Puerto Rico Visitors Guide

San Juan is the vibrant and colorful capital city of Puerto Rico. This bustling area is a hub for arrivals, government, and an incredible restaurant scene, making it a destination not to be missed on any trip to the island.

Make sure to visit Old San Juan with its charmingly colorful houses and for a bit of history about the island. Don’t miss the San Juan Museum to get a bit more of the history of the island.

This Old San Juan Walking Tour is perfect for those wanting to explore the colored buildings while getting a tour from knowledgeable writer David Rodriguez.

  Check out this other great Old San Juan Walking Tour.

This beautiful tropical rainforest is part of the U.S. National Forest System. Those looking for adventure will love the outdoor playground awaiting at El Yunque. Hiking is a great way to explore the forest; make sure not to miss out on some of the waterfalls in this tropical paradise.

The rainforest is home to 240 species of plants and animals. Be sure to keep your ears open in the evening for the sounds of Puerto Rico’s tiny coqui tree frogs.

  If you are interested in exploring El Yunque National Forest in more of a small group setting as opposed to going alone, take a look at this El Yunque National Forest Rainforest and Waterfalls Half-Day Tour or this El Yunque National Forest Half Day Tour.

  Looking to spend a full day in the El Yunque National Forest, then check out this Day Trip To El Yunque National Forest In San Juan or this El Yunque Rainforest Guided Hiking With Waterfall Tour.

There are several bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico where you can marvel at magical glowing waters at night. This strange yet beautiful natural phenomenon happens due to organisms in the water.

During the evening, the entire waterfront begins glowing in a gorgeous blue. This unique occurrence can’t be experienced in many other places in the world. Mosquito Bio Bay, a luminescent bay outside of Vieques, is one of the top destinations of bioluminescence.

There are several amazing tours for kayaking in bioluminescence. Take a look at this Bio Bay Night Kayaking or Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayak Adventure.

If you’re interested in both a rainforest tour and a night bioluminescent kayak adventure check out this Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayak + Rainforest Combo Tour.

For more information, check out our Puerto Rico Bioluminescent Bay Guide.

Puerto Rico has miles of golden and white sand beaches with beautiful shorelines of turquoise, deep blue, and emerald waters. The island boasts some of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean, so make sure to see as many as you can!

Some of the most stunning beaches in Puerto Rico include Luquillo Beach, a long crescent stretch of golden sand lined with swaying coconut palms. Playa Crash Boat is a fantastic surfing beach for all skill levels. Canando Beach brings a bit of Miami to the island, but due to its location, the currents can be strong here.  

Playa Colora is perfect for those looking for a bit more solitude while beach hopping. Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra is absolutely worth a visit as well.

For more information, check out our Puerto Rico Beaches Guide!

No trip to Puerto Rico would be complete without a trip to a local rum distillery. The Bacardi Rum Factory is located on the island and produces thousands of bottles internationally. You can discover how traditional rum is made during this Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour – Ron Pepon. While at the Ron Pepon Distillery and sugar cane plantation, you’ll learn all about the rum making process with a tasting included!

There are so many amazing ways to experience Puerto Rico from the water. Whether you choose to explore the gorgeous turquoise waters by boat, catamaran, jet ski, or kayak, you can’t go wrong when it comes to getting out on the water. For something truly special, check out this LED Night Kayak Tour where you explore the waters of the island in a clear glass bottom boat at night.

  Options for water fun abound in Puerto Rico, take a look at these incredible water tours.

San Juan, Puerto Rico is a bit of a foodie paradise, where the local traditions of Taino, African and Spanish ingredients and flavors are intoxicating. There’s no shortage of food to try on the island, but make sure to try traditional dishes like gandules, one of the best-known rice dishes in Puerto Rico. Or ensalada de pulpo, this octopus salad is another island favorite.

Don’t miss out on the fresh passion fruit, mango, or papaya in Puerto Rico. A great way to experience the food scene in the capital city is by taking a Flavors Of Old San Juan Tour.

The gorgeous clear waters of Puerto Rico are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are many fantastic places to immerse yourself in the beautiful underwater world of Puerto Rico. You can scuba dive shipwrecks in Rincon, but this area is also a great place to snorkel.

Many Spanish ships sank on the coral reef in this area, making for an interesting underwater adventure. Culebra is another great spot to snorkel and see vibrant coral reefs and amazing Marine life. Check out this Culebra Snorkeling Day Trip for a fun snorkeling experience.

