Playa Azul and La Selva Beach Luquillo
Discover Playa La Selva, a secluded, wild paradise in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, offering untouched beauty and a true escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene vibes
Playa Azul and La Selva Beach Luquillo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Playa La Selva, a secluded, wild paradise in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, offering untouched beauty and a true escape.
"The risk is definitely worth the reward. The hidden oasis is an absolute paradise."
🚗 SUV or 4x4 Recommended
The road to La Selva Beach is rough. An SUV or 4x4 is best for traversing the terrain.
🥾 Prepare for a Hike
If you can't drive all the way, expect a 1.5-2 mile hike, potentially muddy after rain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playa La Selva's Seclusion
Luquillo
An untouched, wild paradise with soft sand, turquoise waters, and lush forest. Feels like a private escape.
Playa Azul Towers Beachfront Living
Luquillo
Wake up to the ocean at Playa Azul Towers. Ideal for those seeking direct beach access and stunning views.
La Pared Surfing Spot
Luquillo
A popular spot for surfers, offering consistent waves and a lively beach atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to La Selva Beach
Beach Safety and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 SUV or 4x4 Recommended
The road to La Selva Beach is rough. An SUV or 4x4 is best for traversing the terrain.
🥾 Prepare for a Hike
If you can't drive all the way, expect a 1.5-2 mile hike, potentially muddy after rain.
💧 Pack Essentials
No facilities at La Selva Beach. Bring water, snacks, and anything else you'll need.
🌊 Be Wary of Waves
Waves can be strong and dangerous, especially for children or inexperienced swimmers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 SUV or 4x4 Recommended
The road to La Selva Beach is rough. An SUV or 4x4 is best for traversing the terrain.
🥾 Prepare for a Hike
If you can't drive all the way, expect a 1.5-2 mile hike, potentially muddy after rain.
💧 Pack Essentials
No facilities at La Selva Beach. Bring water, snacks, and anything else you'll need.
🌊 Be Wary of Waves
Waves can be strong and dangerous, especially for children or inexperienced swimmers.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is breathtaking. Don't forget your camera for stunning photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa La Selva is lauded as a breathtaking, secluded paradise offering raw, untouched natural beauty. Visitors appreciate the pristine sands, turquoise waters, and the feeling of a private escape. However, the challenging access via a rough road and the strong, potentially dangerous waves are significant drawbacks for some, especially families.
"My husband took us ( me and our two children 5 & 3 to this breathtaking hidden gem. His father is a surfer and took him there as a child to watch him surf. If you're inexperienced, off-road driver, you can drive most of the way in. If you plan to park and walk, it is quite a hike, maybe a mile and a half to 2 miles and if has rained recently there will be lots and lots of mud . The risk is definitely worth the reward. The hidden oasis is an absolute paradise. It's secluded and has incredible views. It should be noted. The waves here are strong and can be dangerous. We had to stay close to the kids once in the water. This is not exactly a safe place to swim with children or if you're not an advanced swimmer. The waves got stronger and stronger. Be very careful when getting in the water here. Definitely bring water and snacks. Hundred percent worth the track if you're willing, we saw iguanas crabs and turtles on our way in. Absolutely beautiful experience."
Ashley Ramirez
"Playa La Selva in Luquillo is a hidden treasure for those who love adventure and untouched nature. This beach is secluded, wild, and absolutely stunning — soft sand, turquoise waters, and the lush forest surrounding it makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a private paradise.
Getting there takes some effort since you’ll need to walk or hike in, but that’s exactly why it feels so special once you arrive. There are no crowds, no noise, just the sound of the waves and the beauty of Puerto Rico’s natural coastline.
Because it’s so remote, there aren’t any facilities, so it’s best to bring your own water, snacks, and essentials. The reward is total peace and a breathtaking view that feels far away from the busy tourist areas.
If you’re in Luquillo and want to explore beyond the well-known beaches, Playa La Selva is a must — the perfect spot for travelers looking for raw beauty and a real connection with nature."
Nestor Camarillo
"Seriously one of the most beautiful secluded beach’s. The trek to the beach was definitely bumpy so drive very slowly. We drove part of the way and then walked when the holes in the ground got bigger. Great place to have a picnic and relax away from the city."
