Puerto Rico is a special destination in every way for a memorable vacation. While the familiar beaches and lagoons attract numerous tourists, some hidden gems remain outside the radar of the average visitor.
Heading off the beaten track is one of the best ways to discover hidden gems and lesser-known attractions in Puerto Rico. It also allows you to discover unexplored scenic delights and uncover new aspects of the island’s vibrant culture.
Here are ten hidden places to visit in Puerto Rico that will have you hooked on their unique
milieu. If you want to explore beyond the top beaches and best restaurants in San Juan and try some adventure, these are some of the best options.
1. Tres Picachos
This is the trail to head toward if you are looking for some adventure. Located in the Jayuya municipality, Tres Picachos is a 3,953 ft mountain with a steep ascent. The trail is rocky and muddy so you need to be in good physical condition to attempt this hike.
Hiking up will take around two and a half hours, and you will need to carry the food and water required for this trek. It is best to choose the dry season for this trek as the trail gets difficult when it rains heavily. Besides, you do not want the clouds to obstruct the breathtaking views once you reach the top.
2. Caja de Muertos Island
Looking like a location right out of a Hollywood movie, this small and uninhabited island is about 2 miles long and ½ mile wide with an old lighthouse at one end. The name translates to “Dead Man’s Chest ” which is probably due to its earlier association with pirates. The more common name is “Coffin Island.”
One of the most unique places to visit in Puerto Rico, the pristine setting makes the island perfect for a day trip to connect with nature. It has been designated as a nature reserve with one of its gorgeous beaches being a turtle nesting site.
3. Cueva Ventana
Cueva Ventana, also known as Window Cave, is a cultural landmark of Puerto Rico and is located atop a limestone cliff in the city of Arecibo. There are two caves located side by side, and guided tours are offered to visitors.
A short hike through the tropical forest will take you to the cave. Besides the impressive cave structures, you will also love the breathtaking views of the Río Grande de Arecibo valley.
4. Playa Escondida
The term Playa Escondida translates to ‘Hidden Beach’. It is not just another gem in Fajardo, it truly ranks among the best beaches in Puerto Rico. To reach the beach, you will need to hike through a mangrove forest, starting from the Seven Seas Beach.
The hike is easy and takes around 30 minutes to walk through the mangrove canopy and reach this stunning beach. Since the trail can be flooded, it is best to wear water shoes.
The long stretch of golden sands lined with greenery and the clear blue water create a magical combination. With such views, the desire to swim can be strong, but keep in mind that the currents can be dangerous, and there are no lifeguards.
5. Isla de Mona
A journey to the uninhabited island – often called the ‘Galápagos of the Caribbean” – is an adventure in itself. This island of multiple ecological treasures is accessible only after a 3-4 hour boat ride on the rough seas. This is a nature reserve and there are no facilities or even cellphone service on the island. That means you will need to plan for all emergencies.
While the island has around 20 miles of coastline, most of it is sheer cliffs rising vertically from the water. There are a few white-sand beaches where camping is allowed, but the climate is arid and the ground is mostly rough sandstone. If you manage to overcome these challenges, this uncharted island paradise is nothing short of a dream destination.
6. Salto Curet
At the western end of Puerto Rico’s famed La Ruta Panorámica – the 167-mile-long scenic mountain road- lies this stunningly beautiful waterfall. Located near the town of Maricao, this waterfall is completely free from tourist traffic. Once you reach it, you can have this tranquil waterfall all for yourself.
The hike to the hidden falls from the parking area is over a dirt road and takes around 20 minutes. You will find signs on the way, and at one point you will have to cross the river. The waterfall has multiple levels, and not all of it is visible from the base.
Image Credit: Discover Puerto Rico
7. Punta Santiago
The Punta Santiago Nature Reserve in Humacao is a great combination of serene beaches and scenic landscapes. Explore the flora and fauna of the area and visit the gorgeous beaches that are some of the best on the island.
You can try swimming and sunbathing or exploring some of the sand trails. The views of the ocean from these trails are fascinating.
The drive to the Reserve from San Juan takes about an hour. There is a lot to explore in the area including several hiking and biking trails. Another great option is kayaking along the mangrove creek to reach the stunning lagoon. Birdwatchers will love the place as a variety of avian species inhabit the area.
8. Bosque de Pinos
The Toro Negro State Forest is the second-largest forest in Puerto Rico. It has multiple scenic trails and camping spots that you can enjoy. The trail to Bosque de Pinos is just outside the section of the forest near Jayuya and takes you to a fantastic viewpoint at the top.
Moving through the trail through pine trees feels like walking through an enchanted forest and a pristine natural environment. What makes the spot unique is that pine forests are not common in Puerto Rico.
Image Credit: Discover Puerto Rico
9. La Parguera
Located near the town of Lajas, the La Parguera Nature Reserve does not have sandy beaches, but mangrove channels marked by rocky inlets instead. The ocean is the main attraction in La Parguera and the hub of all activities.
It has one of the three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico which turns spectacular as night falls. A nighttime kayaking experience on the waters is nothing short of remarkable. Because of the steady winds and clear waters, La Parguera has also become a hotspot for kite surfing in recent years.
The section of the continental shelf around La Parguera is one of the finest coral reefs in Puerto Rico, and the water is free from currents. This makes it an epic diving and snorkeling spot on the island for observing marine life. Whether you are an experienced diver or a newbie, this place is a must-visit.
10. Punta de Piedra
The coastal town of Cabo Rojo is one of the must-visit attractions in Puerto Rico and the historic Los Morrillos lighthouse is a popular destination.
A hiking trail from the lighthouse will take you to this beautiful natural rock formation of Punta de Piedra. The trail is easy, and photographers will be delighted at the picture-perfect location.
Final Thoughts
While Puerto Rico is a wonderful destination in itself, sometimes, you long for a real escape. This is not a comprehensive list of the hidden places to visit in Puerto Rico, but some of the best hideaways you can explore.
Beyond the exciting range of things to do in San Juan, visiting these places will surely ensure a trip of a lifetime.
If you are planning to unlock the door to your dream home in Puerto Rico, you need a real estate agent with the right competence. The Colectivo Group has unmatched expertise in the Puerto Rico real estate business with a customer-oriented team.
With our intimate knowledge of the local market, we are ready to deliver unparalleled efficiency in our services to support your real estate needs. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to learn more about what Puerto Rico has to offer!