Five Things to Do in Puerto Rico's East Region

Located on unspoiled and rustic Culebra Island, Flamenco Beach is a deep horseshoe of powdery sand framed against low green hills. The beachfront is wide and stretches for miles, giving tourists plenty of room to spread out. It's got the best campgrounds in Puerto Rico, and people come to camp by its shores for up to six months (I know; I asked). And the water ... calm, turquoise blending to royal blue, are calm and ideal for families.

Quite simply, this beach is so well-loved that people come to Puerto Rico from all over the world just for the chance to chill out on its shores.

Without a doubt, the most brilliant, spectacular biobay in the world is Mosquito Bay in Vieques. We're talking glow-neon-green, darting fish that look like they have batteries in them, and, if you're lucky, raindrops that sparkle like diamonds on the surface of the water.

It's an unforgettable experience, and a highlight of many a trip to Puerto Rico ... mine included.

A visit to the forest is a return to Puerto Rico the way it was before Columbus ever saw a map. Rough-cut hiking trails criss-cross the mountain, and some take you to pristine natural pools and waterfalls. The forest is a gentle giant, with no large creatures to threaten you. Instead, you'll hear the lilting song of the coquí tree frog, the chirping of myriad birds, and the rustle of leaves.

Of course, if you want to amp up your rainforest experience, El Yunque will oblige. Horseback rides and ATV tours with Hacienda Carabalí, or more daring adventures with Aventuras Tierra Adentro, await the intrepid visitor.

However you choose to experience the forest, experience it you must, if you love being outdoors. And if one day is not enough, there are some terrific mountain inns that will welcome you.

There are many reasons why people love to sail from these shores. Just off the coast of Fajardo is an arhipelago of cays and islets, including one so picturesque it's something of a movie star. Then there are the many reefs in the area that make for fine snorkeling and diving. And finally, game fishing is a popular pastime, thanks to the abundance of tarpon, billfish, bonefish and more.