The best Puerto Rico landmarks are all about food, culture, nature, and history.
Puerto Rico is a fairly small island, so whether you’re interested in black sand beaches or historical forts, getting to most (or all) of the top Puerto Rico sites during your visit is totally doable.
I’m a Puerto Rico local, and I’ve explored the archipelago for years. In fact, I’ve even penned a Puerto Rico ebook! These are the 37 essential Puerto Rico landmarks you need to add to your next Puerto Rico trip.
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37 Famous Puerto Rico Landmarks
El Yunque National Forest
Explore the only tropical rainforest in the United States.
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Fun fact: El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System.
El Yunque is home to endangered Puerto Rican species including the Puerto Rican parrot and a great variety of flora within its four types of forest.
El Yunque National Forest also has top Puerto Rico waterfalls including Cascada La Mina and Cascada Juan Diego, and challenging hiking trails that run through the tropical forest.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Tour a historical fort almost as old as Puerto Rico itself.
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The most famous landmark of Puerto Rico, Castillo San Felipe del Morro (also known as El Morro) is a historical fort almost 500 years old.
The Spaniards began its construction in 1539 to protect the walled city of Old San Juan from incoming sea attacks.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro features six floors with dungeons, barracks, and an iconic lighthouse you can see from outside. In 1983, El Morro became a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and it deserves a spot in every Puerto Rico itinerary.
Cabo Rojo Lighthouse
Photograph a lighthouse with a breathtaking view of the ocean.
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The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, also known as Los Morrillos Lighthouse, is one of the popular landmarks in Puerto Rico.
Sitting on top of a cliff, Los Morrillos Lighthouse dates back to 1882 and was one of the last lighthouses built under Spanish rule.
The lighthouse marks the union of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the Mona Passage, where it helped ships transit through the southwest entrance.
Admiring the view is one of the things to do in Cabo Rojothat nature and photography lovers can’t miss.
Guajataca Tunnel
Cross a historical tunnel to reach a hidden beach.
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The Guajataca Tunnel is one of the most visited historic landmarks of Puerto Rico.
This tunnel located between Isabela and Quebradillas stands as one of the few remnants of the Sugar Cane railway – built between the late 19th and early 20th century under the American Railroad Company of Puerto Rico.
The Guajataca Tunnel was part of Lane A that went from San Juan to Aguadilla. Now the tunnel is a popular plaza with food kiosks and a trolley that recreates the railway’s route.
La Fortaleza
Discover America’s oldest executive mansion in continuous use .
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La Fortaleza, also known as Santa Catalina Palace, was built between 1533 and 1540.
Its original purpose was to defend Old San Juan, but the structure’s location wasn’t ideal, and so, instead, it became the official executive mansion from the 16th century until today.
La Fortaleza holds the record for being the oldest executive mansion in use in America. It’s one of the top landmarks in Puerto Rico for history lovers.
La Fortaleza, together with other popular attractions in San Juan, like the San Juan Cathedral, and Castillo San Cristóbal, are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Plan your trip with my ultimate guide to visiting La Fortaleza.
Capilla del Santo Cristo del Salud
Visit a historical chapel with a legend behind its origin.
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Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud is a small chapel from 1753 that features a peculiar altar made with gold and silver ornaments.
It also houses multiple paintings from Puerto Rican artists (including José Campeche), and other objects from the 18th century.
Located at the dead-end of Calle El Cristo, legend says Capilla del Cristo was built after a man miraculously survived a fall from the cliff where the chapel is located.
Flamenco Beach
Swim in clear turquoise waters on Culebra Island.
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Flamenco Beach is that magazine-cover perfect beach you’ve been looking for all your life.
One of the best beaches in Culebra and the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, Flamenco Beach is often classified as one of the top beaches in the world for its beautiful scenery.
This beach has white fine sand with clear waters perfect for snorkelers, divers, and beach enthusiasts. But perhaps its main attraction is the military tank on the shore left behind by the United States military.
La Guancha Boardwalk
Eat and feed the birds on a beachfront boardwalk.
