Puerto Rico: 5-day Road Trip in the North-Eastern Region
Day 1: Arriving to SJU and Settling In at Old San Juan
The main airport in Puerto Rico is the Luis Muñoz Marin Airport (SJU) which is the one that I mostly recommend since it is located in the capital city making it easier to find transportation no matter the time you land. It usually has the most competitive prices as well, compared with the rest of the airports due to the bigger amount of flights arriving and departing.
I usually like to fly overnight or in the early morning so I can have the day to my favor, and I wouldn't need to pay an extra hotel night, but this just depends on your preferences.
Below you'll find some links where you can book your flights:
Pick up your rental car at the airport:
Best way to book your car rental would be to pick up and turn back in the airport. Usually, it is cheaper to pick up and turn in the same place.
You can book your rental car in the link below:
Uber works pretty well in the metropolitan area, however, if you would like to explore thoroughly the island, your only option will be renting a car. Public transportation is not reliable at all and Ubers only work in certain cities. For this itinerary, you'll need to rent a car, since you will be exploring other areas.
Staying at Old San Juan
Old San Juan, historical district in the Capital of Puerto Rico, will captivate you with its culture, life and more than 500 years of history.
These are some nice hotels with prime location in the heart of Old San Juan. You'll be able to walk around anywhere in town.
Once you are all settled, you can go through the Puerta de San Juan and walk through the Paseo de la Princesa, area where you will find, depending on the day and your luck, most local artisans.
Make a stop for dinner at Vaca Brava, one of the most iconic, authentic restaurants at Old San Juan.
Then keep walking towards the port. I always like to make this walk, especially at night because you can see the cruise ships basically above you and might be able to watch some of them sailing. You might also encounter some local artisans and vendors. It is definitely a simple but beautiful walk.
Day 2: Exploring Old San Juan
Today is one of the days to wake up early and go to sleep late! During the day, you will be exploring the historical sites of Old San Juan and in the evening you'll get to enjoy the night life!
During the day:
First things first, grab breakfast or brunch at Choco Bar, one of my favorite and traditional spots at Old San Juan.
The following would be the order I would follow to visit all sites:
Grab some lunch at Café el Punto and eat some traditional Mofongo!
During the evening:
For dinner, go to Barrachina and try the original piña colada recipe!
Or if you're looking for something more fancy, Marmalade is the best option for fine dining! This farm to table restaurant offers meals per courses and wine pairing.
Nightlife
The best way to experience the Old San Juan nightlife is to go barhopping in the San Sebastian Street.
A spot you cannot miss while barhopping is La Factoría, rated for 5 years in a row among the World's Best Bars.
Another great spot, especially on Fridays and Saturdays nearby is La Placita de Santurce.
If you would like to have more detailed information about Old San Juan Historical district, you can check out my Ultimate Old San Juan Guide. It includes all the information you need to know while visiting this beautiful city, from a local.
Day 3: El Yunque & Luquillo Kiosks
El Yunque National Forest is the only Rain Forest within the United States and its territories.
There are various hiking areas at El Yunque. The main park includes La Coca Waterfalls and the Yokajú Tour, but to be honest, my personal favorite is the Angelito Trail. This is a very simple, short trail that will take you to a river where you can see gold dust in the bottom and the best thing, you can bathe in the river... but always with caution!
During the afternoon
Once you are done at the rain forest, grab some lunch at the Kioskos de Luquillo which offers a good variety of traditional Puerto Rican food options and souvenir shops.
During the Evening
After eating at the Kioskos, head to Fajardo, where you will be spending the night. Outside of the San Juan area, hotel options will become more limited, but Fajardo has one of the best resorts in the Island:
I would recommend staying two nights at this hotel, since they have access to Palomino, a private island with white sand and crystal clear waters. El Conquistador offers various dining options, lounge, entertainment options like pools, gym, water park, tennis court, golf course and boat transportation to Palomino Island.
If you decide not to stay at El Conquistador, you can also stay at
Day 4: Beach Day and Bio Bay
Day 4 is all about the sea! During the day, I chose two cays that you can visit. Both are extremely beautiful, however, one is available for all public, while the other one is only available for private excursions.
Palomino Island is private property from El Conquistador Hotel, unfortunately the access to this island is limited to hotel guests only. There is a full-service restaurant, you can do snorkeling and horseback riding tours.
Another incredibly beautiful islands is Icacos, that offers crystal clear waters this one is open for the public. To get there, you will need to book a water taxi or a tour. I personally prefer tours since they might include other stops, snorkeling, jet skiing and food and drinks. That way, you only worry about packing a pair of clothes and your sunblock!
You cannot miss the Bio Bay, one of the few places where you are able to see the Bioluminescence phenomenon. With the agitation, you will get to see a glow. This is one of the most beautiful phenomena to presence.
To visit, you will need to book a tour and its access will only be available through kayaks.
Things to know before you visit:
- The less the light around, the more you can see the glow in the water. You will only be able to see it during the night. It is preferable to visit during a new moon; you want to avoid visiting during a full moon.
- The bio bay is closed by law during Sundays for the conservation and rest of the ecosystem. If you see a company offering tours on Sundays, do not book it, as it is ilegal. With this action, you will also contribute to the conservation of the bio bay.
- You will not be able to bathe in the water since the chemicals that we might have in our skin, scalp and hair (such as perfume, shampoo, and soap) are toxic for the life in the water.
- Do not take valuable items with you as there is always the risk of losing them in the water. If you want to take your phone, you can take a waterproof pouch with you.
You can get a waterproof pouch in Amazon in the link below:
Below is one of the tour companies that offers services at Fajardo's Bio Bay:
Day 5: Piñones and Isla Verde
We have already covered the history and the nature. Today you will have an immersive cultural experience: chinchorreo. Chinchorreo is a very Puerto Rican tradition which is the action of hopping from kiosk to kiosk to eat and drink, especially fried food. Piñones is the right place to experience it. Piñones is an area where you will find many food kiosks parallel to the coastline where you can order and take it to the beach.
Here is a list of food to try; in Piñones:
- Alcapurrias
- Bacalaitos
- Piononos
- Empanadillas
- Pinchos
- Mofongo
Kiosko El Boricua is one of the most well-known Kiosks at Piñones. It usually has very long lines but, believe me, is is more than worth it as they have the best fritters in the area.
The best area to stay at during your last night would be Isla Verde. Just a few minutes away from the airport, Isla Verde offers great dining and entertainment options as well as night life.
Below one of my favorite hotels in the area:
Courtyard by Marriott in Isla Verde has a casino, beach front restaurant and pool. It is right in front of the Isla Verde beach, one of my favorite beaches in the area. Due to its proximity to the airport, you will be able to see the planes departing from the island from the beach
Departure Day
Return your car at the airport. Make sure to be there 2 hours in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak hours, so you don’t miss your flight!
The home for unique & authentic travel
