Puerto Rico is a wonderful selection for any kind of Caribbean trip. However it’s particularly nice in the event you’re American and do not need to fear about juggling passports, forex exchanges, and overseas SIM playing cards – as a result of, as a US territory, traveling to Puerto Rico is taken into account only a home journey!
A number of folks 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 realize 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 components of it on every journey. And, primarily based on these journeys, I’ve give you a 7-day Puerto Rico itinerary that covers all of the highlights, from Viejo San Juan to El Yunque rainforest to seashore time in Rincon.
Be at liberty to make use of this itinerary that can assist you plan your individual week in Puerto Rico!
One of the best time to go to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a tropical monsoon local weather, that 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 no threats of hurricanes.
Hurricane season within the Caribbean (which Puerto Rico is usually affected by) runs from June-November, and that is if you’ll discover the most affordable resort rooms. However you additionally run the chance of working into rain, storms, and worse.
I most loved my February journey to Puerto Rico, however April, Could, 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 principle island of Puerto Rico in per week, that is my preferrred itinerary! It contains:
- San Juan (together with Previous San Juan)
- El Yunque Rainforest
- Visiting Ponce
- Rincon and the west coast
- Non-obligatory journey(s) into the mountains for espresso or zip lining
You are going to want a rental automobile for this itinerary as you may be touring all around the island, and public transit is not actually a factor outdoors main cities. I often seek for rental vehicles utilizing Discover Cars, and it is simple for this itinerary to choose up and drop off a automobile on the SJU airport.
Day 1: Previous San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is among the oldest cities within the Caribbean, with a historical past relationship 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 folks referred to as the world dwelling lengthy earlier than that.
At present, when most individuals consider San Juan, they consider the colourful previous colonial buildings and the Spanish forts from a whole lot of years in the past which are present in Previous 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 Website. The historic website contains two totally different fortresses, in addition to previous metropolis partitions and gates. I like to recommend beginning with Castillo San Cristóbal on the northeast finish of Previous San Juan, as a result of it is inside simple strolling distance from most Previous City inns.
Castillo San Cristóbal is among the fortresses constructed by the Spanish to defend Puerto Rico. Development on this fortress started within the 1600s, and it was used right through WWII, when US troops used the sentry containers and lookouts to scan the waters for German U-boats.
This fortress was the one which protected the land entrance into Previous San Juan, again when it was a completely walled metropolis. It is giant, too, protecting 27 acres – it is the biggest fortification constructed by the Spanish within the New World, in truth.
Entry to the historic website is simply $10 per particular person, and there is a lot to see. You possibly can go to former jail cells, stand in sentry containers, and discover many of the fortress.
It’s also possible to get some unbelievable views over San Juan in all instructions.
Professional tip: Get to Castillo San Cristóbal as near opening time as you may; the cruise ship tour buses will begin rolling in 1-2 hours after opening, so get there early if you wish to have the positioning largely to your self.
Early afternoon: Discover Viejo San Juan
Subsequent, it is time to spend a while getting misplaced within the colourful streets of Previous San Juan. The pastel-painted buildings, previous metropolis partitions, and Puerto Rican flags all over the place make for excellent pictures.
Together with merely having fun with the gorgeous buildings and squares, just a few issues to do in Previous San Juan embrace:
- 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 pictures 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 like taking meals excursions after I journey; you be taught a lot about an space’s historical past and tradition by way of its meals.
In San Juan, the go-to meals tour firm is Flavors of San Juan, and the tour I might suggest for this afternoon is the basic Old San Juan Food Tour. This 3-hour small group tour is a good introduction to Puerto Rican foods and drinks. It mixes historical past and good eats – and a little bit of strolling that can assist you burn off a few of these further energy.
I will not give away all the pieces included on this tour, however you may go to at the least 5 totally different locally-owned spots and style all the pieces from Puerto Rican espresso to pastries to chocolate. My favourite a part of the tour was after we made our personal mofongo!
The Previous San Juan Meals Tour is obtainable a number of occasions all through the day. I like to recommend going with a late afternoon choice (there’s often a 3 p.m. tour), which can fill you up sufficient that you just will not must exit for a separate dinner.
Book your food tour in advance here.
Night: Sundown and sundowners
In the event you go for the afternoon meals tour, your tour will finish earlier than sundown, so you may both head to the previous 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 observe the solar go down.
Afterwards, you may 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.
Whole driving time at this time: None; Previous San Juan could be very walkable! I truly do not suggest selecting up a automobile in any respect till both Day 3 or 4 of your journey. If it is advisable take a brief experience, Uber is obtainable and really low cost in San Juan.
The place to remain in San Juan (2 nights): You possibly can both keep for two nights in Previous San Juan, or within the Condado resort zone (a brief drive from Previous City). In Previous 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 a variety of sights and eating places. In Condado, my choose is the Condado Ocean Club. This resort 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 seashore.
Day 2: Condado and Santurce
Whereas Previous San Juan is definitely the most-visited a part of San Juan, it is truly solely a small a part of town! There’s rather more to San Juan than what’s contained behind these fortress partitions.
At present, I like to recommend exploring the Santurce neighborhood east of Previous San Juan. This neighborhood is extra residential and fewer touristy, however remains to be full of eating places and cafes – plus a number 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 means by way of all of the galleries, and in addition took a stroll by way of the museum’s out of doors sculpture backyard.
From the artwork museum, you may simply stroll to different components of Santurce, preserving 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 unimaginable 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 may discover it right here!
Afternoon: Seashore time!
A brief stroll north of Calle Loíza lies the Ocean Park seashore (AKA Playa Último Trolley), a protracted public seashore that is laid-back and never very touristy in any respect. This can be a good 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 folks attempting out windsurfing, kiteboarding and different water sports activities, as it is a well-liked seashore for all of these.
Alternatively, you may head to Condado Seashore, close to lots of the high-rise inns on this a part of San Juan. You possibly can 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 resort to scrub up and seize some dinner. You could simply need 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.
Through 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 reside salsa music (and dancing) within the sq..
Not all components of Santurce are considered being protected 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 resort, and working towards fundamental security precautions to keep yourself and your stuff safe. However this spot makes for a really enjoyable evening out.
Whole driving time at this time: None; issues are fairly walkable at this time. If it is advisable take a brief experience, Uber is obtainable and really low cost, and can prevent cash parking a automobile at your resort.
The place to remain in San Juan: Once more, in Previous 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. Situated within the japanese 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 at this time to the rainforest and japanese a part of the island, but it surely’s additionally completely potential to drive your self.
If you wish to take a tour from San Juan, I might select this El Yunque tour that features time within the rainforest, in addition to a go to to the well-known seashore in Luquillo.
If you wish to self-drive by way of El Yunque, you may need to choose up your rental automobile early at this time 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 way of August 2023. As of writing, nonetheless, 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 into consideration. In the event you’re visiting outdoors 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, they usually do briefly shut the entry gates after a sure variety of vehicles has entered.
El Yunque covers virtually 29,000 acres, however the overwhelming majority of the park is dense rainforest. There’s mainly one important highway that travels by way of the forest that you will comply with (Freeway 191).
The primary issues to do throughout a self-guided go to to El Yunque embrace:
- 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 just a few)
- Stopping to see Baño Grande and Baño de Oro (former public swimming swimming pools which are only for wanting 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 observe 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 will need to permit at the least a few hours to discover El Yunque, and you should definitely put on your swimsuit in the event you’re planning to swim at Juan Diego Falls.
Afternoon: Luquillo Seashore
In the event you do not spend your entire day in El Yunque, you possibly can head to Luquillo this afternoon – particularly to Luquillo Seashore (Playa De Luquillo/Balneario de Luquillo). This huge seashore has ample parking, plus companies like altering rooms, picnic areas, and meals kiosks.
Whole driving time at this time: Roughly 2 hours, which incorporates time driving in El Yunque.
The place to remain close to El Yunque (1 evening): You would 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 resort), or you possibly can drive a bit additional east to Fajardo, which is dwelling to the El Conquistador Resort.
Day 4: To Ponce by way of espresso
At present you may be heading to 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, have been exported all around the globe within the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, being lauded as a few of the easiest. And whereas occasions have modified (and varied hurricanes have severely decimated espresso crops), you may 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 positioned 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 way of the farm to see espresso bushes up shut and studying about your entire 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 slightly over an hour and price $20.
In the event you’re not visiting on a tour day, Hacienda Muñoz additionally has a espresso store (Doppio Espresso Bar, open day by day besides Monday), in addition to Yiya’s Restaurant (open Wednesday-Sunday).
Different espresso haciendas you may go to between El Yunque/Luquillo and Ponce embrace Hacienda de Café Pomarrosa (tours offered on Saturdays), Hacienda San Pedro de Jayuya (museum and store supplied), 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 referred to 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 at this time is thought for its well-preserved previous city and structure.
In the event you arrive early sufficient this afternoon, you may need to ebook 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 possibly can ebook a guided 45-minute tour of simply the home (supplied Wednesday-Sunday), or a Don Q Rum Tour that features a mixology workshop.
In the event you arrive too late to take a tour at this time, then I like to recommend simply wandering round Ponce’s historic heart to admire the structure. (The Parque de Bombas, a former firehouse positioned within the Plaza las Delicias, is definitely 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 sequence of earthquakes in 2019/20. However I nonetheless suppose it is price making a cease right here!
