So you are planning to visit Puerto Rico, The Island of Enchantment. With its fine sandy beaches, turquoise waters and Spanish colonial architecture, the American Archipelago is a wonderful destination and you are lucky to be able to get there.
You have found the best guide if you are looking for ideas on what to do during your vacation in Puerto Rico. There’s something for everyone here, whether you want to explore the historic fortresses of Old San Juan or spend an afternoon mountain biking in the jungle.
I will tell you about the best historical sites and natural attractions, but also about fun and exciting activities such as skydiving and Flyboarding. And of course, I will cover some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico, because who wouldn’t want to spend at least a day in this magical place in the sun?
Puerto Rico is the island of superlatives. It is home to the longest zip line in the United States, the largest rum distillery in the world and the third largest underground cave system in the world. You can explore all this – and much more – on your trip to the Archipelago, so join me as I guide you through the best things to do in Puerto Rico!
The best things to do in Puerto Rico
It only takes about three hours from the east coast of Puerto Rico to the west coast, which allows you to explore most of the sights of the main island, regardless of where you want to stay. This guide contains the best attractions and tours of the main island, but also everything worth seeing on the small islands of the Archipelago.
1. walk in the old San Juan
San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and one of the oldest American cities founded in Europe. It was founded in 1521 by Spanish colonists and the city has many sites that tell its rich history. Old San Juan is the oldest part of the city and the best for historical visits. You can’t explore Puerto Rico and skip San Juan.
The Cathedral of San Juan is one of the highlights of the city. It is the second oldest church in America and houses the tomb of the founder of San Juan, Ponce De Leon. Calle de la Fortaleza is the most remarkable street in the city, known for its pastel-colored buildings and ornate decorations. It is lined with shops and restaurants and is an ideal base for an in-depth exploration of San Juan.
Other notable sites in the old town include Plaza Colón, Casa Blanca, Puerta de San Juan, The Presidents’ Gateway and Plaza del Quinto Centenario. And then there are the locks, but I’ll tell you more about them later because they are too beautiful to be crushed in a short walking tour of San Juan.
2. Visit Castillo San Cristobal
Castillo San Cristóbal is one of the two historic castles of San Juan. Built in the mid-eighteenth century to protect the city from land attacks, it is the largest of all the fortresses built by the Spaniards in America.
The Fort is part of the San Juan National Historic Site, which has been protected by UNESCO since 1983. Visitors can explore the site on their own or opt for guided tours. When you first enter the fortress, you can watch a short documentary that tells its story, and then you can explore the site at your leisure.
Walk along the fortress walls for a beautiful panoramic view. By far the best view is from the Caballero de San Miguel, the highest point of the entire complex. Discover the underground cisterns, walk through the tunnels of the castle and discover the exhibition of military clothing and troop barracks.
3. drive go-karts and off-road vehicles in Carabali rainforest adventure park
Puerto Rico is a great destination for a fun and adventurous vacation. Head to Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park if you want to spend a day ziplining, mountain biking, go-karts and mountain biking through the woods.
Most of the adventures take place in the foothills of the El Yunque Rainforest, with the exception of the zip lines, which are much closer to the park. Even horseback riding is possible here, and it’s a lot of fun. If you like to be outdoors and are always in the mood for a new adrenaline rush, a trip to this adventure park is exactly what you need in Puerto Rico.