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I’ve loved this mesmerizing island for many years. The beaches go on for miles and that shimmering aqua water soothes my soul. It’s an island with a swaggering history and an abundance of eco-friendly adventures. I’m sending everyone this Postcard from Puerto Rico. It highlights the fun things I did on the island.

I woke up in New York and by noon I was on Luquillo Beach relaxing under a palm tree. A four-hour flight was all it took, and because Puerto Rico is a US territory, no passport is required for US citizens. Easy!

Things to do in Old San Juan

There’s a myriad of things to do just in the city of Old San Juan alone! From historic churches to centuries-old forts like Castillo San Felipe El Morro and San Cristobal, to restaurants like Marmalade boasting top chefs serving local cuisine and quaint bars like La Factoria serving masterfully made cocktails, I was able to get close to the fascinating history and culture of Puerto Rico with the help of seven things to do in Old San Juan.

It’s a city made for walking and this self-guided tour of Old San Juan took me over the blue cobblestones and along the streets lined with candy-colored 16th and 17th century Spanish Colonial buildings, to some of the best sites and unique cultural experiences of the city.

Things to do in Arecibo

Explore Cueva Ventana

Nature and outdoor adventure are plentiful throughout the island. Some of the most strikingly beautiful areas of the island are in the mountainous regions. Cueva Ventana or Window Cave is no exception. In the town of Arecibo, a 90 minute guided hiking tour took me to a breathtaking panoramic view of the countryside and beyond, framed by the opening of the cave. It’s an incredible sight to see and the tour gave me an informative overview into the original inhabitants of the island.

Visit Arecibo Radio Telescope

Please note: This attraction is permanently closed.

If that’s not enough, the Arecibo Observatory, the world’s largest radar/radio telescope, is also nestled in the tropical mountains of Puerto Rico. This 1,000-foot diameter dish keeps us safe from asteroids and has assisted in numerous notable discoveries.

The viewing platform allowed me to fully appreciate the enormity of the telescope. An informative visitor center gave me the opportunity to view the pictorial message that was beamed 23,000 light-years away in hopes that extraterrestrial intelligence might receive and decipher it.

Things to do in Luquillo & Fajardo

Hike El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. This is a sight not to be missed. I hiked through the verdant mountainous jungle with cooling pools and thunderous waterfalls and climbed Yokahu Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. The National Parks website was helpful in providing me with information about the hiking paths and closures. It’s a wonderful way to spend the day or just a few hours.

Journey to the Beaches and the Bay

Responsible and eco-friendly tourism continues to support the island which is why I booked a kayaking snorkeling adventure with Pirate Snorkeling Shack on Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo. The best on the island, Hector and his staff provided me with a snorkeling kayaking tour and also rented me a paddleboard. After exploring, I kicked back and relaxed on the beach named for the seven different shades of blue of the ocean.

Then there are the Bio Bays, the -glow-in-the-dark bioluminescent bays. With only five in the world, Puerto Rico has three of them, each explorable by a kayak tour. A unique experience, I followed a tour guide by kayak through a mango forest to the bio bay. The water sparkled when stirred. I recommend taking a tour to find out why!

Where to Stay in Puerto Rico

Accommodations in Puerto Rico are varied and plentiful. High-end resorts on the beach in Condado and Isla Verde offer every amenity imaginable, mid-priced historic hotels in the heart of Old San Juan offer convenience to history and culture, while boutique guest houses in the smaller towns like Luquillo offer a more local flavor.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Puerto Rico. For more off the beaten path adventures in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean sign up at Boulevards and Byways and never miss a post or a postcard from me. Happy travels!

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Vieques, an island municipality of Puerto Rico, is situated eight miles off the mainland and reached by small plane in 22-minutes from San Juan or 10-minutes from Ceiba. A ferry also runs roundtrip from Ceiba to Vieques daily. It is home to the HIX Island House, a hotel with a unique connection to nature. A place where one is allowed to recharge and return home rejuvenated.

Spread over 13 lush acres scattered with lemon, banana, and papaya trees, 6 modernistic buildings dot the landscape. John Hix, the architect of the hotel, has strived to make his structures fit with nature, not the other way around. Strategically located to capture cooling trade winds, and designed to provide shade to those on the inside, the views perfectly frame the expansive vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding landscape. 

