Puerto Rico is a cluster of islands, islets, and cays scattered in the Caribbean Sea. Together they form an archipelago that is 100 miles long and 35 miles wide. In Spanish Puerto Rico means “the rich port”. Such a name is fully justified by the abundance of stunning nature wonders, heavenly alluring views, exciting festivals, and exotic cuisine. But the main treasure of the place is the big-hearted and welcoming people. They will never let you feel bored, alone, uninvited, or embarrassed.
The self-governing island is jam-packed with incredible attractions both natural and human-induced. To embrace them all, it is highly recommended to travel around Puerto Rico by car. Download the Puerto Rico car rental app before leaving your place to make your future trip easier. The application will help you to look for the best cars for rent in Puerto Rico.
What to Do in Puerto Rico: The Most Attended Tourist Attractions
Due to its geographical position, the archipelago boasts bright and absorbing culture. It is a passionate and charismatic mixture of Taino, African, and Spanish traditions. Let’s plunge into the dazzling world of a magnificent Caribbean archipelago.
National Forest El Yunque
El Yunque is a tropical rainforest with a total area of 28 000 acres. The must-do things to be included in your bucket list if you’re planning to visit this splendid natural reservation:
- Enjoy awesome scenery. Are you hunting for admiring views of wild nature? Then head off to Yokahú Observation Tower which rises 1,575 feet above the forest area. From the top of it, you’ll take corking photos for your social media. Be sure the pics will make your friends jealous.
- Visit “El Porte de El Yunque”. It is a tourist center with a great number of exhibits, gift stores, restrooms, cafes, and a theater.
- Walk through numerous hiking trails. The breathtaking paths lead to the gorgeous natural pools, waterfalls, and lagoons. If you feel sick and tired of wandering around the forest, go down the La Coca trail. On your way, you’ll come across several ponds. Just imagine the delight: you are allowed to bathe for free in a postcard-perfect pool under the natural waterfall.
Traveler’s note. Before taking a journey, find a reliable car rental in Puerto Rico airport and make an online reservation. It is the most comfortable and money-saving variant for a budget-conscious and far-seeing tourist. Don’t forget that the minimum age for drivers on the island is 21 years old. Puerto Rico car rental under 25 is also possible. But a young renter will have to pay a surcharge.
- Dive into an impressive world of Caribbean nature. In the conservancy area, tourists have a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the exceptional flora of Puerto Rico. About 240 plant species endemic to the region grow here. While hiking around the forest you’ll see trumpet trees, immense ferns, and tiny wild orchards.
- Experience the best birdwatching in the world. If you are lucky enough, you will have a chance to have a glimpse at rare green mangos, woodpeckers, and Puerto Rican parrots.
- Set off for outdoor adventures. Vendors offer different kinds of equipment for hire in El Yunque. Visitors may feel free to rent maneuverable ATVs to explore the wild nature, try horse-riding, or buy a high-adrenaline Zipline Adventure Tour.
Arecibo Observatory
Arecibo Observatory is the world’s largest telescope and an up-to-date scientific natural science center. Myriads of hands-on exhibits devoted to different topics are exposed in the observatory. Some displays help to gain a better understanding of the cosmic nature of stars, galaxies, and the Solar System. Others are devoted to the tools used for space exploration. All the exhibits are interactive. Read educational information written next to a mock-up model and press the button to put the mechanism in action. You’ll see how everything you’ve just learned about works in real life. Visit the Observatory Facebook homepage to get the most updated information about the attraction.
Beach in Flamenco
This awe-inspiring beach is located on the Caribbean island called Culebra. With its turquoise blue waters, green hills, and harsh-white sands it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The sea here is calm, shallow, and waveless. That makes Flamenco Beach a perfect place for swimming, diving, and snorkeling.
Don’t be surprised to see a real tank on the coast. The abandoned military machine is a recognizable spot on Flamenco Beach. The tank was left here as a reminder of the US’s navy invasion of the island.
Old San Juan
According to the battle-seasoned tourist opinion, Old San Juan is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico. It is a residential area that used to be a military stronghold during the times of the Spanish Colonization. An old neighborhood consists of 7 square blocks made up of 16th and 17th-century buildings. Come to see Old San Juan with its exquisite, brightly colored facades, blue stone pavements, and one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Besides views of miraculous beauty, the historical neighborhood offers tourists tons of attractions. Below, there are several tips for spending time in Old San Juan:
- Book a guided walking tour to learn more about the history, culture, and traditions of Puerto Rico.
- Drink Piña Colada in the place of its birth. The cocktail was invented in Old San Juan by a bartender in 1954. To create the drink, he mixed pineapple juice, coconut milk, and rum. Now it is a Caribbean national drink well-known all over the world.
- Visit giant ancient fortresses Castillo de San Cristóbal and El Morro.
- Walk along a broad promenade Paseo de la Princesa and enjoy free musical and cultural performances regularly held there.
The Old City welcomes tourists with an array of entertainment from visiting art galleries to dancing at nightclubs. Rent cars in San Juan to make your trip more eventful and remembered.
Vieques
Be careful! This picturesque island is going to steal your heart away. Vieques is an ideal destination for those who prefer quiet rest in luxurious nature surroundings. The island is uncrowded and almost untouched by civilization. It is worldwide famous due to the Mosquito Bay with its magical bioluminescent waters. The sea glows at night due to a swarm of microorganisms called “dinos”. They produce flashes of neon-blue light when shaken. Vieques offers a wide range of activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, scuba diving, and hiking.
Cabo Rojo Lighthouse
Cabo Rojo Lighthouse is a recognizable landmark of the Caribbean coastline. The 19th-century construction of the crowns on the limestone cliffs of striking beauty. After the renovation, the exterior of the lighthouse has remained authentic. The inner mechanism has undergone renovation and automation. Climb up to the top of the tower and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Puerto Rico from the 200-foot height. The illuminating apparatus Cabo Rojo is open to the public daily, except Wednesday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entrance fee is not demanded.
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