After landing in beautiful Puerto Rico, your first priority should be renting a car. It is definitely the best mode of transportation and the only way to see all that Puerto Rico has to offer. The street signs are all in Spanish, so brush up on your cardinal directions and use a GPS system to get around the island. The roads can be windy and steep and do not always have lines for the median. Below are the top 10 things that we enjoyed in Puerto Rico! If you are planning a trip to this beautiful island these are definitely must sees!
1. Castillo San Cristóbal & San Felipe del Morro Fortress (2-3 hours) These two forts in San Juan are definitely a must see. They are so rich with history, and the architecture is magnificent. Both forts are located right on the water with outstanding views of both the ocean and the surrounding city of San Juan. The forts are less than a mile apart (15 minute walk), and for $5 you gain access to both forts. I would recommend going to the fort early, as the tourists start to pour in by the early afternoon. The cruise port is located adjacent to the forts and is a popular destination for the people aboard.
2. Old San Juan (Half Day) Old San Juan is a little more of a tourist trap then I was expecting, however that should not stop you from going. This historic area is a great place to pick up souvenirs, eat some local food, and get a glimpse into San Juan's vibrant history. The combination of cobblestone streets and pastel-colored historic houses creates a charming atmosphere. Old San Juan is only seven square blocks, so this area can easily be explored in an afternoon.
3. Cueva Ventana (1.5 hours) The caves are great! This was the number one thing we wanted to do on our trip and it did not disappoint. The trails are easy to climb and very kid friendly. The caves are also home to some critters so make sure you keep your eyes out. This is a guided tour through a series of caves before arriving at the Cueva Ventana (Window Cave). The tour is given in both Spanish and English and the guides do an excellent job of informing everybody about each caves unique history and any national phenomenons occurring in the cave.
4. Cueva Del Indio (1.5 hours) This place was a diamond in the rough. It is a rocky cave right off the coast and beautiful trails along the beach. The picturesque caves were one of my favorite things in Puerto Rico and an image I will never forget. This is not guided and you have the freedom to explore at your leisure. The trails are full of sharp rocks and uneven terrain, and I would not recommend this for small children.
5. San Sebastian Waterfall (1 hour) With just a short hike, you can have access to a beautiful waterfall. There are many people swimming at the bottom of the waterfall, and the adventurous spirits can climb to the top of the waterfall and jump into the pool below. We chose to also walk down the river and explore the natural beauty of Puerto Rico. The falls are free but there is a small fee for parking ($5).
6. Camuy River Cave Park (4 Hours) This is a beautiful underground river. After checking in, you are given an audio set that is helpful throughout the tour. I would recommend this for families of all ages. Make sure to wear a long sleeve shirt and your walking shoes as these tours will have you walking and standing the entire time. The park has a $15 entrance fee.
7. El Yunque National Park (All Day) This is the only tropical rain forest in the US national forest system, and pictures don't do this place justice. Numerous trails carve throughout the 28,000 acre park leading visitors to waterfalls and through dense forest. A majority of the trails are paved and easy to walk. The best part of many of the hikes is swimming in the river or waterfall at the end of the trail, so I would recommend sturdy sandals you would feel comfortable hiking in as well as a bathing suit and towel. Bug spray is a must here as well. Our favorite hike throughout the day was to the Mt. Britton Tower which offered panoramic views of the forest.
8. Horseback Riding on the Beach with Tropical Trail Rides (2-3 hours) This was something we decided to do on a whim, but going horseback riding on the beach has been a bucket list item for me since I could remember. This experience lived up to every expectation I had for it, and I could not recommend it more. The beach is secluded and breath taking. The horses are sweet and easy going. The guides are friendly and informative. They even recommended things for us to do across the island.
9. Bioluminescent Bay (1-2 hours) La Parguera (southwest), Mosquito Bay (Vieques), and Laguna Grande (Fajardo) are the three bioluminescent Bay locations throughout Puerto Rico with Mosquito Bay being the brightest. The best time to see this phenomenon is during a new moon then the night is darkest and the water glows. However, the bioluminescent can be visible on any night. The water glows due to pyrodinium bahamenesa, a microscopic plankton capable of producing natural light. We were unable to get good pictures of this event, and would recommend camera equipment better suited for low light scenarios if you want to capture this once in a lifetime experience.
10. Food. The best way to experience any new culture is through the cuisine. Puerto Rico has so many unique foods with a blend of Spanish and Caribbean influences. Some of the best dishes to try on this island are mofongo (mash of fried green plantains) and asopao (Puerto Rican Gumbo). The island has countless gourmet and upscale resturants, but we found some of the best food at food trucks parked on back roads. Lastly, a trip to Puerto Rico would not be complete without a mojito made with local rum.
