City: Rio Grande
Top Things to do in Rio Grande
10 Things to Do in Rio Grande That You Shouldn't Miss
Río Grande is a municipality of Puerto Rico located in the Northern Coastal Valley, north of Las Piedras, Naguabo and Ceiba; east of Loíza and Canóvanas and west of Luquillo. Río Grande is spread over eight wards and Río Grande Pueblo.
Restaurants in Rio Grande
1. Rainforest Zipline Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 388 reviews
Reviewed By Beth M
I was in Puerto Rico recently visiting my son who is working as a lineman in the area post-Maria. Ziplining was on my "bucket list" but being a newbie, I was definitely nervous. The staff was extremely kind and patient when it came to dealing with an inexperienced middle-aged lady. No one in my group had ever ziplined and we ranged from 21 to 55. The different levels of each line helped make me feel comfortable with each longer line. I would definitely recommend this for families or beginners. It has lots to offer without being terrifying. Soaring over the forest for a couple of minutes was amazing! Most tourists spots are open, so PLEASE take advantage of this amazing area! The local people are ready to help you enjoy your time in the area. Thanks, Rain Forest for helping me check another thing off the list!
2. Carabali Rainforest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Hacienda Carabali started 1972. As the years have progressed we have expanded to give great service to tourists and locals by our ATV, Horseback Riding, and Mountain Biking Tours, Restaurant and our Go-Karts Track!
Reviewed By lynmof - Minnesota
Our tour guides were Fernando and Luis - highly recommend them. The horses were well broke and safe. Our group had riders from 16 years old to 76 years old. Loved how our guides kept safety as the top priority, while providing information regarding the area and history. Highly recommend for all ages!
3. Caribbean Trading Company Store
Overall Ratings
5 based on 178 reviews
On your way to El Yunque. Discover the treasures of the Caribbean and Puerto Rico! Caribbean Spices & Sauces, Fresh Puerto Rican Coffee, Fine Premium Cigars, Nautical & Tropical Gifts, Exquisite Gift Baskets, and Local Art. #Caribbeantrading
Reviewed By Lilmsxray
I've stopped at this store both times after my El Junque hike. They have local artisan items, beautiful jewelry, great selection . The staff is very friendly and helpful . Alexandra was wonderful. She helped us with our purchases. Make sure you try the free coffee and hot sauce tasting too. Thank you for being tourist friendly.
4. Louie's VIP Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 404 reviews
Reviewed By Ashley T
Louie was such a knowledgeable and kind person, he kept us engaged and laughing the entire trip. He goes into tons of detail not only about the rain forest sites, but also about the plants and flowers you find. He also gives you great history and recommendations while driving to and from the forest. He told us where to eat, where to party, and how to get to local attractions by public transit.
The tour itself has a nice assortment, and the "hiking" isn't bad. It's about a 30 minute walk to the waterfall from where he leaves you, and 30 minutes from there until the end, with a 30 minute resting period to hang out and take a dip in the waterfall. If you're an avid hiker and like a challenge, this would probably be too easy for you, but it fits any other skill type.
I emailed him just two days before the tour date and he made room for me; he is very prompt when responding. And he generally just goes above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time. This tour was honestly the highlight of my trip.
5. Monserrate Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By debbythec - mattapoisett, ma
I love this beach! It has perfect waves, sandy bottom, beautiful aqua blue waters, shade on the beach and coconut trees along the shore. We were surprised little had been done to fix the parking lot since the hurricane. This is usually a very crowded beach. It was very empty when we visited and all the bathrooms and snack shacks are closed. You can still walk down to the numbered stalls but it is a long walk and they only let you use the bathroom if you buy something. We brought a hammock and tied it up between 2 coconut trees, bring good beach chairs and maybe a float or even pool noodles to leisurely enjoy this gorgeous beach!
6. Coqui International
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Pamela T - Dade City, Florida
Fun place to shop near Wyndham's Margaritaville! You will find local artists' wares including beautiful painted furniture, jewelry, pottery, textiles, and much,much more! Ask Tom, the owner, to see his beautiful outdoor garden where you can sit and enjoy the flowers. A great shopping experience!
7. The El Yunque National Forest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By AugustaMontreal - Montreal, Canada
You need a car. I cannot stress this enough
Cabs cannot get into the rainforest (apparently) - not sure why, but that's what we were told.
