Bioluminescent Bays
There are only five of these natural wonders in the world and Puerto Rico has three of them. Bioluminescence is produced by harmless single-celled organisms in the water. The species in Puerto Rico inhabit the lagoon in an unusual abundance. Although each organism is less than 1/500th of an inch in diameter, and each burst of light lasts only 1/10th of a second, the many millions of these organisms concentrated in the lagoon produce a remarkable cumulative effect. The most exciting way to reach the bay is by kayak. Paddling through the dark mangroves to get to the lagoon is half the fun.

The Arecibo Observatory
The largest radar/radio telescope in the world is also one of the most important research facilities. The huge dish (more than a dozen football fields could fit inside) sits in a sinkhole and is forever aimed at the sky, tuned to detect the slightest sound emitted by the furthest stars. This is the place where planets outside our solar system were discovered and is the home base for NASA's SETI, the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence.

Río Camuy Cave Park
There are only two other places in the world where you will find a cave system as massive as the Río Camuy Cave Park. Only three crater-like sinkholes and two caves are open to the public. Visitors can ride a trolley that descends into a sinkhole lined with dense tropical vegetation while a guide describes the sights. After a walk across ramps and bridges and through the dramatically illuminated, 170-foot-high Cueva Clara, another tram shuttles you to a platform overlooking the 400-foot-deep Tres Pueblos Sinkhole. If you are a little more daring, you can also arrange adventure tours through the more isolated areas of the cave.

Caguana Indian Park
The mountainous Caguana area was the most important center of the Taino culture in the West Indies. Visit the park to see the monoliths, petroglyphs, and collection of ancient artifacts.

Guanica Dry Forest Reserve
Explore 10,000 acres of dry land inhabited by over 600 uncommon types of plants and animals, including 48 endangered species and 16 that are unique to Puerto Rico. Walk along a path where 80 species of birds have been identified and coral fossils can be seen.

Baracardi Rum Factory
Called the "Cathedral of Rum" because of its six-storey distillation tower, the Bacardi plant covers 127 acres. The world's largest and most famous rum-producing family started their business in Cuba more than a century ago, but began moving their operation to this site in 1936. Today the distiller produces some 100,000 gallons of rum per day and ships 21 million cases per year worldwide. The tour includes a trolley ride around the distillery and bottling plant, a modest museum and a free rum cocktail.

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