If you’ve already checked off Old San Juan, rum tours, and mojitos, consider putting Puerto Rico’s natural wonders at the top of the list next time. On the itinerary: rainforest trails, bioluminescent bays, coastal nature reserves—and they’re all surprisingly close to our properties.
In San Juan, take a lush detour through the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras’ 300-acre Botanical Garden (1187 Calle Flamboyán, Río Piedras |upr.edu/jardin-botanico/ – site in Spanish), which abounds with orchids, lily ponds, and abundant shade. It’s about 15 minutes from our stays in Condado, Ocean Park, and Isla Verde. Right in the heart of the action, there’s also the Laguna del Condado Profesor Jaime Benítez Rexach National Park, where you can take out a kayak or paddleboard and even spot a manatee floating by.
If you’re staying at Bahía Beach or along the northeast coast, the must-see El Yunque National Forest (PR-191 Km 4.2, Río Grande | fs.usda.gov/elyunque) is an easy drive inland. Angelito Trail offers a breezy walk under the canopy; Yokahú Tower delivers the rainforest in wide shot.
Just outside Palmas del Mar, the Humacao Nature Reserve (Carr. PR-3 Km 74.3 | discoverpuertorico.com/profile/humacao-nature-reserve/9229) is made for mellow mornings—borrow a kayak, follow the coastal trails, or spot egrets doing their best to pretend you’re not there.
For something more structured, the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo (Carr. 987, Km 5.9 | mascerca.paralanaturaleza.org/centros/cabezas-san-juan — site in Spanish) offers guided tours through mangroves, dry forest, and coastal ecosystems, with a final stop at a restored 19th-century lighthouse. English-speaking visitors can call (787) 722-5882 for assistance or reservations.
Planning a trip this season? Then, take note that sea turtles return to nest from April through the summer. On beaches from Ocean Park in San Juan out toward Luquillo and the Northeast Ecological Corridor, keep an eye out for roped-off dunes and conservation markers. If you happen to catch this quiet wonder, make sure to observe the turtles quietly from a respectful distance.
And come nightfall, the island offers an unforgettable light show in its bioluminescent bays. While two others are to be found in La Parguera and Vieques, Fajardo’s Laguna Grande is within easy reach by car. Experience it best on a tour with Kayaking Puerto Rico.
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Even in the middle of San Juan, find tranquility at the Laguna del Condado. Image courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico