4 Best Places to Shop in El Yunque and the Northeast, Puerto Rico

Just east of Piñones is the town of Loíza, where you can find authentic coconut vejigante masks, dubbed "Mona Lisas" because of their elongated smiles. Craftsman Raúl Ayala Carrasquillo has been making these pieces for nearly half a century, following in the footsteps of his late father. Collectors prize these wild masks, most with tentaclelike horns. His one-room shop, in a shack that was painted yellow many years ago, is on the road between Loíza and Río Grande.

This store features locally crafted artwork in various mediums, as well as souvenirs like coffee, hot sauce, picture frames, and clothing.

At his studio on a short, dusty lane across the street from the Artesanías Castor Ayala, artist Samuel Lind sculpts, paints, and silk-screens images that are quintessentially Loízano. Lind's work is displayed in the two floors of his latticework studio. Of special note are his colorful folk-art posters inspired by everyday Puerto Rican life.

While municipalities in Puerto Rico typically have a main market (mercado) intended to be the center for local commerce, this market is decidedly different in that it's the latest installment of the Pintalto project, beautifying residential neighborhoods throughout the island with mural art. The artwork is centered around the market and neighboring bus terminal.