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

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.

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 Yokahú Tower for breathtaking views of the rainforest and the islands. Advanced reservations are required.

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.

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.

The Caguas Botanical Gardens are a must-visit in Puerto Rico and a favorite for people with children or larger parties. They're known for hosting events, field-trips, and local visitors without being an overly busy hot spot. Tours are available across the old sugar fields and native Taíno grounds, with reservations available via their website. It's one of the many amazing ways to connect with nature and history while only being 30 minutes away from the island's biggest airport and other entertainment venues.

Charco Frio translates to cold pond. Indeed, this crisp freshwater pool is a welcome relief on a hot day, making it a popular local spot. The road to get here is narrow and you have to pay to park. There are two options depending on how close you want to be, it is advised to pay more to park closer to the trailhead. Bring your own food and drink, just be mindful to take any trash with you when you leave.

El Portal de El Yunque, located at the entrance to the rainforest, 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.

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.

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.

Las Paylas is a series of natural rock slides and pools accessed through a path near a local's home. You can park at the home for a fee, and it's a short five-minute hike into the rainforest. People come with coolers, picnic baskets, and music to set up and relax by the water. There are bathrooms available for those who park at the home as well. If you're going to ride down the rock slides, make sure to tuck in your elbows. 

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 lively marina off Route 987 is home to a cadre of glistening fishing boats and the offices of Kayaking Puerto Rico.

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.

Playa Medio Mundo used to be part of the Roosevelt Roads Naval Base and is now open to the public. It is the largest area managed by the island's environmental nonprofit Para La Naturaleza. To get there, head to Playa Los Machos and park at the end of the parking lot. You’ll see a clearing in the mangroves. Walk through the mangroves on the path for about 15--20 minutes to reach this seldom visited spot. There is a concrete blue building with a marlin statue on top that is open to the public and known for its acoustics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This peaceful beach is not usually busy and is easily accessible by car. There are select wooden pavilions where groups can set up as well as grill pits, first-come first-serve. The water is clear and shallow, though you may experience sargassum depending on the season and should watch for litter or glass. The water can vary depending on the weather so use your best judgment while swimming. Amenities: free parking. Best for: solitude; walking

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.

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 amid the wilderness. This nature reserve has an information office, restrooms, and campsites. No pets are allowed.