photo: Luquillo Beach by Eva Bariber
Puerto Rico East
Blog Posts:
Las Casitas Village, Puerto Rico: Why These Resort-Apartments are Ideal for Families
Things to Do and Where to Eat in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Cliff-Side Paradise: El Conquistador in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
More Tips and Reviews of Fajardo, Puerto Rico and El Conquistador Resort
That Time Chris Missed A Beach Full Of Victoria's Secret Models....
Things to Do and Where to Eat in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Cliff-Side Paradise: El Conquistador in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
More Tips and Reviews of Fajardo, Puerto Rico and El Conquistador Resort
That Time Chris Missed A Beach Full Of Victoria's Secret Models....
El Yunque Rainforest & Luquillo Beach
One of our favorite day trips from San Juan is an early morning hike in El Yunque rainforest, followed by lunch and lounging at nearby Luquillo beach. Follow one of the many trails at El Yunque where you will see waterfalls, a plethora of flora, sweeping views of the island and, if your a lucky, some exotic birds. Visit Yokahu Tower for panoramic views of the island, followed by a dip in La Mina falls. After your hike, drive toward the coast and enjoy the peaceful Luquillo Beach. Here you will find a large white sand beach with little to no waves. They have a changing/shower facility and a bunch of little food shacks where you can get lunch.
Tips: It will take about 45 minutes to an hour to get to El Yunque from San Juan. It's best to be flexible with your plans to visit the rainforest as you will get the most out of your visit if it's a clear day. Luquillo Beach parking is closed on Mondays.
Tips: It will take about 45 minutes to an hour to get to El Yunque from San Juan. It's best to be flexible with your plans to visit the rainforest as you will get the most out of your visit if it's a clear day. Luquillo Beach parking is closed on Mondays.
Fajardo & The Islands
All the way to the east is the town of Fajardo. Locals and tourists keep vacation homes or boats in Fajardo as it allows easy access to the smaller island as well as the Virgin Islands. You can stay at one of the many resorts in Fajardo. We have visited El Conquistador which is a beautiful property with stunning views of the ocean. One of our most memorable nights in Puerto Rico was taking a bio-bay tour by kayak. Puerto Rico has 3 bioluminescent bays, one of which is La Laguna Grande in Fajardo . These lagoons contain millions of micro-organisms that illuminate at night seconds after agitated. When your kayak glides through the water you can see the water light up for an instant. When we went 5 years ago, they allowed us to swim in the lagoon which was frightening at first as you can't see through the water, but very cool after seeing the water light up all around you and your company. We also exchanged a lot of laughs trying to get back into the kayak from the water! Not easy, and definitely NOT graceful:)
There are 4 beautiful islands off the coast of Fajardo:
1) Vieques - Great for a relaxing beach vacation. We've heard the W is fantastic. You can also rent homes - an especially popular option for families or large groups.
2) Culebra - One of our favorite beaches in the world is located here - Flamenco beach. It's a perfect cove of white sand and turquoise water. With the exception of one little inn, this beach is completely uninhabited.
3) Icacos - Cayo Icacos is a small uninhabited island that is part of the Cordillera Keys nature reserve. Not far from Fajardo, Icacos boasts some of the best snorkeling in PR. If you want a fun day trip, sign up for a catamaran tour around Icacos. They provide snorkeling gear and lunch.
4) Culebrita - Little Culebra is also a great snorkeling spot that you can access via sailboat.
When I was young, I spent summers with my family in Puerto Rico. My family & friends often sailed to these small islands and some of my favorite memories include:
-catching a ginormous red starfish while fishing
-swimming bravely from the boat to a Culebrita beach AFTER watching Jaws the Revenge at age six
-stargazing for 3 hours one night aboard a friend's boat.
Tips: If you take the ferry to Culebra or Vieques, arrive EARLY. If the ferry is full ask for a ticket on the cargo ship.
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There are 4 beautiful islands off the coast of Fajardo:
1) Vieques - Great for a relaxing beach vacation. We've heard the W is fantastic. You can also rent homes - an especially popular option for families or large groups.
2) Culebra - One of our favorite beaches in the world is located here - Flamenco beach. It's a perfect cove of white sand and turquoise water. With the exception of one little inn, this beach is completely uninhabited.
3) Icacos - Cayo Icacos is a small uninhabited island that is part of the Cordillera Keys nature reserve. Not far from Fajardo, Icacos boasts some of the best snorkeling in PR. If you want a fun day trip, sign up for a catamaran tour around Icacos. They provide snorkeling gear and lunch.
4) Culebrita - Little Culebra is also a great snorkeling spot that you can access via sailboat.
When I was young, I spent summers with my family in Puerto Rico. My family & friends often sailed to these small islands and some of my favorite memories include:
-catching a ginormous red starfish while fishing
-swimming bravely from the boat to a Culebrita beach AFTER watching Jaws the Revenge at age six
-stargazing for 3 hours one night aboard a friend's boat.
Tips: If you take the ferry to Culebra or Vieques, arrive EARLY. If the ferry is full ask for a ticket on the cargo ship.
Back to Puerto Rico Main Page
