Hiking in Vieques Island, Puerto Rico

best-caribbean-hiking-destinations-vieques

Hiking is a very grounding activity for nature lovers. In Vieques, you can hike through trails with breathtaking views that lead to quiet beaches in a safe environment. You can venture into the Playa Grande Sugar Mill Ruins and continue for miles of the gorgeous and rugged coastline of Playa Grande. End your hike by sitting on a rock and watching the amber sunset setting behind Monte Pirata.

Note: Some of the most remote areas of the island do not have cell phone reception, particularly the west side, practice common sense, don’t hike alone and don’t bring any valuables just as you wouldn’t do in any other destination.

Places to Hike in Vieques

Cayo de Tierra

You don’t have to walk far to get to this trail because it’s right off the beach in Esperanza. As you look to the water from Esperanza you’ll see two cays, Cayo de Tierra is the one attached to the island and the sand / dirt path divides the beaches of Esperanza and Sun Bay. As you walk towards the Cayo de Tierra, steer to the left side of the island. Bring your camera you will have many photo opportunities. You can hike to the very top of Cayo de Tierra, you may want to sit down at the edge of the cliff to enjoy the breathtaking views of the blue waters of Vieques.

Playa Grande Sugar Mill Ruins

You can explore the ruins on your own, however we highly recommend you book a tour with Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust, they offers excellent educational tours, the museum is in Esperanza on the main strip. If you choose to explore on your own, please walk around with care, watch where you step on and wear sturdy shoes. Warning: There is no cell phone reception in this area, so you will not be able to make calls or use your handy map app. Make sure you have a GPS app that does not require internet service.

La Playuela Trail & Vereda Cerro Playuela

Vieques offers two new gorgeous trails offering panoramic views of Caracas Beach (Red) and paths that lead to the pristine beaches of La Playuela and Playa Corcho. Head towards the Garcia beaches and look for the “Tres Palmitas” boat ramp.

Quebrada Urbano

Head to west side of the island and go for a little treasure hunt of the little falls (in rain season). From Esperanza take 201, look for an overpass (right before Gallery Galleon). You’ll see a riverbed under the overpass, start your hike here and head to the interior of the island, just follow the riverbed and you’ll get there in about 20 minutes.