With white sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, a lush tropical rainforest and towering green mountains, it is easy to see why Puerto Rico is a popular destination for every type of traveller. To help you to make the most of your trip, OROGOLD has put together a list of some of the top attractions in Puerto Rico.

El Yunque National Forest
The El Yunque National Forest is where you will find the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, making it an extremely popular attraction. With hundreds of different species of trees and plants, including fifty different orchid varieties alone, those who appreciate nature will feel right at home here. The forest is spread out over 43 square miles, and there are plenty of walking trails that you can take to explore the area. OROGOLD recommends following the trail to the La Coca Falls, an 85-foot waterfall that cascades onto boulder formations. OROGOLD reminds you that the weather in the forest is noticeably cooler and wetter than along the coast, so be sure to dress appropriately.

Culebra Island
While Vieques may be the beach resort that caters to tourists, with high-end hotels, restaurants and other amenities, Culebra Island is where OROGOLD recommends you go if you want to experience Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches without the crowds. This is a smaller island than Vieques, and the atmosphere is much more laid back and relaxed, with ecotourism being a focal point of many of the establishments here. With some of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean, this is a great spot for some snorkelling or diving, while those who want to relax on the beach have the gorgeous Playa Flamenco, with its white sand and swaying palm trees.

Rio Camuy Caves
These impressive caves, which cover an area of 268 acres, are located in the Rio Camuy Cave Park, and they are considered to be the third largest cave system in the world. Visitors access the caves via a trolley bus, which takes you down into the 200-meter sinkhole. From here, a guided tour will take you through the various cave ‘rooms’, each of which has unique features, from stalagmites and stalactites, to rivers gushing through them, to unbelievably high ceilings.

Old San Juan
With its colorful colonial architecture and towering historic forts, Old San Juan almost manages to whisk you back in time. This city is over 500 years old, making it the oldest city in the Americas, and the whole area is UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving you an idea of the beauty of the place. There is plenty to do in Old San Juan, from simply exploring the streets, shops and restaurants, to visiting some of the impressive forts around the city. If you’re stuck for time, OROGOLD suggests making El Morro Fort your top priority, as its location, high up on a peninsula that juts out over the ocean, definitely makes it worth visiting.

Puerto Rico has a fantastic mix of attractions, both man-made and natural. Whether you want to explore a tropical rainforest, relax on a beach, or soak up some history and culture, you won’t be disappointed, as you will find all of this and more in Puerto Rico.