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La Guancha is one of the best Puerto Rico landmarks for foodies.
Located on the coast of Ponce, this beachfront park has multiple food stalls that sell the best of Puerto Rican food – including alcapurrias and bacalaitos.
Besides the flavorful food, La Guancha’s main attractions are the pelicans and fish that roam around the coast waiting for people to feed them.
La Guancha Beach is one of the few Puerto Rico beaches that is wheelchair friendly. If you’re into watersports, you can also rent kayaks in the nearby marina and head out to the bay.
Keep in mind the original boardwalk was damaged by Hurricane Maria and the 2020 earthquakes and is temporarily off-limits.
Paseo de La Princesa
Find Puerto Rico landmarks along this historical promenade.
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Paseo de La Princesa is a famous promenade in Old San Juan. The walk goes around the walled city until it reaches San Juan’s Gate, the only gate left of the five gates that allowed access to Old San Juan.
Besides a beautiful view of the San Juan Bay, Paseo la Princesa is home to the Raices Fountain, a celebration of Puerto Rico’s heritage.
If you visit Puerto Rico during the holidays, then the promenade is ideal for taking a stroll with your family, as it lights up with ornaments and festivities.
Museo Serrallés
Roam the mansion of the DonQ Rum creators.
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El Castillo Serrallés was originally the house of the Serrallés family, creators of the DonQ Rum.
One of the top landmarks in Puerto Rico, the main house features beautiful Spanish Revival-style architecture along with original furniture. The interior has multiple floors with bedrooms, a library, a solarium, and a terrace.
The surrounding grounds are home to a butterfly nursery, a Japanese garden, and a giant cross-shaped structure known as Cruceta del Vigia from where you can see the south coast of the Puerto Rican island.
Porta Coeli
Wander through the second-oldest city in Puerto Rico.
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San Germán is Puerto Rico’s second-oldest city (after Old San Juan) and is home to well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture structures that will delight any history enthusiast.
But, the main attraction of San Germán, and one of the best Puerto Rico landmarks, is its historical church known as Porta Coeli.
Built in 1609, the structure was originally a convent before becoming a church in the 18th century. Today, Porta Coeli is a Museum of Religious Art.
Parque de Bombas
Enter the oldest fire station in Puerto Rico.
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⚠️ Closure Notice: This attraction is temporarily closed.
One of the most popular Puerto Rico landmarks, Parque de Bombas is known as the first fire station in Puerto Rico.
The iconic black and red building was built in 1882 to host the local group of firefighters after an 1820 fire destroyed multiple houses in the city.
Parque de Bombas is now a museum located in Plaza Las Delicias where history enthusiasts can also find other popular Ponce attractions.
La Placita de Santurce
Dance salsa with locals in a non-traditional market.
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La Placita de Santurce is where Puerto Ricans go to de-stress.
While it’s a traditional market during the day, during the night, La Placita de Santurce turns into a party spot with lots of salsa dancing, drinking, and eating.
Travelers who want to meet locals while enjoying the best of Puerto Rico’s foodcan’t miss a stop at La Placita de Santurce.
Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cementery
Admire a cemetery located next to the ocean.
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Though a cemetery may not be a typical item on your travel itinerary, Puerto Rico’s Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is gorgeous and looks more like a sculpture garden.
Located in Old San Juan, right next to the San Felipe del Morro Castle, the Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis is the final resting place of some of Puerto Rico’s famous residents and figures.
The scenic spot is the final resting place of governors, singers, politicians, and activists.
El Capitolio
Tour the only House of Laws of Puerto Rico.
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El Capitolio is where all the politics in Puerto Rico take place and, although young, is one of the best landmarks in Puerto Rico for both art and history lovers.
Not only was this landmark in San Juan built in 1929 with a neoclassical-style architecture, but it also hosts the history of politics of the country.
It features amazing murals and mosaics designed by popular Puerto Rican artists such as Rafael Tufiño.
Castillo San Cristóbal
Discover the hidden tunnels of this Spanish fort.
