Named after the prickly pears that once covered the area, this historic lighthouse makes for a scenic stop. Built in 1892, it is perched high above the ocean, with sweeping views over the dramatic coastline. The lighthouse is closed to the public but there's a small museum displaying Taíno artifacts. Pair it with the neighboring Reserva Natural Humedal Punta Tuna.
Faro Punta Tuna
El Yunque & East Coast
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
22.03 MILES
El Yunque National Forest is one of Puerto Rico’s crown jewels with nearly 29,000 acres of lush, mountainous terrain scattered with waterfalls, rushing…
29.96 MILES
Locals claim that the magnificent Bahía Mosquito (Mosquito Bay), a designated wildlife preserve located on the island of Vieques, about 2 miles east of…
29.38 MILES
The St Christopher canyon is so unexpected – both in location and appearance – that it takes many a breath away. The deep green chasm seemingly drops out…
28.94 MILES
Part of Puerto Rico's national park system, this half-moon-shaped bay, less than a half-mile east of Esperanza, is the island’s balneario (public beach),…
Reserva Natural Humedal Punta Tuna
0.84 MILES
This lush wetland reserve spans 1.4 miles of coastline, just north of the Faro Punta Tuna. Interpretive trails through the mangroves and along the beach…
28.98 MILES
Along with its must-visit kioskos, Luquillo is synonymous with its fabulous – and hugely popular – beach. Set on a calm, northwest-facing bay and…
Reserva Natural Humacao Efraín Archilla Díez
13.38 MILES
Almost 3200 acres of former sugarcane plantation has been given back to nature at this gem of a nature reserve. Mangroves and palm trees provide shade for…
Medio Mundo y Daguao Reserva Natural
25.24 MILES
Pioneering nonprofit Para la Naturaleza acquired 3408 acres of land in the Roosevelt Roads US Navy base for conservation purposes. Currently, it offers…
Nearby El Yunque & East Coast attractions
1. Reserva Natural Humedal Punta Tuna
0.84 MILES
This lush wetland reserve spans 1.4 miles of coastline, just north of the Faro Punta Tuna. Interpretive trails through the mangroves and along the beach…
2. Centro Educativo Amigos de las Tortugas Marinas
1.25 MILES
A project of the nonprofit ATMAR, this one-room nature center is jam-packed with exhibits on Puerto Rico's various sea turtles. Skulls, shells and even…
10.27 MILES
A scruffy but uncrowded strip of beach near the Centro Vacacional Punta Guilarte. Be aware that the waters here do suffer from pollution. It’s about 3km…
11.85 MILES
The elaborately carved former customs house is filled with Morse memorabilia. Call ahead as hours vary and the building is often closed for ‘renovations.’
5. Area Recreativa Charco Azul
12.17 MILES
This is a great stop for a picnic if you're passing through the forest, and you can stroll to the Charco Azul natural pool via the appropriately named…
6. Area Recreativa Real Patillas
12.59 MILES
A potential stopping place on Hwy 184 in the southern half of Bosque Estatal de Carite with the standard facilities of areas recreativas (recreational…
7. Reserva Natural Humacao Efraín Archilla Díez
13.38 MILES
Almost 3200 acres of former sugarcane plantation has been given back to nature at this gem of a nature reserve. Mangroves and palm trees provide shade for…
13.83 MILES
Bosque Estatal de Carite is a forest reserve located less than an hour's drive south of San Juan. It's most famous for the dozens of lechoneras …