15 Fun Things to do in Río Grande, Puerto Rico (And Nearby!)
Puerto Rico’s Río Grande is the gateway to the island’s most epic adventures. A single day here can easily include summiting a misty mountain peak, swimming beneath several waterfalls, zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, spending several hours on the beach and eating local food, followed by a nighttime kayak through a glowing bioluminescent bay.
I know this because I stayed in Rio Grande during my recent Puerto Rico trip—and I’m sharing all my favorite things to do in Rio Grande (and nearby) in this guide! I fell in love with down-to-earth, nature-abundant area of Puerto Rico, and I’m sure you will too!
🙊 Spoiler alert: Many of these fun things to do in Rio Grande are located inside El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the US forest system! Rio Grande is the closest town to El Yunque, so if you’re staying here, you’ll be in for a treat!
📍 Also Read: How to Spend One Perfect Day in El Yunque Rainforest
1. Hike to the peak of Mt. Britton
Located inside El Yunque National Forest (free to visit!), this short but rewarding hike leads you through lush rainforest to a 1930s stone tower with panoramic views of the rolling Luquillo mountains, sparkling Caribbean ocean, and towns below.
The hike is 1.7 miles roundtrip, with 650 feet of elevation gain. Many parts of Mt. Britton trail are paved, and I found it much easier than expected.
That said, I’d aim to do this hike right as El Yunque Forest opens around 9am each morning so you can beat the mid-day heat and crowds!
🔨 Fun fact: The Mt. Britton tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a program designed to create jobs during the Great Depression. We have the CCC to thank for so many of our trails in the US, including this one!
2. Go zip-lining through the rainforest
Just moments outside of Rio Grande town you can fly through the rainforest canopy with a bird’s-eye view of the vibrant green Luquillo mountains along the way.
There are a lot of zip-line courses in Puerto Rico, but Yunque Ziplining truly has the best views and an amazing team, too!
The 2-hour ziplining experience also includes an optional 50-foot rappel, a short educational hike through the forest with a trek across a hanging canopy bridge.
📍 Be sure to book in advance as this can sell out!
3. Go on a rainforest river cruise with La Paseadora del Río Espíritu Santo
For a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path adventure right in Río Grande town, jump aboard a pontoon boat and cruise the Río Espíritu Santo from the heart of Rio Grande all the way to the Caribbean ocean!
The 2-hour rainforest river cruise is led by La Paseadora del Río Espíritu Santo, a small family-run business that has been exploring the mangrove lined-canals of this river for generations.
It’s as relaxing as it is scenic, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way (turtles, tropical birds, and even alligators) and some intentional quiet moments to take in the surrounding beauty.
The river cruise happens several times a day, but you need to make a reservation in advance!
4. Sail to Icacos Island
Some of the Caribbean’s clearest waters and best snorkeling are just a 20-minute boat ride from eastern Puerto Rico on the uninhabited island of Icacos.
In my opinion, Icacos is a far better day trip compared to the more popular Culebra and Vieques islands. And most importantly (for me), the boat ride to Icacos tends to be much smoother and is significantly shorter…. so no need to worry about sea sickness the way you would if you were sailing the notoriously bumpy route to Vieques.
I highly recommend this half-day catamaran snorkel tour that stops at the most vibrant parts of the coral reef along the way, and gives you free time to swim, explore, and relax on the powdery white sand beaches at Icacos. The tour departs from the port town of Fajardo, about 35 minutes east of Río Grande town.
5. Search for petroglyphs and swim beneath waterfalls at Charco El Hippie
Nestled up against the southern slopes of the El Yunque mountains, Charco El Hippie boasts stunning waterfalls, tranquil pools, and hidden Taíno petroglyphs all in one place!
This unique swimming hole is nearly an hour away from Rio Grande town—but it was one of the top highlights of my recent 4 day Puerto Rico trip (based in Rio Grande!)
It’s technically free to visit, but you’ll pay $5 to park at a family-run parking lot. When you visit, be sure to swim across the main pool and climb up the boulders on the other side to find the 70-foot tall La Canoa Falls and the hidden Taíno petroglyphs. It’s pinned on my free Puerto Rico map!
6. Go on a bioluminescent bay tour at Laguna Grande
Kayaking through one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays is by far one of the most popular things to do in Puerto Rico—no surprise here, it’s freaking magical!!
As you paddle through the water, every stroke triggers a burst of blue-ish light, like liquid stars swirling beneath your kayak (sounds cheesy, but it’s true!)
If you’re staying in Rio Grande, you’re only 35 minutes away from Puerto Rico’s most popular bioluminescent bay, Laguna Grande, so going on a bio bay tour is a no-brainer!
Since you can only visit Laguna Grande with a certified local guide (and tours sell out in advance), book your spot sooner rather than later. This tour with Kayaking Puerto Rico is my top recommendation—it’s a locally owned eco-tourism company that has been hosting daily kayak tours through Laguna Grande since 2007.
7. Eat your way through the Luquillo Kiosks
Rio Grande’s neighbor, Luquillo is home to some of the best street food on the island at the iconic Luquillo Kiosks—60+ family-owned businesses just steps from golden sand Luquillo Beach.
If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying local lunch, head straight to Rellena’o (kiosk #33) for mouthwatering loaded mofongos and a peek-a-book view of the ocean!
