Top 12 Things To Do In Luquillo, Puerto Rico

things to do in Luquillo Puerto Rico
Philip
Philip 
Updated
| 6 min read

Majestic white sands, inviting azure surf and beautiful rainforest settings are all at your fingertips if you opt for a stay at Luquillo in north-east Puerto Rico. El Yunque National Forest is one of the area’s top natural marvels; its lush rainforest landscape is home to all manner of flora and fauna, as well as attractions like the La Mina waterfall and adrenaline-fuelled escapades at the likes of Carabalí Forest Park and the Rainforest Zipline experience. Stay a little closer to your Luquillo base and you’ll find picture-postcard coastlines aplenty, including Luquillo and Playa Fortuna beaches, which will prove to be tempting destinations for a relaxing spot of sunbathing or water-based activities before hitting the seafront’s numerous eateries. Yes, there’s plenty to see during any visit to this beautiful part of the country. Great places to stay are available too, including Airbnb vacation rentals. Read on for just some of the things you can do in Luquillo, Puerto Rico.

1. Go on a zipline adventure with El Yunque Rainforest Corcovado Adventures

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by El Yunque Rainforest Corcovado Adventures on Friday, April 16, 2021

If you’re looking for a thrilling way to explore a forest, then El Yunque Rainforest Corcovado Adventures has you covered. It offers a wonderful view of the rainforest through its five zip lines and two bridges that span various parts of the forest.

Enhance your already wonderful trek through the forest with these thrilling zip lines and get that adrenaline pumping. Take in the forest air as you breeze through the canopy and enjoy the magnificent sights of the forest floor and wildlife below!

El Yunque Rainforest Corcovado Adventures

Address: Carr. 988 km 8.8 Barrio Río Chiquito, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico

Website: El Yunque Rainforest Corcovado Adventures

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4:30pm - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 7pm

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2. Go for a nice walk at Angelito Trail Head

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Angelito Trail Head is an 11-kilometer-long (6.8-mile) trail located near Luquillo. Take in the fresh natural air as the whole trail is surrounded by woodland and meets a river along the path. Besides the scenic views, the path will eventually lead to a swimming area where you can cool off after walking such a long way.

For those who like to go on adventures with their pooch, you’ll be glad to know that dogs are allowed to accompany you on this journey though they must always be on a leash the entire time.

Angelito Trail Head

Address: PR-988, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico

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3. Relax in Playa La Selva

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Part of the La Selva Natural Reserve, Playa La Selva is one of the many points you can find while traversing the dirt road. Take in the fresh ocean breeze and the natural, untouched beauty of the beach as you relax in the sand or play in the water.

Speaking of the water, they are clear as crystal and calm since the currents are not as strong as most beaches. This makes for a serene and soothing environment for any traveler to relax and a great place to go for a swim.

Playa La Selva

Address: Fajardo, Luquillo 00738, Puerto Rico

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4. Explore Carabalí Rainforest Park via all-terrain vehicle

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Likely to appeal to adrenaline junkies and families alike, Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park lives up to its name - offering everything from one to two-hour ATV and UTV expeditions through the El Yunque National Forest, to more sedate pleasures like horseback riding. The latter includes options to explore the foothills of the forest or to take a romantic and unforgettable horseback riding experience on the beautiful sands of the nearby beaches. Families will enjoy the 1000ft (300-metre) long go-kart track, which boasts a host of twists and turns to enjoy either in single or double occupant vehicles. While those seeking a more sedate exploration of the park’s impressive flora and fauna will surely want to experience the one-hour open wagon hayride, which provides sightseeing opportunities and the chance to take a dip in the Mameyes River.

Carabalí Rainforest Park

Address: Road #3 Km. 32.4 Exit 992, Street A, Luquillo, Puerto Rico 00773

Website: Carabalí Rainforest Park

Opening hours: 8am - 5.30pm (daily)

Price: Varies depending on the activity

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5. Tuck into Puerto Rican dishes at La Parrilla


If it’s a tasty treat you’re after then La Parrilla will likely find its way onto your travel itinerary at some point. One of the highest-rated restaurants in Luquillo, it enjoys excellent word-of-mouth for its mix of Puerto Rican dishes - which include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-friendly options. And there’s plenty of choices to be had from stuffed chicken in creole sauce to fried red snapper and octopus salad for seafood fans. There’s even a children’s menu for the little ones. La Parrilla also won fans for its customer service and for the atmosphere. What’s more, its seafront location is perfect for those who want to spend some time on the area’s majestic beaches, with the popular Playa Fortuna Beach a stone’s throw away.

La Parrilla

Address: PR-193, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico

Website: La Parrilla

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 9.30pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10.30pm

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6. Hit the beautiful sands of Playa Fortuna Beach

things to do in luquillo puerto rico | hit the beautiful sands of playa fortuna beach
Source: instagram

If you’ve got your heart set on a Luquillo vacation then you’ll almost certainly have been enticed by images of the area’s beautiful sandy beaches - both at Luquillo and Playa Fortuna. Both are popular highlights for many a visitor, and the latter has charmed many thanks to its clear waters, the wide array of beach-side eateries, and picture-postcard sea views that will prove to be an attractive target for the amateur photographers among you. Many beachgoers are also impressed by its often calm and quiet sandy stretches, as well as the area’s popular jet skiing and kayaking opportunities.

