Puerto Rico is a superb selection for any type of Caribbean trip. But it surely’s particularly nice in the event you’re American and do not wish to fear about juggling passports, forex exchanges, and international SIM playing cards – as a result of, as a US territory, traveling to Puerto Rico is taken into account only a home journey!
A lot of individuals go to San Juan (the capital of Puerto Rico) annually because the leaping off level for Caribbean cruises. However simply as I like to recommend spending extra time in San Juan to totally get to understand it, I additionally suggest planning a Puerto Rico-only journey someday to totally discover and recognize this island.
I have been to Puerto Rico 3 times now (twice with my husband Elliot), visiting totally different elements of it on every journey. And, based mostly on these journeys, I’ve provide you with a 7-day Puerto Rico itinerary that covers all of the highlights, from Viejo San Juan to El Yunque rainforest to seaside time in Rincon.
Be at liberty to make use of this itinerary that will help you plan your individual week in Puerto Rico!
The perfect time to go to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a tropical monsoon local weather, which means that it is scorching and humid just about year-round (temperatures keep a fairly constant low- to mid-80s F). The preferred months to go to San Juan are in the course of the North American winter, i.e. December-March, when it is barely cooler and drier and there are not any threats of hurricanes.
Hurricane season within the Caribbean (which Puerto Rico is commonly affected by) runs from June-November, and that is while you’ll discover the most affordable lodge rooms. However you additionally run the danger of working into rain, storms, and worse.
I most loved my February journey to Puerto Rico, however April, Might, and June are additionally good months to go to if you’d like extra of a shoulder season vibe.
7 days in Puerto Rico itinerary
If you wish to discover the primary island of Puerto Rico in per week, that is my splendid itinerary! It consists of:
- San Juan (together with Outdated San Juan)
- El Yunque Rainforest
- Visiting Ponce
- Rincon and the west coast
- Non-compulsory journey(s) into the mountains for espresso or zip lining
You are going to want a rental automotive for this itinerary as you will be touring everywhere in the island, and public transit is not actually a factor exterior main cities. I normally seek for rental automobiles utilizing Discover Cars, and it is easy for this itinerary to select up and drop off a automotive on the SJU airport.
Day 1: Outdated San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is likely one of the oldest cities within the Caribbean, with a historical past courting again greater than 500 years. Town was formally based by Spanish colonists in 1521 who named it “Ciudad de Puerto Rico,” or “wealthy port metropolis,” although the Indigenous Taino individuals known as the world dwelling lengthy earlier than that.
Right now, when most individuals consider San Juan, they consider the colourful outdated colonial buildings and the Spanish forts from a whole bunch of years in the past which might be present in Outdated San Juan – which is why that is the place I like to recommend beginning your journey!
Morning: San Juan fortresses
Begin out your morning with a go to to Castillo San Cristóbal, a part of the San Juan Nationwide Historic Web site. The historic web site includes two totally different fortresses, in addition to outdated metropolis partitions and gates. I like to recommend beginning with Castillo San Cristóbal on the northeast finish of Outdated San Juan, as a result of it is inside simple strolling distance from most Outdated City resorts.
Castillo San Cristóbal is likely one of the fortresses constructed by the Spanish to defend Puerto Rico. Building on this fortress started within the 1600s, and it was used right through WWII, when US troops used the sentry bins and lookouts to scan the waters for German U-boats.
This fortress was the one which protected the land entrance into Outdated San Juan, again when it was a wholly walled metropolis. It is massive, too, masking 27 acres – it is the biggest fortification constructed by the Spanish within the New World, in reality.
Entry to the historic web site is simply $10 per individual, and there is a lot to see. You may go to former jail cells, stand in sentry bins, and discover a lot of the fortress.
It’s also possible to get some incredible views over San Juan in all instructions.
Professional tip: Get to Castillo San Cristóbal as near opening time as you’ll be able to; the cruise ship tour buses will begin rolling in 1-2 hours after opening, so get there early if you wish to have the location principally to your self.
Early afternoon: Discover Viejo San Juan
Subsequent, it is time to spend a while getting misplaced within the colourful streets of Outdated San Juan. The pastel-painted buildings, outdated metropolis partitions, and Puerto Rican flags in every single place make for excellent photographs.
Together with merely having fun with the gorgeous buildings and squares, a couple of issues to do in Outdated San Juan embody:
- Seize Puerto Rican espresso at Cuatro Sombras.
- Get a piña colada at Barrachina, which claims to be the birthplace of the Piña Colada.
- Strive chocolate-infused dishes at Chocobar Cortes.
- Go to La Fortaleza, the present governor’s home – and take photographs on Calle de la Fortaleza.
- Have rooftop drinks with ocean views at La Vergüenza.
Late afternoon: Meals tour
One factor that you could’t miss in San Juan is a meals tour! I really like taking meals excursions once I journey; you be taught a lot about an space’s historical past and tradition by means of its meals.
In San Juan, the go-to meals tour firm is Flavors of San Juan, and the tour I would suggest for this afternoon is the traditional Old San Juan Food Tour. This 3-hour small group tour is a good introduction to Puerto Rican food and drinks. It mixes historical past and good eats – and a little bit of strolling that will help you burn off a few of these additional energy.
I will not give away every part included on this tour, however you will go to no less than 5 totally different locally-owned spots and style every part from Puerto Rican espresso to pastries to chocolate. My favourite a part of the tour was after we made our personal mofongo!
The Outdated San Juan Meals Tour is obtainable a number of instances all through the day. I like to recommend going with a late afternoon choice (there’s normally a 3 p.m. tour), which can fill you up sufficient that you just will not should exit for a separate dinner.
Book your food tour in advance here.
Night: Sundown and sundowners
Should you go for the afternoon meals tour, your tour will finish earlier than sundown, so you’ll be able to both head to the outdated metropolis partitions previous Paseo de la Princesa and La Fortaleza, or all the way in which out to San Juan’s second fortress, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, to look at the solar go down.
Afterwards, you’ll be able to cease at Barrachina for a Piña Colada in the event you did not make it there earlier, or cease in to La Factoria, a well-known assortment of seven totally different bars/dance golf equipment that additionally serves up good drinks.
Complete driving time right this moment: None; Outdated San Juan may be very walkable! I truly do not suggest choosing up a automotive in any respect till both Day 3 or 4 of your journey. If it is advisable to take a brief trip, Uber is offered and really low cost in San Juan.
The place to remain in San Juan (2 nights): You may both keep for two nights in Outdated San Juan, or within the Condado lodge zone (a brief drive from Outdated City). In Outdated San Juan, Elliot and I stayed on the Decanter Hotel, which we actually favored. One other high choose is the historic Hotel El Convento. Each are inside strolling distance to loads of points of interest and eating places. In Condado, my choose is the Condado Ocean Club. This lodge is newer, with gentle and ethereal rooms with a definite beachy vibe. We particularly beloved the floor-to-ceiling window in our oceanview room, and the infinity pool proper on the sting of the seaside.
Day 2: Condado and Santurce
Whereas Outdated San Juan is definitely the most-visited a part of San Juan, it is truly solely a small a part of the town! There’s far more to San Juan than what’s contained behind these fortress partitions.
Right now, I like to recommend exploring the Santurce neighborhood east of Outdated San Juan. This neighborhood is extra residential and fewer touristy, however remains to be crammed with eating places and cafes – plus plenty of colourful road artwork.
Morning: All of the artwork
Begin off your day in Santurce with a go to to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. This artwork museum showcases and celebrates Puerto Rican and Caribbean artwork spanning from the seventeenth century to the current, and is a must-visit for artwork lovers.
I am not truly an enormous fan of artwork museums, however the number of kinds represented on this museum (plus seeing a lot work by Puerto Rican artists!) held my curiosity for a few hours. We made our manner by means of all of the galleries, and in addition took a stroll by means of the museum’s outside sculpture backyard.
From the artwork museum, you’ll be able to simply stroll to different elements of Santurce, protecting your eye out for the colourful road artwork that the neighborhood is thought for.
