Best Fun Things To Do In Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a tropical destination, perfect for your next vacation. Beaches, forests, and old historical cities are some of the attractions on this beautiful island. The country appeals to both adventurers and tourists who are looking for a Caribbean getaway to relax.

iVisa is here to help you to discover the best things to do in Puerto Rico with this extensive itinerary. Keep reading to find out about all the sights you shouldn’t miss and how to prepare for your trip.

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Discover the top 10 things to do in Puerto Rico

Check out some of these cool destinations in Puerto Rico to make the most out of your trip.

1. Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay

This is one of the most extraordinary experiences in Puerto Rico. This bay on Vieques Island has water that emits a blue glow from more than 600,000 bioluminescent dinoflagellates. These organisms live in the water and provide a natural spectacle on Puerto Rican nights.

The advice for this tourist attraction is to quietly approach to not disturb the dinoflagellates. A kayak is an excellent option for going out and enjoying the full effect of the glow. According to past visitors, it’s better to avoid visiting the bay during a full moon because the microorganisms aren't as visible at this time.

2. Old San Juan

Old San Juan is a place to explore Puerto Rico’s history and local culture. You can walk the cobblestone streets, visit art galleries, enjoy food tours, and generally be amazed by the historical architecture in downtown San Juan, the heart of the island.

There are a number of tourist attractions in old San Juan, such as the Calle de la Fortaleza, Calle del Cristo, and the San Juan Gate. If you want to learn more about Puerto Rican culture, this is the place to go.

3. Toro Verde Adventure Park

If you are looking for adventure, Toro Verde Adventure Park is a must-visit. It is located in the town of Orocovis, about an hour and 45 minutes from San Juan. You can enjoy hiking trails, but the main attraction is one of the world’s longest zip lines, spanning over 2.5 kilometers.

4. Flamenco Beach

It is a must to take a dip in the Caribbean Sea while visiting Puerto Rico! Puerto Rico offers many sandy beaches with turquoise waters, but Flamenco Beach is by far one of the most beautiful. Located on Culebra island, Flamenco is among Puerto Rico’s best beaches for families, snorkelers, and travelers looking for a stunning landscape.

Observe marine life while scuba diving or snorkeling, or relax on the sand. There are a number of facilities like bathrooms, kiosks selling refreshments, and umbrellas and chairs for rent.

5. El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Rainforest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Only 30 miles (ca. 48 km) east of San Juan, this is a fantastic place to enjoy nature in Puerto Rico.

The forest is still recovering from Hurricane Maria, so certain trails remain closed (such as La Mina). However, there are plenty of other trails to hike and explore. A day trip here is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

6. Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Center

This beautiful spot is dedicated to preserving the indigenous history of Puerto Rico. The landmarks of the area invite visitors to know the habits and traditions of native people before the European explorers' arrival.

History buffs are usually amazed by the collection of “ball courts” where the Taino people played games. The entire center is a chance to learn about true Puerto Rican art and culture. There is also a beautiful botanical garden where traditional Taino plants are grown.

7. Gilligan's Island

This small island in the Atlantic Ocean is a Puerto Rican treasure, ideal for escaping city life. Gilligan’s Island boasts a stunningly clear sea with calm waves.

Whether you’re swimming, snorkeling or kayaking, it is possible to observe the colorful aquatic life. This spot is not very well-known yet, so you can relax on the beach without the crowds.

8. Turtle Watching

During the turtle nesting season, many hotels invite guests and tourists to join them in turtle watching activities. In Puerto Rico and the outlying islands, turtles nest most frequently between February and August.

Puerto Rico has three turtle species that particularly enjoy visiting: leatherback turtles and green sea turtles, which tend to prefer the beaches of Culebra, particularly the relatively isolated Zoni, Resaca, and Brava beaches. On Mona Island, off the island's west coast, there is a permanent sanctuary for hawksbill turtles.

9. Las Salinas

These pink salt lakes in Cabo Rojo have a beautiful cotton-candy pink water, which looks like a perfect Instagram picture. These natural lagoons were used to mine salt and the color comes from the brine shrimp living on the water’s surface. The color varies from reddish brown to light pink, depending on the day and the weather.

10. Cueva del Indio

A trip to Puerto Rico would not be complete without a visit to Cueva del Indio! These caves are located in La Piedras, Puerto Rico and date back to 1200 – 1500 years ago. You can spend time observing the many ancient paintings, sculptures, and petroglyphs.

These are just a few things to not miss on a trip to Puerto Rico. Some of the other amazing attractions to consider visiting are the Carabalí Rainforest Park, Camuy River Cave Park, Condado Lagoon, San Jose Lagoon, El Morro, and some shopping at the Plaza las Americas.

Porto Rico travel requirements

You must be excited to travel to Puerto Rico! But before packing your bags, make sure to have all the right travel documents to enter the country. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth ruled by the United States, so it’s under American law. This means that the US entry rules are the same as for the island.

The requirements vary depending on your nationality. Use the Visa Checker Tool to find out which documents you need for this trip. Most visitors must apply for the ESTA to visit Puerto Rico.

How to apply for the Puerto Rico ESTA – Visa Waiver Program

The Puerto Rico ESTA is an electronic travel authorization required for some nationalities to enter the country.

It is a multiple-entry document with a validity of 2 years. It allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days per entry. You can use it to travel for tourism or business purposes only.

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