Hilltop Hacienda Vieques, Puerto Rico
Sightseeing
The Puerto Ferro is located on the south side of Vieques. Take the first road to the right as you enter the wildlife reserve. It's about a 10 minute drive and from the parking lot a short 7-10 minute hike. The lighthouse served to guide merchant ships, mostly sugar cane ships, in and out of the bay of Esperanza. The building sits atop a cliff that has amazing views down the southeast side of the island
16 locals recommend
Puerto Ferro Lighthouse
The Puerto Ferro is located on the south side of Vieques. Take the first road to the right as you enter the wildlife reserve. It's about a 10 minute drive and from the parking lot a short 7-10 minute hike. The lighthouse served to guide merchant ships, mostly sugar cane ships, in and out of the bay of Esperanza. The building sits atop a cliff that has amazing views down the southeast side of the island
On the south side of Vieques enter the wildlife reserve and you will see numbered signs. Beginning at sign #5 is the start of Blue Beach, also know as Playa Chiva. This is a beautiful crescent shaped is over a mile long. This is one of our favorite beaches
44 locals recommend
La Chiva
On the south side of Vieques enter the wildlife reserve and you will see numbered signs. Beginning at sign #5 is the start of Blue Beach, also know as Playa Chiva. This is a beautiful crescent shaped is over a mile long. This is one of our favorite beaches
Sun Bay is on the south side of Vieques and just east of town from Esperanza. It is a beautiful crescent shaped beach that is over a mile long. It is a popular spot on Sundays for local to go and have family afternoon barbecue's. There are plenty of places with palm trees and shade. A perfect place to enjoy a beautiful Caribbean day.
35 locals recommend
Sun Bay Beach
Sun Bay is on the south side of Vieques and just east of town from Esperanza. It is a beautiful crescent shaped beach that is over a mile long. It is a popular spot on Sundays for local to go and have family afternoon barbecue's. There are plenty of places with palm trees and shade. A perfect place to enjoy a beautiful Caribbean day.
The Malecón is a walkway along the Caribbean ocean located in the town of Esperanza on the south side of Vieques. There are numerous restaurants, bars and shops. At the east end of the Malecón there is the "big pier". This is where the sugar cane was brought by train from the north shore and unloaded on the cargo ships. It's also a good place to jump off and cool off in the water and a great snorkeling spot
13 locals recommend
El Malecón La Esperanza
107 Calle FlamboyanThe Malecón is a walkway along the Caribbean ocean located in the town of Esperanza on the south side of Vieques. There are numerous restaurants, bars and shops. At the east end of the Malecón there is the "big pier". This is where the sugar cane was brought by train from the north shore and unloaded on the cargo ships. It's also a good place to jump off and cool off in the water and a great snorkeling spot
Location of the airport. There is a restaurant there as well.
10 locals recommend
Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport
Puerto Rico 200Location of the airport. There is a restaurant there as well.
Punta Arenas, or Green Beach, is located on the very western end of the north shore. It is a beautiful long beach. It's a great place to snorkel with a very alive reef system and a good chance of seeing sea turtles. It does get a lot more busy on the weekends from people coming over by boat from the main island. BE ADVISED...DO NOT GO IN THE WATER OFF THE POINT ON THE NORTH SIDE. Please stay to the western end for snorkeling and swimming. The current off the north side of the point in VERY DANGEROUS
11 locals recommend
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas, or Green Beach, is located on the very western end of the north shore. It is a beautiful long beach. It's a great place to snorkel with a very alive reef system and a good chance of seeing sea turtles. It does get a lot more busy on the weekends from people coming over by boat from the main island. BE ADVISED...DO NOT GO IN THE WATER OFF THE POINT ON THE NORTH SIDE. Please stay to the western end for snorkeling and swimming. The current off the north side of the point in VERY DANGEROUS
Also known as Caracas Beach. It is located on the south side of Vieques inside the wildlife refuge. When the road changes from pavement to dirt, turn right and go to the end of the road. This is an absolutely stunning with very fine white sand. There are some covered picnic tables with barbecue's for public use.
55 locals recommend
Playa Caracas
Also known as Caracas Beach. It is located on the south side of Vieques inside the wildlife refuge. When the road changes from pavement to dirt, turn right and go to the end of the road. This is an absolutely stunning with very fine white sand. There are some covered picnic tables with barbecue's for public use.
