Puerto Rico is a tropical Caribbean island with over 500 years of recent history, beginning with the discovery of the island by Christopher Columbus on November 19, 1493. Prior to Columbus, different tribes of native Americans left traces of their respective cultures, dating back some three thousand years.
For your convenience in planning trips, we have divided this section into four sub-sections.
San Juan covers the Greater San Juan Metropolitan Area. Many of the attractions in this section are available by bus or taxi from Old San Juan, Condado or Isla Verde. Most tourists stay at one of the three above sectors.
East includes all major tourist spots east of San Juan, including the neighboring island municipalities of Vieques and Culebra. You need to drive to these locations or take tours which are advertised at most hotels and resorts.
West includes anything west of San Juan. You need to drive to some of these locations, while guided tours are available for others.
South includes tourist attractions in Ponce and the remainder of the southern portion of the Island.
Attractions within the Greater San Juan Metropolitan Area
- La Fortaleza
La Fortaleza is the palace occupied by Puerto Rico's governor. The palace was built between 1533 and 1540. It was originally a fortress used to stave attacks by enemy galleons. It is said to be the oldest executive residence in continuous use in the western hemisphere.
Guided tours of La Fortaleza start on the hour in English, every thirty minutes in Spanish, between 9 AM and 4 PM, Monday to Friday. Large groups may make reservations at (787) 721-7000 ext 2211. La Fortaleza is in Old San Juan, at the north end of the street that bears its name.
- Catedral de San Juan
Located at 153 Calle Cristo in Old San Juan, the cathedral dates back to the sixteenth century. It was extensively restored in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The cathedral is open to visitors 8:30 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. Catholic Masses are held at 12:15 PM weekdays, 7 PM Saturdays and 9 AM Sundays. For further details, call (787) 722-0861.
- Parque Luis Muñoz Marín
Luis Muñoz Marín Park, a passive park located near
the geographical center of the San Juan Metropolitan Area, across
from the Roberto Clemente Coliseum and near Plaza Las Americas
Shopping Center. You may park at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum at
hourly rates and take an elevated car ride into the park.
- Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Puerto Rico -
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. You will find it hard to believe that you
are minutes away from highways and the hustle-bustle of daily life.
This large passive park includes many of the botanical species in
Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Bronze plaques provide information on
most species. Benches and restrooms are strategically located around
the park. Bring a picnic lunch and your own bottled water. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes. And bring your camera. Parking is
available at the entrance. Facilities for the handicapped are minimal. Reservations can be made for guided tours and group tours. Call (787)-767-1710 for details.
- Luis Muñoz Rivera Park - A large passive park right across
from Escambrón Beach, the Radisson Normandie Hotel® and nearby
Hotel Caribe Hilton and Casino®. Right across from Luis Muñoz Rivera Park is Parque del Nuevo Milenio
- Bacardi Rum Distillery.
Guided tours begin every thirty minutes through the largest world's distillery. Complimentary rum samples and cocktails are offered at the end of the tour. Bacardi Rum Distillery is just minutes away, across San Juan Boat by ferry and a leisurely walk or ;public transportation across the town of CatañoCall (787) 788-8400 for beginning and ending times and further details.
- Plaza las Américas Shopping Center
Plaza las Américas Shopping Center, near the geographical center of
the San Juan Metropolitan Area, is the largest shopping center in the Caribbean. The JC Penney store at Plaza Las Américas is frequently the top selling store in the whole JC Penney chain. Sears and Macy's are also present. In addition, there are almost 200 specialty stores, banks, cinemas, restaurants, a bowling alley and fast food outlets. It also has an extensive area for professional offices. Plaza Las Américas is also a frequent
sponsor of exhibits and other cultural activities. Plaza Las Americas has ample free parking facilities. Mall
hours are generally between 9:30 AM and 9:00 PM except Sundays and on
local holidays
when store hours are established by local laws. Call Mall Management
at (787) 767-1525 to learn mall hours for any particular date.
- Fuerte San Felipe del Morro
 Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, commonly known simply as El Morro, is a majestic Spanish fort with numerous secret tunnels and dungeons. San Felipe Del Morro was built in 1591 to defend the entrance to San Juan harbor. The massive six-level fortress covers enough territory to accommodate a nine-hole golf course. It is a labyrinth of dungeons, barracks, turrets, towers, and tunnels. Its small, air-conditioned museum traces the history of the fortress. Tours and a video show are available in English. Open daily, 9 AM to 5 PM; a small admission fee applies to certain areas, while the grounds and some of the structures can be explored for free.