We were staying at the Hyatt, not too far away and took the trek to see this spectacular place
First thing you want to do is go talk to Jesus at the visitors center- who if we weren't married for eternity i would propose, i love this man.
He is not only a pleasure to chat with - he will give you all the info you need, in a short 5 minute spiel of what is where/how to get there etc. The rainforest is DAYS of exploration, so, if you are like us and are only going for a few hours - his info session will help you determine what exactly you want to see. He cut a piece of freshly pulled ginger for me!!! IT WAS FABULOUS! also more potent that what we get at the store :).
We chose the top of the mountain lookout, the waterfall and one more item which i frankly forgot (it's been 8 mths - i forgot to review ealier, my bad)
The lookout is at the top - you can drive pretty much most of the way, then have a 45 min hike upwards through the forest, then you go up a road, and it splits right/left. Right is the lookout, left is the top of the mountain. If you do it from the visitors center i think it was a 12 hour hike. Make sure to bring water bottles (and a celebratory beer or 2) and good hiking shoes - it's a rainforest so it's slippery. Anyways, you should not be rushing through - enjoy the experience! And when you get to the lookout enjoy those beers! (DO NOT LITTER!!! there are garbage cans on the way down. Use them. Unlike some idiots we ran across)
The lookout is breathtaking - When we got to the top, it was very misty and you could not see anything but it cleared up by the time we had our beer and then you have such a range of view. If you are there at the right time you'll get to see some birds, and maybe monkeys etc -- we were not as lucky :(
Another 45 minute hike down to the car - we then went to the waterfall. Cold, but oh so delicious. A popular spot but people are friendly and share the space. Watch out in the pool where the waterfall is - there are some crazy rocks. Also - it's fun to challenge yourself to swim under the waterfall, it pushes you back but you can make it!
All the hiking down and up definitely works up an appetite. You will find stands on the roadways selling food, drink and souvenirs. Only a couple though so if you see them, stop - it is a rainforest after all, not a mall!
Honestly - if you love nature this is an absolute must. It's such a beautiful place and there are so many things to see. The smell of the plants alone was something special!
I remember now - our 3 item was another lookout tower - it had different views than the one at the top, and was just as breathtaking!
My favourite experience of the trip - Strongly recommend.
8. JungleQui Rainforest EcoAdventure Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 454 reviews
JungleQui Zip Line Park at El Yunque National Forest is the destination that has all for family and friends looking for safe and fun adventure. You will experience firsthand beautiful hiking trails and the thrill ride of seven Carbon Fiber Zip lines and one free fall rappel, as you enjoy aerial views of the lush Rain Forest flora. After your zip line adventure is over, indulge yourself in one of 3 of the most beautiful Natural Pools Puerto Rico has to offer! Talented guides add to the Fun! Make the most out of your vacation and visit JungleQui Zip Line Park, one of the most visited places in Puerto Rico.
Reviewed By adeleinva - Alexandria, Virginia
We really enjoyed the ziplines. They are nicely designed and connected, with two especially fun river crossings. Staff were really good. I wouldn't say this is the most crazy thrilling altitude-change zipline you'll find, but the surroundings are good and we had a great time. Preceeding by a nice nature hike.
Two of us did the tubing. Don't recommend it -- water is a little low and they both came back scraped up from rocks. The pools are nice to swim in, included in the ziplining.
9. Balneario Luquillo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By SuzeeQL - Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey
What a great way to spend an afternoon after the rain forest or to just pack a cooler and hang out. We felt safe here. The sand is soft, the water was warm and we had a bit of wind and waves. We dug down in the water and found many live sand dollars. Parking is free and you might hear the music depending upon the spot you pick.
10. Yokahu Observation Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 770 reviews
A tower in El Yunque offering a sweeping view of the rainforest.
Reviewed By Baltzer - Halifax, Canada
This tower allows you to get the most enjoyment for the least amount of work - which makes it a very popular location.
I managed to get a parking spot in the parking lot, but please note, this area will fill up fast. In addition to regular vehicles, hoards of people are constantly being dropped off by tour buses from San Juan.
Climbing up to the top of the tower will reward you with great views. The stair cases are spiral, and not very wide. People come up and down the same staircase.
Enjoy the views from the top! If you want to see a video the experience, please check out my YouTube page for the video at "Josh the Travel Guy" Thanks!
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