Beautiful black sand beach that is created by the iron eroded from the cliffs. You get to the parking lot by heading west from Esperanza just a few short miles. The walk to the beach takes about 20-30 minutes through a jungle canopied arroyo. This was the only fresh flowing water for the Taino Indians.
71 locals recommend
Black Sand Beach
Beautiful black sand beach that is created by the iron eroded from the cliffs. You get to the parking lot by heading west from Esperanza just a few short miles. The walk to the beach takes about 20-30 minutes through a jungle canopied arroyo. This was the only fresh flowing water for the Taino Indians.
This is a must see while in Vieques. It is an ancient archaeological site of the Taino people (the natives pre Columbus). If you look, on the ground around the site, you can still sea shells from when the Taino brought them up from the ocean. Also, you can climb atop the largest rock and look down and see ancient mortar and pestel holes. Be very careful getting up and down the rock.
Hombre De Puerto Ferro
This is a must see while in Vieques. It is an ancient archaeological site of the Taino people (the natives pre Columbus). If you look, on the ground around the site, you can still sea shells from when the Taino brought them up from the ocean. Also, you can climb atop the largest rock and look down and see ancient mortar and pestel holes. Be very careful getting up and down the rock.
Be sure to go check out the Ceiba Tree on the north shore east of the airport and on the way to Crab Island Distillery. The ceiba trees were very spiritual places for the Taino Indians. The represented a portal between the living and underworld. This ceiba tree is over 300 years old. There's also an exercise yard near the tree that is quite comical (you'll see when you get there).
12 locals recommend
Parque de la Ceiba de Vieques
Puerto Rico 200Be sure to go check out the Ceiba Tree on the north shore east of the airport and on the way to Crab Island Distillery. The ceiba trees were very spiritual places for the Taino Indians. The represented a portal between the living and underworld. This ceiba tree is over 300 years old. There's also an exercise yard near the tree that is quite comical (you'll see when you get there).
Sightseeing
Vieques is home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, The Bio Bay. While there are other bioluminescent bays in the world, Mosquito Bay has the highest concentration of dinoflagellates (phosphorescent plankton) in the world. A visit to the Bio Bay on a dark night is something you will remember and cherish the rest of your life. There are several companies that offer tours but we highly recommend Bieque Eco Trips
384 locals recommend
Bahía Bioluminiscente
Vieques is home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, The Bio Bay. While there are other bioluminescent bays in the world, Mosquito Bay has the highest concentration of dinoflagellates (phosphorescent plankton) in the world. A visit to the Bio Bay on a dark night is something you will remember and cherish the rest of your life. There are several companies that offer tours but we highly recommend Bieque Eco Trips
Food scene
Manny's Sushi is HAND'S DOWN the best sushi on Vieques. It is take out only and call to pick up. He is only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 4:30-6:30 pm. Make sure you get some sushi from Manny while you're here, you won't be disappointed!
Manny’s Sushi
Manny's Sushi is HAND'S DOWN the best sushi on Vieques. It is take out only and call to pick up. He is only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 4:30-6:30 pm. Make sure you get some sushi from Manny while you're here, you won't be disappointed!
Biekes Bistro is a great place for lunch or dinner. They have outdoor & indoor (A/C) seating. They have a variety of fresh fish and amazing mofongo variations. They also have amazing baked pastries
35 locals recommend
Biekes Bistro
Biekes Bistro is a great place for lunch or dinner. They have outdoor & indoor (A/C) seating. They have a variety of fresh fish and amazing mofongo variations. They also have amazing baked pastries
Our favorite breakfast and lunch spot. Great local food and very reasonable prices. Also, if you're making dinner at Hilltop Hacienda definitely stop by here and get a fresh baked loaf of bread. They also have amazing pastries as well. Take note they close by 11 am or noon, so get there early.
24 locals recommend
Panadería La Viequense
Calle Antonio MelladoOur favorite breakfast and lunch spot. Great local food and very reasonable prices. Also, if you're making dinner at Hilltop Hacienda definitely stop by here and get a fresh baked loaf of bread. They also have amazing pastries as well. Take note they close by 11 am or noon, so get there early.
