The 12 must-try activities in Puerto Rico

From the vibrant and humid forests of the central mountains to the stunning surfing beaches of the northwest, Puerto Rico is a paradise for ecotourism. If nature draws you in, the sands, islands, and historic towns will keep you captivated.

Visit for outdoor adventures like hiking, zip-lining, and surfing, but stay for the rich heritage, culture, sandy shores, and unforgettable Caribbean nights filled with lively bars and restaurants.

Here are the 12 best activities in Puerto Rico that showcase the island's diverse charm.

1. Explore the bars along Calle San Sebastián in San Juan

Adorned with historic structures like San José Church and the iconic Hijos de Borinquen bar, as well as Casa Blanca – the former residence of the island’s first Spanish governor, Juan Ponce de León – La Calle San Sebastián offers a taste of Old San Juan. Named after Saint Sebastian, this charming cobblestoned street is among the island's most picturesque.

During the day, capture stunning photos of vibrant balconies, stroll through narrow lanes, and catch glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean between the buildings.

As night falls, dive into the lively bar scene. Want to dance to everything from salsa to electronic music? Or enjoy expertly crafted cocktails? Swing by the trendy La Factoría.

For a laid-back atmosphere, Taberna Lúpulo offers open-air seating and an extensive selection of both local and international beers.

Looking to sip on some Medalla beers while dancing to reggaeton? La Sombrilla Rosa is the spot for you. With numerous bars to explore, lace up your best sneakers and enjoy the warm sea breeze as you hop from one venue to another.

2. Embark on an architectural tour of Old San Juan

Strolling through the cobblestone plazas and winding alleys of Old San Juan is a must-do when visiting Puerto Rico.

Here, you don't need a set plan—just immerse yourself in the vibrant maze of colorful Spanish colonial homes featuring ornate balconies, lush gardens, and ceilings decorated with intricate mosaics of saints and beautifully crafted criollo tiles.

Every corner of the islet is rich in history, from ancient churches to grand residences dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

You can freely explore the neighborhood, but for deeper insights into San Juan's architectural legacy and its intricate political, social, and economic narratives, the Puerto Rico Historic Buildings Drawing Society offers guided walking tours that delve into landmarks like Casa Blanca, the abandoned Normandie Hotel, Calle Sol, and the charming parks and plazas.

3. Savor the flavors along the Ruta del Lechón-Guavate

For an authentic taste of Puerto Rican cuisine and its vibrant folklore, embark on a journey through Guavate in Cayey.

Known as La Ruta del Lechón, this scenic drive leads you into the mountains surrounding Cayey, where you can hop between restaurants in search of the finest spit-roasted pork and comforting arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) on the island. This culinary journey is a cherished tradition, especially during the Christmas season.

Each venue is family-owned, featuring casual picnic-style seating where you can socialize with fellow diners, enjoy a drink, and maybe even dance to música típica (folk music).

This experience is enriching in every way and offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the lush, mountainous central region. Such a cherished tradition tends to attract crowds, so if you visit on a weekend, plan to arrive early or be prepared for a wait.

4. Craft your own cheese at Vaca Negra

Experiencing rural life in Puerto Rico is quite accessible. The island's fertile land and favorable climate support year-round crop growth, and you'll find farms cultivating local produce and livestock throughout.

At Vaca Negra, located in Hatillo in the northwest, you can take it a step further by crafting your own aged Puerto Rican cheese.

This relatively new endeavor on the island contrasts with the traditional practice of making fresh cheese. Using raw cow's milk from local ranchers in Hatillo, the staff will guide you in creating some of the finest aged cheese you've ever tasted – with lactose-free options available too.

There's a minor drawback: the cheese requires about two months to mature. If you're just passing through, you can buy some of their ready-made cheeses and yogurts at the farm store or stop by for a brunch experience that embodies true Puerto Rican country style, considered one of the best culinary experiences on the island.

5. Experience ziplining at Toro Verde

Thrill-seekers, rejoice! Nestled in the mountains of Orocovis is Toro Verde, one of the largest and most exciting adventure parks in the Caribbean.

The daring can experience ziplines like 'The Monster', a 1.5-mile (2.5 km) line that zooms over forested hills, reaching speeds of up to 95 mph (152.8 km/h). It's not an exaggeration to say you’ll enjoy a bird's-eye perspective of nature.

The rest of the park is an adventure paradise, featuring exhilarating rock climbing walls, rope courses, obstacle challenges, hanging bridges, free falls (with safety harnesses, of course), suspended cycling, and moonlit tours.

6. Experience canyoning at Cañón San Cristóbal

The San Cristóbal Canyon is one of Puerto Rico's most valuable and lesser-known natural gems. Located between the towns of Aibonito and Barranquitas in the Cordillera Central mountain range, this canyon was previously used as an unofficial landfill until local non-profits intervened to preserve it for future generations.

Today, San Cristóbal Canyon boasts one of the island's most exciting hiking trails, allowing you to rappel, hike, and swim beneath waterfalls, all enveloped by lush, vibrant jungle.

You’ll need to be in excellent shape as the trails are demanding: the canyon drops 500 ft (152 m) and the hike extends over 6 miles (9 km), primarily uphill on rocky paths. It's not advisable to venture alone since the trails are mostly unmarked.

Guided hikes and tours are organized by the conservation group Go Hiking PR, which is operated by Puerto Rican teachers, students, and geographers.