Opening the oversized roll-up door on one end of the Solaris Loft 2, and the shuttered window on the other, the 1,010 square foot room is transformed into an open-air oasis. A canopy of trees, a far-reaching view to St. Croix, and warm breezes flutter from one end of the room to the other. The sun beams off soft mosquito netting and a sleek concrete kitchen countertop. So strikingly beautiful, my body and soul awash in peacefulness and awe.

This island oasis is a short distance to the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, considered one of the most ecologically diverse refuges in the Caribbean. With over 28 beach entrances, coastal lagoons and mangrove wetlands, it’s home to over 170 bird species and nesting places for leatherback, hawksbill and green sea turtles. Manatees have been sighted swimming in the surrounding waters.

While exploring, we found each beach to be different, and we visited over 15. A few offered rocky fishing spots and far-reaching views, others we discovered, possessed unspoiled, calm seas ideal for snorkeling. All were exquisite with the sea ebbing at the shore. Perfect for calming the mind.

I’m sure each visitor will have their favorite beach, mine was La Chiva, entrance #8 to be specific. With its crystal-clear turquoise water, pristine sand, and beckoning sand bar, it would cause anyone to slow down and savor the moment.

It’s late afternoon when we returned to HIX from a day of snorkeling and beach hopping. We strolled the luscious grounds as we headed toward the fifty-foot pool and panoramic deck.

The pool runs off the sun with minimal chemicals, using instead a method of ionization, with copper and silver, for their natural algaecide and antimicrobial properties. A gentle trickle of water falls into the pool, the smell of jasmine and lush flowers from the cascading blooms surround the sundeck. The endless panorama soothes my body and mind, embracing me, eliciting a sense of mindfulness, of being present in the moment.

At HIX Island House, sustainable practices rule. Solar provides electricity and hot water. Shower and sink greywater nourish the surrounding landscape. The HIX gives back as much as it takes. 

Heading back to our room there’s an outdoor, but very private, shower on the balcony. With views to the ocean and cooling, gentle trade winds, it was liberating and as close to a perfect shower experience as one can get.

When it’s time to say goodnight, indulgent Frette towels and linens, and Neeva Gayle nightshirts are soft and comfy. There are no distractions; no TV or WIFI (available at the front desk only).

Stretched out on lounge chairs on our expansive private balcony, my husband and I gaze at the countless diamond stars dotting a dark, yet brilliant sky. We point out constellations and the occasional, elusive shooting star. Eventually, we crawl under the mosquito net. The room, open to the elements, windows free of glass, allow the Caribbean winds to gently blow keeping the bugs far, far away.  

In the morning the spectacular sun rises. Our bed positioned perfectly to capture it, like a movie screen sound and all, as the cacophony of birds awakens us.

In the afternoon, a ride into the tiny city of Isabell II. A charming pueblo with colorful homes, restaurants, and the Conde de Mirasol Fortress (the last Spanish fort built in the Americas), where we learned a bit about Vieques history.

I must mention the horses, over 3,000 of them, who roam freely throughout the island and out and about the hotel grounds. It’s just another dimension that connects visitors to nature.

There’s no better way to reconnect with nature and get away from it all than spending a few days on this island, at this hotel.

Owner John Hix knew what he was doing. The architecture and design fitting in with nature are the HIX Island House’s biggest draw. For those who need a full restoration, the space allows you to savor what you’re seeing, smelling, and hearing. He’s embraced the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. As things age, they become more beautiful, for there’s beauty in imperfection, in the wisdom of nature, and the natural cycle of life and death.

HIX Island House offers a romantic destination for couples, an enchanting location for weddings, peaceful yoga retreats, (there’s a lovely yoga pavilion with classes offered daily), or a rejuvenating work conference. Breakfast is consistent with the healthy island life with fruits, fresh-baked bread, organic eggs, and Puerto Rican coffee. Beach chairs, towels, as well as a cooler are provided for beach excursions.

I long to experience that feeling again, of getting away from it all and to relax and recharge within the HIX experience. HIX truly keeps giving back in so many ways.