  Check out these other fun snorkeling trips: San Juan Guided Snorkel Tour or this Snorkeling Tour Of Culebra Island.

  Or this fantastic Beginner Scuba Diving Tour.

Puerto Rico is an adventure lover’s paradise, and there are a number of adrenaline-pumping ways to explore the island. Whether you want to ATV through rocky jungle terrain or zipline over rainforests, Puerto Rico has an adventure for you! These adventure tours are designed to make your time on the island unforgettable. Take a look at this full-day Zipline And Waterfall Rappelling Tour near San Juan.

  Check out these fun ziplining tours JungleQui Zipline Park, Rainforest Zipline, or The Monster Zipline At Toro Verde.

  Or take a look at this great ATV rainforest tours ATV Adventure At Hacienda Campo Rico.

Most caves don’t have a view quite like the one at Cueva Ventana, but the aptly named Window Cave is the exception. This cave opens onto a truly spectacular view of the Río Grande de Arecibo Valley. Make sure to check out the walls of the cave, which feature pre-Columbian petroglyphs and rock art from the island’s native Taíno people.

Cueva Ventana is privately owned to protect it against damage, so you’ll need to pay an admission fee. There are three tours to choose from, including a 1-hour and 15-minute Guided Cave Tour that provides you with the history of the cave. The Guided Cave tour costs around $29 per person and $10 per child. They also offer a UTV-VIP Tour that allows you to zip through the forest surrounding Cueva Ventana in an all terain vehicle for around $275 for up to 4 people. 

Wear comfortable shoes for the hike and bring a camera to capture the stunning view from the cave’s window. We recommend early morning visits to avoid crowds, and please remember to follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace while visiting! 

Culebra is known as Puerto Rico’s laid back island, and it’s easy to see why! This peaceful island is located just 20 miles off the coast of Fajardo and holds countless pristine beaches to explore and enjoy. The easiest way to reach Culebra is by ferry, which departs from Ceiba, about 40 miles (70 km) from San Juan. You can buy ferry tickets in advance through Puerto Rico Ferry for around $2.25 USD per adult and $1 USD per child.

Culebra is surrounded by over 20 cays and vibrant underwater landscapes. It’s a haven for those interested in getting closer to ocean life by snorkeling or diving. While visiting, make sure to spend some time at Playa Tamarindo, a beach that’s loved by locals and visitors alike for its calm, clear waters and diverse marine life. Keep an eye out, and you might even catch a glimpse of some sea turtles!

Relax and mingle with locals, immerse yourself in nature, beach hop, and above all, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life with the much-needed peace and tranquility of Culebra.

 There are plenty of fantastic Culebra Island tour options! Check out this top rated Culebra Island Snorkel and Turtle Adventure with Ferry Transport. 

 Or this fun Full-Day Snorkeling Tour to Culebra Island with lunch. 

As one of Puerto Rico’s oldest neighborhoods, Río Piedras is full of historic gems and architecture throughout the University of Puerto Rico’s main campus. What was once the bustling heart of San Juan, Río Piedras, has recently been revitalized after falling into decline. 

This vibrant area is full of colorful murals, live music, and local shops to explore. To get a feel for the local culture, check out Plaza del Mercado de Río Piedras, a local market where you’ll find fruit, baked goods, smoothies, and more. Or head to Paseo de Diego, an outdoor walkable shopping center where you’ll shop for unique Puerto Rican wares. 

Visit on weekends to experience live performances and the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of Río Piedras. 

Those looking for a unique, enriching, and yummy experience in Puerto Rico will love Hacienda Dos Aromas. Located in the beautiful countryside of Juncos, this working farm has something for everyone. You’ll get up close and personal with playful goats while discovering the peaceful beauty of the farmstead. 

You’ll feel welcomed by the warm hospitality of the farm owners, who guide you through the baby goats and the delectable samples of cheeses and gelatos. A visit to Dos Aromas will leave you with lasting memories.

The Hacienda Dos Aromas tour includes a delicious lunch, and you can take home a tasty gelato. The cost of the tour is $45 USD per adult, $35 USD for children, and kids between 4 and 12 years old enter at no cost. You can book your tour in advance here. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and bring a cooler for your gelato!

