30 of the Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit

Are you looking for the best places in Puerto Rico to visit?

The island of Puerto Rico may be small, but there is so much to explore! From waterfalls to rain forests, and from colorful cities to beautiful islands, you'll never get bored on this island. Here are 30 cool spots to check out in Puerto Rico.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #1: El Yunque

Did you know that El Yunque is the only rain forest in the US? Well it's not only one of the greenest places in North America, but a must-do on your visit to Puerto Rico. This rainforest has plenty to do from hiking trails to chasing waterfalls.

Want to know all about how to visit El Yunque and what to expect? We've written a full guide that you can check out.

Want to take a day tour to El Yunque? Here are a few that you can choose from:

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #2: Charco el Hippie

This is one of our favorite hidden gems of Puerto Rico and has all of the best vibes. Climb the Jurassic style looking rocks, hop on the swing, or jump into the giant pool of water that falls down into a long picturesque river.

You can find Charco el Hippie to be full of locals hanging out with big groups of family and friends while barbecuing and playing music. If you want to get the true vibes of Puerto Rico, than this is your spot. Not to mention, it's just 45 minutes from the capital!

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #3: Las Pailas

This is another one of our favorite day trips from San Juan. Las Pailas is not only a great place to swim. But this pool that is surrounded by jungle is fed from a small waterfall that forms a natural waterslide!

This is a great spot to enjoy nature, without having to venture too far from the capital. It's also free of charge to enter, and just $5 to park. Definitely one of the best places in Puerto Rico to visit.

Want an organized trip to Las Pailas? Here's an option to book on:

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #4: Humacao

We love this spot because it's truly off the beaten path. Humacao is a small beach town where you can find a reserve full of palm trees. Head into the center and you will find waterside restaurants, a pier, and turquoise waters.

Looking for a place to stay in Humacao? Below you can see all of the options:

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #5: Salinas de Cabo Rojo

This is one of the best places in Puerto Rico to visit because of it's various shades of pink and blue waters. Located in Cabo Rojo, these salt ponds are free of charge, and can be found right off the side of the road.

You can't swim here, but you can walk down the paths that go in between the ponds to admire the color and take some Instagrammable shots.

Here are some of the places you can stay in Cabo Rojo:

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #6: Puente de Piedra

Head a little further down the road after seeing the salt ponds, and you will find a small peninsula with a lighthouse and a couple of beaches.

Puente de Piedra can be found by walking down the path on the right side from the parking lot. After just a few minute walk you will find a bridge that has been naturally formed from the rocks here.

We don't advise walking along the top, but we really enjoyed swimming on the beach down below it and listening to the crackling of the rocks when the waves came crashing in.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #7: Boqueron

Looking for another fun area of Cabo Rojo? Boqueron is a small town right on the water that is bursting with color. Have some fresh seafood or just wander around admiring the fun murals and street art.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #8: Pozo de Jacinto

This is one of the best places in Puerto Rico to visit, because you can really appreciate and feel the power of nature. Head up onto the rocks and you can watch the huge waves crashing down and splashing up right in front of you!

There is even a small hole where the splashes shoot through the opening, almost like a geiser!

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #9: Casa de Colores

This is one of the most colorful spots in Puerto Rico, and definitely one not to miss if you are on the West coast of the island.

Casa de Colores is an area in Aguadilla, where the local artists have repainted everything with every color of the rainbow. Talk about good vibes!

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #10: Abandoned Airplane

This is another of our favorite spots in Aguadilla. The abandoned airplane can be found right on the side of the road in the center of town. Admire the graffiti on the outside, or climb on in to see how awesome the inside is. This attraction is free of charge to access, but they do accept tips.

Here are places to stay in Aguadilla:

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #11: The Royal Palms Treehouse

This may just be the most magical place to stay in Puerto Rico. The Royal Palms Treehouse is an AirBnb. that will be anything you ever wanted. It is located in San German, and runs for about $200-$250/ night, but is well worth the splurge.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #12: Yaucromatic

This is the most colorful spot, and one of the best places in Puerto Rico to visit! After being hit with the hurricane, local artists in Yauco decided to bring their neighborhood back to life, and they did a damn good job at it!

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #13: Cerro el Rodadero

We have never experienced something so frightening and stunning at the same time. Cerro el Rodadero is a hike that you will never forget. After a short 20 minute trail, you will have to climb and squeeze through boulders to make it to one of the best views of Puerto Rico.

This rock right here is definitely the best seat in the house, and definitely as scary as it looks. We don't suggest this for the faint-hearted, and definitely urge you to be EXTRA careful if you are planning on climbing up here.

Another thing to note is that you will need a car in order to get here. We use this site to book our rentals:

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Another thing to note is that there are two roads that lead here. One is smoothly paved and takes 15-20 minutes, while the other is impossible to get through without a 4x4. We made this mistake and took an hour and a half driving backwards up the hill at 5 am. Check with locals before making the same mistake we did!

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #14: Cerro la Punta

This is considered the highest point on the island, and is another stunning view point. The road up is pretty steep, so make sure you have a 4x4 for this one! It seems weird that the map will lead you to an area that says "no trespassing", but a local working there told us that we could enter no problem.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #15: Puente la Hamaca

This is one of our favorite hidden gems in Puerto Rico, and is another for those adventurers! Puente la Hamaca is located in Adjuntas, and is not easily found in Google Maps. 

