Attractions In Puerto Rico
Attractions In Puerto Rico
Nicknamed ‘Island of Enchantment’ and the ‘gatekeeper’ of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise island some thousand miles southeast of Florida, with rich history, abundant beaches fringed by swaying palm trees, lush green rainforests and verdant mountains, add to this world-class cuisine, sizzling nightlife, top-notch shopping and superb diving, sailing, surfing, hiking, bird- and whale-watching opportunities. The year-round summer-like temperatures in Puerto Rico make it an ideal destination for a beach vacation in the turquoise waters, also allowing time for some of the bountiful historical, cultural and natural tourist attractions this tiny hotspot has to offer.
Here are top 3 attractions you should not miss out while holidaying in Puerto Rico.
El Yunque
The oldest Forest Reserve in the Western Hemisphere, El Yunque is a nature lover’s dream, a beautiful rainforest, full of lush vegetation, clear running streams, secluded waterfalls, Puerto Rican parrots and yes, boisterous coqui frogs and humidity-loving orchids. The natives initially gave the forest the name Yuke, which means ‘sacred land,’ but later, when the Spanish separated the land, its name was changed to Yunque, meaning anvil, or a sharp piece of iron, which is what the forest resembles from a distance.
This is one of the most visited sites in Puerto Rico, where tourists come to hike, climb a mountain, see abundant flora and fauna and dive under a majestic waterfall. Accommodation in and around the park is bountiful, from simple mountainous cabins to eco-lodges and villas.
Castillo de San Felipe del Morro
Standing on a rocky promontory dominating the entrance to San Juan, Castillo de San Felipe del Morro or El Morro is a one-of-a-kind forest built by Spanish colonists between the 16th and 18th centuries. Rising 140 feet above sea level, El Morro captures the attention of locals and international travelers alike, offering a range of activities sure to leave visitors with unforgettable memories.
Kids simply adore touching the fort’s cannons and exploring the maze of rooms, dungeons, tunnels and towers, while the green esplanade just outside the fort is an ideal spot for kite flying. Over two million visitors a year come to explore the windswept ramparts and passageways, making the marvelous citadel one of the country’s main visitor attractions.
Rio Camuy Caves and Arecibo Observatory
A trip to Puerto Rico is incomplete without descending into the magic of a million year old cave. Sprawling along Camuy River – the world’s largest underground river and formed by the river’s flow, extensive, 268-acre park boasts many caves and sinkholes, offering breathtaking views and amazing photographic opportunities. You’ll visit the 170-foot high Cueva Clara, where icicle-like stalactites hang from the ceiling and mounds of stalagmites cover the floor. Trams also stop at the 650-foot wide Tres Pueblos sinkhole, where by the help of special platforms visitors can view the river passing 400 feet below from one cave to another. This is truly fantastic.
Later you’ll be heading to the Arecibo Observatory, nestled in the mountains of northern Puerto Rico, which is the largest radar/radio telescope on earth. The park opens Wednesdays through Sundays. Keep in mind that Puerto Rico offers much more than these three places of interest!