Fun in the sun in idyllic Rio Grande
With its enviable setting in Puerto Rico's Northern Coastal Valley, Rio Grande serves up an idyllic base for vacations in the sun. Spend blissful days kicking back at the area's pristine beaches, discover the natural delights of El Yunque National Forest or head to nearby San Juan for exquisite food and Old-World elegance at one of the Caribbean's most-popular cruise destinations. Whether you're planning an action-packed getaway or a relaxing break doing very little at all, Rio Grande vacation rentals have you covered, with an enticing selection of homes with room for family, friends or both.
Cultural appeal in Rio Grande
Squeezing a little culture into a stay in a Rio Grande vacation rental should prove to be no problem. San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital and just 30 minutes from many rentals, is no stranger to beautiful beaches, but also delivers a memorable selection of fascinating cultural attractions, not least the 18th-century Castillo San Cristobal, the largest of the Americas' Spanish-built forts. In the 7-block Old San Juan – listed on the National Register of Historic Places – open-top and air-conditioned trolleys trundle through the pretty streets on their way to the likes of the Pablo Casals Museum and the Museum of the Sea.
The perfect vacation in Rio Grande
The months of January through April bring the best of the weather, but also mean that you'll probably pay a little more for your Rio Grande vacation rental. Travelers looking for a compromise often opt for a stay between mid-April and June, when the crowds are fewer, rental rates have dropped a little and the spring weather – which often reaches the mid-80s – offers a pleasant backdrop for vacations. The most-enticing rental deals are found between August and November, but savings should be weighed against the risk of heading to the Caribbean during the sometimes-fearsome hurricane season.
Natural delights in Rio Grande
The El Yunque National Forest lays claim to much of the landscape in Rio Grande, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to enjoy a little downtime in an impressive emerald green setting. It's possible to explore the forest under your own steam – perhaps looking out for tiny rainforest lizards and tree frogs as you hike along the Big Tree Trail to La Mina Falls – though novice hikers will likely want to rope in the expertise of a local guide. Either way, don't miss the chance to soak up the views of northeastern Puerto Rico from the striking Yokahu Observation Tower.
How to get to and around Río Grande
Fly into Luis Munoz Marin Intl. Airport (SJU), the closest airport, located 11.7 mi (18.7 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Ponce (PSE-Mercedita), which is 53.7 mi (86.5 km) away.