Often bypassed by visitors, Yabucoa, Maunabo, and Patillas are quiet, low-key, seaside municipalities in the southeastern corner of Puerto Rico that offer a tranquil getaway from the crowds, traffic, and American influence found elsewhere on the island. Nevertheless, the area is home to several small well-maintained hotels and restaurants that serve travelers who aren’t looking for a lot of excitement or nightlife.

Unlike the island’s southwestern corner, the vegetation here is emerald-green thanks to the convergence of several rivers from the Cordillera Central. In Maunabo, the Cordillera Central descends into the Caribbean Ocean, creating lovely views where the mountains meet the sea. aunabo] was once the domain of Carib Indians and pirates, but along with Patillas, it is primarily an agricultural community today, producing everything from cattle to grapes.

Yabucoa was once integral to Puerto Rico’s sugar production during the industry’s heyday. At one time it had six sugar mills in operation. Today it is a manufacturing center, producing electronics, clothing, and cigarettes. Unfortunately, it’s also home to an unsightly oil refinery that mars the view of its coast.