Sep 08, 2014
A city within a city, Old San Juan is connected to
mainland Puerto Rico through a series of three bridges, the Puente Dos Hermanos, the Puente G. Esteves, and the Puente San Antonio. Away from the busy Condado beachfront and the gaudy casinos of Isla Verde, it’s a peaceful haven of charming colonial architecture, fascinating history, and unforgettable dining, which you might miss sipping pina coladas poolside. Deemed a National Historic Landmark District last year, more than 40 years after being listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Puerto Rico’s oldest settlement offers a delightful collision of old and new best explored on foot.
Lechon, mofongo, exotic tropical fruit, rum drinks, etc.
Lechoneras are outdoor restaurants that specialize in seasoned whole-pig, slow roasted over an open fire. This makes the pork flavorful and delicious. Families make the trip in droves, not just for the lechon, but also for the various side dishes like rice and pigeon peas, cassava, breadfruit, sweet potato, blood sausage, and yellow or green plantains. Of course, besides the delicious pork, there are turkeys and chickens cooked and seasoned in a similar way.
During the day,
Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay is your stereotypical Caribbean hideout — but at night, the sky and waters emit a blue glow from the half-plant, half-animal microorganisms that live there. More than 700,000 bioluminescent dinoflagellates live in each gallon of bay water, and recent travelers have been amazed by just how much visibility these tiny creatures provide.
Sometimes referred to as the Caribbean
National Forest, the El Yunque National Rainforest, or simply El Yunque, this lush expanse is the only tropical forest in the U.S. National Forest System. It's also a particular favorite for vacationers who like to hike — but even if nature really isn't your thing, travelers urge you to make the trip just 35 miles east of San Juan. The forest has 13 well-marked hiking trails that range in difficulty. The two most popular, La Mina & Big Tree Trail, are a combined two-hour hike that snakes by La Mina River and ends around La Mina Falls.
Carolina
Beach is a popular public beach among both visitors and locals. Families especially love its white sand, warm water and that there's an on-duty lifeguard. There are plenty of vendors on the beach, including spots to rent equipment for water sports like kiteboarding, to satisfy the needs of most visitors. Although there are plenty of vendors selling refreshments - pretty much anything you want.
Cueva Ventana is located in Arecibo, close
to the Arecibo/Utuado border, just off of Route 10. It is amazingly easy to get to once you know how. Actually, there are 2 caves here that one can enter — and they are right next to each other. Cueva Ventana is the cave on the left, with the steps going down into it. This cave has a bunch of very pretty formations — stalagmites and stalactites.
Culebra is an island 20 miles off the north-east coast of
Puerto Rico. This small island (seven-by-four-miles) is a favorite of tourists and locals alike, not only for the things on the island , but also for the things you will not find here. Culebra has no luxury resorts, casinos, elegant restaurants, theaters, or night life to speak of. It also has no crowds, crime or traffic. What it does have is just a laid back island feel and great beaches and snorkeling.
Culebrita Deserted Island boasts beautiful white sand
beaches, clear water with great underwater visibility for snorkeling, a wild turtle population that frequents the area (and are often seen), some amazing “baths” (rock formations that slow the large northern waves and form a Jacuzzi-like experience), ruins of an old lighthouse, and some walking trails that will get you across and up to the top of the cay. The island is a wildlife refuge, so you’ll see birds and some other animals.
El Morro juts out of San Juan harbor
beckoning to cruise ships just as it used to deter sea attacks. The structure is a hulking six-story fortress built between 1539 and 1589, withstanding the two World Wars and several other scrimmages. Now, El Fuerto San Felipe del Morro is Puerto Rico's go-to tourist attraction, both for its extensive history and its outstanding vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. You can also walk though the fortress' depths, which include a maze of tunnels, barracks and prison cells.
Take one of these adventure tours for something you wouldn’t do
back at home — Ziplines, ATVs, Rappelling, Hang Gliding, Horseback Riding, and more. The unique island of Puerto Rico is home to diversified climates and distinct terrains. Lush jungles and rivers meet mountains, dry forests and miles of beautiful coastline, making this the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. From caving to zip-lining, this small island has enough adventure for everyone.
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