A Local’s Guide to Puerto Rico’s Towns
While Old San Juan is a destination you can’t miss, small Puerto Rico towns outside the metropolitan region offer plenty of fun places to explore and discover.
As a Puerto Rico local, I love traveling and finding unique sites around the 78 municipalities. In fact, I even wrote a whole Puerto Rico ebook!
So, I can tell you firsthand that exploring small towns in Puerto Rico will enrich your time on the island. Not to mention, they’re some of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico!
Whether they’re on the coast, in the mountainous center, or outside the main island, here are my picks of the best small Puerto Rico towns to explore during your next trip.
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22 Best Small Towns in Puerto Rico
Maunabo
A coastal municipio with beautiful beaches and a historical lighthouse.
While many of the best cities in Puerto Rico are on the west side, the east side of the island boasts hidden gems like Maunabo.
Maunabo is a coastal municipality with a small village vibe that offers a relaxing atmosphere for stressed-out workers.
Located on the coast, the Punta Tuna Wetlands Nature Reserve is one of the top sites to hike in Puerto Rico and offers a quiet getaway from the city.
There is also a popular fishing site in the Emajagua neighborhood known as Villa Pesquera where you can enjoy the sunset.
Maunabo is one of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico if you’re planning on exploring Puerto Rico’s East Region, and it’s also less crowded than Fajardo or Humacao.
Ponce
A San Juan twin city without the crowds and the high prices.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Places to Stay in Ponce
Ponce is one of the most popular Puerto Rico cities for its multiple attractions, convenient location, and overall budget-friendly hotels.
Besides being a touristy destination, Ponce is also home to a large population of ex-pats.
Among all the fun things to do in Ponce, you’ll find great beaches and landmarks like Parque de Bombas, one of the best activities in Puerto Rico for history enthusiasts.
Ponce’s restaurants and food stalls also offer top-notch gastronomy for foodies.
Isabela
A beach town with a Caribbean vibe and top-notch beaches for surfing.
Isabela is a city with a laid-back atmosphere and a beautiful coast full of some of the best beaches for surfing, snorkeling, fishing, and diving in Puerto Rico.
There are a lot of things to do in Isabela for outdoor lovers and it’s also one of the most budget-friendly cities in Puerto Rico.
If you’re afraid to stay right next to the sea, then you’ll be happy to hear that Isabela is a city with coastal cliffs.
This makes it possible to have an ocean view, but without directly hearing the waves every night.
San Germán
The second oldest city in Puerto Rico with unique architecture and history.
The second oldest city in Puerto Rico, San Germán is hands down one of the most charming cities on the island.
The city hosts a historic district with more than a hundred buildings with colonial architecture.
Although similar to Old San Juan with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, San Germán is more relaxed and less crowded, making it a paradise for history buffs.
Since it’s located in the west region, public transportation doesn’t reach San Germán. So, you need to rent a car in Puerto Rico to drive there.
Cabo Rojo
Puerto Rico’s top destination to see breathtaking sunsets.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Located three hours away from San Juan, Cabo Rojo is the perfect destination for nature lovers.
With everything from breathtaking beaches to a unique nature reserve, the popular things to do in Cabo Rojo attract thousands of visitors every year.
Boquerón is one of the neighborhoods where you can stay to enjoy a beachside experience with lots of food and colorful sunsets.
For more, check out my guide to the best beaches in Cabo Rojo.
Aguadilla
Home to some of the best beaches on the island, Aguadilla is every beach buff’s ideal town.
Aguadilla is located in Puerto Rico’s northwest and it’s one of the best Puerto Rico cities to live in and visit.
While somewhat touristy, especially because of its famous Crash Boat Beach, one of Puerto Rico’s best beaches, Aguadilla still has a calm tropical island lifestyle that beach buffs will love.
Although rentals are high-priced, you can find overall budget-friendly food and many free things to do in Aguadilla.
Toa Alta
A mountainous municipality with plenty of outdoors to explore.
Toa Alta is one of those cities in Puerto Rico that visitors tend to skip during their trip, but if you’re looking to escape the chaos of the metropolitan area just a short drive from San Juan, then Toa Alta is a great option.
The city is home to La Plata Lake, one of the best lakes in Puerto Rico to go fishing, kayaking, or having a picnic with your family.
While in town, don’t miss Hacienda Ayala, a hacienda filled with vintage objects and decorations that give visitors a glimpse of Puerto Rico’s past.
From Toa Alta is easy to access other municipalities like Dorado, Bayamón, Corozal, and Naranjito.
Aguada
One of the best municipalities for beautiful beaches and mountains.
Aguada is one of Puerto Rico’s municipalities that visitors often miss out on when going on a Puerto Rico road trip. But, the truth is you’ll never run out of things to do in Aguada.
Located among the most popular cities in the west of the country, Aguada offers travelers a combination of beaches and waterfalls.
In its historical downtown, you can enjoy Puerto Rican festivals, concerts, and exhibitions if you’re a culture fan.
