Beauty of Puerto Rico

Explore the windswept ramparts and passageways of this 16th-century fortress. El Morro was built during the reign of King Charles V of Spain to guard San Juan Bay. Today, this cultural treasure of <a href=" http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/puerto-rico"> Puerto Rico </a> attracts 2 million visitors a year.

Built in 1824, Teatro Tapia remains the oldest drama stage building still standing (and in use) anywhere in the US or its territories. Visit the historic theater to see plays, ballets and concerts.

For a great bodysurfing experience, head to Navio Beach on the south coast of Vieques Island. Secluded, with turquoise-colored waters, Navio Beach offers a strong surf, along with the occasional calm waves for a snorkeling adventure.

Enjoy a Caribbean getaway on Mona Island. Just 7 miles long and 4 miles wide, the island -- the third-largest of the archipelago of Puerto Rico -- is home to picture-worthy coral reefs, cliffs and caves.

Take a private boat to the small, uninhabited island of Isla Culebrita, off the eastern coast of Culebra, Puerto Rico. That’s where you’ll find this lighthouse -- one of the oldest in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico has 5 cathedrals. Among them, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe stands out for its elaborate design. Built in a neoclassical style, the cathedral is shaped like a cross, with a large dome at the point of intersection.

For an adrenaline rush, head to Toro Verde, a zip line park in Orocovis, Puerto Rico. Toro Verde has more zip lines than any other park in Puerto Rico. It’s also home to La Bestia -- at 4,745 feet, one of the longest zip lines in the world.

Revisit Puerto Rico’s era of wealthy barons. The Serralles family, owners of a rum distillery, called this Spanish Revival mansion home following its completion in 1930. Today, you can explore its intricate architecture and open-central courtyard in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Covering 27 acres, this fortress is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World. With walls that rise more than 150 feet, the fort protected San Juan against invaders coming by sea.

La Fortaleza is the oldest executive mansion still in use anywhere in the Americas. Since the 1500s, the structure has served as residence for the governor of Puerto Rico. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. The 28,002 acres see abundant rainfall (in some places, more than 200 inches annually), and include waterfalls, rivers and lush foliage like this.

Take a stroll along the narrow, blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. As the oldest settlement within Puerto Rico, the city has a palpable sense of history; its flat-roofed brick and stone buildings date as far back as the 1500s.

The vibrant reef and clear waters of Puerto Rico’s Desecheo Island make it a prime location for diving. Though visitors are not permitted on the island (it was used as a bombing practice site by the US military), diving is permitted around the island.