Explore The Views & Find Peace at Puerto Rico’s National Parks
From the coast to the Puerto Rico national parks, Puerto Rico has a wide range of natural habitats where you may find mangrove islands, rain forests, coral reefs, salt flats, bays, special karst zones, and caves, all on one island. We know that people go to Puerto Rico for its stunning beaches and breezes.
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How dreamy is it to have a rich history, culture, fantastic food, breathtaking beaches, majestic mountains, and some amazing national parks together in one Caribbean paradise?
Well, guess what? Puerto Rico is all about it!Â
From the coast to the Puerto Rico national parks, Puerto Rico has a wide range of natural habitats where you may find mangrove islands, rain forests, coral reefs, salt flats, bays, special karst zones, and caves, all on one island. We know that people go to Puerto Rico for its stunning beaches and cool Caribbean breezes. However, once you’re there, it’s clear why this archipelago is so unique, from its historic buildings to its varied natural landscape.
In fact, due to its excellent year-round weather and accessibility by air and water, Puerto Rico has grown to be a popular tourist destination. Many hotels, guesthouses, and condominium developments can be found along the island’s coastline and near Puerto Rico national parks. Also, due to tax breaks and financial support from the island’s government, there was a boom in building new hotels in the 1990s. Puerto Rico’s hotels and lodgings record between one and two million tourists annually, and many cruise ship passengers also dock there. How cool is that?
Let’s talk in numbers! Puerto Rico drew 4 million visitors in 2020, placing it 46th in the world. However, in the Caribbean, it came on the 16th. Moreover, the Island’s tourism industry alone brought in over 2.92 billion US dollars. It is equivalent to 2.8 percent of the country’s GDP and about 36% of the Caribbean region’s total revenue from overseas travel.
You might be wondering the reason behind these growing stats. Well, there are many, and Puerto Rico national parks are one of them! Â
Want to know more about these amazing Puerto Rico national parks? Continue reading; this article is all about it!
3 Must Visit Parks in Puerto Rico
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Headed to Puerto Rico? There are so many fun things to do on the island! And if you’re a history lover like me, you may be wondering, “Does Puerto Rico have a National Park?”Â
Well, the answer is yes. Let’s go through the top 3 Puerto Rico national parks!
San Juan National Historic Site
The amazing Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, a US unincorporated territory, is known for its deep history and culture, beautiful landscape, and amazing options for relaxation. One of Puerto Rico’s main attractions is its ever-famous national park, the San Juan National Historic Site.
Things to do here
Once you’re here in Puerto Rico national park, there is a lot you can do. I mean, come on;Â the San Juan National Historic Site has a rich history spanning 500 years!Â
Start by visiting the three famous sites – the San Cristóbal forts, San Felipe del Morro, and the San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo) and city walls. These places are, without a doubt, amazing for people who love history and others who are interested in colonial history.
You can even join a Ranger-led program to delve more into the rich history.You will find here experienced and full of knowledge rangers to guide you around the fortifications so you can learn more about the island’s history and fort. Here you can also witness how the local troops formerly lived. Also, there are a number of museums where your ranger can take you while interactively explaining the region’s history.
Not only this but if you are traveling to San Juan with kids, enroll them in the San Juan National Historic Site Junior Ranger Program; they will love it!
Moreover, when in San Juan National Historic Site, explore the tunnels, make your way through the walls and barracks, and get ready to experience the creepy dungeons.
How to get there
Getting to this Puerto Rico national park is no big deal as it is west of the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. So if you are staying in San Juan, this historic site is just a short walk from downtown.
Where to stay
Look for hotels in Old San Juan if you want to be close to all the tourist attractions like these national parks. For example, Condado is a wonderful place to stay if you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation spot. Another great location that provides easy access to popular tourist attractions without the crowded downtown vibe is Miramar. Have fun!
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System, and in Puerto Rican culture is known as a sacred place. However, this national treasure is a great place to go if you want to immerse yourself in nature!
Things to do when in El Yunque
When in El Yunque, hiking to one of the natural pools to cool down with a swim is one of the best things to do! Just head over to La Coca trail and hike down to one of several ponds along the route for that perfect swim!Â
In this park, you can also learn about the 240 plant species unique to Puerto Rico. What’s better than enjoying clean air while seeing the best birds, like woodpeckers, green mangoes, and Puerto Rican parrots?
Want some more ‘wow’ when in El Yunque? Drive to the Yokah Observation Tower, which is 1,575 feet tall. Woah! Trust us when we say that once here, you’ll forget to take out your camera because you’ll be so lost in the lushly green mountains and the distant ocean’s stunning blue hue. Just go and make your social media buddies jealous!
Where to stay & how to get here?
If you’re staying in San Juan, know that there are many hotels here with tour guides. To ensure availability, it is advised to make a tour reservation in advance with your hotel or the tour guide. In fact, you can even drive yourself to the park. It is rather simple. Just rent a car, and you’re good to go!Â
So what are you waiting for? Just plan a trip to El Yunque today! It is open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm every day (except for Christmas). Do you know what the best part is? There’s absolutely no entrance fee, although some of the optional activities have $8 for adults and free admittance for kids under 15. Wow!
Las Cabezas de San Juan
Located on the island’s northeast tip, Las Cabezas is a park acquired by the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust in 1975 and designated as a Nature Reserve in 1986.
Things to do in Las Cabezas
Once you’re here in Laz Cabezas, there is a lot you can do amidst a bioluminescent lagoon, mangroves, coral reefs, dry forests, and sandy and rocky beaches tucked between headlands. It is one of the busiest areas and is only a step away from the best resorts in the area.
You’re here to read about parks, and we just got one of the best parks for you in Las Cabezas; Las Croabas, a “low-intensity” recreation park with outdoor gazebos where you can unwind and take in the scenery. Here you can skate, ride a bike, fly a kite, enjoy a picnic, go for a walk, and get some exercise. There are also many pathways, boardwalks, slides, swings, and other play areas for children.
Moreover, there are many ways to participate in nature in Cabezas de San Juan. Start by participating in one of the workshops and special events, or just volunteer for any of the Citizen Science opportunities that happen every year.
Where to stay & how to get here?
Try looking for hotels in Fajardo if you’re planning to get to this park. Take Fajardo Inn, for example; being at the top of a mountain near the pier, it has earned a reputation for excellence on the island. What was once a modest 10-bedroom bed and breakfast grew into a 125-room resort worth returning to!
Their comfortable rooms accommodate from one to six people and offer a variety of amenities to make your stay more pleasant. There are also two restaurants and three conference centers, one of which has been designated a meson gastronómico (a designation given to exceptional Puerto Rican restaurants). Moreover, other pleasures include the mini golf course, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, and lovely tropical gardens. How lovely!
How do I get here? Just rent a car, and you’re good to go!
KEY TAKEAWAYS ...🛪
Puerto Rico, known as the “Island of Enchantment,” has long captivated visitors’ hearts with its colonial architecture, tropical warmth, varied landscapes, and traditional cuisine. Book a trip now and learn why this little treasure is worth the trip despite having just over 3,500 square miles!
