National Parks in Puerto Rico

Technically speaking, the list of national parks in Puerto Rico is one entry long, but Puerto Rico park tourists need not be concerned because there are plenty of other captivating park locations on the island. The San Juan National Historic Site is the only entry on that list of national parks in Puerto Rico, but Puerto Rico park tourists may also be interested in the Caribbean National Forest and Old San Juan. Let’s take a look at what each attraction has to offer.

San Juan National Historic Site

The San Juan National Historic Site is the only place actually on the list of national parks in Puerto Rico. The site includes many historical forts and supply houses surrounding the colonial portion of San Juan, known generally as Old San Juan. The huge and beautiful forts were built by the Spanish beginning in the mid-16th century, and they were used to protect the region as the island served as a proverbial stepping-stone on the journey from Europe to the New World. Many of the walls around the complex were added later, during a time of generous construction in the area in the mid-to-late-18th century.

Caribbean National Forest

While the Caribbean National Forest doesn’t actually count as one of the national parks in Puerto Rico, it is a national attraction that draws tourists from around the world. Known also as El Yunque National Forest, this region offers the only rainforest in United States territory. Eco-tourists visit Caribbean National Forest regularly as the area draws over 600,000 tourists to the area per year. The Caribbean National Forest is home to many small species of animals, including some that have not been found anywhere else in the world. Beyond that, the region also contains numerous species of tropical trees and plants that are also found nowhere else in the world. The Caribbean National Forest is one of the main tourist attractions for tourists to the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Old San Juan

Old San Juan was founded in 1521 making it the oldest settlement in United States territory. Currently contained inside the borders of the capital city of San Juan, Old San Juan is the historical district of the city as it contains vibrantly colorful buildings dating as far back as the 16th century. The age of the area is visibly obvious as the area is essentially characterized by its cobblestone roads, along with the colorful buildings. The marriage of these narrow, unique roads, and the Spanish buildings make Old San Juan an attractive site for tourists. While it is not technically considered a Puerto Rico park, the Old San Juan district is a commonly traveled area amongst tourists.

As you can see, the island has no shortage of attractions for tourists to visit, and although the region technically only has one national park, it is full of attractions that any tourist is sure to enjoy. Keep these sites in mind as you plan your next trip to the island of Puerto Rico.