Puerto Rico: Coastal Scenic Drive on Route 901
Here is the interesting thing about Puerto Rico. Being a small island, the weather reports are pretty similar for everywhere. A lot of “sunny with a chance of rain.” On our last day, when it started raining on our resort, we were determined to see if we could escape it.
Our server from the previous night had told us not to miss a scenic drive along the Coastal Highway 901 (PR-901), which is on the southeast side of the island. After I looked at a radar reading for the area, we decided it would be the perfect way to go. I did some quick googling, and not much information was available for this drive; it was certainly going to be more of an uncharted adventure for us.
So, if you go to Puerto Rico, definitely include this loop in your plans. It is gorgeous, but definitely more rural. Technically, the highway is considered “temporary,” so be sure to check road conditions before you go.
The drive along PR-901 included fruit stands, rural neighborhoods, gorgeous vistas, interesting beaches, the Punta Tuna Lighthouse in Maunabo, and a wonderful restaurant perched on a cliff – also recommended by a local friend originally from Puerto Rico. (Always listen to locals even when they have moved away!) I wish I could tell you exactly where the restaurant was, but it has no website and is listed incorrectly everywhere you look on the web. But it is called El Nuevo Horizonte, and you will see it if you drive the way I described above. On the left. Off a cliff. With umbrellas and chairs perched to overlook the ocean. Delicious.
Further around the bend, the Punta Tuna lighthouse was stunning – although only a quick visit to the actual lighthouse is required.
Unless you want to see amazingly orange little crab creatures.
The real bonus of that area was the beach down below, which felt oh-so-remote. We just played there for hours. As evidenced by Bryan. And his bone.
Which he used to break open this coconut.
The other thing I loved was meeting this fisherman, who only spoke Spanish, but still showed Declan how to fling his net. Total magic.
I can’t believe I have to stop writing about this very special vacation. Thank goodness the photos bring me back there in an instant.
Right down the the tiniest grains of sand.
Puerto Rico, we *will* be back!
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This trip was partially sponsored by the Rio Mar Wyndham Resort in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
We thank them for their hospitality!
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Amy – these pictures are stunning….Puerto Rico is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited….just magic. Love that you had such a wonderful time. It might even beat our balloon ride.
Wow! Amazing as always, Aimee!!
I didn’t know you were married to Crocodile Dundee.
I’m so glad you had another Puerto Rico post in you. The descriptions and pix make me want to take my own family!
Puerto Rico has never been on my list of places to visit but I think I’m going to have to make my way down there someday! Amazing pics!
So glad there was one more. Thanks for sharing! – m
Green with envy. Just sayin’ 🙂
My parents are visiting Puerto Rico right now. I’m planning a trip there when the kids are a little older. I won’t leave with photos as incredible as yours, but memories — hopefully!
Beautiful pics! I would love to make it down there. Looks like such a relaxing vacation!
I, too, am sad the recaps are over. Where are you going on your next adventure???
Amazing – totally amazing photos – thanks for sharing!
We visited Puerto Rico a couple of years ago with our four kids. They still talk about the iguanas..the roosters pecking about while we ate, the coconut drink, and our walk through the rain forest with low blood sugar! 🙂 We’re going back again for sure too! Chris Ann
These are beautiful! I really want to go somewhere tropical now!
these pictures are absolutely amazing!!! so happy that you guys had such a great time!
I am cracking up over Bryan and the bone!!!! And then I go and look at the other photos – how could you mow mention all those iguanas?? What was THAT about???
I love the pictures, Aimee… They are gorgeous, as usual!
I love that you have shown us that there are so many wonderful things to do in PR other than just lay on the beach and bake. What a dream vacation!
After seeing & hearing about your trip, I’ve added Puerto Rico to my list of places to visit.
what beautiful photos you took. I have an affinity for lighthouses so I’m a bit impartial to my favorite 🙂
I love the coconut shot! That is so fun that he cracked it open himself!
These are so amazing pic…I really like this one…
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The snail show in your photo ( glabata sp?) is the one that carries schistosomiasis. a liver fluke which enters the skin and ends up in your intestine walls or liver…. The PR Health Dept. no longer acknowledges their presence but that does not stop them from infecting people who swim in the lowland rivers. NO fresh water unless very nigh in the mountains should be touched, waded in nor swum in. also called bilharzia.