Puerto Rico is small however mighty.
The island has a big selection of meals, landscapes, wildlife and points of interest jam-packed into an space solely 100 by 35 miles. Its comparatively small measurement makes it an excellent road-trip vacation spot. Right here, no drive is simply too lengthy or too far, and it’s simple to embrace “island time” and savor each seashore, roadside kiosk and picture op alongside the best way.
From north to south, east to west, mountains to seashores, the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, listed below are the perfect street journeys in Puerto Rico.
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1. Cruise the Atlantic alongside Route 681
Finest route for dramatic shoreline
Barceloneta–Arecibo; 10 miles
The northern coastal roads of Barceloneta and Arecibo supply simple drives by the seascapes of the rugged, dramatic Atlantic shore. Begin your journey on Route 684 north and comply with the farmlands alongside the river till the street continues as coastal route 681.
Make a fast pit cease at Rolyn’s seafood kiosk, recognized for manta-ray empanadillas (turnovers), as you make your method to La Cueva del Indio (the Indian Cave). Listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and featured in films like Pirates of the Caribbean, this seaside grotto has Taino petroglyphs courting again almost a millennia.
Any seafood restaurant alongside the street – like Salitre or Playa Brava – makes a terrific spot for lunch or dinner. We advocate unwinding at La Poza del Obispo seashore, with its turquoise waters, towering limestone rock formations and historic lighthouse. Finish your day in Islote, the place numerous bars look out over the ocean and afford ideally suited spots to absorb the sundown with a refreshing drink in hand.
Planning tip: You’ll come throughout loads of seashores en route, however swimmers beware: the tide is robust on the north shore, with massive waves within the winter months which might be maybe higher suited to browsing.
2. Drive the Chinchorro Route
Finest route for roadside eating places
Bayamón–Comerío; 20 miles
A chinchorro is a small, usually roadside restaurant or kiosk that serves every kind of Puerto Rican meals, particularly the deep-fried selection. And no street journey expertise in Puerto Rico is full and not using a day spent “chinchorreando,” which often consists of scenic drives by the mountains with stops at numerous institutions to expertise meals, drinks and sweeping views of the luxurious countryside alongside the best way.
Begin in Bayamón, a suburb of San Juan, and head southwest in direction of Naranjito on Route 167. Snap a photograph on the Mirador del Puente Colgante (hanging bridge) or hold going to the numerous chinchorros alongside Route 152, together with La Casa de la Morcilla, Caldoso, Calichi Gastro Bar, Asador San Miguel and others. From there, proceed south to Comerío on Route 809 towards Doña Elena for a number of the finest carne ahumada (smoked pork) on the island.
Planning tip: Head out to your drive on a weekend afternoon or night, and likelihood is you may catch some stay music performances on the chinchorros.
Puerto Rico’s beautiful inside is the star on the cross-island Ruta Panorámica © Felix Lipov / Shutterstock
3. Marvel on the pure surroundings alongside the Ruta Panorámica
Finest coast-to-coast route
Maunabo–Mayagüez; 167 miles; enable for 2 to a few days for your entire route
Puerto Rico’s most well-known scenic drive is a 167-mile-long community of roads crossing the island from coast to coast by the central highlands. The itinerary is aptly named La Ruta Panorámica, or the Panoramic Route.
For the reason that drive consists of loads of slender two-lane mountain roads with hairpin turns, cliff drops and sharp climbs, this can be a journey for the adventurous traveler. However the courageous shall be rewarded with an epic journey from the seashore to the mountains, from jungles to lakes – with breathtaking views, nature and loads of nice eats alongside the best way.
The route formally begins in Maunabo (situated on the jap a part of the island) and ends in Mayagüez (on the west coast), passing by 15 different municipalities alongside the best way. You’ll be able to select to drive the entire route and cross your entire island or go for a smaller portion of the route when you’re pressed for time.
