

Seven Seas Beach

Seven Seas Beach located in Fajardo is famous for its camping facilities and its area for trailer homes.

Seven Seas Beach is a secluded beach with calm, clear waters and excellent facilities, around 30 miles from San Juan. The beach is family-oriented, with picnic tables, restrooms, concession stands, and simple parking just steps from the sand. The golden-brown sand, and the beach is gently sloping. Boats are not allowed in the roped-off swimming area. The western end of the beach is the most beautiful, whilst the eastern end may be rocky.

Coamo Thermal Hot Springs (Los Baños de Coamo)

Tucked into the verdant hills of Coamo on the southwestern side of the island, the Coamo Thermal Baths (Aguas Termales de Coamo, in Spanish) offer visitors a relaxing escape from the bustle of metro area life. For locals and tourists, coming to these famous thermal springs is like a spa day out in the countryside. For certain regulars — some who have been coming to the hot spring for years — the mineral waters help ease different conditions including diabetes, gout, circulation problems, respiratory issues, and joint pain.

There is a certain magic to these waters, which local legend says are actually Juan Ponce de León's coveted Fountain of Youth. The springs were discovered in 1847 and became the main attraction of a sanatorium-style hotel called Hotel Los Baños de Coamo. The facilities were renovated and modernized in 2010 and now include two pools, a spa, a gift shop, and a café.

Carabali Rainforest Park

A fun family adventure awaits you in Carabali Rainforest Park in Luquillo. As Puerto Rico’s most famous adventure park, this is a spot that you can’t miss when you visit.

The park is set on a 600-acre space on the outskirts of El Yunque National Forest with beautiful views, 5-star hotels, and lots of brilliant restaurants to keep you entertained for days. From go-karting and hayrides to horseback riding and an ATV cruise through the forests, there is so much to do here.

Panoramic Route

The panoramic route is less like the other Puerto Rico monuments and more of a scenic drive across the country.

It’s a famous route undertaken by thousands each year due to the beautiful views it treats you to of Puerto Rico’s natural landscape. Three main roads make up the drive: PR-105, PR-143, and PR-182. The route starts in Mayagüez and stretches the entire way across the main island to Maunabo, a whopping ​​167 miles (269 km).

Guanica Biosphere Reserve (Bosque Seco de Guánica)

The Guanica Biosphere Reserve (Bosque Seco de Guánica), a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve, is one of the most extensive tropical dry coastal forests in the world, totaling around 9,000 acres of land.

Approximately two hours from San Juan and less than half an hour from Ponce, on the southwest side of Puerto Rico, you’ll find an astonishing slice of paradise. Close to the Bahía de Guánica, or Guánica Bay, the forest's arid land is home to hundreds of species of animals and plants, many of which are endangered. The flora is divided into the deciduous, evergreen, and thorny categories, while the coastal zone includes mangroves, among other species adapted to the sand and rocks.

The sound of birdsongs is a regular feature of the park’s peaceful splendor. More than 130 different types of birds have been identified there, among them the guabairo, palometa, and the brown pelican, along with a variety of endemic species. Within the refuge, there is marine and terrestrial wildlife as well, including reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Gilligan’s Island "Aurora Key"

One of the truly wonderful places to visit near Guánica is Aurora Key, better known as Gilligan's Island. This small mangrove key is surrounded by crystal-clear, shallow waters that are ideal for a day on a boat. You will find it just off the coast of Guanica. Where tourists often head out. However, this smaller island is still worth checking out. Especially, if you prefer to get away from the crowd.

You can reach Aurora Key by kayak or boat, and once there you can enjoy the water and admire the landscape. Make sure to bring a cooler with food and drinks, or grab a hot meal to-go at the pier restaurant before the journey begins.

What’s great about this little island is that you can access it by kayaking to its sandy shores. It will take you at least 20 minutes to reach it from Guanica. Of course, you need to consider if the waters are ideal for it. But you can also rent a boat if you like. There are boat rentals at Guanica that will cost you around $10 to $15. Not a bad price to see this little island and the marine life here. Once you are on the island, you will find that there are a few sandy beaches to lie on. If you are with your children, the calm waters will make it easier for them to learn how to swim. There is also a mangrove forest here that will give you some privacy and respite from the heat.

Guajataca Tunnel (El Túnel del Tren en Guajataca)

The Guajataca Tunnel is one of the most visited historic landmarks of Puerto Rico. The Guajataca Tunnel of Isabela was constructed in 1904 and it crosses the mountain that separates Playa Guajataca from Playa Mirador.

In 2000, it was declared a Historical Monument and it is one of the most visited spots in this part of the Island. Come for a walk thru this tunnel and discover the history and the many surprises it has in store for you. This tunnel located between Isabela and Quebradillas stands as one of the few remnants of the Sugar Cane railway. The Guajataca tunnel was part of Lane A that went from San Juan to Aguadilla. Now the tunnel is a popular plaza with food kiosks and a trolley that recreates the railway’s route.

Rincón

Rincón is known amongst Puerto Ricans as a "Gringo Paradise," "Pueblo del Surfing" (Surfing Town), and "Little Malibu." Because this town is home to plenty of foreign surfers and other expats, English is the dominant language in the area.

Rincon rose to prominence as a surfing paradise following the 1968 World Surfing Championships, when photographs of Rincón and its frequent 15-foot-high waves were broadcast around the world. Not a fan of surfing? The majority of the town's beautiful swimming beaches are located to the south.

Getting up close and personal with nature is one of the nicest parts of visiting Puerto Rico. Beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes are unique natural wonders here that can't be found anyplace else on the planet. We hope that this list will help you plan your next best trip to Puerto Rico.