With increases projected through 2051 in the ACT's Plan of Adjustment, it may be time to take the long way, to have a unique, enriching experience without tolls.
Up for it? Take one of these toll-free routes for getting around Puerto Rico.
1. PR-681: Chinchorreando por el Norte
Route: Arecibo – Barceloneta
Duration: 36 minutes
Distance: 25.2 km / 15.66 miles
Access: Coming from the west, start on the PR-2, which connects to the PR-681 near the Monumento al Pescador Arecibeño. From east to west, arrive via the PR-2, taking the PR-6140 alongside the Puerto Rico Premium Outlets in Barceloneta.
This route has everything you could want: overlooks, beaches, nature reserves, restaurants, historic monuments and popular tourist sites. Learn about the island's history at the Faro de Arecibo; take in some of the most beautiful natural formations on the island, along with ancient Taíno drawings, at the Reserva Natural Cueva del Indio; and do a chinchorreo (hopping between chinchorros) at the many restaurants along the way.
2. PR-901 – PR-3: Ruta del Sureste
Route: Yabucoa – Patillas
Duration: 45 minutes
Distance: 31.5 km / 19.6 miles
Access: From Yabucoa, take the PR-901. In Maunabo, leave the PR-901 to take the PR-53 through the tunnel, and when you return to the PR-901, turn left onto the PR-7760 so you don't miss the impressive views. The route then connects to the PR-3 and runs along the southeast coast.
Points of interest include the Cueva de las Cabras, the well-known Túneles de Maunabo, the Reserva Natural de Punta Tuna, and the Faro de Maunabo. End the day with dinner at El Muelle Restaurant in Maunabo or Cayo Lindo in Patillas to catch the sunset.
3. PR-10: Dividiendo la Cordillera Central
Route: Arecibo – Ponce
Duration: 1 hour and 12 minutes
Distance: 74.4 km / 46.23 miles
Access: The PR-2 connects to the northern start of the route in Arecibo. From the south, you can access it from the PR-5506, near Aeropuerto Internacional Mercedita, beginning with a view of the Letras de Ponce.
This route connects the north and south of the island, passing through the peaks of the Cordillera mountain range. On the PR-10, you can easily reach the Centro Ceremonial Indígena Tibes, the historic downtown of Adjuntas, Charco Los Morones, and the PR-123, which is part of the Ruta Panorámica.
4. PR-15: Pintada de rosa
Route: Cayey – Guayama
Duration: 44 minutes
Distance: 24.8 km / 15.41 miles
Access: From the Plaza Pública de Cayey, head to the PR-1, where it connects with the PR-15. From the southeast, you can start from the historic downtown of Guayama, which connects to the PR-15.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, the route, built in 1897, passes through the flowering fields of Cayey on its way to the southeast coast. Among its sights, La Robleda stands out, a nature reserve where thousands of white oak trees color the landscape pink and white each spring.
5. Mirador El Yunque: Ruta Escénica
Route: Canóvanas – Río Grande – Canóvanas
Duration: 29 minutes
Distance: 21.2 km / 13.7 miles
Access: You enter via the PR-957, accessible from the PR-185 in Canóvanas, and the route takes you to the PR-186, skirting El Yunque National Forest in Río Grande. At the end, it reconnects in Canóvanas at the same PR-185.
This stretch passes through rural areas of Canóvanas and Río Grande, with views of the entire north coast from a considerable height. Toward the interior, you'll take in the peaks and greenery of El Yunque National Forest and the Sierra de Luquillo. If you enjoy hiking, from here you can access the El Toro trail, the highest peak in El Yunque National Forest.
6. PR-165: Ruta del Encanto
Route: Toa Baja – Cataño
Duration: 29 minutes
Distance: 23.4 km / 14.5 miles
Access: Start from the west via the PR-2, near the Walmart Supercenter in Toa Baja, or from the east via the PR-5 in Cataño, which connects to the PR-165.
You can drive this route on a Sunday with family to sample Puerto Rican fritters and seafood, or stop at one of its beaches, such as Balneario Punta Salinas. If you're planning a road trip for the whole day, start early and end the route at the Terminal de Lanchas, where you can board a ferry to spend the afternoon in Old San Juan.
7. PR-685: Ruta Playera
Route: Manatí – Vega Baja
Duration: 25 minutes
Length: 20 km / 12.4 miles
Access: You can connect to this route from the west through Manatí, or from the east through Vega Baja, via PR-2.
For beach and waterway lovers, this route is ideal. You can start the drive by visiting la Poza de las Mujeres, playa Mar Chiquita or Playa Los Tubos. While taking in the view of Laguna Tortuguero, you can take a detour to see the lagoon up close and go hiking.
After that, you can visit Balneario de Puerto Nuevo, and end the route with a swim at Manantial Ojo de Agua. There, you can eat at one of the many businesses surrounding the tourist area.
8. La más famosa: Ruta Panorámica
Route: Mayagüez – Maunabo
Duration: Variable
Length: 269 km / 167 miles
Access: From the east, the route begins at PR-3, near the Plaza de Recreo de Maunabo. From the west, it starts at PR-105, which is accessible from the historic downtown of Mayagüez.
Built in 1974, it is the most famous scenic route in Puerto Rico. From east to west, it crosses 17 municipalities, and in 1990 it was included in the Scenic Byways program of the U.S. Department of Transportation for its variety of natural, scenic, historic and cultural attractions.
The route gives you access to the state forests of Toro Negro, Maricao and Carite, along with dozens of lakes, swimming holes, rivers and overlooks. This drive requires planning, and possibly more than one day depending on your stops. You will need an experienced driver and a vehicle that handles well on steep roads.
9. Pa'l West: Ruta Extraterrestre
Route: Cabo Rojo – Lajas
Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Length: 54 km / 33.55 miles
Access: In Cabo Rojo, take PR-100 and turn onto PR-307 to see the Buyé stretch. Then connect to PR-100, which becomes PR-301. Follow that stretch to the southernmost tip of Cabo Rojo, then turn back and take PR-303. From Lajas, you can start the route at La Parguera via PR-304.
If you want to cover a lot in a single day, this western route is worth considering. You'll see the clear waters of Buyé, the distinctive Salinas de Cabo Rojo and the well-known Faro Los Morillos.
Once in Lajas, you'll pass through the curious Ruta Extraterrestre, where you can learn about one of the most popular mysteries in Puerto Rican culture.
Finally, you can end the route in La Parguera, a tourist village known for its boat tours to one of Puerto Rico's only bioluminescent bays.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