Typically in comparison with Miami’s Wynwood Arts District, Santurce has unbelievable murals to be discovered round each nook. Stroll up Calle Cerra or Calle Loíza for the best focus of artwork and artsy cafes. Read more about Santurce’s street art here.
Seize lunch at one of many myriad cafes and eating places alongside Calle Loíza – it doesn’t matter what you are within the temper for, you will discover it right here!
Afternoon: Seashore time!
A brief stroll north of Calle Loíza lies the Ocean Park seaside (AKA Playa Último Trolley), an extended public seaside that is laid-back and never very touristy in any respect. It is a excellent spot to take a stroll alongside the sand, or go in for a dip in the event you carry your swim gear.
It’s also possible to watch individuals making an attempt out windsurfing, kiteboarding and different water sports activities, as this can be a widespread seaside for all of these.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to head to Condado Seashore, close to lots of the high-rise resorts on this a part of San Juan. You may both hit the sand right here, or maybe simply benefit from the views with a drink in hand at Depraved Lily on the Tryst, a very nice beachfront bar.
Night: Exit at La Placita
Head again to your lodge to scrub up and seize some dinner. Chances are you’ll simply wish to calm down this night, however in the event you’re up for some wonderful native ambiance, head to La Placita de Santurce after darkish.
Throughout the day, this two-tiered market sq. is fairly quiet with a farmer’s market and a few eating places. At evening, although (and particularly on weekend nights), it is the place locals flock for road meals, drinks, and stay salsa music (and dancing) within the sq..
Not all elements of Santurce are thought to be being secure after darkish, however La Placita is an exception; the ambiance on a weekend evening is so vibrant. I like to recommend taking an Uber there/again out of your lodge, and working towards primary security precautions to keep yourself and your stuff safe. However this spot makes for a very enjoyable evening out.
Complete driving time right this moment: None; issues are fairly walkable right this moment. If it is advisable to take a brief trip, Uber is offered and really low cost, and can prevent cash parking a automotive at your lodge.
The place to remain in San Juan: Once more, in Outdated San Juan I like to recommend the Decanter Hotel and Hotel El Convento. In Condado, my choose is the Condado Ocean Club.
And in the event you plan to spend extra than simply 2 days in San Juan? Try my 5 days in San Juan itinerary.
Day 3: Journey to El Yunque
El Yunque is Puerto Rico’s iconic rainforest. Positioned within the jap a part of the island, El Yunque is definitely a US Nationwide Forest – and is the one tropical rainforest within the nationwide forest system.
You *may* technically keep a 3rd evening in San Juan and take a day journey right this moment to the rainforest and jap a part of the island, nevertheless it’s additionally completely potential to drive your self.
If you wish to take a tour from San Juan, I’d select this El Yunque tour that features time within the rainforest, in addition to a go to to the well-known seaside in Luquillo.
If you wish to self-drive by means of El Yunque, you will wish to choose up your rental automotive early right this moment and hit the highway early to make sure you may get into El Yunque!*
*El Yunque was severely broken by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, and was closed for greater than 4 years. There are nonetheless some roadways being labored on within the forest. Due to this, there was a reservation system in place from 2022 by means of August 2023. As of writing, nevertheless, the reservation system had ended (in September 2023), and entry into the park is on a first-come, first-served foundation. More info here.
Morning + early afternoon: El Yunque
The drive from San Juan to El Yunque is about 40-60 minutes, so take that under consideration. Should you’re visiting exterior of excessive season and/or on a weekday, you are in all probability okay visiting at any time. However getting there earlier than 10 a.m. is beneficial if potential! There’s restricted parking in El Yunque, and so they do quickly shut the entry gates after a sure variety of automobiles has entered.
El Yunque covers nearly 29,000 acres, however the overwhelming majority of the park is dense rainforest. There’s principally one important highway that travels by means of the forest that you’re going to comply with (Freeway 191).
The primary issues to do throughout a self-guided go to to El Yunque embody:
- Stopping to see La Coca Falls (proper beside the highway)
- Climbing Yokahu Tower (no climbing required)
- Swimming within the waterfalls at Juan Diego creek (there are a couple of)
- Stopping to see Baño Grande and Baño de Oro (former public swimming swimming pools which might be only for trying now)
If you wish to get some climbing in, there is a path to Torre Britton (one other tower), and a path to La Mina Falls – although be aware that the path to La Mina is closed indefinitely.
