Puerto Rico: An Affordable Adventure Destination

For many travelers Puerto Rico is just a transfer stop on the way to another Caribbean destination, but now times are changing.

Zip-lining and rappelling through the rainforests are some of the outdoor adventures tourists can enjoy in Puerto Rico.

(Photo© Karen Schaler)

This island destination is in the process of reinventing itself as an affordable adventure hot spot. If you want to experience the true taste of Puerto Rico you need to trade in your Bacardi drink for some sturdy shoes, a backpack and an adventuresome spirit.

In the northern part of Puerto Rico, about an hour and a half drive from San Juan, is the Karst region of the island. This is where you'll find limestone hills and caverns, winding rivers and lush forests that make the perfect backdrop for an adventure trip.

Because some of the most beautiful sites to explore are on private land your best bet is to sign up with a tour group like Acampa Nature Adventures.

One of the first in the region to offer licensed full-day tours, Acampa runs seven days a week. The guides will pick you up from your hotel and provide all the gear you need for a day of hiking, river wading, cave exploring and zip-lining.

Related

Affordable Switzerland: Luxe for Less

At Turks & Caicos, Life's a Beach

Return to ABC News' Travel Page

A word of warning: This is not a tour for the weak-hearted. This trip is rugged and you will be challenged, but it's still doable for a thrill-seeking beginner and interesting enough not to bore an expert.

For this adventure everyone has to pull their own weight and this means carrying your own gear. You need to wear a rugged pair of tennis shoes or hiking boots that can get wet, a backpack to carry your stuff in so your hands are free, a dry pack for your camera for wading through rivers, suntan lotion, water, bug spray and toilet paper. Wear your bathing suit under your clothes because you'll have a chance to do some swimming.

Hiking in the Karst Region of Puerto Rico. Photo©Karen Schaler

For each trip, Acampa uses two local certified guides who are extremely knowledgeable about Puerto Rican history. After arriving at the starting point you start off with an easy hike, passing avocado, banana and citrus trees as you trek down the valley to the Tanama River. For much of the trip there is no "set" trail. The guides pick a path and in a single file you follow.