Things to do after a trip to El Yunque

If you want to take the most out of your day, I recommend you combine your trip to El Yunque with a few other stops.

Food Stop

Soon after you leave the forest and continue west on PR-3 you will reach the town of Luquillo. On your left, right by the beach you will see a stretch of 60 kiosks that sell Puerto Rican food. This is a great place for a snack and one of the best places to taste authentic Puerto Rican fried food! The kiosks are numbered, the best ones are 50-60.

Beach: Balneario La Monserrate

A great way to relax in the afternoon, is to visit Balneario La Monserrate in Luquillo, just a short drive from the 60 kiosks. The Balneario, which has been designated a Blue Flag Beach, is gated – you pay $4 for parking. The walk from the parking lot to the beach, which takes you past the camping/picnic area. The beach itself is wide, a cresent of fine sand, with lots of mature palm trees for shade. And behind that, you have the Rain Forest – it’s picture perfect.

The lifeguard schedule that is posted on the beach says that lifeguards are on duty 8:30am – 5:00pm Wed – Sun. The beach is “closed” Monday and Tuesday, but you can still park park outside the gates and walk in. There will be no services available, but the beach is still lovely and it will be almost empty. The water is very calm, since there is a reef way out that breaks the waves. This is a great beach for children. For more information about this beach you can contact the Administration Office of the Balneario La Monserrate: 787-889-5871.

Beach: Seven Seas

If you are okay driving a little farther east you will reach the town of Fajardo, and Seven Seas Beach, also a Blue Flag Beach. This beach is spectacular, and one of my favorites growing up. Its name is no coincidence as it features 7 shades of blue and green. There is a coral reef some distance from the beach, making a natural wave break. This makes for a nice protected beach, with calm waters that the whole family can enjoy.

Seven Seas is officially open Wed- Sun, from 8:30am to 5:00pm. But since all beaches in PR are public, you can use the beach (without facilities) any day by just parking along the road and walking in.

Bioluminiscent Bay Tours

Just a short drive from Seven Seas you will find Las Croabas, a fisherman village. This is a another great spot for snacks at the end of the day and to taste very fresh fish! Kayaking and boating tours to the BioBay depart from here. For more info about the biobay tours, click here and here.