If you haven’t heard of mofongo, it’s a traditional Puerto Rican dish made from mashed plantains (or cassava) that are deep fried and topped with your choice of meat (or eggplant for vegans like me!), flavor-packed sauces, and crunchy plantain or pork rinds.
I got the yuca mofongo (the plantain mofongo here contains meat) topped with eggplant, pineapple chimichurri, and crunchy plantains. It was the perfect comfort food!
8. Swim beneath Juan Diego Falls
Less than a 5 minute walk from the main road through El Yunque National Forest, Juan Diego Falls is a must-visit spot on this part of this island!
The small but beautiful waterfall is surrounded by dense jungle foliage and features a small pool perfect for a refreshing swim (it’s not as cold as I expected!)
And if you’re willing to do some mild rock climbing you can find a second, much taller waterfall a short distance up-river!
Just keep in mind that since this waterfall is so accessible from the road (and free to visit), it gets insanely crowded! Try to get here around the time El Yunque opens (9am) to beat the crowds, or visit in the late afternoon before the park closes (5:30pm).
9. Slide down a waterfall at Las Pailas
This natural waterslide on the eastern side of El Yunque is a local hidden gem that’s gaining rapid popularity amongst visitors—and for good reason!
The ‘waterslide’ is a 30-foot-long waterfall that rushes down a smoothed boulder, with a few fun twists and turns. It’s not as scary (or painful) as it sounds, but definitely isn’t for everyone!
You’ll also find a large natural pool and another smaller waterfall slide a little further down stream. To visit Las Pailas, you’ll need to pay $10 for parking to a local family, plus $1 per person. Be sure to bring cash!
10. Climb Yokahú Tower
Located right off the road near the entrance to El Yunque National Forest, Yokahú Tower is a must-visit spot when exploring the national forest.
The 69-foot historic tower features stunning panoramic views of the ocean and rainforest. And if you’re wondering, yes, it’s worth visiting even if you also hike to the Mt. Britton tower—the two towers feature different views!
11. Spend an afternoon at Playa Piñones
Playa Piñones was the most beautiful beach I visited during my trip to Rio Grande. It’s located northwest of Rio Grande in Loíza, which is the vibrant hub of Afro-Caribbean culture in Puerto Rico.
The beach itself is absolutely stunning with soft, golden sand along a curved bay with views of a foliage-covered peninsula shooting out into the turquoise ocean. And best of all, the beach has small, gentle waves so it’s perfect for swimming or wading!
🥾 Bonus Adventure: Cueva Escondida, which literally translates to hidden cave, is just a 5-10 minute walk from the northern end of Playa Piñones. Follow the directions on Google Maps and make sure you have proper footwear to navigate the sharp rocks and rugged landscapes.
12. Taste fresh açaí at Degree 18 Juice Bar
My consumption of fruit always skyrockets anytime I’m somewhere tropical—and Puerto Rico is no different! I was pleased to find some delicious acai bowls and smoothies at Degree 18 Juice Bar in Palmer, which is Rio Grande’s neighboring town.
If you’re not familiar with acai, its a nutrient-dense berry that’s often blended with juice to create a thick smoothie bowl, and topped with all sorts of goodies like fresh mango, strawberries, and granola. I love adding peanut butter to my acai bowls!
The acai bowl I had here was really creamy and refreshing (but I will admit nothing beats the best acai places I’ve discovered in Kauai and Oahu’s North Shore!)
13. Watch the sunset at Luquillo Beach
Golden-sand Luquillo Beach is a lovely beach just outside of Rio Grande in Luquillo—and only steps from the iconic Luquillo kiosks (so you have to visit both!!)
I found Luquillo Beach to be quite a bit more busy than Playa Piñones, but I love the friendly local vibe—and it’s a great spot to watch the sunset!
14. Stay at an eco B&B in Rio Grande
Tucked between two serene rivers in a quiet part of Rio Grande, Dos Augas is perhaps the best place to stay in Rio Grande (especially if you prefer small, local accommodations over big resorts!)
We got a glimpse of the beautiful property on our Río Espiritu Santo boat ride and if the scenery wasn’t enough, our guide told us that this eco-luxury B&B has kayaks and paddle boards so you can explore the river on your own, plus daily vegan breakfast (that sold it for me!), and riverside yoga.
I wish I had know about this place before we booked our trip—it’s certainly on the top of my list of places to stay if I head back to this part of northeast Puerto Rico! And if you’re intrigued too, check out the B&B here!
15. Go horseback riding with Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park
Another highly recommended thing to do nearby is going horseback riding through the rainforest all the way to Luquillo Beach. Although I didn’t get to do this myself, locals kept telling us that this experience with Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park was the thing to do.
And since 98% of the 3,600+ verified reviewers recommend the experience on Viator, I had to add it to this list even though I haven’t tried it myself!
If you try it out, please let me know how if it lives up to the hype—I’d love to hear in the comments of this article or via email.
More Puerto Rico Travel Guides:
- My recommended 4 Day Puerto Rico itinerary 🇵🇷
- The perfect one-day El Yunque itinerary 🌿
- A First Timer’s Guide to Las Pailas Waterslide, Puerto Rico
- A First Timer’s Guide to Charco El Hippie, Puerto Rico
Save this article for later on Pinterest:
