Planning Your Time

It’s actually possible to take a drive-by tour of the east coast’s triumvirate of spectacular natural sights—Piñones, El Yunque, and Playa Luquillo—in a single day if you’re pressed for time. But a better option is to spend a full day exploring each one. The attractions are less than an hour’s drive from San Juan [1], and only minutes apart from one another.

When it comes to natural treasures, El Yunque Caribbean National Forest [2] is Puerto Rico’s shining jewel. One of the world’s most accessible rain forests, it offers hours of hiking, swimming, and bird-watching in a lush, tropical setting.

Coming in a close second as Puerto Rico’s most popular attraction is Playa Luquillo [3], officially named Balneario La Monserrate. This is what picture postcards are made of: a long crescent of pristine sand gently lapped by the Atlantic Ocean and shaded by a thick palm grove.

Despite its proximity to San Juan, Bosque Estatal de Piñones [4] is one of the most beautiful spots of coastal wilderness to be found on the island. It’s easy to spend a day hiking or biking through the mangrove forest along the newly constructed bike path, kayaking through its lagoons, and swimming in the Atlantic surf beside palm-lined beaches.

Spending at least a long weekend in Fajardo [5] is recommended for sports enthusiasts who want to enjoy all the boating, diving, fishing, and golfing to be had here. Reserva Natural Las Cabezas de San Juan [6] is home to a diversity of ecosystems, as well as Laguna Grande, a bioluminescent lagoon that must be experienced at night.