The East End of Puerto Rico is home to a number of attractions. It's a great alternative to San Juan. There are many places to stay and eat in the East End.

A group of people relax in bright blue ocean water, while others lounge on the sand. There is a catamaran moored in the shallow water.
The East End of Puerto Rico has beaches, rainforests and fantastic places to eat © Kelly Magyarics / Lonely Planet

What to do 

Puerto del Rey Marina 

Puerto del Rey Marina is located on the eastern tip of Puerto Rico.

There are catamaran trips to Icacos and Culebra. Flamenco Beach is a popular destination due to it's horseshoe shaped shape. There are beach bars where you can sip while soaking in the shun and shops to explore.

You can sail to Icacos if you want a deserted island vibe. A short stroll will lead you to a secluded private beach perfect for shell collecting or watching fish dart around tidal pools.

All excursions have been changed since the Pandemic. The buffet lunch has been changed to a pre-made chicken wrap and guests are required to wear masks. Snorkelers must bring their own equipment, boat capacity has been reduced to comply with government orders, and all guests must sign an electronic waivers before the excursion.

The tours start with a 45 minute boat trip. On the return trip, the captain will take you to a snorkel spot that will vary depending on the water conditions, so be prepared for a rowdy dance party.

The tours leave from the marina every day at 9:30am and return around 4:00pm. Most hotels and guesthouses in metro San Juan have a $20 transportation fee.

Fajardo Bio Bay

The Fajardo Bio Bay is a 20-minute drive north from Puerto del Rey Marina. There are many organisms that make the water glowing.

Puerto Rico is one of the best places to see this magic trick due to the effects of climate change. Kayaking Puerto Rico is a great place to go for a guided tour. Kayakers will learn about the reserve's flora and fauna during a 2-hour guided tour through a mangrove forest at a starting price of $55 per person.

Mist rises and a ray of sunlight breaks through the trees in the El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is still recovering from Hurricane Maria © Dennis VDW / Getty Images

El Yunque National Forest  

The largest block of public land in Puerto Rico and the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System is the El Yunque National Forest. The backdrop for the movie was green.

Despite the post-hurricane efforts, camping is not allowed. There will be a limited number of campsites open in the future with a required reservation and permit, though the exact date is not yet known.

There are many ways to explore the native flora and fauna. The entrance to the park is free, but there is a fee at the Visitors Center.

One way to get a sense of your surroundings is to climb the 98 steps of the Yokahu Tower and take in the sights and sounds of the rainforest. You can see the islands on a clear day.

Water cascades off the rocks La Coca Falls in Puerto Rico.
La Coca Falls is a beautiful natural feature in El Yunque National Forest © CaptainIFR / Getty Images

The water at La Coca Falls is the best in the world. The water is unbelievably pure thanks to the 85 foot cascade. There is a pipe jutting out of the rocks on the right-hand side.

You can get to the Angelito Trail Head by taking a 10-minute drive from La Coca Falls.

The Las Damas pool in the Mameyes River is a great place to take a dip. Schools of fish swim up to your feet as the water shimmers with gold. It is possible to see colorful stones on the riverbed that have been used for centuries for body paint, makeup and clothing dyes.

If you want a bird's eye view of the El Yunque canopy, you can zip through eight lines between the trees. The prices are for adults and children.

You can get fresh coconut water at a roadside stand or you can get a cold can of coco Rico at a convenience store.

Two plates, one containing beef and chicken empanadas sit behind a glass window at kioskos in Puerto Rico
There is no shortage of eats at Kioskos de Luquillo © Kelly Magyarics / Lonely Planet

Where to eat  

Kioskos de Luquillo 

Kioskos de Luquillo is located next to a sugar-sand beach. The kioskos are located on the north side of Route 3 near Luquillo Beach and are a great place to eat.

Most people order a few bites and a drink at one kioskos then grab a table out back overlooking the beach and later, move on to do the same at a few other spots.

The signature dish at the Ceviche Hut is made with red snapper and it is one of the most popular dishes in the area.

If you want to eat pizza or a hamburger, you can find them at most kioskos.

On weekends, the kioskos are at their best when locals and visitors rent private buses and listen to live music. Some are open from 11 am to 10 pm.

A plate of coconut flan sits on drizzles of caramel and chocolate sauce and whipped cream
Always save room for dessert at Iguanas Cocina Puertorriqueña © Kelly Magayrics / Lonely Planet

Where to stay 

There is a perfect home base for a sojourn in the East End at the 500-acre Wyndham Grand Rio Mar.

The Iguanas Cocina Puertorriquea is one of the top dining concepts at the Grand Rio Mar. Mofongo is stuffed with garlic shrimp and chorizo. The flan has chocolate pearls. The Roots Coastal Kitchen is a collaboration between executive chef Ramn Carrillo and Top Chef alumni Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, with Puerto Rican, Floribbean and Southern influences.

The Caicu Bar focuses on the island's signature spirit, rum. You can design your own flight with 15 options, including Puerto Rican brands Don Q, Barrilito and Bacardi, presented on a wooden board with cards detailing their production and flavor profile.

Kelly Magyarics traveled to Puerto Rico with help from the hotel. Free stuff is not accepted by Lonely Planet contributors.

The article was first published in 2020.