For lunch, El Yunque Rainforest Cafe contained in the forest serves up some tasty empanadas.
You may wish to permit no less than a few hours to discover El Yunque, and make sure you put on your swimsuit in the event you’re planning to swim at Juan Diego Falls.
Afternoon: Luquillo Seashore
Should you do not spend the complete day in El Yunque, you can head to Luquillo this afternoon – particularly to Luquillo Seashore (Playa De Luquillo/Balneario de Luquillo). This huge seaside has ample parking, plus providers like altering rooms, picnic areas, and meals kiosks.
Complete driving time right this moment: Roughly 2 hours, which incorporates time driving in El Yunque.
The place to remain close to El Yunque (1 evening): You may keep close to Luquillo tonight (take a look at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar for a resort, or the The Surfing Turtle for a beachfront lodge), or you can drive a bit additional east to Fajardo, which is dwelling to the El Conquistador Resort.
Day 4: To Ponce by way of espresso
Right now you will be heading to the town of Ponce on Puerto Rico’s southern coast. However, since driving distances in PR aren’t too loopy, I like to recommend making a cease at a espresso hacienda on the way in which!
Morning: Espresso hacienda tour
Puerto Rican espresso is world well-known; its espresso beans, grown within the mountainous inside of the island, had been exported all world wide within the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, being lauded as a few of the perfect. And whereas instances have modified (and varied hurricanes have severely decimated espresso crops), you’ll be able to nonetheless get a style of Puerto Rico’s native espresso by visiting a espresso hacienda, or farm.
I personally visited Hacienda Muñoz, a espresso farm situated lower than an hour from El Yunque in San Lorenzo. This small espresso farm is comparatively new on the scene in Puerto Rico, however is making wonderful espresso that they are (rightfully) tremendous pleased with.
The tour has you strolling by means of the farm to see espresso bushes up shut and studying about the complete coffee-making course of intimately. They run excursions of the farm right here Friday-Sunday (10 a.m. is the English model), which final for just a little over an hour and value $20.
Should you’re not visiting on a tour day, Hacienda Muñoz additionally has a espresso store (Doppio Espresso Bar, open each day besides Monday), in addition to Yiya’s Restaurant (open Wednesday-Sunday).
Different espresso haciendas you’ll be able to go to between El Yunque/Luquillo and Ponce embody Hacienda de Café Pomarrosa (tours offered on Saturdays), Hacienda San Pedro de Jayuya (museum and store provided), and Hacienda Buena Vista (former espresso farm that is now a museum).
Afternoon: Discover Ponce
Your vacation spot for tonight is Ponce, a big metropolis on Puerto Rico’s southern coast that is typically known as “the Pearl of the South.” Town was formally based in 1692 and named after Juan Ponce de León y Loayza (the great-grandson of the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León), and right this moment is thought for its well-preserved outdated city and structure.
Should you arrive early sufficient this afternoon, you may wish to e book a tour of Ponce’s most well-known attraction: the Museo Castillo Serrallés.
This Spanish Revival mansion was constructed on a hill overlooking Ponce within the Thirties by the Serrallés household, who additionally began the well-known Don Q rum distillery in Puerto Rico. You may e book a guided 45-minute tour of simply the home (provided Wednesday-Sunday), or a Don Q Rum Tour that features a mixology workshop.
Should you arrive too late to take a tour right this moment, then I like to recommend simply wandering round Ponce’s historic heart to admire the structure. (The Parque de Bombas, a former firehouse situated within the Plaza las Delicias, is well probably the most well-known constructing to see.)
There was a bit extra to do in Ponce (together with a pleasant pier and boardwalk at La Guancha), however the metropolis has not absolutely recovered but from Hurricane Maria and a collection of earthquakes in 2019/20. However I nonetheless suppose it is price making a cease right here!
Complete driving time right this moment: About 2.5 hours in the event you additionally go to a espresso hacienda.