Playa Fortuna Beach

Address: Antigua PR-193, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico

Opening hours: All day

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7. Indulge in some beach-side food at Boardrider's Surf Bar and Grill

things to do in luquillo puerto rico | indulge in some beach-side food at boardrider's surf bar and grill
Source: instagram

As you’d expect from its name, Boardrider’s is another popular beach-side eatery for those who enjoy tasty food amid fine surroundings. Indeed, its hub is just steps away from the surf break in Luquillo’s La Pared - and it is only 10 minutes away from El Yunque National Forest - making it an option for beach-goers or those going to or from a rainforest visit/experience. As well as its food, which features a mix of American and Caribbean dishes - including burgers, wraps and seafood salads - the bar also provides live musical entertainment at weekends, covering a mix of styles from reggae to rumba. The bar also serves a mix of specials and rums to liven up the atmosphere. Little wonder then, that it enjoys one of the best reputations of Luquillo’s restaurants.

Boardrider's Surf Bar and Grill

Address: 25 Cll Miguel Veve Calzada, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico

Website: Boardrider’s Surf Bar and Grill

Opening hours: Sun - Tue: 12pm - 12am; Thu: 12pm - 12am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 2am (closed on Wed)

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8. Enjoy the aromatic coffees at Cafecito Rustico


Cafecito Rustico, which literally translates as the Rustic Coffee Shop, does exactly what it says on the tin. This popular cafe, which is located a short way inland from Luquillo (3.5km/2.1m) at Borras, has won plenty of fans for its cozy rustic atmosphere and its aromatic coffees. It also serves a range of sandwiches, wraps, brunch options and tasty dessert treats with which to tempt those taste buds. There are also vegan and vegetarian-friendly options, should you or anyone in your group have particular dietary requirements. And its food was a particular highlight among past diners, with customers praising not only its menu but also its customer service and value.

Cafecito Rustico

Address: Sector Los Ramos, Luquillo 00773, Puerto Rico

Website: Cafecito Rustico

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 9am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 8pm

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9. Experience the palm-lined waters of Luquillo Beach


Luquillo is famed for having some of the finest beaches in Puerto Rico, and Luquillo Beach is a classic example - boasting blue waters and palm-lined sands that look like they’ve stepped straight out of a postcard. This section of the beach, which is also known as Monserrate Beach, is home to ample parking facilities (for a small fee) - making it easy to get to and from the sands, should your accommodation options be a little further afield. It is also home to a range of camping areas, and it includes a section that provides assistance for those beachgoers with disabilities. Little wonder that the beach enjoys glowing word-of-mouth among past visitors, who hailed its beauty, calm vibe and views of the mountains and rainforest.

Luquillo Beach

Address: Cam Balneario, Luquillo 00773, Puerto Rico

Website: Luquillo Beach

Opening hours: All day

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10. Take in a waterfall marvel at Las Paylas


An outdoor marvel of the local area, Las Paylas has won legions of fans for the beauty of its waterfalls and the natural water slides that have formed in the river through erosion action - which has polished the rock glass smooth in places. This makes it a unique experience for visitors, though anyone who hunts for this hidden “magical” place should bear this slipperiness in mind. It can be treacherous so shoes or other equipment which give you added grip would be a wise investment. Naturally, you should also take care in the water as well. If you do pay it a visit though, you’ll be in good company - many tourists have visited the site and it enjoys excellent word-of-mouth as a memorable destination.

Las Paylas

Address: PR-983, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico

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11. Zoom through the forest canopy at Rainforest Zipline


Fire up the adrenaline and experience the rainforest landscape from the air by whipping through it on a zipline. With no fewer than 8 different lines - including one measuring a whopping 2300ft (700 meters) - Rainforest Zipline takes thrill-seekers between the trees and above the forest canopy, offering ample chance to see the woods up close while keeping your eyes peeled for any wildlife spotting opportunities. What’s more, it offers a range of tours, including some that include rock wall climbing and excursions into the El Yunque National Forest, so you’ll enjoy plenty of choices when deciding on your preferred high-level adventure. Commemorative photos will also record your experiences for you to cherish for years to come.

Rainforest Zipline

Address: Carr 191 KM 1.1, Rio Grande, PR

Website: Rainforest Zipline

Opening hours: Tour times vary. See website.

Price: From 99 USD (Adult); From 79 USD (Children aged 8 to 15)

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12. Enjoy a little retail therapy at Luquillo Plaza


Those seeking to indulge in a little shopping during their stay may wish to visit the area’s retailers - and Luquillo Plaza is one such spot. This strip mall is conveniently-placed not far from the surfing area of La Pared on foot and it is also within easy reach of a range of popular eateries - making it an option either before or after dining or taking in the beach. Indeed, the popular Boardrider’s - mentioned earlier - is close by, as is another of the town’s most highly respected restaurants, El Rincon Del Sabor. The shops themselves include everything from a comic book store and fitness facilities to a pharmacy and even a pet store.

Luquillo Plaza

Address: Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico

Website: Luquillo Plaza

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 8am - 12pm (closed on Sun)

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Rainforests and enticing beach sands await

Playa Luquillo, beach in Puerto Rico
Source: Photo by user Jami430 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Rainforest landscapes, adventurous exploration or simply lazing on a stunning beach - Luquillo area has it all. So, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking to explore the island’s interior via ATV, or you’re looking to tuck into some tasty food overlooking the majestic coastal sands, there’s something to suit almost everyone in this corner of Puerto Rico. What will you do first?

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Philip, a writer and photographer situated in the heart of the picturesque Scottish Highlands, is a seasoned professional journalist with a rich portfolio of contributions to various newspapers,...Read more

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