Adventuring in Puerto Rico
Before you go...
The best time to visit Puerto Rico is February- May. The summer months can be quite hot and the fall carries the potential of hurricanes. Be sure to check the weather for the season you plan on visiting. Also know there is little to no public transportation, so once you leave Old San Juan you will need to rent a car. As you get to more rural areas in Puerto Rico, the roads tend to be less structurally secure (potholes, gravel roads, or wiped out by flooding) so please be careful while driving. Now onto the fun stuff!
Viejo (Old) San Juan
This is the capital of Puerto Rico and likely the airport you will fly into. The below hotel options are in the most walkable area with the best bang for your buck. If you plan on staying in one of these hotels or this area, you will not need a car rental.
Day 1
After arriving at the airport, pick up your rental car and head to your hotel. Once you check in and get situated, it's time to start exploring! Walk around Viejo San Juan and admire the architecture and winding streets. On the first day I'm in a new place, I like to orient myself to the area and learn a little about the history. This can usually be accomplished by a walking tour. Try any of the tours, but I like Debbie's walking tours. I also can't help but hit up a beach on my first day in a tropical climate, so spend the evening relaxing on a beach with a drink of choice!
Day 2
Beach day! Enjoy a relaxing day on Condado beach or join in on the many water sports offered in the area! This beach also has plenty of beachside bars and restaurants.
Day 3
Make your way from the hotel to our first stop by walking down Bulevar de Valle Art Walk where you can see many murals depicting the history and people of Puerto Rico. Next visit Castillo San Felipe del Morrow. This is a must-see in San Juan and will take a couple hours to explore. Then chose one of the top museums in the city to cool off from the Puerto Rico heat. Then, it's time for some fun at the Casa Bacardi tours! The most popular one is the Legacy tour at $40 and it sells out quick! Finally, end your night with a sunset view taking the ferry back across to San Juan or hitting up the Playita Puerta de San Juan.
Adjuntas
This is a rural area of Puerto Rico filled with natural wonders like waterfalls and many native and edible plants. This area tends to have long and winding roads, tread carefully and also keep an eye out for roadside stalls that serve the best snacks!
Day 4
From San Juan, either take a day trip or stay overnight in Adjuntas to visit the coffee farms. I would recommend an AirBnB as this is a fairly rural area, but the AirBnBs available to not disappoint! Choose between one of the two coffee makers below and visit the Cascada Las Delicias either on your way in our out from your tour!
Luquillo/ Fajardo
This is the most highly sought after beach areas of Puerto Rico for relaxation and water sports (minus surfing, that is more popular on the west coast). Travel here for the best white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. Stay at one of the beachside hotels below that offer competitive pricing.
Day 5
Beach and kayak day! Lounge around all day at the Seven Seas beach which will be near your night time kayak tour. The bioluminescent bay is not one to miss, the bioluminescence changing to blue as you paddle through the water is a once in a lifetime experience! The cost is $55-65/ person depending on the tour you choose.
Day 6
Beach day! Visit the most popular beach on the island! Head to the Luquillo kiosks for beachside food and pineapple drinks!
Day 7
El Yunque is a beautifully preserved rain forest with a vast array of hiking trails and waterfalls with natural pools. Explore the list of hiking trails to determine which hike(s) are right for you. Entry into the rain forest is free with no reservation required as of August 2023. However, some places like the fort are now $8/person. Be sure to check the El Yunque National Forest website for road closures and more info.
Day 8- travel day
Last day! Take a last walk along the beach before heading back to the San Juan airport.
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