A family vacation to Puerto Rico offers exotic scenery with the ease of traveling within the U.S.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-get-to Caribbean vacation, without the hassles of entering another country, Puerto Rico may be just the destination you’re looking for. A U.S. territory, there’s no passport required and no money to exchange so it’s as easy to travel to Puerto Rico as it is to any state in the union. Nonetheless this tropical island offers the exotic feel and culture of a foreign country. Puerto Rico has mile after mile of beautiful beaches that edge a clear, warm sea. But, there’s more to this island than the beach.
As you travel inland you’ll encounter waterfalls along jungle trails that are easy for even young children to hike along.
A visit to El Yunque National Forest is a tropical rain forest with breathtaking views. In addition, there’s a visitor’s center that offers interactive activities for kids and the opportunity to take guided tours of the rain forest with an experienced forest ranger who can tell you about the climate, bio-diversity, geology and history of the rain forest. The kids will enjoy it so much they might not even realize it’s educational!
The Rio Camuy Cave system is sure to enthrall both you and your kids. The kids will love the tram ride and the stories that the guides share as they show you the caverns which were carved out by rushing water over hundreds of thousands of years.
For a bit of mystical fun, take an after-dark boat trip on a glowing lake, or for even more adventure experience the magic up close while snorkeling or kayaking in the night. The phosphorescent waters are created by the microscopic organisms swimming around in the water.
Yet another fun and interactive spot to visit is Old San Juan and the 200-year-old fort with 60-foot walls, secret passageways and cannons that inspire children of all ages to imagine what it must have been like.
The hotels in Puerto Rico are every bit as spectacular as the sites. They are extremely family friendly and there are options to fit every budget and interest—from the typical beach-front resorts to remote lodgings that provide a more eco-oriented vacation experience. No matter where you stay or what you do, your visit to Puerto Rico will be memorable and leave you wanting to return.
