Rio grande pr: Things to Do in Río Grande

Posted by alexxlab
March 2, 2023
0 Comments

Things to Do in Río Grande

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.

Enjoy a tropical adventure surrounded by nature and beauty.

Whether you want to relax on a leisurely getaway, or you prefer to follow the trail to adventure, you will find something to love in Río Grande. The town, known as the home of the famous El Yunque rainforest, is an enchanting palette of greens and blues with panoramic views of Puerto Rico’s best attributes.

Take a solo trip or book an excursion to find the many things you can do. From hiking, canyoneering, rappelling, waterfall chasing, river dipping, and much more, fill your agenda with adrenaline-rushed activities to make the most out of your time in this beautiful municipality.

El Yunque

The only rainforest included in the US National Forest Service is found in this beautiful eastern town. Within the park’s 28,000 acres you can find more than 240 species of plants — most of them endemic —spread across valleys, rivers, streams, waterfalls, hiking trails, and more. The forest is also home to a handful of rare creatures as well. You can find endangered species like the Puerto Rican parrot or iguaca, and the coquí (a small native tree frog), both symbols of Puerto Rico.

One popular stop is La Coca Waterfall. It may not be the biggest in El Yunque, but it is one of the first ones you will encounter as you set out. The towering rock from which the water spills makes a stunning backdrop for a vacation photo.

Be aware that the forest receives rainfall at least three times a day (it’s a rainforest for a reason), so you’ll want to bring waterproof gear and a change of clothes. It’s a good idea to bring water and snack, too, depending on how long you’ll be staying.

El Yunque Reservations

El Yunque is a very popular place to visit. To guarantee your entry, you’ll need to make an advance reservation through www.recreation.gov. Only one reservation per vehicle is required, and it can be booked up to one month before your visit. Tickets for your car are free, but the booking engine charges a small fee payable by credit or debit card. A limited number of reservations may be released 24 hours prior to opening to accommodate those spontaneous travelers.

Before your visit, check the El Yunque website for the latest info about weather, park closures, and health and safety protocols.

Walk up the steps of El Yunque’s Observation Tower and enjoy the scenic and serene views the rainforest has to offer.

Yocahú Observation Tower

Enjoy sweeping vistas of El Yunque when you climb up the 98-step spiral staircase that leads to the top of the imposing Yokahú Observation Tower. This landmark’s name is rooted in Puerto Rican mythology and it refers to the deity that watched over nature, according to the Taíno. From it, you can see Yokahú’s battle scars, two major landslides that represent the protection of this god over the forest. On a clear day, you can a enjoy a view of Puerto Rico’s entire eastern coast, stretching from the rainforest down to its beautiful beaches.

Hiking Trails

There are a variety of trails and paths for hikers of all skill levels. One of the most famous trails leads to Mt. Britton. Along the way you’ll pass a stone tower built in the 1930s by the Civillian Conservation Corps located at one of the highest elevations in El Yunque. On clear days, hikers can view the surrounding forest, Atlantic Ocean, and the southeastern and northeastern coastal plain. This hike is approximately 1.3 km and takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete.

For a walk to waterfalls, check out the Juan Diego stream. A less popular hike, but dubbed “El Yunque’s best kept secret,” the path leads to three stunning waterfalls where you can jump in the water and relish in the wonderful scenery. The trail can be steep and muddy in certain spots, so be careful and choose appropriate footwear.

Enjoy family-friendly activities like horseback riding at Hacienda Carabalí.

Ziplining

Experience an exhilarating adrenaline rush when you step off the platform and fly through the lush canopy of El Yunque. Choose from one of the three companies that offer access to a dozen ziplines and rappelling points. The adventure includes safety equipment and a guided-educational hike through the forest. Canyoneering and rock-climbing options are also available.

La Paseadora

Between Río Grande and Luquillo is the Espíritu Santo river, the only navigable river in Puerto Rico. Enjoy a small ferry ride that takes you boating through the five-mile natural reserve. Learn about diverse ecosystems and the variety of flora and fauna, as well as the myths and legends that woven into the fabric of the region.