Natasha K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Accessing Playa La Selva requires an SUV or 4x4 vehicle due to a rough, unpaved road. If your vehicle isn't suitable, you can drive part of the way and then hike in, which can be about 1.5 to 2 miles and potentially muddy after rain.
For Playa La Selva, a regular car may not make it due to the terrain. An SUV or truck is highly recommended. Other beaches like Playa Azul are more accessible.
Yes, tours are available that combine El Yunque rainforest with Luquillo Beach. Look for services like islaborikentours on Instagram.
Consider staying at accommodations like @waterbeach_luquillo for easy access to beaches like Punta Bandera, Las Paylas, Balneario La Monserrate, and La Pared.
Parking is limited and the road itself is challenging. It's advisable to drive as far as your vehicle can safely manage and then walk the rest of the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Most beaches in Luquillo, including Playa Azul and Balneario La Monserrate, are public and do not require tickets for entry. However, some areas might have parking fees.
Playa La Selva is a natural, secluded beach and typically does not have any entrance fees. The challenge is accessing it, not paying to enter.
Public beaches like Playa Azul and Balneario La Monserrate are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Specific hours for any facilities or parking areas may vary.
Yes, there are many accommodation options. Playa Azul Towers offers beachfront apartments, and other rentals are available nearby.
Visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning, can help you avoid the largest crowds. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, picnic, and enjoy the natural beauty. La Pared is known for surfing, while Playa La Selva offers a secluded, wild experience.
Playa Azul and Balneario La Monserrate are generally safer for swimming. Playa La Selva has strong waves and can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and any beach essentials. There are no facilities available.
No, Playa La Selva is a natural and undeveloped beach, so there are no facilities available.
On the hike to La Selva, you might spot iguanas, crabs, and turtles. The surrounding forests are rich in biodiversity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are local eateries and kiosks near Luquillo Beach, offering various Puerto Rican dishes. @samabistroplayero is a recommended spot.
No, Playa La Selva is a secluded natural beach with no food vendors or facilities. It's best to bring your own picnic.
Look for fresh seafood, mofongo, and other traditional Puerto Rican dishes at local restaurants and kiosks.
Yes, picnics are a great idea, especially at secluded spots like Playa La Selva. Just remember to pack out everything you pack in.
While not directly on every beach, there are restaurants and kiosks in the Luquillo area, some with ocean views.
📸 📸 Photography
Playa La Selva offers stunning, untouched natural beauty. 
Drone usage regulations can vary. Always check local rules before flying. Some aerial shots of La Selva Beach have been captured.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful lighting, with the 'golden hour' providing stunning colors for beach photography.
The natural coastline of La Selva, the surf at La Pared, and the general beach vistas of Playa Azul are highly photogenic.
Expect vibrant turquoise waters, lush green surroundings, dramatic waves, and serene, secluded beach scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Adventure Seekers & Off-Road Enthusiasts
🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
While Playa La Selva offers waves, they can be quite powerful and potentially dangerous, so it's best suited for experienced surfers who are comfortable with rough conditions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Playa La Selva: The Untamed Paradise
Despite the journey, the reward is immense: a pristine stretch of soft sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a lush forest backdrop that creates a feeling of being in a private paradise. It's a place where the only sounds are the waves and nature, offering a profound sense of peace away from crowded tourist spots.
Crucially, Playa La Selva has no facilities. Visitors must come prepared with all their essentials, including ample water, snacks, and sun protection. The waves here can be strong and unpredictable, making it unsuitable for inexperienced swimmers or young children. Safety should be the top priority when enjoying this wild beauty.
Luquillo's Beach Variety: From Serene to Surfing
For those seeking a more adventurous water sport, La Pared is a well-known surfing spot in Luquillo. It attracts surfers with its consistent waves and offers a more dynamic beach scene.
This variety means you can easily spend a day exploring different coastal vibes within the same area.Beyond these, Luquillo is also a gateway to other natural attractions. Nearby, you can find spots like Las Paylas, famous for its natural rock water slides, though caution is advised due to the potential for rough conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit