Rich history and culture, exceptional food, pristine beaches, majestic mountains, relaxation, adventure — all packed into one Caribbean island. Beyond its 272 miles of beaches, Puerto Rico is full of natural and scientific attractions. Puerto Rico is home to nature reserves, many of which fall under The Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. The Trust, established by the Puerto Rico and United States governments in 1970, protects and manages 20 natural and historic areas in the Commonwealth.
Puerto Rico is broken up into 6 main sections: west, east (including the metro area), north, south, central, Vieques & Culebra Islands
Eastern Region
Most everyone who visits the eastern region of Puerto Rico (and since San Juan is here, many people do) also visits the 28,000-acre El Yunque Rainforest, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and the only rainforest in the U.S. El Yunque means “Forest of Clouds” and is named after the Taíno spirit Yuquiyu. It is known for its biodiversity, being home to 240 species of trees, 23 of which are found nowhere else in the world. Here you can swim in the waterfalls, hike, picnic and camp (with permit). The El Portal Rainforest Center provides educational exhibits and a theater.
On the northeastern tip of the island in Fajardo, Las Cabezas de San Juan is a 316-acre nature preserve that features mangroves, lagoons, cliffs, and cays. Views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as El Faro, a 19th-century Spanish colonial lighthouse recently restored by the Conservation Trust, can be seen from Las Cabezas.
Piñones Forest features a boardwalk that sets a course for visitors to follow among the mangroves and pines.
Eco Stay on the Eastern Region: The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort
Ideally located on a former coconut plantation and situated between the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is set on 483 pristine acres and 2 miles of secluded beach with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the first and only resort in the Caribbean to be designated a Gold Signature Sanctuary by Audubon International. The resort built elevated walkways so they do not interfere with the property’s natural vegetation and wildlife. Nature trails, sanctuaries and lush plant life make up 65% of the property. They have an on site ecologist, two agronomists and a landscape architect on their green team. The resort has a garden where vegetables and herbs are grown to be used at Fern restaurant as well as for products and oils used at the Remède Spa.
Northern Region
The Reserva Natural Laguna Tortuguero is a lagoon reserve consisting of several endangered species and tropical plants. Private tours are available by appointment only. The 375-acre Bosque Estatal de Cambalache forest, the Guajataca Forest as well as the Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camuy, a network of caves and sinkholes set within a 268-acre national park and one of the world’s longest underground river systems, are all part of the northern region. The Arecibo Radio Telescope, the largest telescope in the world, is in Arecibo. Visitors can visit the observation deck and learn more through an onsite exhibit and film.
For stunning panoramic views and a fun beach day, get to know Mar Chiquita, a beautiful beach in Manatí just 45 minutes from San Juan that has been a recipient of the Travel Influencer Award.
Eco Stay in the Northern Region: Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve
This luxurious beachfront resort located on a 1,300 acre nature reserve house rooms that overlook treetops and pineapple gardens. Facilities include two ocean-view swimming pools, three restaurants serving tasty fare such as seafood and tapas, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an exquisite spa, and plenty of recreation activities — there’s even a water park. Dorado Beach also boasts an impressive water sports program with surfing, paddleboarding, sailing, snorkeling, and more. There’s even something for budding naturalists: Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment introduces kids to the natural wonders of Puerto Rico.
Western Region
The west region is ideal for enjoying water activities, particularly surfing. Beginners who want to learn can find lessons in Isabela, Aguadilla, or Rincón, and more experienced riders can find board rentals and local advice from area surf shops.
For travelers who prefer to stay on dry land, visit Los Morrillos Lighthouse, the puente de piedra (a natural stone bridge), the salt flats, and a stunning white-sand beach called Playuela, all of which can be found at the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. In Isabela, you can enjoy a horseback ride on the beach and pop into beachfront restaurants to savor seafood, local draft beers, mojitos, and fresh coconut water. Also, be sure not to miss a visit to La Parguera, a quaint fishing village in Lajas, which has one of the five bioluminescent bays in the world.
Stay in the Western Region: Villa Montana Beach Resort
Situated on 35 lush acres along three miles of pristine, secluded beaches, Villa Montana Beach Resort blends beauty, location and hospitality. Villa Montana Beach Resort is a proud recipient of the 2018 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Enjoy complimentary biking, horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba, windsurfing & kiteboarding, fishing, golf packages, beach bonfire with s’mores, private beach picnic, and surfing. Enjoy suites, one bedroom and two bedroom stays.
