El Yunque and the Northeast
We’ve compiled the best of the best in El Yunque and the Northeast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Cayo Icacos
Cayo Icacos is one of about 10 small islands that make up the Cordillera Nature Reserve just off the coast of Puerto Rico. It's a beautiful beach with good snorkeling offshore. Icacos can only be reached by a 15- to 20-minute boat ride, so pack whatever you might need for the day. Several tour operators in Fajardo offer day trips here, or you can hire a boat in Las Croabas. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming; walking.
Las Croabas, n/a Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico -
2. El Yunque
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.
Rte. 191, Km 4, Río Grande, n/a Puerto Rico, 00745, Puerto Rico787-888–1880Sight Details
Rate Includes: Rain forest free; reservation $2; visitor center $8 -
3. Reserva Natural Las Cabezas de San Juan
The 316-acre reserve on a headland north of Fajardo is owned by the nonprofit Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. You ride in open-air trolleys and wander down boardwalks through seven ecosystems, including lagoons, mangrove swamps, and dry-forest areas. Green iguanas skitter across paths, and guides identify other endangered species. A half-hour hike down a wooden walkway brings you to the mangrove-lined Laguna Grande, where bioluminescent microorganisms glow at night. The restored Fajardo Lighthouse is the final stop on the tour. Its Spanish colonial tower has been in operation since 1882, making it Puerto Rico's second-oldest lighthouse. The first floor houses ecological displays, and a winding staircase leads to an observation deck. The only way to see the reserve is on a guided tour; reservations are required and can be made through the trust's website.
Rte. 987, Km 6, Fajardo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00738, Puerto Rico787-722–5882Sight Details
Rate Includes: $12 -
4. Balneario Seven Seas
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.
Rte. 195, Km 4.8, Las Croabas, n/a Puerto Rico, 00738, Puerto Rico787-863–8180Sight Details
Rate Includes: Parking $5 -
5. El Portal de el Yunque
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.
Rte. 191, Km 4.0, Río Grande, n/a Puerto Rico, 00745, Puerto Rico787-888–1880Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8 for anyone over 15 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Hacienda Chocolat
This international award-winning farm cultivates locally grown cacao, from bar to bean. Guests can go on a walking tour of the property or sign up for special tasting events, like whiskey and chocolate pairings.
Carretera 984, Cam. Los Polacos, Fajardo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00738, Puerto Rico787-637–5666Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tours start at $34, Closed weekdays, Reservations required -
7. Las Croabas
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.
Rte. 3, Km 51.2, Fajardo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00738, Puerto Rico -
8. Luquillo Beach
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.
View Tours and ActivitiesOff Rte. 3, Luquillo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00773, Puerto Rico787-889–5871Sight Details
Rate Includes: $4 plus tax, per car (cash only) -
9. Marina Puerto Chico
This lively marina off Route 987 is home to a cadre of glistening fishing boats and the offices of Kayaking Puerto Rico.
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10. Marina Puerto del Rey
Home to 1,000 slips, Puerto del Rey claims to be the Caribbean's largest marina. This is the place to hook up with a scuba-diving group, arrange an excursion to one of the bioluminescent bays, or charter a fishing boat. The marina, located south of Fajardo, also has several restaurants and boating-supply stores.
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11. Museo de Arte Popular José Hernández
The museum is devoted to various popular arts, but the highlights of the collection are posters dating from the 1950s. There are more than 200 pieces by 35 artists, including many eye-popping posters created for island festivals and art exhibits.
37 Calle Pimentel, Río Grande, n/a Puerto Rico, 00745, Puerto Rico787-887–2370Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed weekends -
12. Paseo Piñones
One of the most enjoyable ways to pass the time in Piñones is walking along its paseo, a 10½-km (6½-mile) boardwalk that traverses sand dunes and crosses lagoons and mangrove forests. All the while, a line of coconut palms shades you from the sun. You'll share the path with bikers, joggers, and in-line skaters. Food kiosks abound.
Rte. 187, Piñones, n/a Puerto Rico, 00985, Puerto Rico -
13. Playa Costa Azul
Waving palm trees and fishing boats add charm to the small Playa Costa Azul, although the ugly residential buildings along the water make an unattractive backdrop. The water here is good for swimming, and the crowds are thinner than elsewhere, but there are no facilities. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming.
Off Rte. 193, Luquillo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00773, Puerto Rico -
14. Playa de Piñones
You'll find Playa de Piñones right in front of the cluster of food kiosks built by the government for resident cooks. A large barrier reef blocks the strong currents and serves as the foundation for the large bathing pools in front of a sandy beach. Amenities: food and drink; parking. Best for: swimming.
Route 187, Km 8, Piñones, n/a Puerto Rico, 00979, Puerto Rico -
15. Playa Húcares
Playa Húcares is the place to be. Although the strip is a little run-down and the beach itself can be a bit messy, an authentic vibe permeates the casual outdoor eateries and funky little shops that vie with the water for your attention. Locals sell ice out of trucks, and the heavy bass of reggaetón music thumps from the windows of passing cars. Two Victorian-style houses anchor one end of the waterfront promenade, a dock with excursion boats anchors the other, and a red, green, and blue--painted bridge connects both sides of the town. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: sunset.
Off Rte. 3, Naguabo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00718, Puerto Rico -
16. Playa La Pared
Playa La Pared (literally, "The Wall Beach") is a surfer haunt. Numerous local competitions are held here throughout the year, and several surfing shops are close by in case you need a wet suit or wax for your board. The waves here are medium-range. It's very close to Luquillo Beach, but has a separate entrance. There are no facilities. Amenities: none. Best for: partiers; surfing.
Off Rte. 3, Luquillo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00773, Puerto Rico -
17. Plaza de Recreo de Humacao
Downtown's broad square is anchored by Concatedral Dulce Nombre de Jesús (Sweet Name of Jesus Cathedral), which dates from 1869. It has a castlelike facade, and even when its grille door is locked, you get a peek at the sleek altar, polished floors, and stained-glass windows dominated by blues. Across the plaza, four fountains splash under the shade of old trees. People pass through feeding the pigeons, children race down the promenade, and retirees congregate on benches to chat.
Calle Font Martelo at Calle Ulises Martinez, Humacao, n/a Puerto Rico, 00791, Puerto Rico -
18. Reserva Natural de Humacao
As you travel from Naguabo to Humacao, you'll pass stretches of beach and swaths of undeveloped land, including the swamps, lagoons, and forested areas of the Reserva Natural de Humacao. Walk along the trail to discover abandoned military bunkers and murals amidst the wilderness. This nature reserve has an information office, restrooms, and campsites. No pets are allowed.
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19. The Outlet 66 Mall
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.
18400 Autopista Roberto Sánchez Vilella, Canóvanas, n/a Puerto Rico, 00729, Puerto Rico787-256–7040Sight Details
Rate Includes: Varies by activity.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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