6 Best Sights in El Yunque and the Northeast, Puerto Rico

Oversized flora, rushing streams, and powerful cascades are just some of what you'll find in El Yunque, which gets 100 billion gallons of precipitation annually. Two of the island's highest picos (peaks), El Toro and El Yunque, are also here, rising over 3,500 feet amid the more than 28,000 lush acres that encompass four major forest types, roughly stratified by elevation.

These ecosystems are home to thousands of native plants, including 150 fern and 240 tree species—88 of them rare and endemic, 23 of them found here exclusively. There are no monkeys or large cats (and no poisonous snakes, either). Rather, El Yunque is populated with small creatures, some of which—like the cotorra (the island’s greatly endangered green parrot) and the culebrón (Puerto Rican boa)—exist nowhere else on Earth.

The bird-watching is especially good after a shower, so, in addition to a rain poncho, pack binoculars to spot some of the forest’s 68 types, including the Puerto Rican tody, lizard cuckoo, and sharp-shinned hawk, as well as five species of hummingbirds. Rivers and streams provide aquatic habitats for freshwater snails, shrimp, and crabs. The forest's 1,200 species of insects—from ants to beetles to flies—provide food for some of the 14 different types of lizards, geckos among them. In the evening, millions of inch-long coquís (tree frogs) begin their calls.

The best way to experience all this nature is on a hike. The forest’s 13 official trails are short and easy to navigate. Although not as immersive as a hike, a leisurely drive-through is also gratifying. Along the way, you'll encounter beautiful waterfalls; hibiscus, banana, and orchid plants; and the occasional vista. Be sure to stop and climb the winding stairs of Yokahu Tower for breathtaking views of the rain forest and the islands.  Advanced reservations are required.

One of Puerto Rico's prized Blue Flag beaches, this long stretch of powdery sand near the Reserva Natural Las Cabezas de San Juan has calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming. There are plenty of picnic tables, as well as restaurants just outside the gates. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); showers (fee); toilets. Best for: swimming.

El Portal de El Yunque, located at the entrance to the rain forest, is the newly renovated visitor center for El Yunque. Here, you can pick up maps and ask for information about current conditions in the rain forest. They have art exhibits made of reclaimed wood from the hurricanes, local artist shows, and daily ranger talks explaining unique aspects of the forest. 

A few miles north of Fajardo is this fishing area, where seafood is sold in open-air restaurants along the ocean. A small park in the middle of town has a lovely waterfront walk, and it's easy to find outfitters for any kind of ocean adventure, from kayak excursions to sailing trips.

Signs refer to this gentle beach off Route 3 as "Balneario La Monserrate," but everyone simply calls it Luquillo Beach. Lined with lifeguard stations and shaded by soaring palm trees, it's a magnet for families and has picnic areas and more than 60 kiosks serving fritters and drinks—making it a local hangout. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent, as are kayaks and Jet Skis. One very distinctive feature here is the Mar Sin Barreras (Sea Without Barriers), a gradual ramp into the water that allows wheelchair users to take a dip. On busy days, the beach can be crowded and characterized by a party atmosphere.  There is a nominal fee for using the shower facilities, so bring small bills for this purpose. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.

This outlet mall and entertainment center features activities that are fun for families, including a bowling alley, movie theater, arcade, and go-karts. They also have an indoor obstacle course and NASCAR simulator as part of the Sector Sixty6 complex with a reloadable card you can use to purchase admission to each of the games and attractions.