Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico > Puerto Rico Destinations > Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Island hopping, hiking, nature reserve, bioluminescent bay, secluded beaches and the gateway to Vieques & Culebra

Fajardo is a municipality on the east coast of Puerto Rico just 45 minutes from the capital city of San Juan and the main airport. Fajardo is a great home base for those that wish to go island hopping to the cays and offshore islands of Vieques & Culebra. One of the most popular attractions is Laguna Grande, a bright bioluminescent bay, one of the few in the world. Fajardo is home to the one of the most desirable resorts in Puerto Rico, El Conquistador – A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Outside the resort, adventurers can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and touring a beautiful nature reserve. El Yunque Rainforest is a short drive from Fajardo.

Why we love Fajardo: Home to El Conquistador Resort, one of our favorite and best rated resorts in Puerto Rico, offering guests the exclusive use of the gorgeous secluded island of Palomino. Great location to explore Vieques & Culebra without having to stay overnight by taking the ferry.

Can’t miss attractions: Las Cabezas de San Juan, Laguna Grande biolumiescent bay, Icacos Cay, Seven Seas Beach, La Escondida Beach and La Colora Beach. El Yunque Rainforest is a short drive away from Fajardo. Old San Juan is 45 minutes away. Make sure to check out the map of Fajardo included below.

Things to do in Fajardo / Guided Tours: Schedule a night kayak tour of the bioluminescent bay, go swimming and snorkeling at Icacos Cay, hiking on the trails leading to the secluded beaches of Playa Colora and Playa Escondida (not swimming beaches), day trip to Culebra and spend the day at Flamenco Beach.

Please note: We have to be honest here. Compared to other towns of Puerto Rico, the condition of the town is actually disappointing, it looks run down. The attractions and things to do make up for it in our opinion. The ferry terminal, although operational, visually it needs a total overhaul, there are many abandoned homes in residential areas and many scenic areas that has much potential as tourist / entertaining areas really need TLC and cleaned up. If you can overlook those things and focus on the main attractions which are very nice you’ll have a wonderful time. The wonderful resort experience, Palomino Island, the bioluminescent bay and offshore experiences certainly take Fajardo to the top of the list.