Our stay at the HIX Island House was complimentary, but all views are my own. Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase from one of them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

HIX Island House
HC-02 Box 14902
Route 995, Kilometer 1.5
Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765

HIX Island House.com
(787) 435-4590
info@hixislandhouse.com

Read more about the Hix Island House

For more things to do in Vieques

Sandy Ruyack is the owner and writer of the popular and award-winning adventure travel blog, Boulevards and Byways. Her stories and photographs reflect her love of travel to Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and elsewhere around the world as she introduces readers to off the beaten path destinations and provides travel tips, guides, and vacation inspiration. Through transformative travel experiences, she encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and take the road less traveled.

Boulevards and Byways has provided written content for an array of hotels, tour companies, and travel publications and assists the travel & tourism industry with growth through engaging content, strategy, and storytelling. Sandy has lived in Brewster, NY for 34 years with her husband and splits her time between the northeast and Luquillo, Puerto Rico.

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When visiting Puerto Rico, take a culinary road trip to Guavate, a town dedicating itself to all things pork. It’s a place where the art of cooking traditional Lechon Asado is king and where one can experience an authentic Puerto Rican culinary and cultural adventure.

What is Lechon?

Lechon is a whole seasoned pig, roasted on a spit, over an open fire. Crispy skin, well-seasoned, and brown. Smoky meat, moist and juicy. Is your mouth watering yet?

Where is Guavate?

The barrio of Guavate, in the east-central hills of Puerto Rico. The road through Guavate is nicknamed the Pork Highway because of the dozens of roadside barbecue stands along the road cooking whole pigs over an open fire.

How to Get to Guavate

Getting to Guavate is part of the adventure. Route 184 winds through the verdant Sierra De Cayey Mountains.The journey? Snake-like roads, barely wide enough for two cars, sharp bends, steep-sided valleys, and densely blanketed jungle foliage.

Better known as the Pork Highway, or La Routa de Cerdo dozens of roadside stands along the road cook whole pigs over an open fire. The smell of roasting pork, the sounds of pounding salsa music, and the vision of couples dancing in the street will let you know when you arrive. It’s a culinary and cultural destination like no other.

Restaurants in Guavate

Golden Lechon, proudly on display in the front windows of the lechoneras, beckons long lines of hungry customers waiting their turn to be served. Lechonera Los Pinos, just one of the many open-air eateries, with its tin roof and cafeteria-style service is my favorite.

What to Eat in Guavate

The carver swings down his machete, cutting the Lechon with strong, swift movements. Hypnotized – chop, chop, chop, you wait your turn. There’s no menu. There’s an assortment of delectable side dishes on display behind the glass counter: yucca in garlic sauce, arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), tostones de platanos (fried green plantains), morcilla (blood sausage), and longaniza (pork sausage) – served picnic style, on paper plates and with plastic utensils – all very reasonably priced at $8-$10 a plate.

I munch on a crispy piece of skin, the best part. Several couples jumped up to dance salsa. This place does not disappoint. I ate and ate some more. It was just so good. Go on a Saturday or Sunday to get the full experience. If you don’t have a car, there are tours that will take you to Guavate. Tradition, culture, family, and food. It’s what Puerto Rico is all about.

Read more about my next adventure in Old San Juan.

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When visiting Puerto Rico, take a culinary road trip to the legendary town of Guavate. Dedicating itself to all things pork, it’s where you’ll discover the best lechon in Puerto Rico and experience true Puerto Rican culture at its best.

What is Lechon?

Crispy skin, well-seasoned and brown. Smoky meat, moist and juicy. Is your mouth watering yet? Did I forget to mention that lechon is a delectable whole seasoned pig, roasted on a spit over an open fire?

How to get to Guavate

Less than an hour from San Juan, getting to Guavate is part of the adventure. Route 184 winds through the verdant Sierra De Cayey Mountains. The journey? Snake-like roads, barely wide enough for two cars, sharp bends, steep-sided valleys, and densely blanketed jungle foliage.

If you’re not comfortable driving to Guavate, these tours will take you there in combination with other fascinating sites on the island.

Dozens of restaurants make up the 3-mile route 736 known as the Pork Highway or La Routa de Cerdo. The smokiness of roasting pigs, the festive atmosphere, and the beat of salsa music let you know you’re in Guavate. 

