9 Eye-Popping Views in Puerto Rico That Most People Don’t See

There’s no shortage of gorgeous views in Puerto Rico. Its islands have some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, of course, but the archipelago is also home to a variety of vistas overlooking verdant valleys and a tropical rainforest. In fact, some of the best scenic points require you to duck into dark caves or go on unpaved trails. Don’t be deterred; getting away from the usual touristed path means those memorable views will be without the crowds.

Here are nine places to get some of Puerto Rico’s best views. They are certainly worth the journey.

1. Punta Tuna Lighthouse

Maunabo

One of the most underrated spots to admire the natural beauty of Puerto Rico is at Punta Tuna Lighthouse in the town of Maunabo. From here, visitors can see the dramatic contrast between the coast and the cliff. Located in the southeast part of the island, the Spanish lighthouse overlooks hundreds of palm trees that dance in the breeze while the waves crash. You can enjoy the day at Punta Tuna beach, or make a visit to the Punta Tuna Wetlands.

Photos by Jennifer Chen (L) and Jonathan Lampel (R)

2. Mount Britton Tower

Rio Grande

At the top of El Yunque trail awaits a brick watchtower that overlooks the only tropical rainforest in North America. Mount Britton Tower, located in the middle of El Yunque rainforest, sits at an elevation of about 3,000 feet and takes approximately two hours to reach via a paved path. From this lookout point, you can admire the distant views of the ocean and the rainforest below. If you are lucky, stray clouds may also appear, giving an experience that feels like you’re looking down from the sky.

Keep in mind that rain is in the name of this type of forest—there is always a high probability of precipitation. Embrace all the elements as you pass by waterfalls, native birds such as the Puerto Rican parrot, and the famous coquí frog.

Photo by Ema.Otx/Shutterstock

3. Survival Beach

Aguadilla

If you are looking for a secluded beach with incredible rock formations, then Survival Beach is the spot. Near Surfers’ Beach (where locals go to catch some waves) in Aguadilla, visitors can find a trail that leads to lesser-visited Survival Beach. A short 15- to 20-minute hike from the trailhead leads to this sandy stretch, where enormous rocks create cave-like coverings. Duck in to enjoy oceanside vistas, or dip into the water.

4. Domes Beach

Rincon

Behind one of the most popular surf spots in Rincon is a scenic view of the island’s northwest coast. Domes Beach is packed with surfers (especially during the fall and winter), but if you want to enjoy your time without being slapped by boards or crowds, walk the short dirt trail behind an old, discontinued nuclear power plant known as “the dome.”

A hike along the raised seawall reveals a gorgeous and unobstructed view of the rugged tropical cliffside and waters below. You can walk this trail all the way to Pools Beach in the upper part of Rincon and watch surfers take on waves.

Photo by BrianChristopherLau/Shutterstock

5. Cueva Ventana

Arecibo

Cueva Ventana, which translates to “window cave,” has a scenic opening overlooking Puerto Rico’s Arecibo valley. Visitors will trample through mud, hunker down under low-hanging stalactites, and dodge stalagmites while wandering through the cave—there are bats, of course.

For nonresidents, entry costs $19 and includes the guided tour, protective helmets, and flashlights. Tours are led by trained biologists and environmental interpreters, who have in-depth knowledge of the geological formations and educate travelers on the Indigenous and natural history of the site.

6. Lago Dos Bocas

Arecibo

Lago Dos Bocas is a man-made lake situated between the central towns of Utuado and Arecibo. Enjoy views of the tranquil body of water on a ferry ride (boats leave almost every hour and are free) or at one of the restaurants along the shoreline. It’s an idyllic place away from the beach crowds, where visitors can enjoy typical cuisine of the region.

Photo by Jesse Echevarria

7. Yaucromatic

Yauco

The town of Yauco in the southern part of the mainland is most famous for its coffee, natural pools, and Puerto Rico’s biggest open-air art gallery, Yaucromatic. The art project, started as a revitalization effort after Hurricane Maria, spans the town where building facades are covered with colors and murals. One of the project’s can’t-miss works is a large mural titled Brisa Tropical, which consists of 19 homes and stairways along a hilltop that create a larger collage of bright colors. Try to get a picture from the base of the hill for an encompassing view of the art.

8. Cañón Blanco

Utuado

One of the most peaceful sites in Puerto Rico is Cañón Blanco in the central region. Getting here requires a drive through steep and curvy mountain roads (don’t try to navigate through the area after dark). Drive along Route 10 for a scenic and direct way of getting here.

Here, visitors can see colossal white rocks that run through Caonillas River. The cold river water, surrounding mountains, and serene ambience create a tranquil alternative to lively San Juan. Be sure you have comfortable footwear, as the rocks can be slippery.

Photos by Jesse Echevarria

9. Fuerte Caprón

Guánica

The southwestern municipality of Guánica is home of the Guánica State Forest, a subtropical woodland that spans 9,000 acres along the mainland’s south coast. Inhabitants include cacti, lizards, and endemic bird species. One of the best ways to admire the scenery is on a hike to Fuerte Caprón, an abandoned fort. Getting there requires a six-mile round-trip trek, and from this apex travelers can take in Guánica Bay and the surrounding forest.