The place to remain in Ponce (1 evening): A number of lodge choices in Ponce embody the Ponce Plaza Hotel (a historic lodge within the metropolis heart), Hotel Bélgica (boutique lodge additionally within the heart), and the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort (close to the coast).
Day 5: Ponce and to West Coast
Morning: Ponce
Should you did not go to the Museo Castillo Serrallés yesterday, then I like to recommend doing that right this moment. Should you occur to be in Ponce on a Friday, then you can additionally go to the Museo de Arte de Ponce, which is presently solely open at some point per week because it goes by means of reconstruction.
Or, you may also e book this morning walking tour of Ponce to be taught a bit extra about its historical past with an area information. (This may be my private choose when you have the time!)
Afternoon: Drive to Rincón
This afternoon you will be making your option to Puerto Rico’s west coast and the seaside city of Rincón. You may be driving alongside PR’s southern and western coast, and will cease in a spot like La Parguera or Cabo Rojo (the place Boquerón Seashore is widespread), however you additionally may wish to get to Rincon to have extra time on the seaside!
Should you do not make any stops, it’ll take you about 1.5 hours to get from Ponce to Rincón.
As soon as there, you’ll be able to undoubtedly hit up one of many space’s many seashores for a swim and to look at the sundown.
Seashores right here which might be good for swimming* embody Balneario Publico de Rincon (Rincón’s public seaside), Corcega Seashore, Doña Lala Seashore, Sandy Seashore, and Almendros Seashore.
*Be aware that a few of Rincón’s seashores are higher suited to browsing than swimming!
Complete driving time right this moment: About 1.5 hours.
The place to remain in Rincón (2 nights): Villa Cofresi is the top-rated lodge in Rincon (and is dwelling to a well-known cocktail known as the Pirate Particular). Different good lodge choices embody the The Lazy Parrot Inn (native family-run lodge), and the Casa Isleña Inn.
Day 6: Rincon/West Coast
Morning: Hit the seaside
Rincón is likely one of the greatest locations in Puerto Rico for browsing. So in the event you’ve ever wished to attempt to sport out, this may be a perfect spot to enroll in a surf lesson! This beginner surf lesson at Domes Seashore can be a good way to start out the day.
(Or, in the event you’d quite simply go and watch surfers hit the waves, the preferred surf seashores in Rincón are Domes Seashore, Maria’s Seashore, Swimming pools Seashore, Steps Seashore, and Sandy Seashore. December-April is the season with the largest waves.)
And if browsing is not your pace, another choice for this morning is to go snorkeling; there’s wonderful snorkeling within the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve close to Steps Seashore. You may both book a guided snorkeling tour into the marine reserve, or just cease in to Rincon Diving & Snorkeling beginning at 9 a.m. to rent snorkeling gear so you’ll be able to discover the reserve and reefs by yourself.
Afternoon: Rincon lighthouse
After a morning within the water, this afternoon I like to recommend visiting the Punta Higüero Lighthouse, or El Faro de Rincón. This lighthouse close to Domes Seashore dates again to 1892, and right this moment is surrounded by a stunning park with an commentary deck looking over the Atlantic Ocean. From January-March, it isn’t unusual to have the ability to spot whales from right here.
Close by can also be the Ola Sundown Café, which is a good spot to seize lunch and a chilly drink (their mojitos are large for simply $10!) as you watch the waves.
Late afternoon: Aguadilla
You may head again to the seaside this afternoon for extra swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling. However if you wish to make yet one more distinctive cease, it is a brief drive north alongside the coast to the city of Aguadilla.
Cease to see the Banyan Treehouse at a playground, after which plug “Casas de Colores Aguadilla” into your GPS or Google Maps. This collection of homes on a hill is painted in vibrant, mosaic-like murals that make for some wonderful photographs. The murals are a venture by a gaggle known as Pintalto, with the aim of revitalizing this neighborhood and bringing vacationers to go to.
I personally was completely happy to be influenced to make a cease!
Then you’ll be able to head again to Rincón for an additional wonderful sundown and dinner.
Day 7: Again to San Juan
Are you able to imagine your one week in Puerto Rico is nearly over??