When to Visit Guavate

Any time of year is a great time to visit and the weekends are when you get the full experience. It’s the Christmas season, however, when the atmosphere gets kicked up a notch, and for many locals it’s the traditional time to visit with restaurants extending their hours to accommodate the increased amount of visitors.

Guavate is a town where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy the day for a traditional meal, a bit of souvenir shopping, and lively music, with dancing, similar to a festive block party. Open-air gazebos alongside a cooling stream are perfect for relaxing with a pina colada.

Where to eat in Guavate

Golden Lechon, proudly on display in the front windows of the lechoneras, beckons long lines of hungry customers waiting their turn to be served. Lechonera Los Pinos – one of the many open-air eateries – with its tin roof and cafeteria-style service – is my favorite.

 You wait for your turn on the line to order your food. You watch, hypnotized by the sound of the carver as he chops the lechon. Here, the carver swings down his machete, cutting the Lechon with strong, swift movements.

Watch this video as the carver chops Lechon.

What to Eat in Guavate

There’s no menu. Aside from lechon, which is why you’re here, isn’t it, there is an assortment of delectable side dishes, on display behind the glass counter: yucca in garlic sauce, arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), tostones de platanos (fried green plantains), morcilla (blood sausage) and longaniza (pork sausage) – served picnic style, on paper plates and with plastic utensils – all very reasonably priced at $8-$10 a plate.

I munch on a crispy piece of skin, the best part. Several couples jumped up to dance salsa. This place does not disappoint. I ate and ate some more. So good. Go on a Saturday or Sunday to get the full experience. It’s not just a place to eat, it’s a cultural experience. Tradition, culture, family, and food. It’s what Puerto Rico is all about.

Discover Old San Juan and join me on my next adventure.

Lechonera Los Pinos, Km. 27.7, PR-184, Cayey, 00735
Carrer 184, Puerto Rico

What to Buy for Your Vacation

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Looking for more things to do in Puerto Rico?

A Mixology class at the Bacardi Factory is a fun unique way to spend the day.

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Located on a magnificent expansive beach in San Juan’s Isla Verde neighborhood, and a short ride away from the cruise ship terminals, VIVO Beach Club is perfectly positioned for relaxing and an active day of fun. This stunning beach club provides guests with stylish and multifaceted amenities consisting of restaurants, pool, bars, and its own full-scale brewery and music venue. It’s an ideal way to spend the day when visiting Puerto Rico. Vivo Beach Club is anything but ordinary.

VIVO Beach Club is calling all sun lovers, cocktail addicts, microbrew aficionados, music lovers, foodies, and water sport adventurers.

“We have everything you need to create your dream day in Puerto Rico,” said co-owner Matías Fernandez. “We offer a wide variety of activities; you can relax on the beach on a luxurious day bed, soak in a jacuzzi, enjoy sushi on our terrace, and experience our open-air stage and dance floor. We’ve dedicated ourselves to creating a unique experience for those looking for a destination on the ocean.”

Vivo Beach Club on Isla Verde Beach

Combine over one mile of award-winning Isla Verde Beach with resort style amenities and you have a winner. Gentle ocean breezes, powdery white sand, and the changing colors of the sea provide picture-perfect panoramic views. Isla Verde is Blue Flag Certified and is awarded by the Foundation of Environmental Education when a beach meets the Clenbuterol and Women stringent standards of water quality, safety, sand quality, and environmental protection. There’s no better beach to spend the day.

VIVO’s Restaurants and Bars Are Anything But Ordinary

VIVO’s three beachfront restaurants serving a variety of local and international cuisine has been touted as one the top dining destinations in Puerto Rico. With five bars scattered throughout the complex you never have to go far for your favorite cocktail.

Whether it’s time for an impressibly juicy burger or the freshest sushi, you can be sure the food is always amazing and the welcoming terraces and relaxing dining spaces are blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

VIVO’s Ocean Lab Brewing Company 

Ocean Lab is one of the few micro-breweries in the Caribbean. The facility’s state of the art equipment produces a variety of craft and specialty beers for both in-house consumption and outbound distribution.

Whether you prefer the chocolaty milk stout or the citrusy blood orange blonde, the beers are as innovative and unique as the club itself.

