This trip begins at the border of Fajardo & Ceiba in the east. I love this trip because the stops are full of history and charm. Also, the scenery is fantastic, full of stretches of road with a view of the Caribbean. El Malecon in Naguabo is a fun stop for food & drink, and to see some historic ruins along the water.
Time:
Without stopping, the drive is about 90 minutes, but I would plan on taking a day for this trip so you have time for photos, maybe lunch in Naguabo and dinner in Patillas.
Notes:
Traffic on weekends and holidays is also very heavy on this trip so plan accordingly. This drive ends in Patillas. You could either return following the map, or continue to the west until you reach Highway 52. Highway 52 takes you north through the middle of the island, ending in San Juan.
El Tunel de Guajataca is a step back into history, to a time when a railroad circled the island, moving sugar cane and passengers. Once you approach the northwest corner of the island, you will be greeted with stunning western views of the ocean. The west is known for surfing and incredible sunsets. For this reason you may want to make this an overnight trip! Rincon is located on the western most portion of the island. It is a popular destination for Americans, with a diverse selection of restaurants and bars.
Time:
If you drive straight through, plan on a 90 minutes drive. I would recommend spending a day on this trip to enjoy some of the beaches, and take in the sunset over dinner in Rincon.
Notes:
Like most scenic drives, traffic can be heavier on weekends and especially holidays. Rincon is about 2 1/2 hours from San Juan so it may be worth it to spend the night if you want to enjoy the sunset.
Dorado is home to the wealthiest Puerto Ricans and has some excellent restaurants as well as nice beaches and a lovely Plaza. Further along the drive you can experience rocky beaches and limestone cliffs. Make sure your camera is ready as the scenery is begging to be photographed. Be sure to bring hiking shoes and use care when climbing the limestone cliffs. Some areas are not for beginners or the faint of heart!
Time:
Without traffic or stops, the drive is 90 minutes to 2 hours. But I would plan on 6 hours to a full day to get the most out of this trip. I do recommend stopping at Bocata for excellent Mojitos and BBQ!
Notes:
Traffic can be very heavy on weekends & holidays. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors. The drive ends in Arecibo area where there are some wonderful restaurants to enjoy dinner. From here, you can take Highway 22 back towards San Juan or your home.
On this tour you will notice the different climate in the southwest of the island. Don’t be surprised to see cacti along with the palm trees. Tamarindo Beach in Guanica is one of my favorites, I could spend the day there, and the drive to the secluded beach is gorgeous. You can easily spend a day near the Cabo Rojo light house as well. There are several beaches as well as hikes so bring appropriate footwear! Boqueron can also be a destination to spend some time exploring. The beach front town is quaint, and the best is busy, but full of activities.
Time:
This drive, without stops, is almost 2 hours, but this is a trip that could be done in a jam-packed day or spread it over 2 days to get the most of this area.
Notes:
Guanica is where many of the earthquakes of early 2020 were centered. You can see some remnants of the damage, but maybe even feel a small shock as they continue to have small earthquakes.