Whole driving time at this time: About 2.5 hours in the event you additionally go to a espresso hacienda.
The place to remain in Ponce (1 evening): Just a few resort choices in Ponce embrace the Ponce Plaza Hotel (a historic resort within the metropolis heart), Hotel Bélgica (boutique resort additionally within the heart), and the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort (close to the coast).
Day 5: Ponce and to West Coast
Morning: Ponce
In the event you did not go to the Museo Castillo Serrallés yesterday, then I like to recommend doing that at this time. In the event you occur to be in Ponce on a Friday, then you possibly can additionally go to the Museo de Arte de Ponce, which is at present solely open someday per week because it goes by way of reconstruction.
Or, you can too ebook this morning walking tour of Ponce to be taught a bit extra about its historical past with a neighborhood information. (This could be my private choose when you have the time!)
Afternoon: Drive to Rincón
This afternoon you may be making your technique to Puerto Rico’s west coast and the seashore city of Rincón. You will 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 well-liked), however you additionally may need to get to Rincon to have extra time on the seashore!
In the event you do not make any stops, it is going to take you about 1.5 hours to get from Ponce to Rincón.
As soon as there, you may positively hit up one of many space’s many seashores for a swim and to observe the sundown.
Seashores right here which are good for swimming* embrace Balneario Publico de Rincon (Rincón’s public seashore), 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!
Whole driving time at this time: About 1.5 hours.
The place to remain in Rincón (2 nights): Villa Cofresi is the top-rated resort in Rincon (and is dwelling to a well-known cocktail referred to as the Pirate Particular). Different good resort choices embrace the The Lazy Parrot Inn (native family-run resort), and the Casa Isleña Inn.
Day 6: Rincon/West Coast
Morning: Hit the seashore
Rincón is among the greatest locations in Puerto Rico for browsing. So in the event you’ve ever wished to attempt to sport out, this is able to be an excellent spot to join a surf lesson! This beginner surf lesson at Domes Seashore could be an effective way to start out the day.
(Or, in the event you’d somewhat 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, an alternative choice for this morning is to go snorkeling; there’s wonderful snorkeling within the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve close to Steps Seashore. You possibly can 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 may 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 at this time is surrounded by a beautiful park with an remark deck searching over the Atlantic Ocean. From January-March, it isn’t unusual to have the ability to spot whales from right here.
Close by can 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 would head again to the seashore this afternoon for extra swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling. However if you wish to make yet another distinctive cease, it is a quick 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 sequence of homes on a hill is painted in vibrant, mosaic-like murals that make for some wonderful pictures. The murals are a mission by a bunch referred to as Pintalto, with the aim of revitalizing this group and bringing vacationers to go to.
I personally was pleased to be influenced to make a cease!
Then you may head again to Rincón for one more wonderful sundown and dinner.
Day 7: Again to San Juan
Are you able to consider your one week in Puerto Rico is nearly over??
Morning: Hit the highway
You possibly can 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 may nonetheless squeeze in some extra seashore time or journey!
In your technique to San Juan, Balneario Cerro Gordo seashore is a good place to cease for a swim in the event you’re craving one final seashore day.
Afternoon: Zip lining
Or you may tack on a bit extra driving and head again into the mountains to go to Toro Verde Adventure Park in Orocovis. This park makes a speciality of zip lining and ropes programs, with a few of the longest, tallest, and quickest zip strains you may ever experience!
In the event 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 strains by way of lush jungle) and one of many huge quick zip strains like The Monster or The Beast. A combo like that is lower than $100 per particular person, however observe 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 may drive again to San Juan to your ultimate evening in Puerto Rico.
Whole driving time at this time: That is the longest day, for positive! In the event you drive from Rincon straight again to San Juan, it is 2.5-3 hours. In the event you add the cease at Toro Verde, then you definitely’re taking a look at slightly beneath 4 hours whole 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 ebook an airport resort tonight since SJU could be very near the middle of San Juan! In Previous 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 need to go to Vieques?
If in case you have 10 days in Puerto Rico (or in the event you’d want to sub out Ponce and Rincon for a go to to considered one of Puerto Rico’s idyllic smaller islands), then proceed studying!
Touring to Vieques
If in case 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, but it surely’s completely price it to go!
You may get to Vieques by ferry from Ceiba (a 1-hour drive from San Juan, and you may need to book a ticket online in advance), or you may 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 occasions per day, together with Vieques Air Link and Cape Air.
As soon as on Vieques, you may spend your days beach-hopping throughout the island’s wonderful seashores (there’s even a black sand seashore!), and you’ll ebook 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 positively ebook 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 appear to be 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 automobile, 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 prefer to take?