Hacienda Carabalí

Nested in the foothills of El Yunque is the Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park, a place where the whole family can enjoy different activities throughout the day. At this action-packed ranch you can choose to a peaceful horseback ride, race along trails on an ATV, follow winding mountain bike trails, compete in a crazy go-kart race, enjoy a side by side UTV adventure, and take smaller children on a hayride.

View Places Mentioned on a Map

The 10 Best Wedding Venues in Rio Grande, PR

The 10 Best Wedding Venues in Rio Grande, PR – WeddingWire
Skip to main content

Wedding Venues

Rio Grande

Other options near Rio Grande, PR

443199","lng":"-66.008797","name":"Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort","searchPosition":0,"storefrontId":"327609","vendorId":"138120"}” data-directory-list=”Directory: Nearby Vendors” data-ec-variant=”Free”>
Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort is a hotel wedding venue located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Located on the…Read more beachfront, this exquisite hotel boasts a contemporary edge that is complemented by the natural beauty of the nearby sandy shores. Boasting interior and outdoor spaces, it has…
443001","lng":"-66.018303","name":"Fairmont El San Juan Hotel","searchPosition":0,"storefrontId":"424862","vendorId":"190519"}” data-directory-list=”Directory: Nearby Vendors” data-ec-variant=”Free”>
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is a tropical wedding venue located in San Juan, Puerto Rico that provides an iconic and…Read more scenic setting for an unforgettable celebration. This captivating property has been honoring some of the best Caribbean traditions for over 60 years, creating distinctive and elegant…
","city":"Puerto Rico","region":"Puerto Rico","country":"US","postal_code":"00979"}}” data-force-target-blank=”1″ aria-label=”Vendor” data-map-marker=”{"type":2,"category":"3","lat":"18.440701","lng":"-66.021599","name":"Verdanza Hotel","searchPosition":0,"storefrontId":"919860","vendorId":"780460"}” data-directory-list=”Directory: Nearby Vendors” data-ec-variant=”Free”>
Verdanza Hotel is a modern wedding venue located in Carolina, Puerto Rico, just steps from the Isla Verde Beach. Priding…Read more themselves on blending individualized service with modern accommodations and amenities, the team at Verdanza Hotel is ready to dazzle you and your guests no matter what you’re…
00","currency":"USD","city":"San Juan","region":"Puerto Rico","country":"US","sector":"Hotel Weddings","address":{"addr1":"1369 Ashford Avenue","city":"Puerto Rico","region":"Puerto Rico","country":"US","postal_code":"00907"}}” data-force-target-blank=”1″ aria-label=”Vendor” data-map-marker=”{"type":2,"category":"3","lat":"18.4552","lng":"-66.067398","name":"AC Hotel San Juan Condado","searchPosition":0,"storefrontId":"7723471","vendorId":"1066351"}” data-directory-list=”Directory: Nearby Vendors” data-ec-variant=”Free”>
San Juan, PR
AC Hotel San Juan Condado
Say “I do” to the destination wedding you’ve always dreamed of in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Our…Read more hotel is only steps from Condado beach and features a vibrant Puerto Rican atmosphere. Decorated with natural colors, from deep grey and charcoal tones to layers of graceful creams,…
4594","lng":"-66.077301","name":"Condado Ocean Club","searchPosition":0,"storefrontId":"1245344","vendorId":"1006019"}” data-directory-list=”Directory: Nearby Vendors” data-ec-variant=”Free”>
Condado Ocean Club is a boutique hotel wedding venue located in the vibrant Condado district of San Juan. A boutique…Read more hotel in Puerto Rico with sexy & playful beach house-chic vibes, atrium-style lobby, and vibrant pool deck, featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces, suitable for both your ceremony…
465799","lng":"-66.118401","name":"Hotel El Convento","searchPosition":0,"storefrontId":"49111","vendorId":"57635"}” data-directory-list=”Directory: Nearby Vendors” data-ec-variant=”Free”>
Hotel El Convento — located in the San Juan, Puerto Rico region — is a unique hotel and wedding event venue that offers…Read more new standards for luxury, comfort, and service while maintaining its rich and historic value. Just across the street from the San Juan Bautista Cathedral and walking distance from…
670 # 90","city":"Puerto Rico","region":"Puerto Rico","country":"US","postal_code":"00693"}}” data-force-target-blank=”1″ aria-label=”Vendor” data-map-marker=”{"type":2,"category":"501","lat":"18.4317","lng":"-66.417099","name":"Hacienda Don Carmelo","searchPosition":0,"storefrontId":"681859","vendorId":"605553"}” data-directory-list=”Directory: Nearby Vendors” data-ec-variant=”Free”>
Hacienda Don Carmelo is an outdoor wedding venue located in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, 45 minutes away from the city of San…Read more Juan. Facilities and Capacity
The gardens at Hacienda Don Carmelo offer discreet and romantic surroundings for a beautiful outdoor ceremony with a simple, natural backdrop . The…
00","currency":"USD","city":"Quebradillas","region":"Puerto Rico","country":"US","sector":"Hotel Weddings","address":{"addr1":"Carr. #2 Km 103.8 Barrio Teranova","city":"Puerto Rico","region":"Puerto Rico","country":"US","postal_code":"00678"}}” data-force-target-blank=”1″ aria-label=”Vendor” data-map-marker=”{"type":2,"category":"3","lat":"18.487801","lng":"-66.954498","name":"Hotel El Guajataca","searchPosition":0,"storefrontId":"1156674","vendorId":"942641"}” data-directory-list=”Directory: Nearby Vendors” data-ec-variant=”Free”>
Hotel El Guajataca is a full-service hotel wedding venue located in Terranova, Quebradillas in Puerto Rico. This…Read more historic hotel has been hosting weddings for more than 16 years and is an idyllic location to host all your wedding events all in one place. They specialize in destination weddings that…
9725","lng":"-66.9086","name":"Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa","searchPosition":0,"storefrontId":"7657657","vendorId":"472227"}” data-directory-list=”Directory: Nearby Vendors” data-ec-variant=”Free”>
Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa is a wedding and event venue in Guánica, Puerto Rico. Their full-service beach resort is…Read more set on a half-mile of private beach amidst 20 acres of tropical gardens. The resort is elegant, relaxing and magical. They offer guest rooms, villas, an on-site restaurant and close…
5117","lng":"-67.1017","name":"Villa Montana Beach Resort","searchPosition":0,"storefrontId":"351681","vendorId":"171046"}” data-directory-list=”Directory: Nearby Vendors” data-ec-variant=”Free”>
Villa Montana Beach Resort is a hotel wedding venue located in Isabela, Puerto Rico. This boutique wedding venue offers…Read more a beautiful setting for a getaway, destination wedding celebration. Villa Montana Beach Resort is a private enclave that boasts the natural beauty of Puerto Rico through its lush…
4655","lng":"-67.167999","name":"Casa Herdz","searchPosition":0,"storefrontId":"1238559","vendorId":"1001929"}” data-directory-list=”Directory: Nearby Vendors” data-ec-variant=”Free”>
An exclusive wedding venue in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Casa Herdz serves as the ultimate setting for island ceremonies…Read more and celebrations. Brilliantly designed, the modern villa has been turning wedding dreams into realities since 2014. Touting a gorgeous backdrop of the Atlantic and warm Caribbean…

