Puerto Rico Off The Beaten Path

 
by joiwatani
 
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by joiwatani
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by joiwatani
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by joiwatani
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by joiwatani
  • Sit boy, SIT!
      Sit boy, SIT!
    by garridogal
 

Most Viewed Off The Beaten Path in Puerto Rico

76.

Luquillo Beach   San Juan

Luquillo Beach, San Juan

 2 Reviews  We heard that this is Luquillo Beach - one of the most loved beaches in Puerto Rico (other than the Conde Nast winner: Flamenco), and so I was glad when it was included in the tour we got. Truly the... 

 See All 49 Off The Beaten Path in San Juan

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge

by bsfreeloader

The Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Cabo Rojo (Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge) is one of several fine wildlife preserves in southwestern Puerto Rico. Covering more than 500 acres of subtropical dry forest, the refuge is in some ways a poor-man’s version of Guanica State Forest. With a small museum and a 1.5-mile interpretive hiking trail, among other features, the refuge primarily will be of interest to those keenly interested in the area’s flora and fauna. The refuge is located in far southwestern Puerto Rico down a dirt road heading south off Route 301 (Kilometer 5.1).

Tip Photo
Birding Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge

by bsfreeloader

Home to perhaps the finest freshwater marsh on the island, Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place to search for raptors, waterfowl, and brush specialists (including many exotic introduced species). A tower overlooking the marsh provides sweeping views of the area, while a small boardwalk allows for more intimate looks. Brush species can be found along the entrance road and along the poorly maintained and rarely used grass trails meandering through the refuge. West Indian Whistling Duck, White-cheeked Pintail, and Caribbean Coot are among the more interesting species to be found in the marsh.

Tip Photo
Hiking Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge

by bsfreeloader

Unless you are interested in birds, lizards, insects, or plants, the limited hiking opportunities at Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge are unlikely to be of much interest. The walks are fairly monotonous and very hot (there is no shade to be found), and the grass trails are seldom used and poorly maintained. There are no stunning vistas (the area is entirely flat), but there is a short boardwalk into the marsh and a nearby tower provides commanding views of the marsh and the surrounding area.

Tip Photo
Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge

by bsfreeloader

Appealing mostly to birders and other nature lovers, Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre de Laguna Cartagena (Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge) is home to possibly the most interesting and productive freshwater marsh in all of Puerto Rico. There are several trails to explore, an observation tower, and a short boardwalk into the marsh. Located southwest of Lajas, the refuge is somewhat off the beaten path. As a result, the refuge receives few visitors, and it is quite possible you could have the entire place to yourself, particularly on a weekday. The refuge can be reached by going south for a couple miles on the dirt road at the southernmost intersection of Routes 101 and 306 (Kilometer 12.2). It lies to the east of the dirt road, with the most interesting and accessible portion being the section bordering the lake, which is at the southern end of the refuge.

Tip Photo
Birding Guanica State Forest

by bsfreeloader

With species totals and bird populations more than three times higher than El Yunque, the Guanica State Forest is justifiably regarded as one of the premier birding spots in all of Puerto Rico. Seven of Puerto Rico’s fourteen endemic species are relatively easy to find here: Puerto Rican Nightjar, Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Woodpecker, Puerto Rican Pewee, Puerto Rican Vireo, and Puerto Rican Bullfinch. The following near endemic species also can be found: Puerto Rican Screech-Owl, Puerto Rican Flycatcher, Antillean Mango, Adelaide’s Warbler, Loggerhead Kingbird, Red-legged Thrush, Antillean Euphonia, Greater Antillean Grackle, Zenaida Dove, Caribbean Elaenia, Pearly-eyed Thrasher, and Black-faced Grassquit. Most of these birds can found along the trails emanating from the forest headquarters.

Tip Photo
Hiking Guanica State Forest

by bsfreeloader

Unless attuned to the many different plant and bird species, hiking at Guanica State Forest may seem rather monotonous. To the untrained eye and ear, the trails all appear quite similar and unremarkable. But, with more than 700 plant species and 100 bird species, many of which are endangered and endemic, Guanica is much more than it seems. Given the relative lack of shade and the baking sun, Guanica’s 20+ miles of trails are best explored early in the morning. Since many of the better trails emanate from the forest headquarters, it’s worth checking in at the visitor information center to sign in and pick up a map before heading out for the day.

