Ten Things You Should Do in Puerto Rico

1) Ponce: This city is known for its cultural icons, and also for its people. When you get there, it is wise to go to "La Cruceta" and the Serralles Castle. The first is an observation point that overlooks the whole city and the sea; the latter is a mansion/museum where the family that started the Don Q rum business (any Puerto-Rican will tell it is the best rum). You should also visit "La Guancha" a board walk by the bay where you can feed the fishes and the pelicans, and of course the various museums and icons in town ("Parque de Bombas", etc.)

2) Cabo Rojo: On the south-west of the island, there is a lighthouse you don't want to miss. It is just steps from a breathtaking cliff that will make you reflex on how small we humans are. There is also a wonderful beach that is almost never crowdie, and to get there you have to drive a couple of miles on a dirt road. A great trip if you like adventure!

3) Casa Bacardi: just a couple of minutes from San Juan, this marvelous Bacardi plant has not also a great tour, but most important, it is free and they will give you free rum to try. The gift shop is quite good a prices are friendly. It is located in a bay that overlooks Old San Juan.

4) "Paseo de la Princesa": A less-than-an-hour walk outside the walls that protected Old San Juan, by the water. You can almost see and smell history, while you walk along the pathway and even enter through the gates of the city.

5) "El Morro" Fort: one of the two forts that operate as museums in Old San Juan (together with "San Cristobal" Fort). If you are up to history, it's a must. There are guided tours both in English and Spanish.

6) "El Yunque": If you thought Puerto Rico was just beaches and sun, think again. This rainforest is not only enchanting, but is also one of the few National Parks in which they would not charge you for admission. There are several paths for walking or hiking, waterfalls and rivers where you can just jump in, and incredible views of the whole island, being the highest point in it. There are even small cabins where you can just sit and relax, or eat a barbeque with friends.

7) "Isla Verde": definitively, the best beach in the San Juan area, named after its green water, although most of the time it's turquoise. The most visited hotels in Puerto Rico are located in this beach, places to eat, pubs, just everything you need to spend a wonderful time.

8) "Cavernas del Rio Camuy": These majestic caves will catch you by surprise. After you see an instructional movie, you will be driven in a train-like vehicle to the cave's entrance where a guide will tell you all about this beautiful place. And while you are there, you might even consider going to Arecibo's observatory...

9) Old San Juan: the old, historic city, a colonial site where you can walk, shop, have a drink, lunch or dinner, or simple relax and enjoy the colorful architecture. Ensure you visit points of interest as the San Sebastian street, the Fortaleza (Puerto-Rican version of the White House), the house where Piña Colada was invented, etc. Take the free trolley or just do a self-walking tour.

10) Culebra Island: definitively the best beach in Puerto Rico, even has been considered one of the best ten beaches of the world. You can take an inexpensive ferry (about an hour an half boat ride) from PR's east cost, or fly in a small plane from San Juan. There is nothing like this beach, specially if you like snorkeling. The water is crystal clear, the sand is white, and it seems that it is always sunny. Just go for the day or stay overnight. You can even camp if you are that adventurous.

And there are other plenty things to do in Puerto Rico, as visiting the casinos, eating at restaurants that overlook a lake, going to the bio-luminescent bays, surfing, or taking a cruise.

Puerto Rico is a terrific destination and, the best of it all, is that you don't need a passport nor foreign money. That is if you live in the states, of course!!

Just make sure to bring your sun block. You can also bring your worries, your stress and your bad moods, but those will banish in the air the second you get here.

Want to look at some photos on the places mentioned? Make sure to visit my slideshow called Puerto Rico, and while doing so, feel free to visit my CP page.