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Although less popular than El Morro, San Cristóbal Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Puerto Rico and San Juan for history and culture lovers.
Built between 1634 and 1765, the fort’s purpose was to protect San Juan from incoming land attacks. The San Cristobal Castle is the biggest fort built by the Spaniards in the New World and features an incredible network of tunnels.
The fort also hosts San Juan’s famous Garita del Diablo (The Devil’s Sentry Box) where, according to the legend, guards went mysteriously missing.
Parque Ceremonial Indígena de Caguana
Learn about the most important Taino archeological site in the Caribbean.
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Parque Ceremonial Indígena de Caguana is one of Puerto Rico’s famous landmarks outside San Juan.
This site features 10 different plazas left behind by Taino that inhabited the island before the Spanish colonization.
These plazas (surrounded by monoliths with pre-Columbian petroglyphs known as bateys) were the center of celebrations, reunions, games, and rituals.
The archeological site also has a small museum where visitors can learn more about the Taino and their traditions.
Hacienda Buena Vista
Recreate the 19th-century lifestyle on a plantation in Puerto Rico.
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Hacienda Buena Vista is one of the best-preserved plantations in Puerto Rico and a historic landmark for culture fans.
Located in Ponce, this plantation features architecture from the 19th century and depicts how life was for both slaves and masters.
Hacienda Buena Vista also houses a unique working hydraulic turbine powered by the Cañas River and its complex canal system. These canals redirect the river’s water into different parts of the hacienda.
Cuartel de Ballajá
Hop between the attractions of this unique Puerto Rico structure.
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One of San Juan’s historic sites, Cuartel de Ballajá is a building across El Morro that was once the barracks for Spanish soldiers.
Today, Cuartel de Ballajá is a cultural center that hosts multiple attractions. These include Museo de Las Americas, a museum with exhibitions about Puerto Rico’s heritage, a dance school, a rooftop garden, and a coffee shop.
Mosquito Bay
Kayak in the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.
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Visiting Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay is one of the most fun things to do on Vieques for outdoor adventurers. But, more than a popular attraction, Mosquito Bay is a natural wonder.
Categorized as the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island mesmerizes visitors with its glow even on nights when the moon is partially out.
This Puerto Rico bioluminescent bay has a large number of dinoflagellates that make the water glow when they’re disturbed.
Faro Cabezas de San Juan
Hike to a historical lighthouse within a nature reserve.
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If you’re visiting the east side of Puerto Rico, then you can’t miss out on Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve.
This reserve is home to some of the best things to do in Fajardo, including pristine beaches, a bioluminescent bay, and the historic Cabezas de San Juan Lighthouse.
The Cabezas de San Juan Lighthouse is a neoclassical-style lighthouse constructed in 1880 with an elegant and clean appearance that contrasts with the surrounding foliage of the reserve.
Cueva del Indio
This beachfront cave houses dozens of Taíno petroglyphs.
Cueva del Indio is a beachfront cave located in Arecibo. The cave is known for having dozens of Taíno petroglyphs carved on its walls.
Getting inside the cave is an experience only the brave manage to accomplish. But, those who take the challenge will see up close the historical site said to be a refuge to the Taíno during the Spanish colonization.
The nature reserve where the cave is located is one of Puerto Rico’s top free things to do.
El Parterre
This natural water spring runs over 20 miles underground and emerges in Aguadilla’s downtown.
El Parterre is a water spring located in Aguadilla’s downtown. It’s said the water spring runs about 30 miles before emerging near the coast.
The original surrounding plaza was built in 1852 and went through multiple modifications in the following years.
Now a popular Aguadilla attraction, this water spring and the surrounding park are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Arecibo Lighthouse
This lighthouse sits on top of a hill in Arecibo within an amusement park.
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Arecibo Lighthouse is one of the best-preserved lighthouses in Puerto Rico and one of the few you can enter.
The lighthouse is located over a rock formation known as Punta Morrillos, which is why the lighthouse is also known as Los Morrillos Lighthouse like the one in Cabo Rojo.
The neoclassic-style lighthouse was built between 1897 and 1898 and is one of the last lighthouses the Spaniards built before the United States invasion.
