Puerto Rico is an unincorporated U.S. territory and a Caribbean island with stunning landscapes. This beautiful destination off the coast of the United States is an underrated island escape for travelers looking for a slice of paradise close to home. The capital city is San Juan, a vibrant area with lots of affordable hotels to base yourself on when visiting. Here are some of the bucket list adventures travelers can experience on a trip to Puerto Rico.

10 Castillo San Felipe Del Morro

Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro for short) is a fortress dating back to the 16th Century. It is 140 feet tall and has a defensive wall that is 18 feet thick. The historic fort in San Juan is arguably the island’s top tourist attraction, offering incredible views of the sea below. The fort is open to the public daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

9 Explore Old San Juan

Exploring the historic district of the capital city is a must-do activity when visiting Puerto Rico. Old San Juan is picturesque and colorful, with Spanish colonial buildings to admire and lots of opportunistic photo spots. A popular part of Old San Juan is Isla Verde which features a strip of hotels, beach bars, and casinos.

Related: 9 Fun Things To Do In Puerto Rico This Summer

8 Ride A Paso Fino Horse

The Puerto Rican Paso Fino horse is a gaited breed that is considered a national treasure. The horses were first brought over from Spain in 1510 and after centuries of racing, breeding, and competitive training, the Paso Fino (Fine Step) breed that exists in Puerto Rico today came to be. There is a huge emphasis on maintaining the purity of the breed because its unique gaits and steps are bred, not taught. Riding one of these gorgeous horses in Puerto Rico is definitely something to add to the bucket list.

7 Visit Flamenco Beach

Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco) is a public beach on the island of Culebra. It’s considered one of the top beaches to visit in the world, thanks to its white sands and calm, turquoise waters. However, it is complicated to get to the beach from San Juan. First, travelers will need to take a 45-minute ferry ride to the island of Culebra. Ferry tickets tend to sell out, so be sure to book well in advance to secure a spot on the day you plan to visit. From the ferry terminal, travelers need to get a taxi or shuttle to the beach.

Related: Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Puerto Rico

6 Explore Ponce

The historical heart of Puerto Rico, Ponce is a city on the southern coast of the island. It has a beautifully preserved old town and lots of impressive mansions with Ponce Creole-style architecture. Travelers spending a week in Puerto Rico can split their time between San Juan and Ponce for a chance to experience a different side of the island. Visit the Museo de Arte de Ponce and dine at the many restaurants along the Paseo Tablado La Guancha boardwalk.

5 Sample The Local Rum

Puerto Rico is the world’s leading Rum producer, with 80% of the rum consumed in the US coming from the island. So it’s only natural that any Puerto Rico travel bucket list should include a rum tasting. Casa BACARDÍ is a local rum distillery that offers tours, tastings, mixology classes, and more. For $200 plus tax, travelers can enjoy a 120-minute tour that includes a welcome cocktail at the Pavilion, a VIP Ride, a visit to the Tropical Aging Warehouse, a curated rum tasting with local pairings, and a stop at the gift shop. Tour participants must be age 18+.

4 Take A Salsa Class

Salsa dancing is the style of dance most associated with Puerto Rico, so when visiting, it’s a great idea to learn about this genre of dance by taking a class. Puerto Rican salsa features moments of complex footwork where a dancer receives their moment in the spotlight before returning to working with their partner.

3 Go To The Observatorio Arecibo Visitor's Center

While the Radio Telescope of the Observatorio Arecibo collapsed in December 2020, the new visitors' center opened in March 2022, allowing travelers to continue learning about the history of this now destroyed site. The Radio Telescope was once the largest radio telescope in the world and originally opened in 1963. The visitors' center is an educational experience and tickets must be purchased online in advance.

2 Go Hiking In El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest is a tropical rainforest and is the only one of its kind to be part of the US National Forest system. The forested area spans almost 29,000 acres, making it small but extremely biologically diverse. It’s a beautiful spot to go hiking and exploring year-round. Travelers can start their hike at the El Portal Visitor Center.

1 Visit Reserva Marina La Cueva Del Indio

Nature lovers will appreciate the beauty of this prehistoric rock area in a public park. The cave is surrounded by breathtaking cliffs that look out at the Atlantic Ocean. Cueva del Indio is near the town of Arecibo, in the north of Puerto Rico. It can be reached by car in just over an hour from San Juan.