Venture to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.
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
When it comes to bomba music and dancing, no one does it like the town of Loíza.
Foodies can delight themselves with Puerto Rican fritters at Piñones and at Los Kioskos de Luquillo.
For a luxurious getaway head to the five-star Bahía Beach Resort.
At El Yunque, the whole family will enjoy the refreshing waterfall pools.
From El Conquistador to the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, golf lovers will have a blast on the Island’s east side.
Have a thrilling adventure with an ATV tour through Hacienda Carabalí.
Cool off at Río Espíritu Santo in Río Grande.
Luquillo’s al-fresco appeal extends beyond its powdery golden sand and azure ocean waves.
Explore the East Region
Nestled between mountains and sea, the golf course at St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort 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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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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If you visit El Yunque, make plenty of time to play in the cool waterfall pools.
Things to Do
The east is home to El Yunque, the only subtropical rainforest in the U.S. Its waterfalls, hiking trails, and panoramic vistas are a nature lover’s wonderland. For a bit more adventure, head to Carabalí Rainforest Park, where activities include running ATVs and horseback riding on the beach or in the forest.
The waters off the east coast of Puerto Rico are teeming with marine life, making them ideal for snorkeling and diving adventures, fishing, and boat charters. Beaches like Balneario La Monserrate, Playa Escondido, and Cayo Icacos—an uninhabited island just off the coast of Fajardo—are considered some of the best on the Island. Fajardo is also home to Laguna Grande, one of Puerto Rico's three bioluminescent bays.
Nestled between mountains and sea, the golf course at St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort 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 St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, the Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf 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.
Puerto Rican culture comes to life in its dishes, a celebration of flavors that visitors have the opportunity to enjoy.
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.
More Places to Explore
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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
Canóvanas is home to the only horse track on the Island, with a local culture closely tied to equestrian sport.
Ceiba is the perfect destination to enjoy a relaxing day cooling off from the tropical heat either by the ocean or the river.
Ceiba
An oceanfront town that’s a gateway to natural beauty.
Beautiful downtown of Gurabo
Gurabo
The town of the stairs.
The Concatedral Dulce Nombre de Jesús in Humacao
Humacao
Humacao is a coastal destination with beaches, wildlife, and Puerto Rico’s largest resort
A staircase vibrantly painted as the Puerto Rican flag.
Juncos
The mules of the Valencian.
Breathtaking view of the lush valleys in Las Piedras
Las Piedras
Pre-Columbian history, artisans, and a festival of roasted pork.
Loíza
The center of Puerto Rico's African heritage.
Luquillo’s al-fresco appeal extends beyond its powdery golden sand and azure ocean waves.
Luquillo
A laid-back haven with easy access to both the beach and the mountains.
Maunabo is the hidden gem of the southeast.
Maunabo
The hidden gem of the southeast.
Naguabo is a centuries-old beach town on Puerto Rico’s east coast.
Naguabo
A centuries-old beach town on Puerto Rico’s east coast.
Venture off the beaten path for coffee and more in the town of San Lorenzo.
San Lorenzo
Venture off the beaten path for coffee and more.
Explore the Ruins of the Hacienda Santa Lucía, a former sugar mill, in Yabucoa.
Yabucoa
Beaches, forests, and sugar industry history.
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