At VIVO There’s Something for Everyone

It’s easy to have fun at VIVO Beach Club. All the action is focused around the swimming pool. Sit back unwind on one of the many lounge chairs while socializing, sipping signature cocktails, and listening to the beat of house music. Crave water activities? VIVO has an array of vendors who will satisfy even the most active water sports enthusiast.

VIVO’s Open Air Stage & Dance Floor is Anything But Ordinary

At the very center of the VIVO complex lies a spectacular open-air stage built with the latest audiovisual technology and effects. The best DJ’s, bands, and festivals in the Caribbean perform live at the 40-foot-wide poolside stage. An open-air dance floor, the dynamic nightlife, and lively music scene make VIVO a top music destination.

Just Relax at VIVO

The gentle lapping of the surf, the powdery sand between your toes, the warm Puerto Rican sun make Vivo and ideal place to relax.  Whether it’s a casual lunch, a poolside tropical drink, soaking in the inviting hot tubs, or embracing the serene quiet areas, there is no better place to relax.

Puerto Rico, Exotic & Magical

In Puerto Rico, you’ll discover an island with deep beauty and rich culture. It’s where you’ll experience a metropolitan capital with history at its core. Admire 16^th century architecture in Old San Juan and stroll along streets lined with blue cobblestones. Explore centuries old Fort Morro and take a salsa lesson at one of the many clubs. You can trek into an awe-inspiring rainforest and hike to waterfalls and zip-line through the rain forest treetops above the forest floor. It’s a destination where you can snorkel, kayak, and embark on a helicopter tour.  As you explore you’ll discover the people, history, and nature that make Puerto Rico exotic and magical.  Whether you love an adventure holiday or just relaxing in paradise, Puerto Rico is the place to be.

VIVO Beach Club, Anything But Ordinary

Vivo Beach Club, is ready to  host all those wishing to experience paradise. It’s a destination for visitors near and far and its one-of- a-kind magical atmosphere is one of the most special places on the island.  It is here you experience anything but ordinary.

Follow and share VIVO Beach Club:

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Location:

RD I87, KM 2 4 Isla Verde, Puerto Rico 00979

Call:

787-648-5655

For more information:

VIVObeachclub.com

Private events and weddings. VIVO Beach Club hosts weddings and special events with a commitment to quality and casual elegance.

Membership has its privileges. Interested in becoming a member? Receive discounts and early access to event tickets, VIP amenities, special member passes, and much more! Contact Vivo at membership@vivobeachclub.com for information on becoming a member.

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Northeast Puerto Rico’s Top 12 Adventures

There’s so much to love about Puerto Rico, so I picked my favorite 12 awesome adventures in Northeast Puerto Rico. Towns like Rio Grande, Palmer, Luquillo, Fajardo, and Ceiba are all found in the northeast corridor and are all approximately 35-45 minutes from San Juan airport. They just keep getting better and better with awesome things to do, see, and eat.

1) ENCOUNTER Turtles, Sting Rays, and Lobsters

Come face-to-face with turtles and hover past sting rays as blue tang, and colorful snapper swim by. In Las Croabas or Marina Del Rey in Fajardo tour operators will take you out on a catamaran or you can rent a “mini boat” to the best snorkeling spots, some near deserted islands. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend the day on and under the water. The tour operators supply everything you need for a fun day.

2) WITNESS a Glowing Blue Bay at Night

Learn the science as to why this is one of the most unique experiences in Puerto Rico. In Las Croabas Fajardo and Vieques there are numerous tour operators who guide you via kayak through the mangrove forest into a vast bio bay. Here you will witness bioluminescent plankton glowing blue. It’s a very unique tour everyone should experience.

3) PADDLE to Underwater Sea Life

Near Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo is where you’ll find vendors who will set you up with stand up paddle boards or kayaks.  If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry, they’ll give you a lesson. Pirate Snorkeling Shack is one of my favorite. They give you a map to the reefs or they’ll give you a private tour. The water is calm and clear.  You can hop off your kayak or paddle board and spend time snorkeling. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll see underwater very close to shore.

4) COOL YOUR JETS from the Summer Heat

On Luquillo and Seven Seas Beaches you can rent jet skis. They’re a great way to experience the beach from another perspective while getting your adrenaline rush.