The food is ALWAYS good at Duffy's. It is mostly a lunch spot but they have amazing food, great drinks and good prices. The restaurant/bar sits right on the Malecóne and its a great place to sit enjoy some drinks and food while looking out over the ocean.
49 locals recommend
Duffy's Esperanza
140 Calle FlamboyanThe food is ALWAYS good at Duffy's. It is mostly a lunch spot but they have amazing food, great drinks and good prices. The restaurant/bar sits right on the Malecóne and its a great place to sit enjoy some drinks and food while looking out over the ocean.
If you're looking for a lavish meal El Blok is the place. It's definitely the most high end restaurant on the island. The do have a very nice outside bar where bands sometimes play. This is also a good place to enjoy the sunset from their roof terrance with a couple drinks and appetizers.
31 locals recommend
El Blok Hotel
158 Calle FlamboyanIf you're looking for a lavish meal El Blok is the place. It's definitely the most high end restaurant on the island. The do have a very nice outside bar where bands sometimes play. This is also a good place to enjoy the sunset from their roof terrance with a couple drinks and appetizers.
Tin Box is a great place for dinner with a variety of fresh fish, sushi, a local cuisine. They are usually very busy so a reservation is recommended. They will occasionally have live bands at least one night a week.
40 locals recommend
Tin Box
Tin Box is a great place for dinner with a variety of fresh fish, sushi, a local cuisine. They are usually very busy so a reservation is recommended. They will occasionally have live bands at least one night a week.
The only rum distillery on Vieques. There is a food truck on site with amazing local cuisine. They will occasionally have live bands on the outside deck and bar. Check local listings
16 locals recommend
Crab Island Rum Distillery
The only rum distillery on Vieques. There is a food truck on site with amazing local cuisine. They will occasionally have live bands on the outside deck and bar. Check local listings
Choly has THE BEST smoked chicken, ribs and pork on the island. It's best to order a day in advance because he sells out fast. This is a local favorite and you won't be disappointed. He also has great fish, conch and lobster (the latter two when in season) You can take it to go or he has a nice outside dining around that is surrounded by his garden and fruit trees.
6 locals recommend
Rancho Choli
Calle AlmendroCholy has THE BEST smoked chicken, ribs and pork on the island. It's best to order a day in advance because he sells out fast. This is a local favorite and you won't be disappointed. He also has great fish, conch and lobster (the latter two when in season) You can take it to go or he has a nice outside dining around that is surrounded by his garden and fruit trees.
Traveler advice
Getting around
The best way to get around is a renting a car.
Book a car ahead of your stay. There are limited amount of cars available on Vieques. You can also rent a golf cart but it's much better to be in a car when an eventual tropical rain storm hits. There are also taxis available that will take you anywhere on the island.
Don't miss
The Bio Bay
The best nights to go on a Bio Bay tour is when there is no or very little moon in the sky. If you're here during a full moon try to plan to go on a cloudy night. The less light in the bay the better.
Customs and culture
Be respectful and patient
The Viequense people are very kind and have huge hearts. Life in Vieques is an idyllic and slow lifestyle. It's a small island so there's no reason to be in a rush. You may have to wait a little longer in a line in a store or a car may stop in front of you to have a conversion with someone on the street. Remember you're on vacation in Bieke and there's no need to be in a hurry.
Book before you go
Car Rental
There are limited cars available in Vieques. Booking well in advance during peak season (December-May) is highly recommended.
What to pack
You won't need much
I would suggest having an extra pair of shoes you could dedicate to hiking, getting wet, etc. The weather is amazing all year, but maybe a light jacket or hoody for the winter nights. Things aren't very formal on Vieques so casual attire is just fine. There is snorkel available to use at Hilltop Hacienda so no need to pack that.
Useful phrases
Most everyone speaks English.
Most everyone speaks at least a little english. It helps if you know Spanish. Even if you're not fluent it's a sign of respect and Viequense's will appreciate you trying.
Getting around
No Hospital on Vieques.
Please use extra caution while on Vieques as we do not have a hospital. There is a small medical clinic but anything serious has to be done on the main island. Construction of the new hospital has begun (May 2022) but it will be 5-6 years until it's completed. STAY SAFE OUT THERE