Morning: Hit the highway
You may drive straight again to San Juan from Rincon in about 3 hours in the event you’ve booked a flight dwelling this afternoon/night. However when you have the entire day free, then you’ll be able to nonetheless squeeze in some extra seaside time or journey!
In your option to San Juan, Balneario Cerro Gordo seaside is a good place to cease for a swim in the event you’re craving one final seaside day.
Afternoon: Zip lining
Or you’ll be able to tack on a bit extra driving and head again into the mountains to go to Toro Verde Adventure Park in Orocovis. This park focuses on zip lining and ropes programs, with a few of the longest, tallest, and quickest zip traces you will ever trip!
Should you decide to spend the afternoon at Toro Verde, I like to recommend getting an earlier begin to your day so you are able to do a combo of the park’s zip line course (7 zip traces by means of lush jungle) and one of many huge quick zip traces like The Monster or The Beast. A combo like that is lower than $100 per individual, however be aware that it’s going to take you a great 3-4 hours to do all of it. (It is tremendous enjoyable, although!)
Then from there you’ll be able to drive again to San Juan in your ultimate evening in Puerto Rico.
Complete driving time right this moment: That is the longest day, for certain! Should you drive from Rincon straight again to San Juan, it is 2.5-3 hours. Should you add the cease at Toro Verde, then you definately’re just a little beneath 4 hours complete of driving.
The place to remain in San Juan (1 evening): Even in the event you’re flying dwelling tomorrow, do not feel like it is advisable to e book an airport lodge tonight since SJU may be very near the middle of San Juan! In Outdated San Juan, I like to recommend the Decanter Hotel and Hotel El Convento. In Condado, my choose is the Condado Ocean Club.
Have extra time or wish to go to Vieques?
When you have 10 days in Puerto Rico (or in the event you’d choose to sub out Ponce and Rincon for a go to to certainly one of Puerto Rico’s idyllic smaller islands), then proceed studying!
Touring to Vieques
When you have MORE time in Puerto Rico, I like to recommend including an extra 2-3 nights on the island of Vieques.
Vieques is a small island 8 miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico, and is most well-known for being dwelling to the brightest bioluminescent bay on the planet. It takes some planning to get to, nevertheless it’s completely price it to go!
You will get to Vieques by ferry from Ceiba (a 1-hour drive from San Juan, and you may wish to book a ticket online in advance), or you’ll be able to take a brief flight from San Juan Worldwide Airport (SJU) or Isla Grande Airport (SIG) in San Juan. A number of small airways fly these routes a pair instances per day, together with Vieques Air Link and Cape Air.
As soon as on Vieques, you’ll be able to spend your days beach-hopping throughout the island’s wonderful seashores (there’s even a black sand seaside!), and you’ll e book a nighttime tour to kayak in Mosquito Bay, which is the brightest bioluminescent bays on the planet. Plan this as near a brand new moon as potential, and undoubtedly e book a tour in a clear-bottomed kayak! (This tour is the one I recommend.)
For more information on this Vieques add-on, learn my full publish right here: Planning the Perfect Island Getaway to Vieques, Puerto Rico
This is what your itinerary may seem like with Vieques added:
7 days in Puerto Rico: San Juan and islands
- Day 1: San Juan
- Day 2: San Juan
- Day 3: El Yunque (Luquillo Seashore, east coast)
- Day 4: San Juan/Fly to Vieques
- Day 5: Vieques
- Day 6: Vieques
- Day 7: Again to San Juan
(For this one week Puerto Rico itinerary, you do not essentially want a automotive, besides maybe on Vieques.)
10 days in Puerto Rico
- Day 1: San Juan
- Day 2: San Juan
- Day 3: El Yunque (Luquillo Seashore, east coast)
- Day 4: To Ponce
- Day 5: To Rincon
- Day 6: Rincon/West Coast
- Day 7: Again to San Juan/Fly to Vieques
- Day 8: Vieques
- Day 9: Vieques
- Day 10: Again to San Juan
Have you ever been to Puerto Rico? If not, is that this a visit you’d wish to take?
