Things to Do While Visiting PRadise Hill

No one would blame you for spending your days on the Río Mar beach, lazing by the pool, playing a round on the golf course, or simply enjoying the breeze and views from our balcony. But it would be a shame to miss all that Puerto Rico has to offer, when so much of it can be found within minutes of the villa. Below are some of our favorite activities to do in and around the surrounding area.

Photo Credit: puertoricoactivities.com, Juan Diego Falls, El Yunque

El Yunque

Our villa is conveniently located just across the road from the Caribbean National Forest (aka El Yunque), the only tropical rain forest in the US national parks system. Puerto Ricans' near-reverence of El Yunque and the role it plays in protecting the island against approaching hurricanes is documented all the way back to the times of the Taino tribe - the native population who inhabited the island pre-colonialism. While this dense rainforest isn't almighty in deterring storms - it was quite ravaged by the 2017 Hurricane Maria, for example - the lush foliage really is quite an impressive backdrop for a day of exploring. El Yunque offers great hiking trails for all levels, leading you to waterfalls, tropical plants, beautiful views and more as you walk or drive through this tropical paradise. Download a map and explore on your own, or book one of the many permitted tour operators. Traffic to get in can be dense at times and cellular signal can be spotty, so plan ahead to get the most out of your visit.

Photo Credit: Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park

Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park

If you're looking for a thrill, Carabali is likely to have an excursion for you. A longtime favorite destination for horseback riding tours through the foothills of the rainforest or along the beach, their expanded offerings now also include ATV/UTVs, go-karting, hayrides, and even jet-ski rentals. With activities for both children and adults and a full-menu restaurant onsite, there's something for everyone at Carabali, which is only 10 minutes from the villa!

Photo Credit: Finca de Cacao La PruVite

Finca De Cacao La PruVite

Chocolate lovers rejoice! This laid back experience in neighboring Luquillo is a great and delicious way to learn about agriculture and chocolate-making more specifically, from a passionate local owner. For a low fee, you'll get to spend two hours at Finca La PruVite, learning about the chocolate making process, sampling some of the cocoa, and chatting with a warm local host who has a lot of passion for the topic.

Photo Credit: Finca Neo Jibairo

Finca Neo Jibairo

Agriculture is a huge part of Puerto Rico's history and newer bets on economic revival, so it's not too surprising I'd include another agricultural experience here. Finca Neo Jibairo features more than 26 different crops, across fruits, vegetables and, their best-known, tobacco. They offer many different experiences - from a farm tour that dives into ecoagricultural practices, to a cigar making workshop, to laid back dinner nights in partnership with local chefs (check their site for the schedule). Didn't buy a ticket to a formal experience? No problem. Finca Neo Jibairo has a cigar bar or an artisan pizza restaurant onsite, which are both available for drop in visits. And it's an easy 15 minutes drive west.

Island Hop to Vieques or Culebra Islands

Staying a while? You might not know this, but Puerto Rico is actually an archipelago, with many tiny islands that are worth a visit. Easily reachable by ferry boat (departing from Ceiba) or plane from SJU (Cape Air and Vieques Air Link fly there), Vieques and Culebra each offer gorgeous beaches and a very low-key, island vibe with an emphasis on nature. Culebra's Flamenco Bay is world-renowned for its beauty, white sands and calm turquoise waters. Vieques, the larger of the two islands, housed a large Naval base until 2003; today, about half of the island is a largely undeveloped nature preserve with beautiful remote beaches and wild horses, and the other half is a population hub with a malecon/waterfront area to walk around and some nice restaurants and bars. Travel & Leisure did a nice article on Vieques that's worth a read if you are interested in spending any time there. Note that neither island offers reliable rideshare apps for transportation. While scheduled taxis are a feasible solution in Culebra (eg, if you're doing a day trip and just need to go between the ferry and the beach), you might want to rent a 4x4 vehicle to properly explore Vieques.

Photo Credit: Kitesurfing Magazine (kitesurfingmag.com)

Kitesurf at Las Picuas Beach

Las Picuas Beach is a flat water beach with scenic views quite close to Río Mar. It is known to be one of the best kitesurfing spots on the island, which makes it a fun place to watch or enjoy the sport. It's also a spot to see sea turtles during nesting season (observe from afar!). The ocean floor if visible through the very shallow and clear water, but can be quite pebbly, so water shoes are recommended.

Surf La Pared in Luquillo

While the northwest of Puerto Rico is undoubtedly the island's most renowned surfing destination, Luquillo's La Pared beach holds its own if you enjoy riding the waves. As is the case with many surfing spots, rip currents are a real concern, so be smart and safe if you choose this spot - it's best for experienced surfers / open water swimmers. The beach is close to many restaurants and is quite scenic if you prefer to enjoy from the shore.

Photo Credit: East Island Excursions, sailing to Icacos island

Get Out On the Water - Boating, Fishing, Snorkel/Scuba, Kayaking... Oh My!

Life on the water is central to experiencing Puerto Rico, and the options truly are endless. If you're looking for unforgettable in/on ocean experiences, here are just a few we recommend carving out time for:

• Visit Icacos: Hop aboard a half or all day catamaran cruise out to deserted Icacos island, just off Fajardo. Enjoy music, lunch on the water, beach time, and pure relaxation. The photo above is from East Island Excursions, one of several local tour companies that offer the trip.

• Snorkel or scuba: Colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and more. If you enjoy marine life, do not miss an opportunity to explore the world under Puerto Rico's waters. The waters between the eastern coast and Vieques island are a fantastic place to see incredible tropical wildlife.

• Bio-bay kayaking: If you are visiting during a new moon (and only during a new moon), kayaking the Fajardo's Laguna Grande bioluminescent bay is a must-do. There really isn't anything like the ethereal blue shimmer in the water as you kayak out into the bay on a moonless night. It's one of only a few bio-bays in the world.

• Fishing expeditions: There are plenty of fish in the sea indeed! Spend a few hours out on the water on a deep sea fishing expedition. 787 Fishing, Maguro Fishing Charters, and Kon K'lma Fishing Charters are just a few highly reviewed local outfits that depart from the nearby Fajardo marina.