Nowadays, the Arecibo Lighthouse is a museum that houses multiple artifacts and is located within the Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park, one of Puerto Rico’s amusement parks.
Malecón de Naguabo
Much like Piñones, this beachfront promenade unites foodies and beach lovers.
El Malecón de Naguabo, also known as El Malecón de la Playa Húcares, is a beachfront neighborhood with lots of bars and restaurants. Hundreds of visitors arrive at El Malecón daily looking for fresh seafood and other delicacies typical to the town of Naguabo.
The spotted trunkfish pastelillos and the coconut arepas are a must-try when visiting the site. The waterfront promenade itself dates back to the 1990s but you’ll find historical structures in it like Villa del Mar Castle, which dates back to 1917.
Visit during the golden hour to enjoy beautiful views of El Yunque and Puerto Rico’s offshore islands, Cayo Santiago and Vieques.
Plaza Cristóbal Colón
Located in Mayagüez, this plaza is considered one of the most beautiful in Puerto Rico.
Plaza Cristóbal Colón is the main plaza in Mayagüez. The plaza commemorates the arrival of Cristopher Columbus to Puerto Rico, after whom it is named. Within the plaza, you’ll find multiple sculptures and monuments, including a Columbus statue.
The Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Cathedral and the City Hall surround it. During the holiday season, hundreds of Puerto Ricans visit the plaza to see the Christmas ornaments that decorate the town square and the surrounding buildings.
Cueva del Indio Ceremonial Park
An indigenous archeological site in Las Piedras with a cave that houses over 200 petroglyphs.
Cueva del Indio in Las Piedras (not to be confused with the one in Arecibo) is one of the best preserved Taíno archeological sites in Puerto Rico.
Although it’s called a cave, the site is actually multiple boulders positioned in a way that creates a cave. Inside, you’ll find over two hundred petroglyphs carved into the walls.
There are multiple theories behind the purpose of the cave, but it is said it was a spiritual place where the indigenous people of Puerto Rico connected with the gods and wrote on the walls the messages they received.
Although you can only visit the free site by making an appointment through the Tourism Department of Las Piedras, it is far less crowded than other Puerto Rico archeological sites. For this reason, it’s more preserved.
BONUS
The Boiling Nuclear Superheater Plant, also known as BONUS, is a famous dome often photographed in Domes Beach, one of Rincón’s most popular beaches.
Built in the 1960s, the BONUS nuclear plant was the first nuclear plant in the Caribbean and was mostly a prototype for an integral boiling superheating advanced reactor.
Although it was functioning in 1965, it was shut down in 1968 due to a failure in the system. The site now stands as a curious landmark visible from the Punta Higueras Lighthouse.
Guanica Dry Forest
This coastal dry forest houses caves, mangroves, beaches, and many other ecosystems.
The Guánica Dry Forest is the largest Puerto Rico State Forest. The forest covers multiple municipalities including Guánica, Yauco, Guayanilla, Peñuelas, and Ponce.
It also houses numerous ecosystems including beaches, reefs, cays, mangroves, and saltwater lagoons.
Besides its natural biodiversity and abundant species, the Guánica Dry Forest has multiple Puerto Rico landmarks. Located within the forest you’ll find one of Guánica’s best sites to visit, Fuerte Caprón, a fortress built by the CCC near the coast in the 1930s.
If you enjoy hiking, check out the multiple trails that run through the highlights of the forest.
Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Park
Located in Ponce, this site houses a Taíno museum and an archeological site.
The Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Park is one of Ponce’s best sites to visit. The first inhabitants of the archeological site predated the Taíno, becoming the oldest indigenous site discovered in Puerto Rico.
About 186 human remains along with pottery, jewelry, and other artifacts have been discovered on the site, many of which are exhibited in the site’s museum.
If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll love hiking between the multiple ceremonial plazas with rectangular, circular, and “u” shapes where you also can spot some petroglyphs (located in the largest ball court).
