PUERTO RICO
Beyond San Juan and Dorado Beach

Dive Deeper: Explore the Island’s Caves, Beaches, Rum, and Landmarks for a true Puerto Rican Experience

Puerto Rico is one of my favorite go-to places. When visiting, I love to just lie back and sit by the beach, soaking up the sun and relaxing all day, but this island has so many attractions worth seeing. It’s hard to pass up the opportunities of exploring what Puerto Rico has to offer. Every time I go, I try to explore a new part of the island.

Puerto Rico is 111 miles long by 39 miles wide, and is home to 78 municipalities. It is one of only two American territories in the Caribbean, making travel even easier since you don’t need a passport! 

INTO THE DEPTH OF PUERTO RICAN CAVES

from Arches to Windows & More

Much of Puerto Rico’s landscape is made of limestone, which acts as a natural water filter, and paves the path for many caves & caverns.

Cueva del Indio
The views here are just incredible. This cave is located on the northern coast of the island, where the jagged coastline is made of limestone cliffs that form several arches, caves, and sinkholes, creating a very dramatic landscape.

Taino petroglyphs are found here as well. Within the cave, you'll discover around 80–100 petroglyphs—ancient rock carvings created by the Taíno people. Meant for tribal rituals and storytelling, these petroglyphs make the cave one of the richest coastal rock-art sites on the island.

The breathtaking view down from the cave offers a glimpse of the surrounding forest and the Atlantic Ocean, with crashing waves into the cliffside.  These waves have eroded the limestone over time, creating rock formations that remind me of what I saw at Antelope Canyon. 

It’s also a place where sea turtles come up for air, and we were lucky enough to spot a few. 

Cueva Ventana

I have never seen anything quite like this view. The name literally translates to window cave, and I cannot think of a better description.

After completing the hike through a cave filled with limestone stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (rising from the floor), you arrive at an incredible natural “window.”

This cave is almost entirely composed of limestone and features an open, natural window overlooking the Rio Grande. 

Although the path to these spectacular views isn’t easy, the breathtaking scenery is the exact motivation you’ll need to make it!

BEACHES
Too Many to Choose From

With over 300 different beaches found in Puerto Rico, my favorites are at Dorado Beach, but one standout I was able to visit was Peña Blanca in Borinquen.

Located in Aguadilla, this beach feels more secluded. Crystal clear waters invite you in from the moment you arrive. These waters allow for amazing snorkeling right off the shore. Don’t forget to snap a few pictures with the beautiful white cliffs in the background.

RUM
A part of Puerto Rican Culture & Tradition

Ron del Barrilito

Did you know that Puerto Rico is among the top 4 rum producers in the world? I just visited my first rum distillery in Puerto Rico. Although Bacardi is arguably the most well-known Puerto Rican rum, we visited Ron del Barrilito. This is more authentically Puerto Rican, since its export did not begin until 2018! This family recipe is crafted in small barrels, without any additives or flavorings. The maceration process (soaking plant materials like fruits, spices, or botanicals in alcohol to extract flavors, aromas, and oils) is what gives this special rum its incredible taste.

We tasted four varieties of rum. Learning about the history, seeing where and how it is made, and then tasting them gives you a great appreciation for the process and the delicious final product. 

Visiting this factory left us wanting to explore even more- maybe a coffee plantation next time, or even another rum factory. When visiting the Caribbean, I encourage you to tour a factory where famous local products are made. 

NATIONAL LANDMARKS
Explore Puerto Rico’s Unique Treasures
as Part of the U.S.

On this incredible island, you will find several protected sites: 1 National Forest, 6 National Historic Landmarks, and 5 National Natural Landmarks. Each one of them is worth the time to visit and explore. Of course, I haven’t been to all yet, but there is always next time.

El Yunque is a U.S.  National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S., and home to stunning waterfalls, beautiful hiking trails, and lots of vegetation. The rich biodiversity will blow you away; there are over 240 plant species found nowhere else in the world.

The Yokahú Tower offers panoramic views from 1,575 feet above sea level. You can climb all the way (69 feet) up for breathtaking vistas of the forest canopy and, on clear days, views all the way to the coast.

Historic Fortresses: Starting in the 16th century, Spain recognized Puerto Rico’s strategic importance in the Caribbean for protecting trade routes and New World colonies.

La Fortaleza, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, Fortín San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo), and an extensive network of city walls, bastions, ramparts, and gates protected San Juan from attacks by pirates, rival colonial powers, and other threats for centuries. These sites are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. All these sites connect and were used as a way to protect San Juan Bay and the city of Old San Juan.  They offer history and incredible views, no matter which one you visit.

The music- Puerto Rico has a rich musical history. It is home to so many talented musicians who have crossed over to mainstream music- think Luis Fonsi, Ricky Martin, Ozuna, Daddy Yankee, and Bad Bunny, just to name a few. When visiting Puerto Rico, I highly recommend checking if any concerts are playing at El Coliseo- if so, don't miss it. You can expect a local guest star, incredible energy, waving flags, cheering, and pride- Puerto Ricans are proud of their music, as they should be. This last time I visited, we got so lucky! We got to see a Bad Bunny concert. The energy was unparalleled- the Puerto Rican people are visibly proud of their musicians.

CONCLUSION

Puerto Rico, otherwise known as La Isla del Encanto, is home to 17 recognized species of coquí frogs, most of which are endemic — meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. As soon as the sun starts to set, you’ll hear these tiny frogs chirping in their own way- it sounds like they are saying “coqui, coqui,” giving these frogs their name. This sound becomes as relaxing as the sound of the crashing waves of the ocean.

Since I visit so often, I add in a day trip every time I visit to explore some of the island's hidden treasures- I urge you to do the same when visiting not just Puerto Rico, but any island in the Caribbean. Sometimes, you just need that little push to dig a little deeper and explore a bit further.

Whether you’re looking for relaxation and stunning sunsets or thrilling adventures in the rainforest and caves, this island has it all. If you’re ready to start planning your very own Puerto Rican getaway, there’s no better time to start. I can’t wait to help you make it unforgettable.

Planning a trip?

Check out my Globe Thrivers profile

We’ve partnered with Globe Thrivers — a smart travel platform that helps you turn inspiration into real plans. You can explore our past itineraries, save places you love, and use AI to build your own trip.

Once you’ve started your plan, I’ll step in to help customize it, book everything, and make sure it’s all synced in one easy-to-access spot. Let’s start planning your next adventure!

Is this still a bit too overwhelming? Piecing small cute places together is “Camp Lisa's” specialty. Customizing the stops along the way or creating an itinerary just for you is what Camp Lisa’s all about.

Want more?

Follow me on

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | WEBSITE