Wedding Venues near Rio Grande, PR

Wedding Venues in Rio Grande with Real Weddings published

Search Beyond Wedding Venues in Puerto Rico

Wedding Venues

Barn & Farm Weddings
Hotel Weddings
Country Club Weddings
Restaurant Weddings
Rooftop Weddings
Mansion Weddings
Park & Outdoor Weddings
Historic Weddings
Banquet Halls
Beach Weddings
Garden Weddings
Waterfront Weddings

Special thanks:
Gloria Goode Photography;
Vista West Ranch

The 10 Best Apartments in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Review score

Excellent: 9+
Very good: 8+
Good: 7+
Fairly good: 6+

Our recommendations
Lowest price at the beginning
Number of stars and price
Rating + number of reviews

Come, Enjoy & Relax Bosque del Mar 1 Rio Grande, PR

org/PostalAddress”>

Rio Grande

Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace, Come, Enjoy & Relax Bosque del Mar 1 Rio Grande, PR offers accommodation in Rio Grande with free WiFi and mountain views.
Ed was quick to respond when asking for help

Expand
Collapse

9.4

Excellent

7 reviews

Check Availability

The Country Club Residences at Grand Reserve

Rio Grande

Country Club Residences at Grand Reserve is located in Rio Grande. It offers air-conditioned apartments with free Wi-Fi and access to a garden with an outdoor pool.
Very spacious very clean. Gorgeous 360 view. Staff friendly and helpfull. Absolutely recommend it. Stayed there 3 times and looking forward to stay again.

