Waterfalls, canyons and black sand: what amazes tourists in Puerto Rico

A piece of paradise in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. This is how Puerto Rico can be described. The island has been at the top of the world's most visited resorts for many years. People come here not only for the sake of luxurious beaches and colorful parties. Its beautiful and diverse nature is hard not to fall in love with. Waterfalls, mountains, tropical forests: all this you will find here.

El Yunque National Forest

Your acquaintance with Puerto Rico should start with this reserve. It's the only subtropical rain forest in the United States and is home to a wide variety of animals and plants not found anywhere else in the country.

You'll feel the freshness and gentle spray from your first steps in this parkland. This is proven by the magical La Coca Falls. Go further along the bay of Juan Diego to see whole cascades of different water bodies. By the way, you can swim in some of them. However,  be careful not to get injured and not be succumbed by the fast current.

It is important to note that the entrance to the park is possible only if you book tickets in advance. This is done so that there are not too many visitors on the territory of the protected area at the same time. Take care of this in advance, because the seats are sold out very quickly.

Bioluminescent Bays

Puerto Rico has three world-famous bioluminescent bays at once: Mosquito Bay, La Parguera and Laguna Grande. They are located in different parts of the island, but have one thing in common. These bodies of water glow at night. That's because waters are home to microorganisms that can emit a blue-green light when disturbed. The best way to see this wonder is to go kayaking, boating or just swimming.

Mosquito Bay is the most popular place among tourists. To get to it, you will have to travel a long way on an unpaved road and stay overnight at the reservoir. There is a good camping area where you can rent or place your own tent.

We recommend not to organize a trip like this on your own. Without knowing the road, you can easily get lost among the local forests. Fortunately, there are many travel agencies working on the island that can prepare everything for you. This is the best and safest way.

San Cristobal Canyon

Another striking place on the island is the San Cristobal Canyon. It is ideal for lovers of long and arduous walks. To enjoy all the beauty of this location, you will have to take a rocky path down to the river for a long time. Then you will pass to the cascade of waterfalls, stop on the lawns where you will see unique plants, climb up a high hill and, of course, take some pictures that are worth placing on the covers of the best magazines in the world.

Please note that this path is not suitable for beginners. Here you need to be well prepared so that you don't accidentally fall off the rocky slope and get injured during the route. If you have not done it before, it is better to go on a tour with a group of tourists. This way you will minimize the risks, because the guide will lead you on a less dangerous route. Although you will not see everything the canyon has to offer, even that will be enough to fall in love with this place.

Playa Negra Beach

This beach is radically different from all the others on the island. Here you won't see any loungers or restaurants. Its highlight lies beneath your feet. It is black magnetic sand, formed centuries ago from volcanic rock.

The beach can be reached by rented or public transportation. You will have to walk for about 15 minutes from the nearest bus stop. Then you will have a magical view with golden rocks, black shoreline and blue sea in front of you.

Gozalandia Falls

Another amazing waterfall on the island. It is ideal for family vacations. First of all, this is due to the good infrastructure: there is a paid parking lot 5 minutes from the waterfall, from which there is an asphalt path with signs. Here you can enjoy the local nature and feel the real atmosphere of Puerto Rico.

We recommend that you prepare in advance for your vacation on this island. Pick a good hotel as close as possible to the locations you want to visit. Check the weather conditions as Puerto Rico, like many tropical islands, has rainy seasons that can ruin your vacation. Most importantly, don't try to get around everything in one week. It's just not possible. Enjoy your vacation in this amazing place without rushing.

Earlier OBOZREVATEL shared the most beautiful islands for your trip.

Only verified information we have in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!