Summary
Eastern Puerto Rico may not be the island’s most popular destination for tourists; however, this massive stretch of land is ideal for beach lovers, history buffs, and foodies alike. With world-class hotels, fascinating historic sites, and a vibrant party scene, Puerto Rico offers more than just its capital.
1. Explore Eastern Puerto Rico
One region in particular—the east, to be precise—is certainly one of the most gorgeous destinations to visit across the island. This area is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and soft, sandy beaches, which offer visitors a unique and charming perspective on this iconic Caribbean destination.
2. Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort
There is no shortage of pretty seaside hideaways to use as a base while exploring eastern Puerto Rico, but few can compare to the Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort. Located in the island’s ritzy Palmas del Mar district, this sprawling hotel complex offers ample opportunities for open-air relaxation, with two massive outdoor pools and the blissful Palmas del Mar Beach just a short walk away. For wildlife lovers, the resort is brimming with fascinating species—sunset brings massive flocks of parrots to the surrounding treetops, while daylight hours are perfect for spotting wading birds and packs of iguanas lazing on the lawn.
3. Historic Guayama
Though it may be tempting to spend your entire trip basking in the beauty of Palmas del Mar, there’s one particularly fascinating destination for history buffs: Guayama. This historic city, affectionately referred to as the Pueblo de los Brujos (or City of Witches) by locals, dates back to 1736 and is home to some interesting historic relics. Highlights include the opulent, white-domed Parroquia San Antonio de Padua and Museo Casa Cautiño, a gorgeous neoclassical-style palace packed with ornate 19th-century art and artifacts.
4. Dining in Guayama
A lengthy tour of Guayama is certain to make you work up an appetite, and fortunately, there are numerous bars and restaurants across the city. Just a few minutes southeast of Guayama’s central square, Prime Market offers a wide range of masterfully crafted dishes, from lobster thermidor to ropa vieja rolls, alongside a massive selection of wines sourced from around the globe. For a more casual outing, the local favorite La Casa De Los Pastelillos is just 15 minutes away, serving more than 30 different varieties of pastelillos alongside gorgeous beachside views.
5. Coffee at Hacienda Muñoz
After a couple of days spent basking in the beauty of the Caribbean coast, it’s time for an above-sea-level perspective of eastern Puerto Rico. To kick off the day’s festivities, a trip to the stunning Hacienda Muñoz is in order. This sprawling hillside operation is rife with lush vegetation and free-roaming chickens, with the real prize in seed form—the coffee bean. After an engaging hour-long walking tour across the property, guests will have the opportunity to sample some of the finest blends from Hacienda Muñoz and maybe even grab a few bags to bring home.
6. Lunch at Restaurante Casaju
Now that you’re buzzing with caffeine, it’s time for a quick lunch break before your next mountain journey. Launched in 2008, the idyllic open-air Restaurante Casaju boasts spectacular vistas of the Sierra de Luquillo mountain range—where the food is just as amazing as the views. There’s no shortage of classic Puerto Rican staples to choose from, but for newcomers to the island’s dining scene, mofongo is an essential experience. This ultra-flavorful blend of garlic, oil, and mashed green plantains is one of the heartiest dishes found on the island and pairs perfectly with a Medalla Light—Puerto Rico’s most popular beer.
7. El Yunque Adventure
The southern foothills of El Yunque National Forest are breathtaking from afar, but no trip to eastern Puerto Rico is complete without getting a close-up look. A paradise for outdoor adventure, Hacienda 8A offers horseback riding tours that delve deep into the heart of the Las Piedras hills, providing plenty of wildlife sightings and stunning mountain views along the way.
One of the most impressive qualities of eastern Puerto Rico is the massive range of experiences available all in one location. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the beach, traverse mountains on horseback, and indulge in mofongo, all before sundown—then dive into the Palmas del Mar bar scene. While this sprawling region is certainly underrated right now, its abundant natural beauty and easygoing atmosphere could easily propel it into stardom in the near future.