The Río Camuy Cave Park is in Puerto Rico’s northwestern region and covers an area spanning the towns of Lare, Hatillo, and Camuy. The park’s main entrance is in Cumay, in the Quebrada area. 

These caverns are part of an extensive network of limestone caves and underground waterways carved out by the Río Camuy, one of the largest subterranean rivers in the world. The cave system was discovered around 1958, but archeologists believe that it was home to Indigenous inhabitants for hundreds of years before that.

Impressively, the Camuy cave system has over 10 miles of caverns, 220 caves, and 17 different entrances. However, experts believe the system holds a staggering 800 caves. You’ll need to make a reservation to explore the Río Camuy Cave Park, and tickets cost $18 USD per adult and child. 

Check out this top-rated Full-Day Camuy Cave, Indian Cave, and Waterfall Adventure with Hotel pickup and drop off provided. 

Head to Yauco, Puerto Rico, for a unique adventure at Apiturismo PR, where you’ll learn about the life cycle of bees, their roles, and their importance as pollinators. You’ll also dress like a beekeeper, observe hives up close, and taste fresh honey straight from the comb! Tours cost around $55 USD per person. 

To protect yourself, wear light, long-sleeved clothing and closed-toe shoes. Book your spot in advance, as Apiturismo PR is popular, and tours can fill up quickly.

You’ll find the Humacao Wildlife Refuge on the east coast of Puerto Rico. Within the reserve, you can explore numerous trails for walking, biking, and light hiking. Long stretches of pristine beach and spectacular coastal views await visitors at the reserve as well. There are also fishing opportunities, some ruins from a sugar plantation, and old bunkers from wars past. 

One of the best ways to explore the natural reserve is by renting kayaks or pedal boats to explore the scenic Mandri Lagoons. The reserve also has a small market where you can buy crafts and souvenirs made by local artisans, some of which are created using seeds from the reserve. There are also workshops where you can learn how to make your own jewelry. 

The Humacao Reserve is on Route 3, just south of Punta Santiago Beach. The nature reserve itself is free, and so is parking inside (and across the street) the reserve. 

Discover the magic of Pterocarpus Forest (El Bosque de Pterocarpus), a rare ecosystem in Puerto Rico consisting of just over 51 acres of swamp forest. The raised walkway through the marshy forest provides the perfect way to enjoy the flora and fauna and even do some bird watching. The walkway is also ADA-accessible. 

As the largest remaining swamp forest in Puerto Rico, Pterocarpus is a habitat for 113 species of flora, 107 species of fauna, and 73 species of fungi. This forest grows in an area permanently flooded by fresh water, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for the predominant species, Pterocarpus Officinalis tree (“Dragonsblood Tree”). This impressive tree can grow to be over 65 feet tall, with a large root system that allows it to grow in the flooded soil.

You’ll find an observation tower, a gazebo, and restrooms here. The forest is free to visit, but donations are welcomed to continue the forest cleanup process and construction of boardwalks that help to avoid damaging the delicate ecosystem.

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, and a sun hat to make your visit more comfortable.

 *Temporary Closed Due To Hurricane Ernesto Cleanup

As one of only three 100% Puerto Rican dairy companies, Martinez Dairy offers a glimpse into traditional Puerto Rico farm life. On the iconic 1.5-hour tour, you’ll experience the life of a third-generation farmer, where the cattle are worked to produce fresh milk. Guided by Pablo Martínez, you’ll learn about milk production, interact with the cows, and even taste the fresh dairy products produced at the farm, like ice cream.

Tours cost around $15 per adult, $12 per child (4 to 12 years old), and are free for children under 4 years. You can make reservations in advance here. Bring a small cooler to store your ice cream or other dairy products you purchase. We recommend booking a private tour if you need an English-speaking tour.

The Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Center is a site of immense historical importance, and is one of the Caribbean’s most significant Taíno archeological sites. It offers a rare opportunity to delve into the indigenous cultures that flourished in Puerto Rico before the Spanish conquest. 

Located in the mountain town of Utuado, east of the Tanamá River, the Indigenous Ceremonial Center has been protected since 1955. At the center, you can explore a collection of ceremonial plazas, or “bateyes,” where the Taínos conducted religious rituals, played ceremonial ball games, and held social gatherings. The site features petroglyphs, stone carvings with symbolic meanings, and a small museum displaying artifacts like pottery, tools, and Taíno art.

Entry to the site is only $5, including entry to the small museum room and extensive on-site parking.