Attractions west of the San Juan Metropolitan Area
Some of the most favored sights for tourists and natives alike include:
- Arecibo Observatory
- The Arecibo Observatory features the
largest radiotelescope in the world. The Arecibo Observatory is part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC), a national research center operated by Cornell University under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF). It is operated by the National
Science Foundation to conduct research in radio astronomy. The observatory is a
gathering place for scientists from all over the world. The
Observatory accepts visitors Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:00 P.M.
To 3:00 P.M. And Sundays from 1:00 P.M. To 4:00 P.M. For group tours
or more information, call (787) 878-2612. For a stunning panoramic picture, further details and driving directions, click here.
- El Arca de Noé (Noah's Ark)
Twenty minutes away from Arecibo in the Arecibo-Mayagüez route, is the small town of Quebradillas. There, on road 482, Km 1.0, barely a minute away from the main highway, is this aviary featuring many exotic bird species, some primates and other miscellaneous species. Bird lovers will be particularly pleased with their collection and with the nice habitats provided for some of their species. Entrance fee is $3.00 per adult and $2.00 per child. Bring your own lunch. Tables and seats are available inside the small park. Parking is free. A mini-golf course is right across the street from the park. Several small businesses have begun to thrive in the surroundings, including bird breeders, orchid growers and s small antiques shop. Plan on at least two hours overall.
- The Camuy caverns -Rio Camuy Cave Park-(Parque de las Cavernas
del Rio Camuy)-
some ninety minutes drive away from San Juan.
The caverns feature a trolley ride and guided tour through spectacular
natural caverns. A documentary-type motion picture provides an
adequate background to enjoy the remainder of a day in close contact
with nature. Normally open Wednesdays through Sundays and all holidays,
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is around $4.00 per person. Parking
is available. A cafeteria and a souvenir shop operate on the premises.
Reservations are strongly suggested. Telephone (787) 898-3100 or
contact the guest information desk at any of the tourist hotels and
resorts. Write to: Parque de las Cavernas del Rio Camuy, PO BOX 363767, San Juan, P. R. 00936-3767.
Some even more spectacular caverns (not a part of the park) are
available nearby for the most adventurous and healthy of sightseers,
sponsored by private groups. Ask around or watch the signboards in
the vicinity. Visit these other caverns at your own discretion.
- Centro Ceremonial de Caguana
Located in a rural area of the mountain town ofUtuado, it is considered by some the most important Indian ceremonial center in the Antilles. The whole area is maintained as an open-air museum of Taíno history and culture. The area has been recreated with the plants from which the Taínos obtained their food products and building materials. The park is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance is free and parking is available. There are limited facilities for the handicapped.
To reach the park, take PR State Road #10 to Utuado and turn right (west) on PR State Road # 111 to Km. 12 Hm 3. It is about one hour's drive from Arecibo.
- Mayagüez Zoo
- The only full-scale zoo in Puerto Rico is located
in the outskirts of the city of Mayagüez
in the Western part of the island, minutes away from the
Mayagüez Hilton Hotel and Casino. Parking is available.
Admission is around $6.00 per person. Reservations are not necessary.
Facilities include a simple cafeteria and strategically located
restrooms.
The zoo features some of the great African beasts, plenty of primates
and a good collection of birds, reptiles and other creatures. The park
itself has been in a prolonged process of renovation. Reportedly, it
gets better every day. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and
don´t expect much sophistication.
While in Mayagüez, you may pick up a bag of mangos, sold by many
street vendors in the outskirts of the City. They are reputed to be
among the best in Puerto Rico. They sell for about two dollars per
bag in season.
Attractions east of the San Juan Metropolitan Area
- Las Cabezas de San Juan
-in the city of
Fajardo, some sixty to ninety minutes drive away from San Juan.
Guided tours through a natural reserve of beautiful marshes with
frequent stops to get into even closer contact with nature. English
usually spoken on request. The tour itself lasts approximately two and
a half hours. One stop includes El Faro, one of the oldest
lighthouses in the New World. The views are spectacular. Bring your
cameras. A souvenir shop features many items of interest to the
ecologically-minded.
Admittance is $4.00 per adult and $1.00 per child. It is normally open
to the public Fridays through Sundays. Closed on New Year’s Day,
Three Kings’ Day (January 6th), Good Friday and Christmas Day. Limited
facilities are available for the handicapped. Parking available on
the premises.
Reservations are mandatory. Call (787)722-5882. On weekends, you may
call (787) 860-2560. Or write Fideicomiso de Conservación de Puerto
Rico, P O BOX 4747, San Juan, P. R. 00902-4747.
- El Yunque Rain Forest
- about sixty minutes car drive from San Juan
. Enjoy a car ride through this tropical paradise of exotic
vegetation and the local fauna. Stop along the way to
enjoy waterfalls or a centuries-old lookout turret. You may even
find some native wild berries along the trails. Watch out for thorns.