Expand
Collapse

9.5

Superb

55 reviews

Check Availability

Relax Beachfront Complex at Rio Grande

org/PostalAddress”>

Rio Grande

The apartments are located in Rio Grande, just 300 meters from Playa. Las Picuas, Playas del Yunque offers beachfront accommodations in Rio Grande.
All in this property is good.. Nice location, very clean, and well equipped apartment and its host Doel is very good communicator and nice person to deal with.

Expand
Collapse

9.6

Superb

36 reviews

Check Availability

Beautiful Villa at The Rio Mar Beach Resort

Rio Grande

Beautiful Villa at The Rio Mar Beach Resort is located in Rio Grande. It offers air conditioning, a private pool and a patio. The windows overlook the garden.
the property was as advertised nicely decorated and a great layout. The furniture was new or seemed new. the condo had an easy key combo access and was located in a quiet area.

Expand
Collapse

9.4

Excellent

55 reviews

Check Availability

Relaxing Hillside Village Apartment

org/PostalAddress”>

Rio Grande

The apartments are located just 2.6 km from Playa Fortuna Beach. Relaxing Hillside Village is located in Rio Grande. It features a bar and water sports facilities.
I spend a whole week with my family to celebrate my 50th birthday and it was well worth it!! Since I booked the place I was contacted by the owner who was very kind and atentive. She made sure everything was ready for our arrival. The best experience!!

Expand
Collapse

9.6

Superb

67 reviews

Check Availability

Ocean View Apartment

Rio Grande

Located in Rio Grande, Ocean View Apartment features a patio. The apartments are air conditioned. Playa Fortuna Beach is 2.1 km away.
Excellent for a family with kids! They even had toys and a pack-and-play. Super comfortable!

expand
Collapse

9.4

Excellent

11 reviews

Check Availability

Beach Front Apartment Rio Mar Puerto Rico

org/PostalAddress”>

Rio Grande

Offering pool views, Beach Front Rio Mar Puerto Rico is located 2.5 km from Playa Fortuna. It features an outdoor pool, a garden and a private beach.
Great apartment complex, quiet and secure. Good facilities and walking distance to the beach. The apartment has everything needed for a wonderful and comfortable stay. Good restaurants nearby .We had a great family time !

Expand
Collapse

9.3

Excellent

98 reviews

Check Availability

One-bedroom Oceanfront Villa at Rio Mar

Rio Grande

One-bedroom Oceanfront Villa at Rio Mar is located in Rio Grande. It offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a restaurant and a garden with an outdoor pool.
Beaches and pools are very nice quiet and relaxing

expand
Collapse

Excellent

38 reviews

Check Availability

Cozy suite at cocobeach , not pets 120 per night more than two nights

org/PostalAddress”>

Rio Grande

Boasting accommodation with a patio, Cozy suite at cocobeach, not pets 120 per night more than two nights is set in Rio Grande.
The bed was comfortable and Location was excellent. Place was spotless

expand
Collapse

8.1

Very good

9reviews

Check Availability

Cocobeach Cabin

Rio Grande

Featuring a garden, a terrace, and a tennis court, Cocobeach Cabin offers accommodation in Rio Grande with free WiFi and mountain views.
Super safe location. Very clean and comfortable. Will definitely stay again.

expand
Collapse

8.8

Fantastic

9 reviews

Check Availability

All apartments in Rio Grande Looking for an apartment?

Looking for an apartment?

An apartment or an apartment is an excellent choice for guests who value privacy. It has furniture, a kitchen and bedrooms, so if you are traveling with a group or family, you can cook dinner together, and everyone can relax in their own room. Apartments or flats are rented for both short and long term.