Puerto Rico is overflowing with rich history, good food, and beautiful sights. This Caribbean paradise is rightfully nicknamed “Isla del Encanto” or “Island of Enchantment” in Spanish. Largely composed of luscious greenery and mountainous terrain, you can imagine the breathtaking backdrops and countless outdoor activities. Not to mention the beaches! The demographics of Puerto Rico are mainly composed of a mixture of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino. With that said, there is so much more to this magical place than meets the eye. Immerse yourself in the fascinating culture and learn how past events shaped this wonderful island. Here are the top sites to experience across the island, as guided by a close friend and local Puerto Rican.
Playa Domes (Domes Beach), Rincon
Domes Beach is a well-known surfing spot with year-round swell action and the host of several professional competitions. The beach got its name because of its location in front of a decommissioned nuclear plant shaped like a giant dome. Near the beach’s southern end, you will find the historic Punta Higuera Lighthouse (Faro de Punta Higuera).
Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan), San Juan
Located at the northern tip of Puerto Rico’s capital city is the historical district of Old San Juan. The area is bursting full of historical landmarks. Therefore, you will find several Spanish colonial buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Walk down the cobblestone streets lined with colorfully painted buildings. Browse the various souvenir shops offering original handcrafted items. This city has a unique charm to it and should not be overlooked during your visit.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro Castle), San Juan
This massive fort is an iconic 16th-century structure built by the Spanish in what is known today as Old San Juan. Its location at the tip of the entrance to the San Juan Bay (Bahia de San Juan) played a crucial role in defending Puerto Rico from multiple enemy sea attacks. Walk through the six levels of the complex and explore its storage rooms, passageways, and barracks. Catch views of the surrounding seascapes from one of the domed sentry boxes (garitas) or upper-level lookouts.
Parque de Bombas (Fire Station), Ponce
The Old Ponce Fire Station was Puerto Rico’s very first fire station and served the city for over 100 years before being converted into a museum. The structure’s unique style consists of a large central space positioned between two towers. The exterior is painted in bold red and black stripes, the official colors of Ponce.
Museo Castillo Serralles (Serralles Castle Museum), Ponce
The Serralles family is widely known for their contribution to Puerto Rico’s sugar cane and rum industry. Their four-story mansion now houses a museum in which guided tours walk you through the residence, highlighting the history of the Serralles family, sugar cane production, rum distillation, and the original articles found inside the home. The elevated position of the estate allows you to capture extensive views of the city. In addition to the home itself, the property features a butterfly nursery, Vigia cross observation tower, and a Japanese garden.
Casa Wiechers Villaronga, Ponce
A fine example of Neo-Classical architecture which you may mistake as a glorious pink cake. Ponce-born architect Alfredo Wiechers Pieretti designed the residence which currently functions as the Museo de la Arquitectura Ponceña (Museum of Ponce Architecture). You can’t help but admire the elaborate details from the cornices, to the Ionic columns, as well as the sculptured figures throughout.
El Observatorio de Arecibo (Arecibo Observatory), Arecibo
This iconic radio telescope played a significant role in the study of Earth’s atmosphere, our solar system, and the universe around us. It was once the world’s largest radio dish, measuring 1,000 feet in diameter and made up of 38,778 perforated aluminum panels. What’s more, there is a Science & Visitor Center with interactive exhibits and other educational presentations on display.
Cueva Ventana (Window Cave), Arecibo
Catch a one-of-a-kind glimpse of the Rio Grande de Arecibo valley through the perfectly framed “window” of a limestone cave. As you walk through the cave, admire the natural formations and observe the sleeping bats tucked into the nooks above. Before you know it, you’ll start to see the tiny light in the distance, leading you to the main attraction.
Cara del Indio (Indian Face), Isabela
The stone monument of Cacique (chief) Mabodamaca protrudes out from the mountainside as it welcomes visitors to the town of Isabela. Remembered for his fearless efforts, the chief protected the Taino people and their land from the invasion of the Spanish. Because of its position beside a busy road, you may want to pull over to get a good picture.
Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo (Cabo Rojo Lighthouse), Cabo Rojo
Journey past the Las Salinas (salt flats) of the Morrillo peninsula, and you will eventually end up at El Faro. The lighthouse sits atop plunging limestone cliffs overlooking the bright blue Caribbean Ocean. The views around the lighthouse are stunning, but take caution as there are no guard rails along the edge. Just when you think you’ve seen enough, stick around for sunset to capture the most incredible display of colors painting the sky.
Playa Sucia (La Playuela), Cabo Rojo
Just a short trek down from the Cabo Rojo lighthouse is a secluded white sand beach facing sparkling turquoise waters. Due to its isolated location, this is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature. Pick your spot and take advantage of this unspoiled stretch of heaven.
Bosque Nacional El Yunque (El Yunque National Forest), Rio Grande
Breathe in the clean, naturally filtered air and explore one of the many trails running through this lush rainforest. Choose your destination from a series of routes that lead to a variety of waterfalls, rivers, pools, observation towers, and other scenic areas. One of the popular trails takes you up a brief hike to Cascada La Mina (La Mina Waterfall) where you can go for an invigorating dip in the fresh mountain water. Another worthwhile stop is Mount Britton Tower, one of the lookouts, offering a 360 view of the forest and beyond.
Museo el Cemi (Cemi Museum), Jayuya
A Cemi is a Taino sculptural object representing a deity, which is the inspiration for the museum’s design. Just when you think it’s a monument on its own, there’s more. Inside the unusually shaped museum, you will find a collection of Taino artifacts on display. Another nearby museum is Casa Canales (Canales House), dedicated to Jayuya-born writer and activist, Nemesio Canales.
La Piedra Escrita (The Written Stone), Jayuya
A wooden walkway navigates you down to the Rio Saliente (Saliente River) where you will eventually find a large stone sitting in the middle of the stream. Upon closer look at the stone’s surface, you will see the prehistoric petroglyphs left behind by the indigenous Taino people. Many visitors choose to lounge beside the river, but you can also cool off in the water.
Centro Ceremonial Indigena de Caguana (Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Site), Utuado
In this well-preserved park tucked deep in the heart of Puerto Rico, you will find numerous monoliths carved with petroglyphs and ball courts (bateyes). The site’s museum displays a collection of Taino artifacts such as jewelry, vessels, and various tools. Adjacent to the museum is a botanical garden featuring some of the plants that played a vital role in the diet and building materials of the indigenous people.
Cascada Chorro de Doña Juana (Doña Juana Waterfall), Orocovis
This amazing three-tiered waterfall is located off the side of the main road along the Ciales-Orocovis town border. It’s a worthwhile stop on the side of the road to get a close-up look. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a natural pool that forms at the bottom of the falls that is safe for swimming.
Coffee Hacienda (Coffee Farm), Central Region (Adjuntas, Jayuya, Ponce, etc.)
Are you a coffee lover? Consider touring one of the many coffee haciendas across the island to learn about the careful process of growing and producing coffee. Because of its higher altitude and volcanic soil, the farms are typically located in the central mountainous region to give Puerto Rican coffee its special characteristics.
As you can see, Puerto Rico has an abundance of activities, especially if you’re a nature lover. You may not have time to hit all of the spots in one trip, since they are scattered throughout the island, but if you can commit to a few, you won’t regret it! While this is not a comprehensive list of all things to do in Puerto Rico, they were the most impressive to me during my stay.
