This Puerto Rico itinerary guide will focus mostly on first-time visitors, but is a good resource for returning visitors as well. The island has so many activities to offer, but this plan will give you the right blend of site seeing and relaxation.
It’s important to remember that everyone has different travel preferences. While this Puerto Rico itinerary worked very well for us, feel free to add or remove things that you might not enjoy. Have safe and happy travels!
7 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San Juan, Puerto Rico
This will probably be a shorter day for you depending on how far you traveled. If you’re coming from the U.S., you won’t have to go through customs making it easy to get luggage from baggage claim and be on your way. Grab a taxi or Uber to take you to your Airbnb or hotel for check-in.
If this is your escape from northern winters, you might want to get into your bathing suit and hit the beach right away to feel the warm touch of the sun again. Afterwards, head to Condado, an oceanfront upscale neighborhood, for a walk and dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants.
Here are some of the best reviewed restaurants to choose from:
- Condal Tapas Restaurant – Caribbean, Puerto Rican Food
- Cafe del Angel – Caribbean, Puerto Rican Food
- Serafina San Juan – Italian Food
Day 2: Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal
San Juan, Puerto Rico is home to multiple historic forts, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Castillo San Felipe del Morro, referred to as El Morro, dates back to the 16th century and was responsible for guarding the San Juan port.
You will get to walk the narrow passages and walls to take in the beautiful views of the ocean. Also, they have a collection of artifacts on display. As a bonus, your admission ticket can also be used to access the nearby Castillo de San Cristobal if used on the same day. I highly recommend doing this since both forts are equally impressive and worth your time.
The time it takes to go through the forts will vary based on your speed. We easily spent a few hours soaking in the views and inspecting each nook and cranny. Plan to spend part of the day walking in town or on the beach since the forts won’t take all day.
Day 3: Old San Juan Walking Tour
Old San Juan is full of charming architecture and walkways. Take your time exploring and taking lots of photos by the colorful buildings. Schedule a walking tour to get even more information and make sure you don’t miss any of the hidden secrets.
An easy way to book walking tours is through Airbnb’s Experiences tool. It allows locals to host activities. Check it out here.
Stop for cocktails or a bite to eat at one of the many great restaurants and bars scattered throughout Old San Juan.
If you feel like a night of drinking and dancing you can also check out La Placita, just south of Condado. This market by day transforms into a nightlife hotspot with drinks, dancing, and restaurants. It’s especially busy on a Friday or Saturday night.
Day 4: Beach Day
At this point, you’ve been pretty busy through the first 3 days of the trip. Time to relax and enjoy one of Puerto Rico’s pristine beaches. You really can’t go wrong with any of the beaches, so whichever one is closest to your lodging works.
Otherwise, Isla Verde is a popular choice among tourists since it’s lined with resorts. Atlantic Beach and Ocean Park are also decent city beaches, but a little smaller than Isla Verde. Just be careful, the current is strong on the north side of the island.
If reading and sun bathing are too slow paced for you, consider getting surf lessons from one of the local surf shops. Note that many of them will rent gear out if you prefer learning on your own.
Day 5: El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is without a doubt my favorite place in Puerto Rico. It’s the only tropical rainforest managed by the United States National Forest Service. Located about an hour from San Juan in a mountainous region, it’s easy to get to for day tours. Plus, the elevation and regular rain make it a nice escape from the hot weather in San Juan.
It has hiking trails that range from beginner to expert level and several picnic areas to just lounge and enjoy the sounds of the rainforest. Visitors can choose to book a tour guide with transportation, or rent a car and go on a self-guided tour. It’s fairly easy to navigate and the easier trails are well marked.
Don’t forget rain gear and good hiking shoes since the trails get slippery. Also, bring a camera to capture the tropical plants, wildlife, and stunning views.
See our complete El Yunque visitor’s guide linked below for all the details you need for a day tour.
Day 6: Flamenco Beach Day Trip
As the end of your trip sadly approaches you should see one more landmark beach. Flamenco Beach is located on the nearby Culebra island and is known for its white sands and turquoise water. It’s about a mile long in a horseshoe shaped bay, perfect for pictures to show off your amazing vacation.
Additionally, it’s a great place to snorkel or scuba dive. You’ll be able to see coral reefs, and many tropical fish.
Culebra Island is off the east coast of Puerto Rico and is accessible by ferry from Fajardo. If you rent a car you can drive to Fajardo in about an hour. Otherwise, if you want to save time you can take a flight straight to Culebra. There are mixed reviews on which option is better, so it comes down to your budget and how much time you want to spend there.
Day 7: Last Day of Puerto Rico Itinerary
Depending on your flight time, you should try to squeeze in one last breakfast or brunch. Also, try to get up early to feel the warm ocean breeze as you walk the beach one last time.
If you’re heading back to a winter up north it might be the last warm walk you get for awhile.
Extra Puerto Rico Itinerary Activities
If you need another activity on any of the days above, consider the activities below.
Casa Bacardi Tour
Bacardi is one of the largest rum companies in the world and has a long history in Puerto Rico. Enjoy some drinks and a tour of their world class facility where you’ll learn the history of rum and how they make it.
Tours can be booked on Bacardi’s website here.
Enjoy Puerto Rican Artwork at a Museum
Looking to get a break from the heat? Don’t leave Puerto Rico without taking in some of the artwork. While a lot of street art is present when walking around San Juan, the island also has a lot of more traditional art to offer.
The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, in San Juan, will open your mind with countless inspiring pieces from local artists. Additionally, they also have a large collection of artwork from artists outside of Puerto Rico that are worth seeing. They even had a Banksy on display when we were there. Lastly, they have a beautiful garden behind the museum that makes for a peaceful place to relax and reflect.
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