Introduction to Eastern Puerto Rico

The northeast corner of the island, only about 45 minutes from San Juan, contains the island's major attractions, El Yunque rainforest, two of the world's rare bioluminescent bays whose waters glow at night, and several great beaches, including Luquillo Beach. There are a variety of landscapes, ranging from miles of forest to palm groves and beachside settlements. Here you will find one of the best resorts on the island, El Conquistador Resort and Country Club, which literally sits on the northeast corner of Puerto Rico, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet.

This is the site of Fajardo, a preeminent sailor's haven, where you can catch ferries to the nearby island municipalities of Vieques and Culebra. The east coast city is actually part of a hub of islands, weaving through the neighboring Spanish Virgin Islands, and on to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Not for nothing, as there's at least seven marinas in town, which also has its share of gorgeous beaches, snorkeling spots, and untamed forest.

Farther down the east coast is the Palmas del Mar, an ever-growing resort and upscale vacation home community on a wildly gorgeous beachfront. There's a hotel and another on the way, and visitors can also rent private vacation homes and villas throughout the resort, which has marinas, golf, tennis, stores, restaurants, and bars. There are several pools and a great beach, with all watersports activities available. Palmas also has its own school and post office.

The coast has small fishing towns, rural farmland, and quaint historic plazas surrounded by beautiful Spanish colonial architecture.

The southeast corner of Puerto Rico is still relatively undiscovered, despite the beauty of its untarnished coastline and traditional towns.