Travel Guide
Off Beaten Path
Hands and Art at La Loma de los Reyes
Driving on Highway PR-52 near Cayey, you can't miss the large statue of the Three Kings (Three Wise Men) perched up on a hill. This is La Loma de los Reyes in Guavate, and the artist has added something unexpected - two giant hands jutting out from the hillside. We decided to check out the hands and statue at La Loma de los Reyes, and of course, it made for the perfect excuse to stop for lechon for lunch in Guavate.
Something for Everyone at El Gran Parque del Norte
El Gran Parque del Norte in Hatillo is one of my favorite parks in Puerto Rico. It literally has something for everyone! It's like two parks rolled into one - the "fun park" side with rides and activities for kids, and the more natural side with a beach, boardwalk, outdoor sports, and tons of photo ops. Located right off Route 2, it sits on the border between Hatillo and Camuy - just an hour west of the San Juan area. I think it's absolutely worth a stop if you're anywhere nearby. We always enjoy our visits and come away with gorgeous photos. Plus, the park is really well-maintained.
Time in Full Bloom - The Floral Clock - Reloj de Flores in Aibonito
High in the cool mountains of Aibonito, you'll find the Reloj de Flores de Aibonito, one of the few large-scale floral clocks in the world. It is both a functioning clock and a living garden. Unlike a traditional clock, the Reloj de Flores is alive — its face is formed by carefully arranged plants and flowers that change with the seasons.
Discover Historic Parque Arqueológico Batey Delfín del Yagüez
It's fascinating to consider all the buried history still waiting to be discovered around Puerto Rico. In 1983, while digging to build ponds, the landowner noticed a row of rocks — some with carvings. This discovery led to multiple archaeological excavations, revealing remnants of an indigenous ceremonial ball court and a village. The site, now known as Batey Delfín del Yagüez, was reborn!
Enjoy Nature and History at Río Guajataca Recreation Area
Nestled along the northwestern coast of Puerto Rico lies a hidden gem that promises an great day for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. The Área Recreativa Río Guajataca in Quebradillas is a local secret! The area is great for cooling down on hot days, and there are a number of neat things to do, like walking through forests to historic sites and nature photography.
Beach, Hiking, History, Nature, North, West, Budget, Off Beaten Path
Unusual Findings - Poza de los Peluches
Tucked away on a small road in Las Marias, Poza de los Peluches is a little gem, waiting to be discovered by adventurous souls willing to pass through the gates. The entrance is lined with stuffed animals (peluches in Spanish), which some people find creepy, but there is an enchanting natural pool and some little waterfalls down below for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Nature, Central, West, Adventure, Budget, Off Beaten Path, With Kids
Punta del Viento - A Pretty Nature Reserve in Patillas
Nestled along the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico, the Reserva Natural Punta del Viento in Patillas is a hidden gem. It offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to connect with the unique flora and fauna of the region. It is a lovely place that very few people visit. But it is a nice place to walk, enjoy the coast, take wonderful photos, camp, and be one with nature.
Beach, Hiking, Nature, South, Adventure, Budget, Off Beaten Path
Enjoy the Beach Walking Trails in Rincón
If you like walking by the beach, but don’t enjoy getting sandy, you will love the beach walking trails (Paseo Comunitario) available in Rincón. We walked the Playa Maria Trail, that runs from Playa Maria to the Rincón Lighthouse parking area. Coming in at just around ¼ mile one way, and being mostly flat, it is an easy walk for most everyone.
Beach, Hiking, Nature, West, Budget, Off Beaten Path, With Kids
Visit Hacienda Dos Aromas for a Fun Farm Day
Hacienda Dos Aromas offers a unique, enriching, and yummy experience, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with adorable goats while exploring the tranquil beauty of the blossoming farm. Located in the scenic countryside of Juncos this farm has something for everyone. From the warm hospitality of the farm owners to the adorable baby goats, and the delicious samples of cheeses and gelatos, a visit to Dos Aromas is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Take a Dip at Charco Brujo
If you are in the Mayagüez/San German area and want to check out a local river, head to Charco Brujo. This little canyon and charco in the Río Rosariois a fun little dip. Not much is written about it, as it isn't really easy to get to or all that beautiful - but it was fun and cooling.
