Puerto Rico 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Puerto Rico Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on exploring the diverse cultural and natural attractions of Puerto Rico. It’s just a suggestion and can be customized to your interests!

Day 1: Arrival in San Juan & Old Town Charm

  • Morning: Arrive at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, you won’t need a passport or visa if you are arriving from within the United States.

  • Things to know:

    • Puerto Rico uses the US dollar as currency.
    • Spanish and English are both official languages.

  • Afternoon: Explore Old San Juan:

    • Stroll along cobblestone streets, admiring the colorful colonial buildings.
    • Visit historic landmarks like El Morro fortress, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and Fort San Cristóbal.
    • Relax at a cafe and enjoy some traditional Puerto Rican coffee while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
    • Things to consider: Walking shoes are a must for exploring Old San Juan!

Day 2: Beach Bliss & Rainforest Exploration

  • Morning: Soak up the sun at Isla Verde beach, known for its turquoise waters and lively atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the El Yunque National Forest. Hike to breathtaking waterfalls and lush trails, marveling at the diverse flora and fauna.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion & Culinary Delights

  • Morning: Discover the vibrant culture of Old San Juan. Explore the cobblestone streets, visit museums like the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico or the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, and learn about the island’s history and art scene.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the historic city center, admiring the architecture and soaking up the local vibe.

Day 4: Dive into History & Dine with Locals

  • Morning: Visit the historical sites of San Juan:

    • Explore the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan
    • Tour Castillo San Felipe del Morro (Old San Juan) or the Castillo San Cristobal (Old San Juan).

  • Afternoon: Take a trip to Ponce, a city known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza Las Delicias and visit:

    • Museo de Arte de Ponce: This museum boasts an impressive collection of art, including works by renowned artists like Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Puerto Rican dinner at a “fondita” (small local restaurant) in San Juan.

Day 5: Bioluminescence & Adventure

  • Daytime: Explore the bioluminescent bay in Vieques or Mosquito Bay, renowned for its vibrant glow caused by microscopic organisms.
  • Nighttime: Relax and enjoy the local nightlife!

Day 6: Nature’s Wonders & Island Culture

  • Morning: Visit Old San Juan again:
    • Castillo de San Felipe del Morro: Explore this historic fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • El Yunque National Forest: Hike to one of the many waterfalls (like La Mina Falls) or embark on a kayaking adventure in a nearby bay.

Day 7: Departure Day

  • Morning: Relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel while savoring the final moments of your Puerto Rican vacation.
  • Afternoon: Soak up the sun and enjoy one last swim at a beach like Playa Negra.

Things to know about travel in Puerto Rico:

  • Transportation: Getting around is easy with car rentals, taxis, and “publicos” (shared vans) readily available. Public transportation is affordable and efficient, connecting you to various parts of the island.

  • Currency & Payment: The US dollar is used in Puerto Rico. Most places accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to have some cash for smaller vendors and restaurants.

  • Language: While English is spoken throughout the island, learning a few basic Spanish phrases will be helpful, especially when interacting with locals who may not be fluent in English.

  • Things to do:

Day 1-2: Old San Juan

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of San Juan’s historic district.

  • Explore the El Yunque National Forest, a lush tropical paradise with stunning waterfalls and hiking trails.

  • Things to know:

    • Currency: The US dollar is used, so no need for currency exchange!

  • Culture & History:

  • Old San Juan:

    • Daytime: Wander through the colorful streets and admire the colonial architecture. Visit historic sites like:
      • El Morro: This massive fort built by the Spanish is a must-see!
      • Castillo San Cristóbal: Explore the maze of tunnels and chambers within this historical landmark.

  • Enjoy the nightlife in Old San Juan, with its lively bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Things to consider for your trip:

  • Weather: Puerto Rico has tropical weather year-round. Pack light clothing, swimwear, and a few raincoats or ponchos as showers can be unpredictable.

  • Safety: Always prioritize safety when traveling. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid leaving valuables unattended.

  • Things to consider:

    • Bathing Suit: Don’t forget your bathing suit for the beach!
    • Sun Protection: The sun can be strong, even on cloudy days. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a hat and sunglasses.

This is just a sample itinerary. You can adjust it to fit your own interests and preferences. For example, you could:

  • Spend more time exploring the historic sites of San Juan.
  • Visit other parts of the island, such as El Yunque National Forest, Old San Juan’s museums and art galleries, or the bioluminescent bay in Vieques.

Enjoy your trip to Puerto Rico!