Luquillo, Puerto Rico

Luquillo (loo-KEE-yo) a municipality of Puerto Rico is located in the northeast coast, northwest of Fajardo about 20 miles or 45 min to an hour drive east from San Juan.  There is no argument that Luquillo offers one of the most stunning beaches and outstanding Balnearios in all of Puerto Rico.

Luquillo, Puerto Rico, founded in 1797, is known as "La Capital del Sol" (sun capital) and "La Riviera de Puerto Rico" (Puerto Rico's Riviera) and was named after the Indian cacique Loquillo, who died in 1513 a few years after the last Indian rebellion. However Luquillo is a Spanish adaptation of Yukiyu, the god believed by the Taínos to inhabit El Yunque.

This beach town is in the center of many activities like beach festivals, surfing competitions, and the annual "Festival de Platos Tipicos" where you can sample the many cooking recipes of Puerto Rico.

A plantation of majestic coconut palms shades more than a mile of fine and shimmering sand combine with the hazy mountains of the rainforest soaring in the distance and one of the most popular and nicest public beaches in the North East area Luquillo Beach.

Beautiful palm tree lined crescent beach with bay like conditions. Visit the neighboring kiosks for native treats. Parking, restrooms and refreshments are available at these public facilities.

But don't lose track of time. Puerto Rico's tropical sun beats almost straight down and can be very strong at any time of year. Protect yourself with a good sun lotion or protector.

Luquillo's offshore reefs keep the waters calm and tranquil so that families can enjoy the water knowing that the lifeguards are on duty and that rough waters and surfing is far away.

Luquillo, Puerto Rico is proud to have the only beach in the world with access for people with disabilities called "Mar sin Barreras" (No Barriers Sea). 

Enjoy Puerto Rico's best local fast foods while enjoying the beach. Everything from 'Empanadillas' to 'Piraguas' (snow cones) and Piña Coladas (virgin coladas available for kids) are sold here at the various food kiosks throughout.

Monserrate Beach is one of the public beaches most frequented by the locals has been designated a Blue Flag Beach. You pay $4 for parking and walk to the beach.

There is camping allowed on the grassy area. You need a permit to camp. However If you want to go camping on a quiet beach, don't go here on a summer weekend. The camping area is packed and every square inch has a tent, a very popular thing for the locals.

During the cooler months, Monserrate Beach is “closed” Monday and Tuesday, just park outside the gates and walk in. There are no services available, but the beach is still great and there will be almost nobody. 

For information contact the Administration Office of the Balneario La Monserrate: 787-889-5871 or Puerto Rico Tourism Company at 787-721-2400.

La Pared Beach a small stretch of beach in front of the wall/railing is a great place to teach people how to surf. It is a very popular beach for surfing in Luquillo, because almost year long it has good waves and its bottom is sand. A nice 3-5 foot wave with different size breaks within sets. The water is warm, sandy, and clean.

Playa Azul is a fun, safe area and is known for its good snorkeling just minutes away to the Balneario de Luquillo (Luquillo Beach). Perfect for body surfing, sunbathing, or strolling. The seawater is a beautiful shade of light blue and is clear.

There are many places to eat in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. Since Luquillo is a 'resort' town for locals as well, there are many short term apartment rentals in the condominiums, especially Playa Azul.

Your next turn should be a right onto Route 191, leading to El Yunque Recreation Area in the Caribbean National Forest, the only tropical rain forest in the National Forest System. Properly, El Yunque is a peak within the forest, but the name El Yunque is commonly used for the whole area.

Route 191 is a mountain road, a solid hill of switchbacks and sharp curves, where you drop to five miles an hour because you can't see beyond the cliff you're circling.

If you want to take a break from the gorgeous beaches check out Hacienda Carabali (http://www.haciendacarabalipuertorico.com) with  dynamic 600 acres at the foothills of the El Yunque Forest. They count with horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking, and go-karts entertaiment for the whole family. Call 787-889-5820 for more information and schedules.

Where to Stay in Luquillo

There are hundred of condos available in the area and you will have a hard time getting one during summer time without a reservation.

Map Puerto Rico provides most of Luquillo, Puerto Rico information as accurate as possible but keep in mind that changes beyond our control may make some of this information inaccurate. If you have questions or want to report problems to us, please contact us.