Places to Visit in Puerto Rico II!

I had written a places to Visit in Puerto Rico that are not in San Juan a few years ago, you can go check it out here! But I wanted to update the list. We just went in the spring with the kids and it was magical.

Yauco: Yaucromatic- Town Plaza- Carajillo Coffee House

Yauco is a town southwest of Puerto Rico, it is known as the town of coffee, so you know it’s gotta be amazing. Yaucromatic is a museum dedicated to urban art. There are over 20 artist who have collaborated in this colorful, Instagram worthy display. Some of the paintings are in ruins left by storms. To visit the installation, wear comfortable shoes and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE climb all the way to the top. The view is AMAZING and worth it. At the bottom of the hill there are a few vendors with local crafts and foods. You can also get a map of the museum.

The town plaza is literally a shrine to coffee beans. If you love coffee please walk around and take in the sculptures in honor of the most wonderful drink of all time. Speaking of coffee, El Carajillo Coffee is known as the best coffee house in the south. The coffee is amazing but don’t fret, there is plenty on the menu for everyone, including chai lattes and different pastries. It is also perfect to take a break from the climb up the hill at Yaucromatic, there’s even a cute little library to choose a good book to read and different table games.

Arecibo: Cueva Ventana

After hurricane Maria destroyed Puerto Rico, Las Cuevas de Camuy, which I featured on the last post, they have been closed due to safety. But of course, Puerto Rico is full of wonder so welcome to Cueva Ventana. This cave opening that looks like a window, hence the name, is breathtaking. This adventure is kid friendly. As you go on the 2 hour tour, you get to pass through 2 caves, hear and see real bats and encounter a spider or two. But honestly being in the middle of the forest is the best! You get to experience a real hike with a tour guide. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes. Also bring your own water bottle. You can get more information visiting the website here.

Cabo Rojo: El Faro- Playuela- Las Salinas

Cabo Rojo is the most southwest town, about 2 hours from San Juan. Make your way to the lighthouse and find these three treasures right next door to each other. The Lighthouse gives you the most incredible views of the Caribbean, but be weary, this areas is pretty rocky and could be very dangerous so be mindful of where you step. While climbing up to the lighthouse, you can encounter cacti, and a semi- desert forest. Worth it! After you leave drive by Las Salinas. This pink water is an Instagramers dream! After you experience pink sea water, head over to Playuela to relax the rest of the day. This hidden beach, is a gem. Mostly known by locals you can really enjoy the Caribbean here. Did I mention that it has the lighthouse as a background? Yeah, it’s pretty awesome.

 

Salinas: La Curva del Árbol- Río Jueyes

Go from the beach to the mountaintop and take a look at the same beach? Yeah, you can do that in Salinas. Río Jueyes is a hidden beach area. It’s really unlike any other beach. It is in between mangroves. And guess what you can cross the water, WALKING, and hang out in the cay by it. Time to drive up the #2 road and arrive at La Curva del Árbol. This is just a simple swing but the VIEWS!!! One of the most beautiful places we visited. The drive is scary because of the twists and turns, the area where you’ll find the swing is pretty busy- we actually stood in line for pictures for almost 20 minutes. Worth every minute. Be aware that this area can be very dangerous with little ones as there’s no strong fence in the area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puerto Rico is full of adventure. So many places to visit and discover. Still make time for San Juan, you won’t regret it! The kids really had an incredible experience. I made a little video for my kids, and would like to share it here.

Are you ready to pack your bags?

If you have any questions and would like more information you can visit the Discover Puerto Rico website here.

Thanks for reading!!! xoxo