Guánica
A municipality home to the largest tropical dry coastal forest in Puerto Rico.
With dozens of beaches, a tropical dry coastal forest, and farms, Guánica is one of Puerto Rico’s best municipalities for outdoor recreation.
Adventurers can kayak to Gilligan’s Island, one of the small Puerto Rico islands just off the coast of Puerto Rico and one of the best things to see in Guánica.
Guánica is known as the “town of friendship”, and it honors the warm and welcoming people of the municipality.
Vieques
One of the best island municipalities for beaches and pristine nature.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Vieques is one of Puerto Rico’s most popular municipalities because of its virgin beaches and Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay, one of Puerto Rico’s bio bays.
A large part of this municipality is a nature reserve, offering a relaxing getaway for eco-travelers.
If you’re a connoisseur, you’ll love visiting Crab Island Rum Distillery and taking one of the best Puerto Rico rum tours.
In comparison to other destinations in Puerto Rico, the island receives large tourist traffic and therefore can be expensive, but there are dozens of free attractions in Vieques.
Cayey
Of all of the municipalities in Puerto Rico, Cayey is the place with the best food.
While the mountainous side of Puerto Rico might not be for everyone, foodies can’t skip a visit to Cayey.
Cayey is one of the municipalities in the center of Puerto Rico, home to the famous Pork Highway in Guavate, with traditional restaurants aligned side by side.
Cayey also has rivers, natural ponds, forests, and hiking trails where outdoor enthusiasts can unwind and breathe fresh mountain air.
For more outdoor fun, camp at Las Tetas de Cayey, one of Puerto Rico’s best camping sites.
If you’re visiting during the winter season make sure your Puerto Rico packing list includes a light jacket, as it gets quite chilly in Cayey.
San Sebastián
Rich in culture and nature, this town in Puerto Rico’s western region has the best of both worlds.
San Sebastián is a town located in Puerto Rico’s northwest region next to Isabela. The locals identify as Pepinianos, after the town’s full name, San Sebastián de las Vegas del Pepino.
The downtown is filled with historical landmarks and some of the top museums in Puerto Rico, including a museum dedicated to the town’s hammock crafting tradition. Enjoy the best cultural experience with the Festival de la Novilla in January, a unique Puerto Rico festival.
The town also boasts mesmerizing natural attractions that you won’t want to miss as an adventurer. Stop at famous Puerto Rico waterfalls like Gozalandia and Salto Collazo or kayak in the Guajataca Lake.
Hormigueros
This charming and unpretentious town is great for staying on the island on a budget.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Small and uncrowded, Hormigueros sits in Puerto Rico’s west region. Although far less popular than other Puerto Rico towns, Hormigueros is ideal for a quiet, budget-friendly stay. You can find rentals in the area for under $80 a night.
Staying in Hormigueros is also great for day trips to neighboring cities like Mayaguez, Cabo Rojo, and San German.
The town itself has multiple historical sites to explore, including Basílica Menor Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate and Casa del Peregrino. Explore the town’s historical bridges and plantations if you’re into abandoned ruins.
As you tour Hormigueros, you’ll find unique and charming stops such as El Book Stop, where you can grab a second-hand book recommended by a local.
Adjuntas
Coffee farms, chilly weather, and mountain views come together in this Puerto Rico town.
Adjuntas is one of Puerto Rico’s best small towns to visit if you’re into eco-tourism.
Located in the mountainous region, Adjuntas is known for having some of the coldest temperatures in the archipelago, especially during the winter season.
The cold in this town is so peculiar that the town celebrates a cold theme festival in February.
Adjuntas also houses multiple farms including great Puerto Rico coffee farms. You can spend the day exploring its outdoor attractions such as lakes, forests, and waterfalls without spending a single dime.
Guayama
Hunt down historical sites and museums in this town on the south coast.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Guayama is a town filled with history and unique curious sites you can’t miss as a history fan.
The town houses some of the best-preserved colonial architecture as well as multiple museums where you can learn about the local history and art.
Casa Cautiño, Antiguo Teatro Campoamor, and Teatro Guayama all look like they belong in a postcard. But, even if you’re visiting for the history, don’t miss out on Guayama’s natural sites.
El Bosque Estatal de Aguirre and Jobos Bay are ideal for a familiar outing where you can choose between kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, and swimming.
Lares
This mountainous town has museums, plazas, and murals dedicated to a historical Puerto Rican uprising.
The cradle of Puerto Rican identity, Lares is one of the top towns to visit to learn about famous Puerto Ricans and Puerto Rico’s history.
Lares is located in the mountainous region, next to Adjuntas and Utuado. Stand at the Plaza de la Revolución and meet the place where the revolt to gain independence from Spain known as Grito de Lares took place.
As you tour the plaza and the downtown, spot the Lares flag everywhere. This was also the Grito de Lares flag and is considered the first Puerto Rican flag.
After exploring Lares’s historical sites, tour the multiple haciendas in the area and the underground cave system.
Yabucoa
Camp on the beaches and hike in the nature reserves of this coastal town.
