The scenic drive via Rt.187, follows the coast joining highway 3 at Rio Grande and can take twice as long. . Route 187 starts at the east end of Isla Verde near Boca Cangrejos, a favorite local beach, and winds through pine groves to the historic town of Loiza. This area is known as Pinones, is a strip of land between the ocean, and the Islands largest mangrove lagoon. The road is narrow and dotted with food shanties. Don't be put off by their appearance, the local food is great as is the ocean view.
Parking is often on soft sand or up tire-track dirt inclines. .
Ponies are a common means of travel in this area. There are carved rock formations at Point Vacia Talega just before Loiza. This old town sits on the banks of Rio Grande de Loiza and is the center of the Island's African culture. The San Patricio church has been functioning since 1645. . Route 187 winds through the town and its narrow streets towards Rio Gande.