Nature, Water Sports, South, West, Adventure, Budget, Off Beaten Path
Discover the Beauty of Bobbin Lace in Moca
Mundillo is a special kind of lace that is handmade using bobbins to weave thread into a pattern. It is an old craft, coming to Puerto Rico via the Spanish settlers. As time goes on, fewer and fewer people know how to make it - at the risk of becoming a "lost art". The Museo del Mundillo de Puerto Rico in Moca is a showcase for preserving this beautiful art. By offering tours, information, and classes, they are trying to help this craft make a comeback in Puerto Rico.
Murals of Paseo De Diego in Río Piedras
At one time, the Rio Piedras Mercado and the Paseo de Diego was a vibrant area, with lots of life. Sadly, the area has fallen into almost abandonment. However, the local businesses and community are trying to revitalize the surrounding area. The area has been christened Paseo del Arte, and there are beautiful murals and artwork all around. A few of the restaurants, cafes, and apartment buildings are having new life breathed into them.
The Elusive Stairs at Survival Beach
Hidden gems often require a extra effort to uncover, and the stairs that lead above Survival Beach in Aguadilla are no exception. The stairs themselves were built to provide access to the beach for the people at the Ramey Air Force Base. There is a locked gate at the top, so if you know the code to open the gate at the top, then you can easily enjoy them from above. But the rest of us need to hike and climb to get to them from the beach.
14 Easy-to-Reach Waterfalls
From cascading falls in the tropical rain forest to rocky river-slides surrounded by lush vegetation, Puerto Rico's waterfalls offer visitors a chance to experience the island's natural beauty. In this post, we will highlight the "easier to get to" waterfalls around the island that you should add to your itinerary. You can find waterfalls all over Puerto Rico, so no matter which area of the island you choose to visit, you should be able to get to at least one of these beauties.
Nature, Central, East, North, South, West, Budget, Off Beaten Path, With Kids
Explore Nature's Beauty at Playa Ostiones and Ducot Trails
Cabo Rojo, a picturesque municipality located on the western tip of Puerto Rico, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its stunning beaches and diverse ecosystems, it offers a plethora of outdoor activities for all types of travelers. A new little gem we found recently is Playa Ostiones and the Ducot Trails. It is a small, calm beach, and the trail area has cultural and archaeological significance.
Beach, Hiking, Nature, West, Budget, Off Beaten Path, With Kids
See World War II Defense Ruins in Aguada
Sometimes, you head to the beach for more than sand and water. At Playa Cañones (Cannon Beach) in Aguada, you can see the Panama gun mounts that were part of the Harbor Defense of Puerto Rico during WWII. While not a "must-see", they are interesting to see, especially for history buffs, and worth a stop if you are in the area.
Charco Las Bambúas is Worth the Effort
When it is hot outside, we often head to the rivers in the central mountains to cool off. Recently, we took a day and visited five charcas in the town of Juana Díaz, which is located about 90 minutes from the San Juan area. Out of the charcas we visited that day, Charco Las Bambúas was the most beautiful, and the most difficult to get to. This beautiful waterfall and pool is only for the more agile and adventurous, as there really is not an easy trail to get to it. Charco Las Bambuas is a true example of a hard-earned prize!
See a Riot of Color in the Murals in Santurce
Since 2010, Santurce has transformed into a vibrant, colorful place of artistic expression. While many of the murals from Santurce es Ley adorn the walls, buildings, and hidden corners of Calle Cerra and surrounding streets, there are murals all around the neighborhood. We invite you on a journey to discover the captivating and colorful art that breathes life into the streets of Santurce.
Cool Off at Charco La Ollita
Way up the the mountains of Juana Díaz, a town in the south central part of the island, lies a hidden gem of a river pool known as Charco La Ollita. This little pool has a cascade of water leading to it. And being so far up the mountain, the water is clean. It is out of sight from the roadside, down a dirt path, so this natural swimming hole offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life on a hot day.
Discover Charco el Café in Juana Díaz
Nestled in the southern region of Puerto Rico, the municipality of Juana Díaz boasts not only stunning natural landscapes but also enchanting attractions for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Among the hidden gems waiting to be explored is Charco el Café, a sweet little swimming hole and waterfall that offers a wonderful experience for visitors. If you enjoy trekking in rivers to see what you find, you need to discover the hidden gem that is Charco el Café and the charcos above it.
Hiking, Nature, Water Sports, Central, South, Adventure, Budget, Off Beaten Path
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