Nestled between mountains and sea, the golf course at St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is one of the most scenic in Puerto Rico.
Río Grande
The name Río Grande literally translates to “Great River,” and the municipality is known for its lavish hotels, championship-worthy golf courses, iconic restaurants, and El Yunque rainforest.
It’s also one of the biggest towns in the east region, and only about a 30-minute drive from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). Ask a local about Río Grande and El Yunque, and they’ll likely tell you about its breathtaking array of mountains, waterfalls, and scenic views.
You can see the coast from atop El Yunque's Yokahú Tower.
Exploring El Yunque
El Yunque is the only subtropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service. Its 28,000 acres are crisscrossed with trails, waterfalls, and streams, which is a mind-blowing journey for nature lovers. There are 150 native fern species and 240 tree species, as well as unforgettable views and fun activities.
Climb the spiral staircase at the Yokahú Observation Tower and enjoy the spectacular panoramic vistas. The name of the tower is rooted in Puerto Rican mythology and refers to the indigenous Taíno peoples' belief that the rainforest was the home of Yukiyú or Yokahu, a benign fertility god that watched over nature.
There are myriad hiking trails crossing El Yunque, ranging from easy to expert. There is also La Paseadora, a small ferry that rides along the Rio Espíritu Santo, the only navigable river in Puerto Rico. If you’re looking for something a little more daring, tour companies can take you tierra adentro (inland), where you can practice canyoneering, rock climbing, rappelling, and ziplining.
Close to El Yunque is Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park, an action-packed ranch and adventure destination. You can enjoy horseback riding, four-wheeler and ATV rides, mountain biking, go-kart racing, side-by-side UTV adventures, and hayrides. If you get hungry after your adventure, savor a juicy steak dinner at their Carabalí Bar & Grill.
In Puerto Rico's tropical rainforest, El Yunque, it is easy to have an encounter with our beloved little tree frog, the coquí, as it is a perfect habitat for this species.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort.
Luxurious Resorts Near the Beach
This part of the Island offers a bounty of first-class accommodations. The luxurious St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort is the first in the Caribbean from this luxe brand. They introduced its exemplary services and amenities to a paradisiacal 483-acre setting that embodies the Island’s stunning beauty, replete with verdant landscapes and breathtaking ocean views.
Listed as one of 2018’s “Greatest Places” by Time magazine, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest, Beach & Golf Resort is without a doubt among the most elegant and refined hotels on the Island. The 500-acre property is settled along a mile of golden beach, and the resort features two golf courses, three swimming pools (one with a water slide), 10 restaurants and bars, a casino, a wellness center, and much more.
Another destination hotel is the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, which is near El Yunque. This golf resort hosts the Puerto Rico Open, a PGA event. Guests can enjoy oceanfront villas, beachfront rooms, massages, and spa treatments. There’s also a kid’s club in case you need to keep younger travelers entertained. On-property dining options include a buffet, a steakhouse, and a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant.
Sample authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and mingle with locals at the foothills of El Yunque.
Authentic Local Dining
Río Grande is full of friendly restaurants with savory dishes that elevate Puerto Rican gastronomy. From high-end dining to roadside dives, this town has a dish for every taste and price point. Restaurants like Don Pepe and Richie’s Café offer a variety of staple dishes and local cuisine such as seafood-stuffed mofongo or crabmeat-stuffed red snapper. Popular specialties include chicharrones de pollo (deep-fried chicken pieces), carne frita (fried pork chunks), mahi mahi, and more.
Next to Don Pepe is W Sushi Bar, another local favorite. Aside from traditional sushi, the menu features dishes that fuse Japanese and Puerto Rican flavors.
An iconic place to eat in Río Grande is El Verde BBQ, a roadside dive that serves staple Puerto Rican dishes like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), yuca al mojo (cassava in a garlic sauce), roasted chicken, ribs, and other comfort foods.
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