The East region offers a great combination of coastal and inland life with tranquil beaches, diverse towns, upscale resorts, and a legendary rainforest. Situated in a great location, the region is easy to get to upon arrival in Puerto Rico - under one hour to drive from San Juan’s airport.

The East region offers a host of experiences for visitors to enjoy. Waters off the East coast are calm, making them perfect for snorkelling, diving adventures, boat charters and fishing.

One of the biggest towns in the East region is Río Grande, where you’ll discover a breathtaking array of mountains, waterfalls, and scenic views. El Yunque is famous for being the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest Service. Its waterfalls, hiking trails, and panoramic vistas are a nature lover’s paradise. The rainforest is also home to plenty of remarkable and endemic species which can be seen or heard from all around, including the beloved coquí frog, which has become an important symbol of Puerto Rico's culture. There are myriad hiking trails crossing El Yunque, ranging from easy to expert. Other activities to try out include canyoneering, rock climbing, rappelling, and ziplining.

Fajardo on the far eastern tip of Puerto Rico is a great home base for day trips to nearby islands and other laid-back getaways. The best way to explore this area is to sail to Icacos on a catamaran, which you can board at the Fajardo marina.

The east is a great area for golf lovers - The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve resort has not one but two Tom Kite designed 18-hole championship golf courses, and hosts the Puerto Rico Open, a PGA event.

Top Attractions

● El Yunque Rainforest (above) - an absolute must-see!

● Laguna Grande Bio Bay - in Fajardo, one of the three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico - out of just five in the world! You can kayak or cruise in a small boat through the dazzling “glow-in-the-dark” water

● Loíza - when it comes to bomba music and dancing, no one does it like the town of Loiza – you’ll find a patio where a family teaches bomba dancing, there is also is a small museum where you can learn more about Puerto Rico’s African heritage

● Hacienda Carabalí - an action-packed ranch and adventure park where you can enjoy horseback riding, ATV rides, mountain biking, go-kart racing, hayrides and more

● Cayo Icacos - an uninhabited island off the coast, one of the cays that makeup the Cordillera Natural Reserve, with long strips of reef home to schools of fish and other marine life that you can observe while you snorkel or dive

● Cultural activities - botanical gardens (known for its natural beauty and tropical plants, and also history - remains of a plantation), museums, historic sites, and art galleries

Dining

The East region is a delight for foodies, but there is also something for everyone. There are a number of diverse restaurants around the region, you will find different cuisines depending on where you go - from fresh-caught seafood (found along the coast) to mofongo to barbeques there is a wide variety of foods to try.

Dining recommendations:

● Luquillo beachfront kiosks - a roadside strip of restaurants, bars and shops along Luquillo beach, specialising in Puerto Rican fritters and cold beer

● Piñones neighbourhood - 5 minutes away from Luqiillo in Loíza is the perfect place to find local fritters, fresh fruit and empanadillas

● Sal y Pimienta - the terrace at Sal y Pimienta in Fajardo overlooks the Atlantic Ocean

● El After Lounge - start the day with a mouthwatering breakfast here