The horseshoe-shaped Playa Flamenco is the most popular beach on the island and as close to perfect as possible. The area's coral reefs are considered some of the best in the entire Caribbean. Eco tourism is big on the island, and many of the tourist establishments are run by expats.Ībout 17 miles east of Puerto Rico and 12 miles west of the Caribbean island of Saint Thomas, Culebra is only seven miles long and three miles wide, with 23 offshore islands of its own. The pace here is unhurried, and the atmosphere relaxed. Check with local operators to find the latest updates.Īlthough Culebra is often mentioned in the same breath as Vieques, this smaller island with beautiful beaches and lush hills has its own unique character.
Repair and recovery has been almost completed, with the main visitor center set to open in 2022. The climate here is considerably cooler than along the coast and at lower elevations, and it is noticeably wetter.Įl Yunque National Forest was severely damaged by the back-to-back hurricanes in 2017. Nearby is Yokahú Tower, a 1930's tower that is open to the public to climb, offering good views out over the rainforest. The El Portal Tropical Forest Center is a visitors' center for those seeking information on the area. Located beside the highway, La Coca Falls features an 85-foot cascade onto boulder formations and is the first major attraction visitors will come to in El Yunque. The main highlights in El Yunque National Forest include La Coca Falls, Yokahú Tower, Baño Grande, Baño de Oro, and La Mina Falls. El Yunque's peak reaches 3,500 feet above sea level, and the forest covers 43 square miles, including three-quarters of the island's remaining virgin forest.Įl Yunque National Forest is one of Puerto Rico's most popular natural attractions and is often visited on a tour from San Juan. Walking trails wind through the forest, allowing hikers a closer look at some of the 240 species of trees and hundreds of species of plants (50 species of orchids alone), as well as an abundance of smaller wildlife. Spread along the Luquillo Mountains, including Pico El Yunque, El Yunque National Forest is home to the only tropical rainforest in the National US Forest System. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.Įxperience some of Puerto Rico's lush inland beauty at El Yunque National Forest. Venturing further afield, you will find quaint towns, small villages, beautiful islands, caves, and a rugged mountainous interior.įor more sightseeing ideas, see our list of the top tourist attractions in Puerto Rico. This is particularly visible around San Juan, with its American chain restaurants and other comforts associated with mainland USA. Puerto Rico is a complex island with a Spanish Caribbean culture and an obvious American twist. Add to this the culture and charm of historic San Juan, with its colonial architecture and old forts, and the picture is complete. Home to the US Forest System's only tropical rainforest and the nighttime wonders of the Bioluminescent Bay, Puerto Rico is a pleasant surprise for nature lovers. Beautiful palm-lined beaches, some with calm warm waters lapping the golden sand and others with huge waves and famous surf breaks, draw all kinds of beach seekers, from couples and families to hard-core surfers. We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )Īs a tropical Caribbean travel destination, Puerto Rico has it all and then some.