Things to Do in Luquillo, Puerto Rico
Luquillo attracts visitors from far and wide for two reasons. One is its beautiful public beach, commonly referred to as Playa Luquillo, although its proper name is Balneario La Monserrate. Many consider it one of the finest beaches on the main island. The other reason is for the Luquillo kioskos, more than 50 food vendors serving some of the very best street food available in Puerto Rico.
Luquillo’s town center has an uncommonly large, modern plaza with very little charm, so there’s not much reason to linger here. Instead, head over to the coastal side of town along La Pared, the seawall. On the street side is a cluster of restaurants and bars; on the sea side is a popular surfing spot.
Las Pailas
Las Pailas (also spelled Las Paylas) is a natural waterslide located in a mountain stream behind a residential neighborhood near El Yunque. It’s a lot of fun for those adventurous enough to give it a try. Take note, though: This not an official attraction and there are no safety measures in place, so go at your own risk. The slide is formed by a river that cascades over a smooth but rocky descent that bottoms out in a chest-deep pool of crystal-clear water. Some locals even slide down on their bellies or on their feet.
From San Juan, take PR 3 east to Luquillo, turn right on PR 992, left on PR 991, and then right on PR 983. The drive is about 50 kilometers (31 mi) from San Juan, but it will take 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Look for a chain-link fence posted with signs that say “Las Paylas” and “Finca Privada.” Pull in to one of the two parking areas in front of a private home, and pay the attendant $5 to park (cash only). Walk through the carport, where you can use the bathroom for $0.25 or buy fruit-flavored limbers (Italian ice) for $1. To reach the slide, walk about 10 minutes along an uneven path riddled with rocks and tree roots. Once you reach the water, there are large boulders big enough to spread out picnics and watch the action.
Beaches
Playa Luquillo
Playa Luquillo, or Balneario La Monserrate, is the kind of place people dream of when they envision an island paradise. A thick grove of tall, shady coconut palm trees sway in the breeze over a mile-long wide crescent of pristine sand gently lapped by the Atlantic Ocean. The only signs of civilization are a clean, modern complex of bathrooms and showers, some covered picnic shelters, and a couple of snack bars serving fritters and piña coladas. This beach is ideal for young children because the waves are very small.
The only drawback to this idyllic spot is that it gets packed with beachgoers on weekends, holidays, and during the summer, when beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and lifeguards keep an eye on things. If you want solitude, visit on a weekday during the low season, and you’ll practically have the place to yourself.
Camping (787/889-5871 for reservations, $10, $17 with electricity and water) is permitted in a grassy area with picnic tables and grills on the western side.
Mar Sin Barreras
On the far eastern side of Playa Luquillo is Mar Sin Barreras (Sea Without Barriers), a staffed, wheelchair-accessible beach that caters to visitors with disabilities. In addition to a system of ramps that permits those in wheelchairs to roll right into the water, there are accessible bathrooms, showers, parking, and picnic shelters. The facility also provides specialized wheelchairs and floatation devices for entering the water.
La Selva Natural Reserve
Although Playa Luquillo gets all the attention, it isn’t the only beach in Luquillo. La Selva Natural Reserve, a designated nature preserve, is a 3,240-acre tract comprising wetlands, mangroves, coastal forest, and pristine beaches ideal for swimming and surfing—just beware of the reefs.
This is an important nesting site for leatherback turtles. Do not walk here at night when turtles are laying their eggs, and do not disturb nests or interfere with hatchlings making their way to the water. Swimmers are advised to check the National Weather Service (www.weather.gov/sju) for the daily rip current forecast before going into the water.
Playa Azul
In the town of Luquillo, along PR 193, is Playa Azul, a sandy crescent beach great for swimming and snorkeling. Parking is limited, and there are no facilities besides a few street vendors selling snacks. Farther east on Calle Herminio Diaz Navarro is La Pared, a great surfing spot adjacent to a picturesque seawall, just one block from Luquillo’s central plaza.
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