Begin your Puerto Rico adventure with a trip to the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. Get lost in the beauty of trails like La Mina and El Yunque, which feature cascading waterfalls and lush greenery. Don’t miss the chance to hike to the top of Yokahu Observation Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and surrounding areas.
Take a day trip to the Culebra Island, home to the world-famous Flamenco Beach. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on white sandy beaches that fringed by crystal-clear waters. Head to Tamarindo Beach, known for its sea turtle population and vibrant underwater ecosystem. Take a break and grab a bite at one of the island’s many food shacks. End the day with a sunset boat ride back to your hotel.
On day three, head to the iconic Arecibo Observatory, the world's largest single-dish radio telescope. Take a tour and explore the place where scientists have made many fascinating discoveries over the years. Step inside the observatory’s facilities like the Control Room and Platform. If you are lucky enough, you might get to witness various experiments and research being conducted. End the day, enjoying the mesmerizing view from the observation deck.
Finish your adventure-filled trip at the Camuy River Cave Park. The park features one of the largest cave networks globally, which houses a subterranean river and several sinkholes. Take a guided tour of the cave system and witness the natural wonders like observing millions of years old stalactites and stalagmites, mesmerizing waterfalls, and forest-covered valleys. You can even try the zipline adventure or rope bridge above the sinkholes for the ultimate adrenaline rush.
If you have more time, spend an extra day on Culebra Island or take a day trip to the nearby island of Vieques, known for its bioluminescent bay. If your time is limited, consider visiting the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a historic fort that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or exploring the streets of Old San Juan, known for their colorful buildings and narrow cobblestone lanes. Do not forget to check the opening and closing timings of the places you want to visit beforehand, so that you don't end up missing anything.