Tip Photo
Guanica State Forest

by bsfreeloader

Named a United Nations Biosphere Reserve in 1981, Bosque Estatal de Guanica (Guanica State Forest) is somewhat of a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The reserve has more than 20 miles of hiking trails which traverse a cactus-studded scrub forest of more than 700 plant species and lead to palm-fringed beaches and mangrove lagoons. Covering nearly 10,000 acres, this area also features some of the best birdwatching on the island. Located due east of the town of Guanica, the forest has access points off of both Route 333 and Route 334. The forest headquarters office and information center are reached by entering off Route 334.

Tip Photo
Puerta de San Juan (Old San Juan Gate)

by lil_wings

The Puerta de San Juan (San Juan Gate) was built in the late 1700s, and was one of six heavy wooden doors in the wall which for centuries were closed at sundown to cut off access to the city and protect the city from invaders. The wall is up to 20 feet thick and up to 40 feet tall. The last remaining of the 6 gates leading into Old San Juan, it was last restored in 1976.

Tip Photo
Capilla del Cristo Chapel

by lil_wings

Located at Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon's Park) on Calle Cristo, this is a beautiful and unique chapel set at the foot of steep cliffs. This small chapel was built in the 1700's. According to a legend the builder was a man whose life was saved when he and his runaway horse suddenly stopped short before plunging over the cliffs. In an act of gratitude to God for saving his life, this saved soul built the chapel on the exact spot where his life was spared. Admission is free.

Tip Photo
Watch for Local Iguanas

by Lana5

The Iguanas aren't native to Puerto Rico but they have thrived here for many generations. Very interesting to look at, but Don't Try to Touch or Hold them!!!! They can be very vicious (so I've heard).

Tip Photo
Unique Places in Puerto Rico

Top 3 Hotels in Puerto Rico

Hotel Baños de Coamo  Puerto Rico

 1 Review and 27 Opinions  This has been a spa resort where guests can enjoy the therapeutic effects of the therman waters... 

 Hotels in Puerto Rico

Hotel El Convento  San Juan

 5 Reviews and 809 Opinions  The staff was great...the rooms were great...the only place you would want to stay in Old San Juan! 

 Hotels in San Juan

Bravo Beach Hotel  Vieques

 8 Opinions

 Hotels in Vieques

276 Hotels in Puerto Rico
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of Puerto Rico attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Puerto Rico sightseeing.

Experience Puerto Rico
Off The Beaten Path: Cities in Puerto Rico
  1. San Juan Off The Beaten Path
  2. El Yunque National Forest Off The Beaten Path
  3. Ponce Off The Beaten Path
  4. Aguadilla Off The Beaten Path
  5. Lajas Off The Beaten Path
  6. Puerto Rico, Island of Off The Beaten Path

More Cities in Puerto Rico

 

Popular Regions in Puerto Rico

San Juan Municipio Off The Beaten Path  Vieques Off The Beaten Path  Luquillo Off The Beaten Path  Ponce Off The Beaten Path  Fajardo Off The Beaten Path  Culebra Off The Beaten Path  Aguadilla Off The Beaten Path  Humacao Off The Beaten Path  Rincon Off The Beaten Path  Carolina Off The Beaten Path  Rio Grande Off The Beaten Path  Lajas Off The Beaten Path  Arecibo Off The Beaten Path  Isabela Off The Beaten Path  Cabo Rojo Off The Beaten Path 

More Regions in Puerto Rico

Questions and Answers

tarheelblue profile photo

Q:  Looking for info on the various Carnavals and if its ok for kids? If so, which city? My wife and 2 sons (6 and 8) are traveling... 

joiwatani profile photo

A: The Carnaval is in Ponce, a city in Puerto Rico. The Carnaval is like the Rio de Janeiro carnaval. I have not attended one in Puerto Rico because I was there last June.... 

Read 2 Replies

postQuestion_button