Yabucoa is a Puerto Rico town located in the southeast and is a must-visit for outdoor and camping enthusiasts.
Although it is relatively small, Yabucoa is home to multiple reserves, beaches, and rivers that could take days to explore.
The town also has unique rock formations like Piedra de las Guaretas and Piedra Blanca.
If you’re hunting camping spots in Puerto Rico, you’ll find that Playa Lucía and Playa Guayanés in Yabucoa are popular camping sites frequented by local campers.
After exploring Yabucoa’s natural landscape, head downtown and walk the colorful streets of Yabucoa Pueblo, where you’ll find street art, a unique church, and great restaurants.
Coamo
Take a healing trip to this nostalgic town in the mountains.
Coamo is known for housing one of the few thermal springs in Puerto Rico. But the town has many more attractions to enjoy a slow-paced and uncrowded vacation.
Hit the downtown and discover museums, landmarks, monuments, and small shops with great cuisine. Spot street art and unique sites as you tour Paseo de las Banderas.
There is something nostalgic and healing about this small town in the mountains, whether you decide to spend the day in the downtown area or retire to its farms and thermal waters.
Ceiba
Camp on the beaches and hike in the nature reserves of this coastal town.
Ceiba is a municipality located on the east coast of Puerto Rico. Although it receives a high number of tourists, they mostly visit the town to take the ferry to Vieques or Culebra, missing out on the wonders of Ceiba.
The Medio Mundo y Daguao Nature Reserve houses numerous ecosystems, including the second-largest mangrove forest in Puerto Rico, beaches, reefs, and cays. For these reasons it’s one of the top kayaking destinations in Puerto Rico.
If you want to slow down and enjoy mountain views before visiting offshore islands, you’ll find plenty of fincas and hacienda-style rentals in Ceiba.
Barceloneta
Explore the colorful downtown or pick any of the family-friendly parks to enjoy a fun day in Barceloneta.
Barceloneta is a town on the north coast between Manatí and Arecibo that is great to visit and stay at with your family.
Barceloneta’s Barrio Pueblo is filled with colorful murals and outdoor parks like La Boca that kids will enjoy.
The city also houses Semilla PR, where you can learn about cacao production and make your own chocolate bar with the little ones. You can also hit the mall to go shopping or the beaches on the coast.
Las Marías
Explore the farms, rivers, and mountains of Las Marias.
Las Marías is a gem in the mountainous region that invites all travelers to slow down.
Sitting between Mayaguez and Añasco, Las Marías is a town with narrow and curvy roads that leads you to farms and waterfalls where you can connect with nature.
Las Marias is known for its agriculture, and savoring a cup of coffee or indulging in one of the locally cultivated oranges is a simple yet lovely delight that makes the town memorable.
Moca
Learn all about Mundillo in this mountainous town.
Known as the Capital del Mundillo (handmade lace), Moca has produced some of the finest lace pieces in Puerto Rico for decades, from handkerchiefs to baby clothes.
You can learn all about this tradition at the Museo del Mundillo, a museum dedicated solely to the town’s signature lacework. And if you’re in town, head to Calle Menlo Miranda to pick up authentic mundillo pieces made by local artisans.
Wandering through Moca’s downtown, you’ll find cozy coffee and ice cream shops, local restaurants, and hidden mundillo stores. Tour the plaza, catch a festival, or just mingle with the locals.
Outside of downtown, Moca is all about those mountain views and quiet farms, some open to the public, others not. I recommend stopping by the historic Hacienda Enriqueta or taking a cacao tour at La Providencia.
Puerto Rico: A Local’s Travel Guide
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Thanks for reading my guide to the best towns in Puerto Rico! If you’re looking for more adventure, check out our guide to popular Puerto Rico sites. Have fun in Puerto Rico!
Have you been to San Sebastián? It‘s a great town with a historic church, a waterfall, and a beautiful mansion at the public square, Casa Rodríguez Rabell, built in 1914, that is open to the public. It also has two well known festivals, La Hamaca and La Novilla. Go and explore!
Great info! Do you have any resources on camping in a coastal cycling tour setting? Can you camp on the beach? Thanks!
Is Rincon safe for tourists?
Two years ago we stayed at the Marriott in Isla Verde and one evening just after sunset we were walking back to our hotel just 50 yds away when 2 people waiting in a car robbed us at gunpoint, so we are cautious!
Thank you! Will be there soon and appreciate your advice and insight!
Thank you for your recommendations!! Good Job!
I love PUERTO RICO, I HOPE before the end of the year, I will be able to go to Rincon, is my town. I’m from the CARO FA. Large fa in the town where my cousin Ritin Caro is the owner
of VILLA COFRESI & her husband Ruben Caro was her husband, may he rest in piece.
I’m getting old and pray to GOD To give me wisdom health, strength so that I can travel &
maybe find a companion maybe a relative or someone that needs to spend some time
in the beautiful island of PR.
SINCERELY; B CARO🇱🇷🇵🇷🤗
I enjoy your stories.