5) TAKE A DIP

In the heat of the Puerto Rican sun, you need to cool yourself off!  After a hike to La Mina Falls enjoy a cold dip in the water while the waterfall cascades down the rocks and over your head. El Yunque National Forest in Rio Grande, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, is where you’ll find great hiking trails, refreshing waterfalls, and breathtaking views.

6) INDULGE YOUR INNER FOODIE

You’ll truly be entertained at the Kiosks in Luquillo.  Over 70 beach front vendors offer local Puerto Rican food such as mofongo, tostones, and pinchos. You can also find that hamburger or pizza, but why?  When in Puerto Rico eat like a local.  The food is delicious. In the evening, many venues have entertainment such as Charlie Sepuvelda, a famous Puerto Rican Jazz artist.

7) EARN BRAGGING RIGHTS

You’ve always wanted to surf, now’s the time. Catch a wave at La Pared in Luquillo. There are  several surf schools who would be happy to give you a lesson. With a sandy bottom it’s a perfect place to learn to surf.  You’ll never forget catching your first wave.

8) ZIP THROUGH THE AIR

Your friends will be jealous when you tell them about the incredible adventures you had in Puerto Rico.  Zip line tours are available at the base of El Yunque Rain Forest in Rio Grande. You’ll be outfitted with everything you need to fly over the treetops.

9) GO ON A WILD RIDE

ATV adventures, Horseback Riding, and Go Carts are available at the foothills of El Yunque National Rainforest, Rio Grande.  This area is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and trails which make it perfect terrain for these activities. Puerto Rico’s spectacular scenery will amaze you.

10) SPEND TIME SHOPPING

The little town of Palmer, which you go through to get to El Yunque, is a quaint place to stop for a cool drink or a tasty lunch. The town also offers shops featuring hand-made products, artisanal goods, t-shirts, and specialty foods such as hot sauces. Caribbean Trading is my favorite.

11)  GET HANDS ON with Nature

Get hands-on and hold phytoplankton or stroke a sea cucumber. Find out which mango trees make the water red and climb to the top of a 19^th century lighthouse for spectacular views of the surrounding islands. La Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo will provide you with an interesting and informative tour as you explore the sensitive eco-systems with trained guides. Tours can be booked through the nonprofit organization Para La Naturaleza.

12) FLY OR FERRY to the Spanish Virgin Islands

Take a short flight from Ceiba or a ferry from Fajardo to the islands of Culebra or Vieques.  Both islands have beautiful beaches, but Culebra has one of the world’s famous – Flamenco Beach. Soft sand and crystal clear water make it a favorite for many. Tamarindo beach is the best for snorkeling with turtles.  On the island of Vieques is where you’ll find one of the two bio bays located on the northeast. Exploring either island is a great way to spend an action packed day of snorkeling, swimming, and exploring.

There’s no denying Puerto Rico has plenty things to do and see. The island has numerous coconut trees, too.  If you need a break from snorkeling or zip lining, crack open a coconut and sit on one of the many beautiful beaches with the warm crystal blue water lapping at your feet.

Sandy Ruyack is the owner and writer of the popular and award-winning adventure travel blog, Boulevards and Byways. Her stories and photographs reflect her love of travel to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean – providing travel guides, destination tips, and vacation inspiration. Through transformative travel experiences, she encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and take the road less traveled. Boulevards and Byways has provided content for an array of hotels, tour companies, and travel publications. A native New Yorker, she and her husband split their time between Brewster, NY and Luquillo, Puerto Rico

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El Yunque Rainforest is the only tropical rain forest found in the U.S. Parks System and one of Puerto Rico’s top attractions, so a visit to El Yunque is a definite must when traveling in Puerto Rico.  Covering over 13,000 acres and thousands of miles of trails, you may only have time for a few.  Here are the 5 must see stops for your trip to El Yunque:

Take a Hike

There are so many excellent trails leading off of Carr 191 and Carr  988. With varying levels of difficulty, these trails will take you through the 5 different ecosystems to be found in the rain forest.  El Yunque is dominated by a mix of amphibians, reptiles and birds, so keep an eye out for the many lizards and anoles, coqui frogs, and the Puerto Rican Parrot if you are lucky.  There are trails at all levels of difficulty.  The Angelito and Caimitillo trails are short and low-impact or you can go for a full day with a more intensive hike to the Mt.Britton tower.  This handy guide will give you some more options to choose just the right hike for you:

Stop in at El Portal

El Portal is the visitor’s center and is worth a stop at least once.  There is a $4.00 parking fee, but it is worth it if you want to get a base understanding of the forest and it’s ecosystem.  There is a great gift shop there and there is a 20 minute video narrated by Benicio del Toro that shows every half hour that is excellent.  There are also artisans set up on the weekends showing their wares, and a small trail that gets it start here.