Southern Region
Puerto Rico’s southern region is comprised of 11 towns that offer visitors remote beaches nestled up to the calm waters of the Caribbean and marinas for boating excursions. This area is a natural destination for outdoor recreation such as water excursions and sightseeing. To cool off from the southern heat, visit Ponce’s famous Pelícano Beach located on the small island of Caja de Muertos, which is a beautiful nature reserve a short boat trip from the city. Make reservations for the private boat tour in advance, if you’re planning to visit. They will provide food and drinks along the way as well.
Check out the hot springs of Coamo, ideal for a relaxed afternoon in a unique outdoor spa. Legend has it that the hot springs are the fountain of youth that Juan Ponce de León, the first governor of the island, searched for during his exploration of the New World.
Stay in the Southern Region: Copamarina Beach Resort
Set on a half-mile of private beach, amidst 20 acres of tropical gardens, Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa is the epitome of an elegant tropical hideaway. Accommodations offer balconies or terraces, high-speed Internet access, and deluxe bedding. Book one of the two expansive villas for perks including a full kitchen and a wraparound balcony. An on-site restaurants will invite you to sample farm-to-table dining while gazing out over the Caribbean. The prime location on Puerto Rico’s charming southwestern coast ensures family-friendly attractions are only ever a short distance away.
Central Region
Toro Negro Forest is located within the Cordillera Central, the mountain range that spans from the town of Yabucoa to Mayagüez. It covers about 7,000 acres (28 square km) and in addition to the lush foliage, there are rivers and waterfalls inside of the reserve’s borders for visitors to discover and enjoy. One of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful waterfalls, Dona Juaña waterfall, is part of the reserve. There are areas for hikers and restaurants nearby.
A natural beauty, the San Cristobal Canyon is an open crevice that extends 500 feet (152 metres) into the Cordillera Central and is home to the Usabon River. It’s fairly easy to view the canyon, but entering it isn’t recommended for everyone, as some mountaineering skills are required.
The Tanama River offers hiking, crossing coffee fields, visit caves and caverns, springs & waterfalls, climb and explore ancient rocks. Visitors can go hiking, cave tubing, and look at petroglyphs. Many adventures are available, and there are many companies that can guide visitors in these activities, including Tanama River Adventures and Westside Adventures.
Found in part of the Cordillera Central, the Guilarte Forest Reserve is a great spot for hiking, birdwatching and photography. San Andrés and Pico Guilarte are the main trails in this reserve. The forest facilities include two lookout points, barbecue pits, bathrooms, gazebos, onsite parking, and a recreational area. Additionally, there are seven rustic cabins (max. 4 people), available for rent at a $20 per night rate. Cabin reservations have to be made in advance through the Department of Natural Resources.
Eco Stay in Central Puerto Rico: Casa Grande Mountain Retreat
Once a sprawling coffee plantation, Casa Grande Mountain Retreat is a 107-acre tropical landscape approximately two hours from San Juan. The Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association has named this hotel “Green Inn of the Year” four times. Green initiatives at Casa Grande include using cold water and biodegradable soaps, using energy-efficient light bulbs, maintaining a botanical garden, encouraging guests to reuse bath towels, timing outdoor lights and placing recycling receptacles in all guest rooms. To reduce noise pollution, the hotel prohibits televisions, radios and VCRs on the premises. Guests can take three-hour guided tours along mountainous hiking trails; identify local bird species; get a massage; or participate in yoga, dance or art classes. All 20 rooms feature private balconies with hammocks, reading lights, private bathrooms, wall fans and screened windows.
Vieques & Culebra
Just a short boat ride from port Fajardo on the mainland, these islands off the east end are home to world-renowned beaches and the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay.
Culebra, only 11 square miles, is the smaller of the islands. It is known for its’ slow pace and sleepy island time. Turtles come to nest here while people come to snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Flamenco Beach, a mile long horse-shoe shape beach, is known for its shallow turquoise waters and white sand. Flamenco Beach is ranked one of the top beaches in the world.
Vieques hold about 40 beaches surrounding the 52 square-miles. Wild horses roam the country-side in a protected area known as the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Visit the blue-green glow of Bioluminescent Bay, also known as Mosquito Bay, marked the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Vieques is a nature lover’s destination offering activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding and even a little surfing. Kayak through mangrove channels, hike nature trails leading to secluded beaches, go bicycling, book a fishing charter, and more.
Eco Stay on Vieques: Hix House
Hix Island House, located on a 13-acre natural refuge, earned the first Sustainable Tourism Facility certification from Puerto Rico Tourism thanks to its commitment to eco-tourism. With no phones, Wi-Fi, or TV, Hix Island House is perfect for travelers looking to go off-the-grid. Choose from 19 self-contained loft all with views of the Caribbean each with an open air terrace, outdoor showers, and zen architecture. Solar panels augment the electricity and hot water. Water is collected and each shower and basins flow to guavas, bananas, papayas and lemons, giving back to Nature.
