What to do in Puerto Rico: unique experiences on the island of charm
It is one of the northeastern Caribbean islands with the most attractions and points of interest. What to do in Puerto Rico beyond its beautiful beaches.
Its nickname presents it as a special place: it is known as the "island of charm", a name that has been earned since Colonial times. It has beautiful beaches, exuberant vegetation, incredible historical places, and architecture capable of making any tourist fall in love. We tell you what to do in Puerto Rico and why you should add it to your dream destinations.
Although culturally it is as Latin American as any other country in the region, Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States for more than 120 years. It has been under its sovereignty since 1917 and Puerto Ricans have been United States citizens since then.
Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States, with self-government status. Due to the tax benefits, it became an attractive destination for entrepreneurs from various sectors, but the arrival of those who work in the world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies has had more repercussions.
Puerto Rico is located in the Americas, northeast of the Caribbean, east of the island of Hispaniola, and west of the United States Virgin Islands.
In Puerto Rico, Spanish is spoken, only they add several words and idioms from American English, but you won't have a problem with communication.
What to do in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a large number of historical sites, legacies from its past as a Spanish colony. This typical culture of the Latin Caribbean is mixed with its present as a territory of the United States, giving a fusion that you will notice in the speech of the Boricuas.
The fame is for the Dominican Republic, Cuba and other Caribbean islands, but little is known about the beaches of Puerto Rico. The options are many and truly paradisiacal, and invite you to spend the day with water sports, good vibes and lots of reggaeton.
What is the most beautiful thing about Puerto Rico?
In addition to Old San Juan, the historic district of San Juan, the city has a lot to offer to all those who are curious to know the island as a Puerto Rican. It is an ideal place to put on a pair of comfortable shoes, rent a bicycle and enjoy a place that will receive you with the best energy.
We tell you some of the best things to see in Puerto Rico:
San Juan: the capital. A place where history becomes present and colonial architecture is expressed naturally, making tourists fall in love. It is home to Old San Juan, which has gained worldwide fame among Puerto Rico's top destinations for being the setting for the video.
The Cathedral of San Juan is an extraordinary masterpiece of local architecture dating from 1521.
Old San Juan:
With almost 500 years of history, it is an essential place if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture of the island. Stroll through the cobbled streets, among the colorful buildings, and you will be able to live firsthand the experience of walking as if you were in the Caribbean of yesteryear. The ruins of the El Morro fortresses and the Castillo de San Cristóbal are among the most popular destinations for tourists with a passion for history.
Ponce: is the second largest city in Puerto Rico, known as the jewel of the south. Founded in 1692, it has an old town that is beautiful, with fountains, squares and colonial houses that will conquer you. Do not forget to take a photo in the Cathedral, built in the 17th century.
Isla de Culebra: It is a very small island, which is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
Isla de Vieques: it is another of the islands close to Puerto Rico, a place where you can enjoy the typical postcard Caribbean. Its white sand beaches are of a beauty rarely seen, and it is the place where Puerto Mosquito is located, the brightest Bioluminescent bay in the world.
Rincón: is a very picturesque town on the west coast of Puerto Rico, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. Famous for its sunsets, it is an ideal place to take unbeatable photos.
El Yunque National Forest:
It is located in the west of Puerto Rico and is a tropical forest famous throughout the world for its great biodiversity. Its trees are home to unique birds and other species that only live there. Not to be missed, the La Mina Waterfall.
Best beaches in Puerto Rico
Cabo Rojo: The beaches are the main tourist attraction in Puerto Rico. The most famous are those of Cabo Rojo, where you can find dream beaches with calm and paradisiacal waters.
Crash Boat: you can also enjoy Crash Boat, famous for its turquoise water and a favorite for surfers on windy days. It is also one of the favorite corners of diving lovers, since El Natural is located there, a coral reef full of underwater life.
Isla Culebra:
From the port of Fajardo, you can cross to Isla Culebra, a natural beauty surrounded by coral reefs that invite you to snorkel. It has beaches like Flamenco, protected by a bay and considered in many lists as one of the best beaches in the world.
Liquillos: The beach near San Juan that most locals and tourists choose is Liquillos, which can be visited as a day trip.
Water sports in Puerto Rico
The snorkeling and diving are first rate, as are the waves to surf in certain parts of the island; Added to these experiences in the water are the bays with bioluminescent plankton, which lights up the sea at night, creating a magical effect.
Places you should visit
Stroll through Old San Juan: the quintessential tourist area within the capital of Puerto Rico is Old San Juan, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Founded in 1509 by the Spanish, San Juan was born as a walled city protected by several forts from the attacks of other imperial armies, such as the British and Dutch. It was not until 1898 when it succumbed to the arrival of the United States troops.
Much of its Spanish colonial architecture and defensive walls still stand, such as La AlcaldÃa (from 1602), La Fortaleza (residence of the governor of Puerto Rico and the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Americas), the Puerta de San Juan ( original entrance to the city) and the churches of San José (1532) and San Juan (1540).
San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal Castles: Within the area of ​​Old San Juan, the most imposing place is El Morro, an ancient citadel and defensive fort located at the tip of the peninsula with beautiful views of the sea. Also declared a World Heritage Site, construction began in the 16th century to guard the entrance to San Juan Bay, protecting this strategic place from maritime attacks.
The entrance to El Morro also includes a visit to Castillo San Cristóbal, which was the largest fortress that the Spanish have built in their American colonies. Unlike the other, this one had the mission of protecting ground attacks.
bioluminescent bays
In the water of certain bays inhabit microscopic organisms that shine at the slightest movement. During the day this glow is imperceptible to the eye, but when night falls the sea lights up creating this magical effect.
The three bays with bioluminescent plankton are BahÃa Mosquito, on the small island of Vieques; Laguna Grande, in Fajardo; and La Parguera, in Lajas, which is the destination most chosen by tourism.
Kayak or boat tours are very popular. If possible, try to coincide with a night of a new moon to be able to appreciate it better, and avoid a full moon.
Vieques Island
Puerto Rico is not only the island that bears this name, but is made up of several more small islands surrounding the main one. The largest is Vieques, which you can reach by taking a ferry from the port of Ceiba. There you will be able to see its famous paso fino horses, which roam freely throughout the island.
The bioluminescence in Mosquito Bay is another big attraction, and quiet beaches like Sun Bay add reasons to spend a few days in Vieques.
What to eat in Puerto Rico
We recommend you visit one of the famous fondas in Puerto Rico, which are the typical local restaurants, where you mainly eat appetizers. And don't forget to try the mofongo, which is a typical dish made with mashed plantains.
If you really want to discover Puerto Rico from a culinary point of view, you cannot miss visiting one of the many local rum distilleries, such as Ron del Barrilito, where you can enjoy an exceptional Piña Colada.