There are many highlights, relying on what strikes your fancy. Nature fanatics can take pleasure in taking within the seashore at Punta Tuna Nature Reserve and Lighthouse, rappelling at Cañon San Cristóbal, mountaineering Toro Negro Forest or kayaking Lake Garzas. Foodies will need to cease in Guavate, often called the Ruta del Lechón (Pork Freeway) and well-known for its slow-roasted pork, or at one (or many) of the numerous chinchorros alongside the best way.
Planning tip: A number of charming choices for lodging alongside the route embody Hacienda Juanita in Maricao, Parador Villas Sotomayor in Adjuntas, and El Pretexto in Cayey – guide prematurely and take your time as you meander throughout the island’s inside.
The drive by the Cabo Rojo area helps you to discover a number of the island’s finest seashores © Jose Zayas / 500px
4. Catch some rays by way of the Seaside Route
Finest drive for a household time out by the ocean
Cabo Rojo loop; 18 miles
The southwestern area of Cabo Rojo is dwelling to a few of Puerto Rico’s finest seashores. For the reason that magnificence and serene waters of the Caribbean Sea make them particularly well-liked with native households on weekends.
Begin your seashore tour on the palm-fringed Playa Buyé. From there, take a fast stroll to discover the paths and limestone formations of the Punta Guaniquilla Nature Reserve.
Cease on the Boquerón boardwalk for lunch and seize a photograph on the Muelle de la Libertad (Freedom Pier). Subsequent up is Combate Seaside, with its shining white sands and countless seashore bars, adopted by the Salt Flats, whose pink landscapes make for a considerably weird however beautiful backdrop for a fast stroll. Finish your day at La Playuela, a pristine half-moon bay with unbelievable views of the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, limestone cliffs and the Caribbean Sea.
Planning tip: Keep away from the crowds on this route by visiting in the course of the week.
Take the automobile ferry to the island of Vieques for undeveloped peaceable seashores © Billy Robin McFarland / Getty Pictures
5. Hop on a ferry to discover charming Vieques
Finest route for a laid-back vibe
Ceiba–Vieques; 50 miles (together with roundtrip ferry)
Usually missed by guests, Vieques is situated 7 miles off the east coast of the massive island of Puerto Rico. Well-known for its undeveloped seashore coves, lush vegetation and roaming paso fino horses, it has a laid-back, small-town vibe that makes it the proper place to flee the hustle and bustle of its (a lot) greater neighbor.
To discover the island by automobile, take the cargo ferry from Ceiba (roughly half-hour), or catch a 25-minute flight from San Juan and lease a automobile upon arrival.
Begin your journey at Solar Bay Seaside, probably the most well-liked seashores due to well-maintained amenities: lifeguards, loos, showers and a restaurant. Close by is pretty Esperanza, a small seaside city whose malecón (boardwalk) is dotted with eating places, bars and guesthouses. From there, head to Playa Negra (Black Sand Seaside), the place black volcanic sand guarantees one of many island’s most dramatic seashores.
Cease on the Parque de la Ceiba to see the island’s most formidable tree (it’s over three centuries previous). Earlier than catching the ferry again, head to Mosquito Pier, a prime fishing and snorkeling spot the place you’ll be able to spot starfish, sea turtles and quite a lot of faculties of fish. Mosquito Bay Seaside (recognized regionally as Starfish Seaside) additionally provides colourful starfish in abundance.
Navigation apps in Puerto Rico aren’t completely dependable © Picture Supply / Getty Pictures
Suggestions for driving in Puerto Rico
On a tropical island with quite a few microclimates, plan for every kind of climate and terrain. Sudden and highly effective rain showers are frequent right here, so make sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella.
The central highlands are a lot cooler than the coastal areas, with a lightweight mist or fog rolling in most afternoons. Roads alongside these mountains are windy and must be pushed with warning. At all times have money useful, as most native companies solely settle for money or ATH Movil (Puerto Rico’s model of Venmo/Paypal).
Make sure you hold your eyes on the street and your wits about you: signage and street circumstances may be missing in less-traveled areas, with some epic potholes even on closely trafficked roads. Navigation apps may be hit and miss, so anticipate some backtracking – think about it an opportunity to see, uncover and revel in much more of this magical island.