To get here you will need to park next to an abandoned convenience store, and go through a small path in the trees. The walk is just about 10 minutes through a dirt road (we suggest bringing sneakers), where you will find this rusty old bridge,

It definitely doesn't look the sturdiest, but we figure if we fall the drop is into the water so it can't be too bad right? Puente la Hamaca is a great spot for photography lovers, and is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Puerto Rico.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #16: Isla Verde

Isla Verde is where all of the big resorts are lined up in San Juan. Here is where you can find the most beautiful and clean beaches, while visiting the capital. Isla Verde is definitely worth the stop if you want to experience a more luxurious lifestyle in Puerto Rico.

Want to book a stay in Isla Verde? The map below has all of the options:

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #17: El Pocito

Now this is more our style when it comes to our favorite beaches in Puerto Rico. Head a little further past Isla Verde, and you will find Piñones. This area is full with local bars and restaurants on the beach, and is really a spot where you will feel the good Puerto Rican vibes.

El Pocito is a small beach area of Piñones where the rocks block the waves, creating a natural pool with crystal clear waters. El Pocito is the perfect spot for those who want to avoid the waves and just relax in the beautiful Caribbean waters.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #18: Mar Chiquita

Mar Chiquita is another one of our favorite beaches in Puerto Rico. Just 45 minutes outside San Juan, this cove is tucked away from it all. This c-shaped beach is perfect for those wanting a relaxing beach day, but also for those who like to explore.

Climb up on the rocks to admire the moon like formation created by the waves, as well as the small natural pools that are formed from the sea.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #19: San Cristobal

This is one of the most iconic, and best places in Puerto Rico to visit. The fort in Old San Juan is an awesome place to explore from the inside out. Head here in the afternoon and enjoy the beautiful sunsets that this area has to offer.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #20: La Perla

This neighborhood in San Juan is full of character. Although not the safest area at night, it's really an interesting and colorful area to check out during the day. Enjoy the vibrant artwork, or grab a drink at one of the many bars in the area.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #21: Bioluminescent Bay

Have you ever been to a bioluminescent bay? There are only a few of them scattered through the world, and there are actually three of them just in Puerto Rico! One is in Fajardo, one is in Vieques (another small island belonging to Puerto Rico), and one in La Parguera.

The microorganisms shine bright and make the waters sparkle around them! Here is everything you need to know about experience Bioluminescence in Puerto Rico.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #22: Vieques

Vieques is where we just mentioned you can find bioluminescence in Puerto Rico, but it also has so much more to offer! This island can be reached by flight from San Juan, or by ferry from Ceiba. They have lots of fun things to experience, as well as gorgeous beaches, including a black sand one!

Book your stay in Vieques:

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #23: Culebra

This is another small island that belongs to Puerto Rico, and can be reached by ferry from Ceiba. Culebra is known for its famous "Playa Flamenco", a beach that will make you feel like you just jumped into a Caribbean post card.

Please Note: As of 2021, Culebra is now back open for tourists, but tickets should be reserved in advance on their website.

Want an excursion to Culebra? Here are some options:

Rather stay a night in Culebra? The map has all the different accommodation options:

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #24: La Planta Arecibo

This is our favorite set of waterfalls in Puerto Rico, and is a true hidden gem! La Planta Arecibo is an hour from San Juan, and is one of the best day trips from the capital.

Here you will find not only one, but two stunning waterfalls free of charge, Park on the side of the road and you will be greeted by the first right away. Walk up the river for another surprise. Not only is it a great place to hang out, but you can even climb through a cave to make it on top of the falls!

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #25: Window Cave

This is another one of the best views in Puerto Rico. These caves feature stalactites and stalagmites, making you feel as if you are underground. But what you will find at the end is an opening to stunning valley views, and one of the most Instagrammable spots in Puerto Rico.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #26: Utuado

Utuado is located just past Arecibo and Window Cave, and is the cutest, most colorful town. Climb up the rainbow set of stairs, or twirl in front of the Puerto Rican Flag building.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #27: Punta Tuna

Punta Tuna is one of those off-the-beaten-path spots in Puerto Rico that we think is so underrated! Head to the South East of the island for a beautiful natural beach with a picturesque light house. This spot is relaxing, and the perfect place to get away from the crowds.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #28: Cara del India

Cara del India is a large carved out Indian head built into a stone. This spot can be found in Isabela, and is a great place to stop and take a cool picture.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #29: Tunel de Guatajataca

Located right near Cara del India, Tunel de Guatajataca is a must if you are visiting Isabela. Walk through this tunnel to discover beautiful beaches, and giant waves crashing down. Just be careful of the sea urchins.

Best Places in Puerto Rico to Visit #30: Gozalandia

Another great spot in the North West of Puerto Rico is a set of some of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island. Gozalandia falls are free to visit, and just $10 for parking.

The first of the falls can be climbed and jumped off of, and the second features a small pool with a rope swing. Don't miss out on a great day of swimming, jumping, and swinging in this great place.

Want to go to Gozalandia on a tour instead of on your own? Here's one that you can take:

Puerto Rico is full of amazing places. We could spend an entire month exploring the island. We definitely recommend road tripping around Puerto Rico, as having a car makes it easy for all the adventures! Try to see how many of these you can check off the list, and let us know in the comments!

Ready to book your next trip? Let us help! Now with Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning you can explore more while spending less. Sound too amazing to be true? Take a sneak peak at our travel planning packages.

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