Visit the Observation Tower

Located along the side of Carr 191, this Tower has 96 steps and offers the opportunity to get great views of El Yunque, the Northeast Coast, and on clear days all the way to St. Thomas.  A great way to get a birds’ eye view of the forest.

Swimming at La Mina Falls

The only waterfall available for swimming in, the hike to this waterfall is about 1 hour with an easy to moderate difficulty.  It can get very busy, so going earlier in the morning means you will have the swimming hole in more privacy.  It is best to wear shoes with good traction.  You can get to this gem of a waterfall via the Big Tree Trail or the La Mina Trail.

Stop in at the El Yunque Art District for Shopping, Art and Food

El Yunque Art District is the main center of Palmer, Puerto Rico. Palmer is at the base of El Yunque and is the welcoming sister community to El Yunque National Rainforest. It is made up of souvenir shops, art galleries, eateries and basic services like a post office, gas station, notary and doctor’s office. Although very small, it is well worth a stop. It is the home of local art and culture on the east end of Puerto Rico and is worth a stop for breakfast or lunch and shopping on your way to or from El Yunque.  You can stay up to date by following their Facebook page here.

Private Adventure Activities

Although not part of the actual National Forest, there are many operators offering excellent activities within the rainforest and in its tributary forest areas.  From horseback riding to ziplining, bike riding and river kayaking, there is plenty of adventure to be had.  Information on these providers can be found on all the major tourism and travel websites.

About the Author:

Written by “Pilot Meg” –  the General Manager of Caribbean Trading Company, which operate three souvenir gift shops throughout Puerto Rico, as well as working with convention and groups on their amenities.  As General Manager, Pilot Meg works in partnership with the clients and the crew to determine the direction of the crew and ship, making sure that all elements are available to provide for a terrific experience! www.caribbeantrading.com

Boulevards and Byways would like to thank Meg for writing this informative post and sharing her local expertise about things to do when visiting El Yunque.

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Top Things to do in Puerto Rico.

Visit Las Cabezas Nature Reserve. It’s one of the top Things to do in Puerto Rico. Situated on the northeast corridor of Puerto Rico in Fajardo, Las Cabezas Nature Reserve is a great way to spend a few hours. From trails and boardwalks you can explore sensitive eco-systems with trained guides.

Visit Las Cabezas Nature Reserve

It’s one of the top things to do in Puerto Rico.

Red Mangroves at Las Cabezas Nature Reserve Fajardo Puerto Rico

Via a tram and an informative guide, you are given an educational experience about the surrounding mangrove swamps as you hike over and through them by boardwalk.You’ll find out that the red mangrove trees make this body of water red.

You will then stop at a rocky beach where you will come face-to-face with fossilized coral.

The last stop is the Lighthouse – Cape San Juan Light House –  built in 1882 it is located on the highest point of the Reserve. You will be taken into a darkened room where you will get to hold bioluminescent dinoflagellates in your hand as they glow blue in the dark. The dinoflagellates, or phytoplankton, which are in the nearby bio bay, glow when subjected to vibration. They sense they are being pushed and pulled and respond by producing light in response to stress.

See the Views from the Top of the Lighthouse

Climb the iron staircase to the observation deck of the lighthouse and take in stunning sweeping views of the preserve, bio bay, and El Yunque Rain Forest on one side, and the islands of Vieques, Icacos, and St. Thomas islands on the other.

I have yet to get tired of the exquisite beauty and natural resources on this island. That’s what makes Puerto Rico so special. Adventure and beauty are everywhere!

The Preserve is run by the nonprofit organization,  Para La Naturaleza.com and book your tour online and for more information about their organization and the wonderful programs they offer.

