Explore the Natural Wonders of Rio Grande from the Comfort of Hacienda Siesta Alegre
Are you searching for a unique travel experience that combines stunning natural beauty with comfortable and luxurious accommodations? Look no further than Hacienda Siesta Alegre, located in the heart of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, recently named one of the World’s Best Places in 2023 by Time Magazine!
Our 10-room inn nestled in the El Yunque Rainforest offers plenty of open spaces and places to unwind, including multiple terraces, balconies, courtyards, and gardens. Our breathtaking views of the foothills of El Yunque Rainforest provide the ideal backdrop for saying “I Do,” coupled with lovely gardens, bridges, and arches offering blooming branches of bright colors and scents.
While you’re here, don’t miss out on the chance to explore Rio Grande’s natural wonders, such as the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service. The recently renovated El Portal visitor’s center features installations by local artists, a new introductory video narrated by Benicio del Toro, and ranger demonstrations to learn about 240-plus plant species and 18 bird species endemic to Puerto Rico. For panoramic views of the rainforest and beaches, check out Casa Alternavida’s rooftop, Puerto Rico’s first all-inclusive wellness retreat.
When you’re ready to immerse yourself in local culture, explore the Pintalto macromural project, an initiative that spans across six neighborhoods on the island. Started by Samuel González Rodríguez in 2017 to encourage visitors to venture beyond San Juan, the murals aim to revitalize residential neighborhoods through art that uses the bold “colors of hope”.
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the magic of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Learn more about why it was chosen as one of the World’s Best Places in 2023 by Time Magazine and plan your visit to Hacienda Siesta Alegre today: https://time.com/collection/
Hacienda Siesta Alegre: The Perfect Choice for Your Puerto Rican Destination Wedding"
At Hacienda Siesta Alegre, we understand that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. That’s why we strive to provide a unique and stunning setting for your special day, ensuring that your wedding memories will last a lifetime.
Located in the heart of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Hacienda Siesta Alegre boasts some of the most beautiful views in the Caribbean, with panoramic views of El Yunque rainforest, the Rio Grande, and the nearby Luquillo beach. Our venue offers the perfect backdrop for your destination wedding with natural beauty and historic charm.
We offer a variety of event spaces to suit any style or size of wedding, whether you are planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering. Our charming 10 room inn, offers a secluded and intimate setting, perfect for your special day.
Our team is dedicated to making your special day perfect. We work closely with you to ensure that every detail is taken care of, from the catering to the lighting, so that you can relax and enjoy creating memories with your loved ones.
But Hacienda Siesta Alegre is not just a wedding venue, it’s also a great place to create memories with your loved ones. Imagine exchanging vows in front of El Yunque, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the Caribbean, and then celebrating with your friends and family in one of the most charming and historical places in Puerto Rico.
At Hacienda Siesta Alegre, we believe that your wedding day should be nothing short of perfect. With our stunning views, charming accommodations, and dedicated team, we are confident that we can provide the perfect setting for your Puerto Rican destination wedding.
El Yunque National Rainforest and Its Hiking Trails
El Yunque National Rainforest is located on the east side of Puerto Rico and is known as one of the most biodiverse spots you can visit on the mainland. Also, El Yunque is the only Tropical Rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Here you can enjoy some easy walks with the whole family and/or with your pets, do some serious hiking, go birdwatching, and if you are not an active person you can take a drive up the PR-191 stopping in all the observation areas and have a picnic surrounded by spectacular views.
We recommend you dress properly for a hike because El Yunque receives from 0(very unusual) to 9 inches of rain every day so expect the trails to be a little muddy, but we guarantee its going to be worth it. Most of El Yunque hikes end with beautiful views, waterfalls or refreshing natural swimming pools.
Angelito Trail
The Angelito Trail is one of the most popular hikes on El Yunque because it provides great reward with little effort. This short and sweet trail is about 0.5 mile long and it takes about 20 minutes to complete one-way, making it ideal to do it with your family and kids. It starts on a gravel path, then it gets a bit uneven and muddy, arriving at a refreshing natural pool and some small waterfalls.
Mount Britton
For those looking for a more challenging trail, Mount Britton is a 0.8 mile, out and back trail that starts just off PR-191 heading to the Mount Britton Lookout Tower. It takes about 45 minutes to complete heading up paved pathways through the Sierra Palms into the forest. This trail has three covered rest stations on the way up so you can take a breather if you need to. Also, this trail connects to El Yunque Trail that leads to the peak. Once you reach the top you will be in the clouds.
El Yunque Trail
El Yunque Trail takes you all the way up to the highest point in the forest. This trail is accessed through Mount Britton and it takes about an hour to complete. In here you can observe different types of trees as the elevation changes through the Sierra Palms and the mist through the Cloud Forest. The surface is a mix of asphalt, gravel, native stone, and it can get really muddy in some places.
