Calm waves and soft sand await you in Luquillo for an easy beach day
East
Puerto Rico's enchanting east region offers secluded beaches, tropical cays, and a legendary rainforest.
This region of the Island—comprising 15 towns and two small islands—offers a great combination of coastal and inland life with tranquil beaches, diverse towns, upscale resorts, great museums, botanical gardens, art galleries, roadside chinchorros, and upscale restaurants. Less than an hour from San Juan is El Yunque National Forest, one of Puerto Rico's greatest natural and cultural treasures. A bit further east you'll find the beautiful beaches of Fajardo, a gateway to the small islands that lie just off Puerto Rico's eastern coast.
Region Facts:
Driving distance from San Juan’s airport: 1 hour or less
Driving distance from Aguadilla’s airport: 2–3 hours
Explore the East Region
Luquillo’s al-fresco appeal extends beyond its powdery golden sand and azure ocean waves.
A laid-back haven with easy access to both the beach and the mountains.
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A staircase vibrantly painted as the Puerto Rican flag.
The mules of the Valencian.
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Canóvanas is also known as Ciudad de las Carreras (“The Racing Horse Town”) since it is home to the only horse track on the Island.
Canóvanas is home to the only horse track on the Island, with a local culture closely tied to equestrian sport.
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Ceiba is the perfect destination to enjoy a relaxing day cooling off from the tropical heat either by the ocean or the river.
An oceanfront town that’s a gateway to natural beauty.
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Venture off the beaten path for coffee and more in the town of San Lorenzo.
Venture off the beaten path for coffee and more.
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Explore the Ruins of the Hacienda Santa Lucía, a former sugar mill, in Yabucoa.
Beaches, forests, and sugar industry history.
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The center of Puerto Rico's African heritage.
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Nestled between mountains and sea, the golf course at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico is one of the most scenic in Puerto Rico.
Home of the beloved El Yunque National Forest, and much more.
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Fajardo’s most secluded beaches are Playa Escondida and Playa Colorá.
A great home base for exploring nearby islands and cays, as well as some of Puerto Rico's best beaches.
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Breathtaking view of the lush valleys in Las Piedras
Pre-Columbian history, artisans, and a festival of roasted pork.
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Maunabo is the hidden gem of the southeast.
The hidden gem of the southeast.
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The Concatedral Dulce Nombre de Jesús in Humacao
Humacao is a coastal destination with beaches, wildlife, and Puerto Rico’s largest resort
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Naguabo is a centuries-old beach town on Puerto Rico’s east coast.
A centuries-old beach town on Puerto Rico’s east coast.
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Nestled between mountains and sea, the golf course at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico is one of the most scenic in Puerto Rico.
Where to Stay
There’s plenty to do outdoors in this region, but that doesn’t mean you need to be roughing it. Accommodations include the renowned Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, the Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Boutique Resort, and El Conquistador Resort.
For travelers seeking more budget-friendly accommodations, the east region also has the Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel and Casino; small inns such as the Hotel Yunque Mar, the Parador Costa del Mar, and the Parador Palmas de Lucía; and bed and breakfasts such as the Rainforest Inn. Some of these locations, with nightly rates that are usually lower than that of larger hotels, are family-owned properties located near some of the most popular attractions in the region.
The Luquillo Kiosks are a must-visit destination for local food and stunning ocean views.
Where to Eat
From seafood-stuffed mofongo to brunch and barbecue, the eastern region of Puerto Rico has a little bit of everything. Don't miss a chance to sample local favorites beachside at the Luquillo kiosks, where vendors specialize in fritters, cold beer, and other tasty dishes. Along the coast, you'll tend to find plenty of fresh-caught seafood. You may also head further inland for all kinds of restaurants featuring local, creative gastronomic fusions, vegetarian and international cuisine. And toward the mountains for more tasty traditional dishes, local sausages, our famous roast pork in the lechoneras and chinchorros.
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