7. Enjoy coffee the Puerto Rican way at Hacienda San Pedro

In Puerto Rico, coffee is treated as a cherished ritual. Unlike in the United States, you won’t find people sipping coffee on the go or rushing with cups in hand. Here, coffee represents a moment of tranquility, a break from the hustle of daily life.

Join the locals as they enjoy their coffee at Hacienda San Pedro, nestled in the mountains of Jayuya, which has been a family-owned establishment since the 19th century, maintained by four generations of the Atienzo family.

You can explore the coffee fields where beans are handpicked and roasted using traditional equipment that has been in use for over a century.

The hacienda features a museum displaying original artifacts and detailing the fascinating processes that contribute to the excellence of Puerto Rican coffee. Before you depart, indulge in a steaming cup and take home some of the finest beans from the island.

8. Learn about history at Centro Ceremonial Indígena Tibes

The Centro Ceremonial Indígena Tibes in Ponce, featuring ceremonial grounds, religious effigies, and plazas once occupied by Puerto Rico's indigenous tribes—specifically the Ígneri and Taíno—is a must-visit for those interested in the island's pre-colonial history.

Archaeologists have dated this site in the Tíbes area of Ponce to a time period between 400 BCE and 1000 CE.

Annual excavations have revealed indigenous pottery, foraging patterns, and tools, offering intriguing insights into the civilizations that inhabited Puerto Rico before the Spanish arrived. The site includes a museum and guided tours, but it's advisable to call ahead for hours and availability.

9. Ride the waves in Rincón

Since Domes Beach in Rincón hosted the 1968 World Surfing Championship, surfers of all skill levels have been drawn to northwestern towns like Aguadilla, Rincón, and Isabela to enjoy the warm Atlantic waters and tackle some of the tallest waves in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico's surfing culture is quite relaxed, and you can learn a lot about beach conservation by chatting with the surfers who ride these exhilarating breaks.

Although the Atlantic can be a bit wild, the sun rises early, and the clear waters help you spot the currents, making it easier to maximize your surfing experience.

Gas Chambers and Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla feature waves that range from 5ft (1.5m) in summer to 20ft (6m) in winter, providing an incredible ride. In between sessions, enjoy stunning views and explore the ruins of a pier once used by the US Air Force.

If you simply want to enjoy or photograph impressive waves and the surfers tackling them, make sure to visit during the Corona Pro Surf Circuit, typically held in the spring.

Don't worry if you’re a beginner; many local surf schools offer private and group lessons. Check out the classes provided by Surf Lessons Puerto Rico, run by pro-surfer Ramse Morales, as well as PR Surf Adventures in Aguadilla.

10. Observe wildlife in the Corredor Ecológico del Noreste

The vibrant, green Corredor Ecológico del Noreste encompasses six of the most stunning municipalities in the island's Northeast. This protected nature reserve invites visitors to bike, boat, surf, or drive along approximately 3,000 acres of untouched coastline, featuring beautiful beaches at San Miguel, La Selva, Las Paulinas, El Convento, and Colorá.

The coastal forests are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including numerous birds and animals, such as manatees and leatherback turtles, which nest on these beaches from March through August.

This corridor also includes the municipality of Río Grande, which houses El Yunque National Forest, along with the towns of Luquillo, Fajardo, and Vieques, as well as Culebra's islands accessible by ferry.

Founded in the 16th century, the town of Loíza and its residents preserve some of Puerto Rico's most delightful traditions. If you visit in July, don't miss the Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol, honoring Loíza’s patron saint.

During the festival, participants don vibrant, traditional vejigante devil masks with three horns and perform the bomba dance, while local artisans showcase their crafts.

11. Cycle the Piñones Trail

For passionate cyclists, the Piñones area along Road #178 on the east coast is a must-visit, offering the exhilarating experience of riding along some of the island's most untouched and wild coastlines.

The Piñones Trail winds through mangroves and coastal forests, dipping below sea level, so be prepared to climb a small sand dune to reach the beaches. Remember to bring mosquito repellent, as these pesky bugs can be quite bothersome in the afternoons and at dusk.

Make sure to stop at one of the kiosks along the route for some of the best Puerto Rican snacks, such as bacalaítos (cod fritters), empanadillas de jueyes (crab pastries), and alcapurrias de camarones (shrimp fritters).

Here's a pro tip: instead of stopping at the first kiosk you encounter, ride a bit further to El Boricua. The lines may be long and the wait even longer, but the flavors you'll experience—especially the made-to-order alcapurrias wrapped in plantain leaves—will make it worth your while.

Don't forget to pack your swimsuit, as you'll pass by Vacía Talega, one of Puerto Rico's hidden gems—a stunning beach with clear turquoise waters and an unspoiled, palm-fringed shoreline. Just be cautious of rip currents; if the locals aren’t swimming, it’s best to stay out of the water.

12. Enjoy craft beer by the beach at Ocean Lab Brewing Co

Nestled within the VIVO Beach Club on San Juan's Isla Verde Beach, which boasts some of the most stunning white sand in Puerto Rico, Ocean Lab Brewing Co is your go-to spot for exceptional craft beers paired with a picturesque seaside setting.

The menu offers a variety of delicious options; don't miss the chicken and longaniza sausage sliders, as well as the fried whole snapper, both highly recommended.

With refreshing trade winds blowing in from the east, the local ingredient-infused beers, featuring flavors like passion fruit, grapefruit, and blood orange, will have your taste buds begging you to relocate to the Caribbean.

Dedicated beer lovers can join a brewery tour for an up-close look at the brewing process. Be sure to call ahead for tour schedules.