3 Ways Outdoorsy Families Score in Puerto Rico

Positioned in the heart of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico beckons adventurers with its natural beauty and myriad landscapes. Whether your family prefers climbing the highest of mountains or swimming in the clearest of waters, the tropical paradise offers all that and more. On top of its being affordable and accessible (U.S. residents don’t even need passports), here are three other ways outdoorsy families win in Puerto Rico.

1. It’s home to the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.

Embark on an exhilarating family hike through El Yunque’s dense forest. Relatively flat and just a half-mile in length, The Angelito Trail, is ideal for all ages and skill levels. Plus, its gravel pathway is marked with informative signs along the way, so kids (and adults!) can learn all about the ecosystem, birds, and plant life as they see it. There are also sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Refuel at the popular El Verde BBQ, a roadside stop known for its chicken and ribs.

2. The ocean is your playground.

With nearly 300 miles of coastline to work with, you can discover a different place to swim in Puerto Rico every day—though you’d be silly to miss Vieques’s La Chiva (aka Blue Beach). Grab some snorkel masks and discover what colorful creatures live in the crystal-clear water. Unlike some of the more secluded beaches on the island, this one has restrooms and gazebos to break from the sun. When hunger strikes, Duffy’s Esperanza is located right in front of the Vieques boardwalk, serving both cocktails and easy-to-eat sandwiches and burgers.

3. You can tour breathtaking caverns.

Finally, Puerto Rico is home to Río Camuy Cave Park, where you can experience a world of underground adventure. Kids are sure to love Río Camuy itself—the third-largest underground river in the world—as well as incredible caves like Cueva del Viento and Cueva Clara, known for their limestone formations. Take a pit stop in the nearby town of Arecibo, where you can fit in a quick tandem jump at Skydive Puerto Rico—should you still need an extra thrill.

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