The more adventurous may enjoy a hike up mountain trails to some of
the peaks for exquisite views of eastern Puerto Rico. Don’t be misled
by the name “rain forest”. Chances are that you can enjoy a scenic day
with a minimum of rain to disturb your enjoyment. Wear comfortable
walking or sport shoes and light clothing. Protect yourself against
insect bites if you intend to enter the woods. There are no knownferocious
wild animals in the park. You might see a Boa Puertorriqueña,
the largest Puerto Rican snake, that feeds on small birds and rodents.
There is a medium-class restaurant up on the main stop. There are
also many vendors along the way, peddling inexpensive native fritters,
like
bacalaítos and alcapurrias, favored by islanders and
visitors alike. For safety’s sake, don´t drink the water from nearby
springs. Bring your own bottled water.
El Yunque was affected badly by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and several others since. You have a
unique opportunity to see Mother Nature at work, healing itself, as
you tour this magnificent forest.
Admittance to this natural preserve is free. You can plan a tour on
your own or you can purchase a one-day tour of the facilities at any
of the tourist hotels and resorts. Some tours also include a stop at
nearby Luquillo Beach.
- Luquillo Beach
- Luquillo Beach has been called one of the most
beautiful beaches in the world. Pay a minimum fee (about two dollars)
to enter in your vehicle and park. Facilities inside include an
unsophisticated cafeteria, outdoor and indoor showers, bathrooms
and lockers. Lifeguards are on duty during beach hours, which
normally run from about 9:00 AM to about 5:00 PM. Policemen patrol
the area frequently during periods of heavy attendance.
Day tours to Luquillo Beach are generally available. Some include a
visit to nearby El Yunque Rain Forest.
Attractions in the Southern half of the island
 Centro Ceremonial Indígena Tibes (Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center)
-
in the outskirts of the city of Ponce,
just a few minutes away from Ponce Hilton Hotel and Casino. Tibes
holds the remains of an Indian community which was discovered in
recent years. It includes a life-size facsimile of an actual Taíno
village,
and also the sites utilized by the Indians for various public
activities. A guided tour lasts about one hour. English speaking
guides are available on request. Admission is about $3.00 person.
Parking is available. Facilities include a simple cafeteria,
restrooms, small ‘museum’ and strolling areas. Reservations are
usually not required. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a
one-hour stroll in the outdoors.
Phosphorescent Bay
- in Lajas, Puerto Rico. You need a night of
low moon to be able to enjoy fully the beauty of Phosphorescent Bay.
Microscopic organisms in the bay water react to motion in the water
and produce light. Small boats from La Parguera make this trip several
times each night, at a fee of around $3.00 per person. While you
wait, visit the shops in this small fishing village for souvenirs or
enjoy some fresh sea food from any of several medium-type restaurants
nearby. Ask around for “Sangría Coño”. Stay overnight
at any of two Paradores or several guest
houses. Reservations are a must for weekends and throughout the
summer, suggested year-round.
During the day, visit the nearby islets for sunning, swimming and
sightseeing. Boats tour the islets throughout the day, with
round-trips ranging around $3.00 also. You may board one ship,
disembark at one of the islets, and later board another ship for the
return trip.
Closing laws in the area require that all establishments close at
midnight. Strictly-enforced laws forbid the consumption of alcoholic beverages
in streets and other public places.
You will notice houseboats or boat-houses permanently anchored near
many beaches in the area. They have been the subject of great
controversy and many legal actions throughout the years.
Governmental efforts at removing the houses and preventing the
proliferation of others have not produced all the desired results.
Beware of buying someone else's problems. Investigate before
investing in any such property in the area.
Pineapples sold by street vendors in this area are reputed to be
among the sweetest in Puerto Rico.
Los Baños de Coamo (Coamo Thermal Springs)
- located in
the small town of Coamo in the southern central part of the island.
Some people have suggested that these springs were the famed
fountain of youth which Juan Ponce de León, Puerto Rico's first
governor, searched for very actively, and which eventually led to the
discovery and settlement of the state of Florida. Parador Los Baños
de Coamo, a parador (country inn) in the
area, features a pool fed by these thermal waters. They are reputed
to be a pleasant bath for tired bones and many people attest to
their alleged therapeutic effects.
The same spring is also available to the general public in public land
behind the Parador. Access to the public area is not easy and
facilities are minimal.
It is generally recommended that you do not spend more than twenty
minutes at a time submerged in such warm waters and that you remain
passive while in the water.
Cañón de San Cristóbal (San Cristobal Canyon)
in Barranquitas, P. R. An ecological landmark fully accessible only
to the most physically fit. Check your tourist guide books for tours.
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