From the lush, humid forests of the central mountains to the idyllic surfing beaches of the northwest, Puerto Rico is a haven for ecotourism. If it’s nature that entices you here, it’s the sands, the islands, and the historical cities that will keep you enchanted.
Come for the outdoor adventures – hiking, zipping, surfing – but stay for the heritage, culture, sand, and amazing Caribbean nights, bars, and restaurants.
12 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico
1. Bar hop along Calle San Sebastián in San Juan
Lined with historic buildings, including San José Church, the historic Hijos de Borinquen bar and Casa Blanca – former home of the island’s first Spanish governor, Juan Ponce de León – La Calle San Sebastián allows visitors the chance to savor a little bit of Old San Juan. Named after Saint Sebastian, this cobblestoned street is among the most beautiful on the island.
By day, you can snap photos of beautiful, colorful balconies, walk the narrow alleyways, and peek between the buildings for a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean.
At night, there’s plenty of bar hopping to do. Fancy dancing to anything from salsa to electronic beats? What about sipping top-notch cocktails made by expert mixologists? Head over to ultra-hip La Factoría.
If you prefer a chill atmosphere, Taberna Lúpulo has open-air seating and a massive selection of local and international beers. For a more energetic vibe, grab a few Medalla beers and dance to some reggaeton at La Sombrilla Rosa. There are plenty of watering holes to choose from, so put on your best sneakers and enjoy the humid sea breeze while you wander from bar to bar.
2. Take an architectural tour of Old San Juan
Walking through the cobblestone plazas and narrow alleyways of Old San Juan is an essential Puerto Rico experience. There’s no need to have an itinerary here – just get lost in a maze of colorful, Spanish colonial-style houses with famously ornate balconies, lush courtyard gardens, and intricate mosaic ceilings.
There isn’t a corner of the islet that isn’t steeped in history, from historic churches to grand homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. For insights into San Juan’s architectural heritage, the Puerto Rico Historic Buildings Drawing Society runs a series of walking tours exploring local landmarks.
3. Eat your way along the Ruta del Lechón-Guavate
There’s no better way to get a taste of traditional Puerto Rican flavors than by taking a tour through Guavate in Cayey. Known as La Ruta del Lechón – the Roast Pork Route – the road to Guavate takes you deep into the mountains, where you can restaurant-hop in search of the best spit-roasted pork and steamy arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas) on the island.
Each establishment is family-owned, and most have informal picnic-style tables where you can mingle with other patrons. It’s a nourishing experience in every sense of the word, providing a wonderful insight into Puerto Rican culinary traditions.
4. Make your own cheese at Vaca Negra
Experience rural life in Puerto Rico at Vaca Negra, located in the town of Hatillo in the northwest. Here, you can make your own Puerto Rican-style aged cheese using raw cow’s milk from local cattle ranchers. This relatively new concept on the island allows you to create some of the best-aged cheese you’ve ever tasted, with options for lactose-free varieties.
Although the cheese takes approximately two months to mature, you can purchase pre-made cheeses and yogurts from the farm store or enjoy a countryside brunch.
5. Go ziplining at Toro Verde
Adrenaline lovers rejoice! Deep in the mountains of Orocovis lies Toro Verde, one of the biggest adventure parks in the Caribbean. Thrill seekers can ride ziplines such as ‘The Monster,’ a 1.5-mile cable that whooshes across the forested slopes at speeds of up to 95 mph (152.8 km/h).
The park offers a range of activities, including thrilling rock climbing walls, rope fields, obstacle courses, hanging bridges, free falls, suspended cycling, and moonlight tours.
6. Go canyoning at Cañón San Cristóbal
The San Cristóbal Canyon, nestled between Aibonito and Barranquitas, is one of the most precious natural treasures in Puerto Rico. Once an unofficial landfill, this canyon now features exciting hiking trails where adventurers can rappel, hike, and swim under waterfalls.
Although challenging, the stunning scenery makes it worthwhile, but remember to go with a guide as the trails are largely unmarked.
7. Sip coffee the Puerto Rican way at Hacienda San Pedro
In Puerto Rico, coffee is a beloved ritual. Join locals appreciating their coffee at Hacienda San Pedro in the mountains of Jayuya. Here, you can tour the coffee fields, see original artifacts, and learn about the coffee-making process.
Before you leave, make sure to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and grab some of the best beans on the island to take home.
8. Get a history lesson at Centro Ceremonial Indígena Tibes
Ceremonial grounds and religious artifacts from Puerto Rico’s indigenous tribes make the Centro Ceremonial Indígena Tibes in Ponce an essential stop to understand the island’s pre-colonial past. Archeological excavations have uncovered fascinating elements that give glimpses into the civilizations that populated Puerto Rico.
9. Surf the waves in Rincón
Since hosting the 1968 World Surfing Championship, Rincón has attracted surfers from around the globe. With warm Atlantic waters and excellent surf conditions, Puerto Rico’s surf culture is laid-back, and the local surfers are very knowledgeable about beach conservation.
If you’re new to surfing, numerous surf schools offer lessons. Notable spots include Gas Chambers and Crash Boat Beach, perfect for catching waves.
10. Spot wildlife on the Corredor Ecológico del Noreste
The Corredor Ecológico del Noreste covers six municipalities and features a protected nature reserve perfect for biking, boating, and observing wildlife, including manatees and nesting turtles.
This natural treasure is home to some of Puerto Rico’s most stunning beaches and natural landscapes. It’s a fantastic area to appreciate the island’s biodiversity.
11. Bike the Piñones Trail
If you’re an avid cyclist, the Piñones Trail along the east coast offers wild, undeveloped scenery. The trail weaves through mangroves and oceanfront forests, challenging cyclists with varying terrains. Don’t forget to stop at local kiosks for authentic Puerto Rican snacks.
12. Have a beachside craft beer at Ocean Lab Brewing Co
Located inside the VIVO Beach Club on Isla Verde Beach in San Juan, Ocean Lab Brewing Co offers premium craft beers alongside a beautiful beachfront setting. Taste local ingredients and enjoy a full menu while soaking in the sun and sea breeze.
This article has highlighted the variety of experiences that Puerto Rico has to offer. From thrilling adventures to relaxing beachside drinks, the island is a paradise waiting to be explored.