Los Picachos
After you complete the El Yunque Trail, Los Picachos will give you the best reward for it. This short and easy 0.2 mile hike leads to a stone masonry platform with a 360 degree view vista point that shows a panoramic view of the east coast of Puerto Rico. But beware this trail almost always is very muddy and slippery but super worth it.
Before You Go
Before you go ready for your next hiking adventure you must make a reservation. Bookings can be made up to a month before your visit. Tickets for your car are free, but the booking engine charges a small fee.
Come Stay With US
Villa Lomasol is a one of a kind villa located in Rio Grande and it’s just a short 10 minute drive away from El Yunque. Limassol comes equipped with two king sized bedrooms, two queen sized bedrooms and a “childrens” room equipped with a twin size bunk bed. It also has a dining room, extended balcony, BBQ area, and living room but the best part of the whole villa is the pool area that has one of the best views I have seen of the ocean and the northeastern part of the island. You can stay in this beautiful villa by visiting the link below:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/12022735?source_impression_id=p3_1653584734_OFcMymc8uR10Qiuc
Things to do near Rio Grande
EL Yunque
El yunque is the only rainforest in the US National Forest Service. Here you can find more than 240 species of plants spread across valleys, rivers, waterfalls, hiking trails and more. If you want to go on the hiking trails of El Yunque we recommend you to take a look at our previous article “El Yunque National Forest and its Hiking Trails”. In the Outskirts of El Yunque you will find Las Paylas Water Slide where you can enjoy a natural slide that is super fun for everyone, have a picnic or enjoy the natural water pools. For the more adrenaline seeker you can book a zipline experience that will take you between trees and over the canopy level of the trees, witnessing all the magical rainforest around you.
La Paseadora
Rio Grande is home to the only navigable river in all of Puerto Rico. Rio Espiritu Santo starts up high in the waterfalls of El Yunque and its joined by streams and other rivers making it navigable for small boats. La Paseadora is a small, family-run company that offers boat trips up and down the river. Enjoy the beauty of this diverse 5 mile long ecosystem. We encourage you to ask about the myths and legends surrounding the river during your trip.
Las Picuas Beach
Las Picuas Beach is located on PR-968 near an urban area and is partially covered by trees giving it lots of natural shade. This beautiful beach is home to beautiful crystal turquoise waters and golden sand, perfect for those who want to relax, bring their pet to the beach, sunbathing and stand-up paddle or kayaking. Most of the time this beach is very peaceful and quiet. There are no amenities so we recommend you bring your own food and drinks and remember to take the trash with you. We recommend you to watch the sunrise on this beach and you won’t forget it.
Balneario La Monserrate
Just a short drive away from Rio Grande you will find El Balneario La Monserrate located in Luquillo. This beach is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources and because of this it has some “perks”. These “perks” include private parking, bathroom, showers, green areas, picnic areas, water sport rentals and more. El Balneario La Monserrate is a really long beach so it’s almost guaranteed that you will find plenty of space to relax or hang out with your friends. Behind this beach are the Luquillo Kiosks where you can buy something to drink or eat some of the local food.
The Luquillo Kiosks
Behind El Balneario La Monserrate are the Luquillo Kiosks (you will see them from the street). They are a row of around 60 stores and restaurants selling souvenirs, local food and drinks. When you visit you will find that all of the shops vary in style, price and taste, most of them are open-air facing the street while some others have a second floor when you can enjoy a view of the beach. This is the perfect place to go after the beach, hiking in El Yunque or you just want to grab something to eat in a cool place.
Bioluminescent Bay
If you are seeking another eco-friendly adventure we recommend you to go to Laguna Grande in Fajardo. This bioluminescent bay is one of the three bio-bays in Puerto Rico. Here you can see how some microorganism makes the water glow in the dark as you pass with a kayak. You will be surprised when you splash or paddle the water and its changes to neon colors. This is the most visited bio-bay in the island so we suggest you book the trip with time.
Hipodromo Camarero
The Hipodromo Camarero is the center of horse racing in Puerto Rico. Come catch the excitement of every race. There is always entertainment, bets, food and drinks, horse racing and an actual good time even if you are not into horses or horse racing.
Boat Tours & Snorkeling
A short drive away from Rio Grande, in Fajardo you will find many options for having a day trip out in the water. Most trips will take you to Palomino Island or Icaco Island where you can enjoy the calm waters and warm weather. Most of these boats will rent or lend you scuba gear for you to snorkel and watch all the small fish in the coral reefs surrounding the east coast of the island.