Travel Tip: It gets hot on the tour.  Bring water, a hat, suntan lotion, and of course don’t forget your camera. You can buy this fun hat here:

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Para la Naturaleza

Read here for The Best Things to do in Old San Juan

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There are many things to do in Puerto Rico. Here are 5 of Puerto Rico’s best-kept secrets.

These are a few things you might not have thought about doing.

Visit where Rum is made

Visit the Bacardi Factory in Old San Juan and try the rum.

Not only does the island have great rum, but you can also visit where it’s made. As a by-product of the sugar-making process, rum production in Puerto Rico became a major industry in the 16^th century. Sugar cane juice (guarapo) is extracted and boiled at a high temperature. The process yields a syrup called molasses, which when mixed with water and is fermented, produces the distilled spirit rum.  Bacardi, Don Q, and Ron Barralito are some of the best Puerto Rican rums. You can see how rum is made and have a tasting at the Bacardi factory in Old San Juan.  Read more here: A Taste of Puerto Rican Rum History

Explore Arecibo Observatory

NOTE: This attraction is permanently closed. The sad news is that the telescope has collapsed and will be demolished.

Explore Arecibo Observatory and view the massive telescope.

1,000 Foot Diameter Dish in a Sinkhole

The Northern Coastal Valley region of Arecibo Puerto Rico is marked by stark contrasts.  It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the north and numerous caves, sinkholes, and wooded hills to the south. One sinkhole, in particular, is known for nestling an awe-inspiring 1,000-foot diameter dish. This dish, a radio telescope,  keeps us safe from asteroids, beamed a three-minute pictorial message 23,000 light-years away to the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy, and has assisted in numerous notable discoveries. Exploring the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico should be on your to-do list when visiting the island. Read more here: Exploring Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico

Try the Local Foods, they’re Delicious

Mofongo a traditional Puerto Rican food is made with mashed plantains and filled with seafood, beef, chicken, or pork.

Traditional foods are part of Puerto Rico’s heritage and are strongly rooted in the history and culture of the island.  Find a local roadside stand, the beach-front hut, or a restaurant with grandma cooking at the stove down a side road. You’ll not only get a taste of the food but the culture as well.  Wake up your taste buds and eat like a local in Puerto Rico. read more here:

Read more here: Eat Like a Local in Puerto Rico

Go Snorkeling

You will see an amazing amount of fish when snorkeling in Puerto Rico.

When spending time in Puerto Rico, many people who decide to visit this amazing island will lounge on the picturesque white-sand beaches, play in the clear blue water, and soak up the sunshine.  However, renting a paddleboard or a kayak and snorkeling the crystal clear water should be on your list!

Read more here: Where to Snorkel, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddle Board in Puerto Rico.

I highly recommend this full face snorkel mask.  It makes snorkeling much easier because it forms a seal around your face which prevents water from leaking in.  It’s comfortable, easy to use, and does not fog.  You can click this link for easy ordering.

Traverse the Cave System

Visiting the Camuy Caves will leave you breathless when you view this massive sinkhole.

Located in northwest Puerto Rico in Arecibo, there’s a cave system called The Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy or Rio Camuy Caves.  In the 1950s researchers discovered this large network of natural limestone caves and underground waterways carved out by the third-largest underground river in the world, the Río Camuy.

The canopy of trees and lush vegetation is dense and it’s hard to believe such an extensive cave system hides below the thick forest. Today there are more than 10 miles of mapped trails leading to 17 entrances and 220 caves. Only a small part of the cave system, a 268-acre park, however, is open to the public.  It is home to 3 sinkholes through which an underground river runs, and 2 awe-inspiring caves which visitors can explore. Read more here: Two Caves to Explore in Puerto Rico
When traveling around Puerto Rico it helps to have a GPS to help navigate.

You can click the Amazon link for easy ordering.

When in Puerto Rico, step out of your comfort zone and eat the local foods, explore a cave, or snorkel in the crystal clear waters. You never know what you’ll find when you take the road less traveled.

Here’s how to get to some of the 5 Best Kept Secrets in Puerto Rico https://www.viator.com/Puerto-Rico/d36-ttd

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Where to Snorkel, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddle Board – Puerto Rico

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