Palacete Los Moreau
Famous for being the setting of a Puerto Rican novel, this 19th-century French-style house is located in Moca.
Palacete Los Moreau, also known as the Labadie Mansion, is a historical mansion and museum located in the town of Moca.
The multiple-story mansion was built in 1893 and was meant to imitate a French castle influenced by Caribbean-style buildings. The Châteauesque architecture inspiration is evident in the mansion’s two towers.
Currently a museum, the house is what is left of Hacienda Iruena, a coffee and sugar cane plantation. Besides its historical and architectural value, the house is famous for being the setting of the Puerto Rican novel, La Llamarada.
Ermita de Espinar
These historical church ruins in Aguada are surrounded by a modern church.
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Ermita de Espinar is a historical church located in the town of Aguada. Besides its historical value, Ermita de Espinar is a curious site as it houses a church within a church.
The ruins of the 17th-century church are enclosed within the most 1967 modern building and they are easily visible from the entrance of the building.
Punta Tuna Lighthouse
This Maunabo lighthouse built in the late 19th century boasts an amazing view of the coast.
Built and lit in the 1890s, the Punta Tuna Lighthouse is located in Maunabo. The lighthouse sits on top of a rock formation between Playa Larga, also known as Punta Tuna Beach and Playa Maunabo.
The neoclassic-style lighthouse has one story and an octagonal tower that still houses the original Fresnel.
You can’t get inside the Punta Tuna Lighthouse, but you can tour its surrounding grounds with informational signs about the lighthouse and the landscape. The site is also great for photographers.
Cruceta del Vigia
Find this 100 feet concrete cross overlooking the town of Ponce from a hill.
Cruceta del Vigia is one of Ponce’s most iconic attractions. Located across Castillo Serrallés, Cruceta del Vigia refers to a 100-foot concrete cross that serves as a city viewpoint.
Although the current cross dates back to the 1980s, the original one from 1801 used to occupy the same place. It was smaller in size and made out of wood. Back then, the Cruceta del Vigía was used to keep watch over the port.
Now, the landmark is open to visitors and is located right next to a Japanese Garden.
La Cara del Indio
This monument located in PR-2 is a monument to a brave Taíno chief who lived in Isabela.
La Cara del Indio is a monument located in Isabela. Due to its appearance and style, many visitors mistakenly believe the Puerto Rico landmark is much older than it is.
La Cara del Indio is a monument to Cacique Mabodamaca, a Taíno chief who lived in the area of Isabela. It was carved in 2000 by Isaac Laboy Moctezuma, a Puerto Rican artisan.
Ermita de San Antonio de la Tuna
The ruins of this Isabela church are an example of the 18th century’s colonial architecture.
Ermita de San Antonio de la Tuna refers to the ruins of a 1730 church located in Isabela, Puerto Rico. After its founding, a large community grew surrounding this church in what were the early settlements of Isabela.
But, in 1819, Ermita de San Antonio de la Tuna was abandoned when the town moved to another location.
The church’s ruins serve as an example of early colonial architecture and settlements. When seen from above you can see its cross shape. Besides seeing the ruins, visitors can also check out the on-site museum, which exhibits archeological artifacts found on the site.
Casa Cautiño
Located in Guayama, Casa Cautiño sports exquisite architecture and original furniture from the 19th century.
Casa Cautiño is one of the most striking colonial buildings in Puerto Rico, and it’s not located in San Juan.
This colonial house from 1887 located in the town of Guayama belonged to Genaro Cautiño Vázquez, a wealthy landowner. The house has a unique U shape and it mixes neoclassical and Creole architecture.
Temporarily, during the Spanish-American war, it also served as the headquarters for American troops. Nowadays the house is a museum that houses art, sculptures, and original furniture that exemplifies the 19th-century lifestyle.
A curious feature of the house is that it has tunnels that connect to the neighboring house and the church.
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Nothing tells you more about a country than its landmarks, and now you know some of the best Puerto Rico landmarks! If you’re looking for more great activities, then continue reading my guide on what to do in Puerto Rico.
Have fun visiting these great Puerto Rico landmarks!
