The Panoramic Route runs through the mountainous heart of Puerto Rico, an area of dramatic beauty where traditional ways of life persist. At least three days are required to adequately explore the region around the network of 40 country roads that make up the route. Shorter mountain excursions from nearby coastal cities are a more practical option. Several spots can be visited in a day from San Juan.

On the east coast, the route begins climbing into the mountains from Yabucoa. Several restaurants, with a beautiful view of the Caribbean, offer quality food at reasonable prices. The Carite Forest is a moist, 6,000-acre nature reserve bursting with vegetation. A cold water pool has been dubbed Charco Azul because of its deep blue. Lake Carite and Lake Patillas are also near the forest.

Further west are the towns of Cayey, Aibonito and Barranquitas, which are all easy day trips from San Juan via Highway 52. Aibonito has numerous nurseries and a thriving chicken industry. Every June, the week-long Festival of Flowers shows off the local flora and fauna. Once a retreat for the wealthy, Aibonito has stately country homes with elegant flourishes. La Piedra is a good restaurant with a gallery of local art. Nature walks to the nearby San Cristóbal Canyon are also arranged here.

Barranquitas is the birthplace of Luis Muñoz Rivera. His former home has been converted into a museum and library. A nearby mausoleum holds the bodies of Muñoz Rivera and his son Luis Muñoz Marín, the island's first elected governor. The San Cristóbal Canyon, north of town, is the island's deepest gorge, plunging 700 feet to the Usabón River. Only experienced hikers should attempt the steep, narrow descent. The property has been recently acquired by the Conservation Trust, which aims to make it more accessible to visitors. Good views of the gorge are east of Barranquitas.

Toro Negro is a 7,000-acre forest reserve sprawled across the Island's center. Besides it lush vegetation and waterfalls, the reserve has the island's highest peak and lake. There are also recreation and camping areas.