Puerto Rico Tourist Attractions

The relaxed semi-autonomous Caribbean island of Puerto Rico shakes hands with the American smoothness that makes it a diverse and culturally confusing cosmopolitan. Restaurants, 15th century Spanish forts, rambling shopping malls, tropical rainforests, stunning beaches, caves, beautiful coral reefs, interesting museums, Spanish colonial buildings, and a combination of striking reggae and salsa – all are simply amazing. Here are the Puerto Rico tourist attractions.

Prime Attractions

• Old San Juan:
  This holds some seven blocks that belongs to the period about 500 years back as the place of the Spanish occupation serving as a military grip. The original blue cobbles seen on the streets were actually weighted on the Spanish ships. Some over 400 restored Spanish colonial buildings of the 16th and 17th centuries occupy Old San Juan, which is enough to attract innumerable tourists here. A walk along the narrow and sheer lanes reveals its history enclosed in incredibly thick, but high walls. There are varied stunning plazas also holding figures and memorials.
• Spanish Forts:
  The strong six-level citadel of 140 feet tall San Felipe del Morro having 18-foot and 5 m thick walls for defense was erected in 1540 A.D. Located on the San Juan Bay and the biggest fortification on the Caribbean, the fort is a network of tunnels, jails, garrisons, sentinels, and ramps, which stuns you by providing fantastic views from the top of its fortifications. Next fort is in the Norzagaray Street in the Old San Juan, Castillo San Cristobal that served as the El Morro’s companion while protecting the city. This was erected in the 17th century whose design is confusing, complex, and modular. Both the forts are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (June to November) and 9 am to 6 pm (December to May) with admission fee of $3 for adults.

• La Fortaleza:
  Located in San Juan, this fortress was constructed in 1540 A.D. to protect the gateway to the San Juan harbor. However, now it’s the residence of the Governor. With much expansion and renovation, the fort witnessed the addition of neoclassical facade since 1846 A.D. Reserve your visit on any day. Timings are 9 am to 6 pm (5 pm from June to November). This is one of the most popular Puerto Rico tourist attractions.

• Saint John the Baptist Cathedral:
  The San Juan’s Cathedral, built in 1521 A.D., was constructed by the island’s first Spanish bishop. Looking as a thatched wooden church, the original one was damaged by the hurricane of 1526 A.D. Today, what you see today is the medieval structure of stone transported from inland mines via horsepower belonging to 1540 A.D. Later, in 1917, many renovations were done. Do explore the Doric columns and round crypts where in one of it, the marble one, is that of the island’s first governor.
• Casa Blanca:
  Located in San Sebastian Street of San Juan, this house offers two museums between which a small area holds artifacts related to the Taino Indians and the remaining area exhibits the life of the inhabitants living here in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday – 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4.30 pm with the admission fees of $2 for adults and $1 for children.
• Casa del Libro:
  This is the 18th century house that holds several rare sketches, illustrations, old manuscripts and books. The most award-winning collections here are two imperial tenures signed by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain in 1493 A.D. related to the provision of Christopher Columbus’s force for his second voyage. This was when this island was found. It is opened from Tuesday to Saturday – 11 am to 4.30 pm.
• Arecibo Ionospheric Observatory:
  Located in the northwest mountains at 90 minutes drive from San Juan among the Karst Country hills, this is an important astronomical research centre. Its dish is quite huge and is located in a sinkhole aimed to spot the slightest sounds emitted from the stars. This is also the place where NASA’s ‘SETI’ (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) project is set. You can climb until the viewing sight for its huge dish. A Visitors Center here shows how this huge structure functions. It is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm in June, July, December, and January. Rest, it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission fees are $5 for adults and $3 for children.
• University Campus:
  Located in the Rio Piedras, the campus holds the University Museum offering archaeological and historical displays along with monthly art exhibitions. Next, the Botanical Gardens act as a living laboratory showing the local flora and over 200 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants. It is opened from Monday to Friday – 9 am to 11 pm, weekends – 9 am to 3 pm (museum).
• Camuy Cave Park:
  A day trip from San Juan is a fun at this place at two hours southwest of the city. Here, there are miles of subterranean caves carved by the Camuy River from limestone over a million years ago. Only 11 km of the cavern stretch are fully found with its 16 entrances, it forms the world’s largest cave network. Walk on one of its preserved walking trails to reach down 200 feet into a fern ravine to discover the caverns with its stalactites, stalagmites, and bountiful bats along with the species of blindfish. You are also offered picnic areas, food stalls, an exhibition hall, and a souvenir shop. It is opened from Wednesday to Sunday – 8 am to 3.30 pm, except for rains. Admission fees are $10 for adults and $8 for children.
• Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve:
  Located in Fajardo on three outcrops on the northeast, this is a must visited bio-diverse natural area. We reached here in an hour after driving from San Juan. There are clear beaches where you have the opportunity of snorkeling. In addition, there are seven varied ecological systems comprising coral reefs, beaches, lagoons, mangroves, and dry forest. You can also spot many extinct species and wide trails. El Faro, a rebuilt 19th century lighthouse, can be visited here that has an information center and observation deck. It is opened from Wednesday to Sunday and requires reservations. Admission fees are $7 for adults and $4 for children.

Best Time to Visit the Puerto Rico tourist attractions

• Mid-December through late-April
• November and May

Accommodations

• El Conquistador Resort at Fajardo – $295 – $425

• Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa at San Juan – $267 – $267
• Casa del Caribe at San Juan – $99 – $100
• Caribe Mountain Villas at San Juan – $145 – $225
• Fajardo Inn at Fajardo – $75 – $120

• Isla Verde Condo Rentals at San Juan – from $115