Best Things To Do in Puerto Rico

Wherever you stay in Puerto Rico, visiting Old San Juan is a must. The Spanish began building it in 1521 and it’s full of colourful colonial architecture and antique cobbled streets.

These architectural feats include the 400 year old, 140 feet El Morro Fortress which is a world heritage site.

Another popular site is the Catedral de San Juan Bautista. Which is a grandiose 16th century cathedral with high domed ceilings and a kaleidoscope of colours streaming through the stained-glass windows. But there’s plenty more examples here of historical architecture, that make this city more than worth a trip.

There are only 5 of these bays in the world and 3 of them are in Puerto Rico; so you won't get many other chances to see something like this. Bioluminescent seas are when tiny plankton called dinoflagellates grow in large enough groups to make the sea light up and sparkle when it moves. This phenomenon looks like something from a sci fi movie, with the sea glowing neon colours from agitation. The three bioluminescent bays here are Mosquito Bay, La Parguera and Laguna Grande.

This Rainforest has so much to offer you'll have to move faster than superman to see it all in one day. Try hiking through one of the numerous trails, many of which end in natural pools. You can chill out after all your hard exercise by swimming in the pools by La Coca or El Angelito trail, or one of the many others. If you're a bit of an adrenaline junkie then the Carabali Park in the foothills of El Yunque is for you. From go-karting to ATV or horseback riding you'll have plenty of exhilarating experiences.

Another one for the thrill-seekers is this park. The El Monstruo zipline here is the second-longest in the entire world. Does flying over the jungle for 1.5 miles at up to 94 MPH sound good? Then this park is going to be your cup of tea.

Puerto Rican beaches are not to be missed. Flamenco beach is a two-mile strip of sand so soft and pale you could be convinced you're walking on icing sugar. The clear shallow sea here is great for snorkelling or for kids to play in, while the beach is perfect to take in the scenery.

Seeing a beach like Playa Negra is a once in a lifetime experience. With black sand created by lava centuries ago, it’s a beach very different from others I've seen.

Between the bioluminescent bays and magnificent beaches, you know watersports here are top-notch. In fact, Puerto Rico is said to have some of the best surfing in the Caribbean, since the sport is so big here and the climate is ideal for it. You can also kayak in the bioluminescent waters. Or snorkel and scubadive in the coral reefs. Or if getting in the water isn't for you, then glass-bottom boat tours are available. Basically, you’d regret missing out on watersports here.

There are so many caves here with amazing views. Cueva Ventana is one of the top sites to see, as it’s on top of a limestone cliff that leads to a window-like opening. From here you can see the beautiful verdant landscape. It's also full of ancient indigenous art which is exciting for any history buff.

Arenales caves are a top destination to check out, as you can swim through these intricate rock formations down the river. All this while admiring the vivid greenery of the forest.

Another one of the many natural phenomena in Puerto Rico are these hot springs. Heated by volcanic remains, these waters are full of minerals and many claim they have healing powers. In fact, it is said that these waters are the fountain of youth from all the legends. You can soak in these pools surrounded by lush foliage and maybe even get some spa treatments while you're at it. Visiting these springs are the pinnacle of relaxation in my opinion.

Rum is the top spirit in the entire Caribbean and Puerto Rico is no different. In fact, one of the most well known UK rums, Bacardi, is from Puerto Rico. You can tour the Bacardi distillery, learn to mix drinks and have plenty of tasters in the middle of Old San Juan. There are also two other major distilleries here- Hacienda Santa Ana and PitoRico distillery. So, if (like us) you're a bit of a rum connoisseur then you’ve got to do one of these.

Puerto Rico has big festivals happening year-round. One of the biggest is San Sebastián street festival which runs from the third Thursday of January to Sunday. The festival has many artisans selling their wares during the day, as well as concerts and parties into the night too.

Another big festival is Carnaval Ponceno in February in the town of Ponce. It features a costumed parade of local folk characters and activities for everyone to take part in. There are so many more that I can't list them all. So if you go to Puerto Rico, checking for local celebrations is a must.