Places to see in Puerto Rico

An unincorporated within the United States of America, Puerto Rico lies in the northeastern Caribbean. Located some 2,000 km off the coast of Florida, this island nation has the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands to its east and west respectively. The archipelago of Puerto Rico includes the main island of Puerto Rico as well as several smaller islands of which are Mona, Vieques, and Culebra are the most important.

There are many places to see in Puerto Rico, the most important of which is the capital San Juan. Home to a third of the population, this buzzing city is the economic and commercial heart of Puerto Rico. Here you can find big tall buildings, numerous art galleries, museums and an energetic and vibrant nightlife. There is plenty of culture to be found here as well in Old San Juan, which is full of restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping, as well as beautiful old Spanish architecture. In the city some places to see include, the La Casita, El Arsenal, La Princesa and the Fort San Felipe Del Morro. The Iglesia de San Jose is also worth visiting in San Juan as it is the second oldest church in the Americas. While in town don’t forget to see the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, which is huge art gallery covering some 130,000 sq ft!

Around the city you will also find the Bacardi Rum factory and the Parque de las Cavernas del Rio Camuy, which protects one of the largest cave systems on the planet. Outside San Juan, the Arecibo Observatory is also worth a visit as it houses the largest radio telescope in the world.

In eastern Puerto Rico, the El Yunque is definitely worth exploring with its stunning lush green rainforest. Home to many beautiful birds and trees, this mountainous region also offers some wonderful views of the surrounding islands. Nearby is Playa Luquillo, which is a nice beach with some good swimming opportunities.

The island of Vieques is also located along Puerto Rico’s eastern coast and is great to visit for its stunning beaches and excellent snorkeling and diving. Close at hand is the island of Culebra which also offers some amazing diving and snorkeling with some gorgeous beach strips to enjoy.

On the southern coast is the town of Ponce, which is full of history and architecture. The Plaza las Delicias, the Parque de Bombas and the Museo Castillo Serralles are all worth seeing here. Also alogn the southern end of the island is the marvelous Bosque Estatal de Guanica, which is a biosphere reserve. A fantastic place to come hiking, here you can spot a variety of Puerto Rico’s indigenous wildlife. Nearby this reserve is the small sleepy fishing town of La Parguera, which transforms itself into a top plae to arty by night. However, during the day, kayaking, sail boarding and boating are very popular here.

For some great surfing and diving, Rincon on the western coast is the place to be. Here you will also get some great whale watching opportunities. The surfing here is world-class with awesome diving in the area as well.