Thursday, February 23, 2012

Nature Tripping – Puerto Rico – East Coast

September 7, 2011 by  
Filed under Travel Guides



Culebra may be the most popular attraction in Puerto Rico’s east coast however, you don’t have to spend most of your time on the island because there are plenty more spectacular destinations that are worth checking out. Venture out further and you will soon find yourself surrounded with the beauty of nature at its grandest.

Next to the island of Culebra in popularity rating is El Yunque National Forest. With about 23,000 acres of tropical forest, 24 mile-long trails and a thriving flora and fauna population, it is any nature tripper’s haven. Wild life watching, trekking and hiking are some of the most popular activities in the area.

The El Porta Tropical Forest Center is the place to go if you want to learn more. It features interactive exhibits as well as a canopy walk where visitors can view the panoramic expanse of the forest. If you want a different perspective, climb up the Yokahu Tower and enjoy the scenic vistas it offers. Nearby is La Coca Falls whose 85 ft. cascade is stunning as it falls on dramatic rock formations below.

If you are not yet satisfied with what El Yunque has to offer, visit Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo. Rent a kayak and paddle your way along the waterways of the island. There are also several ecosystems to explore such as a mangrove lagoon, a coconut plantation and an underwater garden. It also features a dry forest where you can go on hikes if you like. A visit to the 1882 lighthouse located here is also a must. Come night time, a kayaking tour of the ethereal Laguna Grande should be on your list of things to see! It is a bio-luminescent lagoon where the water glows like magic and any visitor is guaranteed to glide through it in awe and bated breath.

While at Fajardo, you may want to spend a day at the uninhabited islands of Icacos, Lobos and Palominos. You can easily charter a boat from the marina and you will be on your way to a whole day of snorkeling and diving. These islands also feature dazzling white sand beaches where you can just lounge around to your heart’s content. However, if you don’t have much time to spend but want to experience a delightful Puerto Rican beach getaway, worry not. Loquillo beach is located near San Juan and it definitely can hold its own against the more popular powdery white sand beaches of the country.

Finally, there is the island of Vieques where the beaches are stunning, the water sparkling and there are not too many tourists around. Its remote location and gorgeous terrain make it a perfect escape from the crowded beaches of Puerto Rico. It is also home to a bio-luminescent bay that glows brighter the one in Fajardo. If your guide will allow, you can take a dip and see your body literally glow as if enchanted by a magical creature. This is an amazing experience you and should not be missed when visiting Puerto Rico.

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