Welcome to Puerto Rico, the Caribbean paradise known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking relaxation under the tropical sun, Puerto Rico offers a diverse range of experiences to satisfy every traveler.
This 7-day Puerto Rico itinerary is not for the slow traveler. It is for those that like to pack it in and see as much of the island as they can in one week!
With this Puerto Rico itinerary, we’ll guide you through some of the island’s most captivating destinations.
From the lively streets of San Juan to the turquoise water of the Caribbean, to the breathtaking natural wonders of El Yunque National Forest, this guide will explore it all!
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An Ambitious 7 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary
Table of Contents
- Day 1: Fly into San Juan
- Day 2: Explore Old San Juan
- Day 3: Carabalí Rainforest Park
- Day 4: Drive to Rincon
- Day 5: La Parguera
- Day 6: Drive to Luquillo
- Day 7: El Yunque
- A few more of the best things to do in Puerto Rico if you have time:
Click the link to see a map with each location listed on this Puerto Rico itinerary.
Day 1: Fly into San Juan
Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll likely be landing in San Juan later in the afternoon or early evening.
Plan to rent a car when you arrive, you’ll definitely need it for this Puerto Rico itinerary.
Keep in mind that there are several toll roads that do not have a toll booth, so you’ll need to pay a flat rate for tolls each day through your rental car company. It was $8 per day when we rented.
I would recommend staying a few nights in San Juan to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico’s capital city.
The best place to stay is at Isla Verde Beach where you’ll find plenty of resorts and hotel options.
Isla Verde was even voted ‘Best Urban Beach in the World’ by USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Award in 2016.
We stayed at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Casino.
The rooms and amenities were great and it was only a short walk to the beach.
It was also more reasonably priced since it wasn’t right on the beach.
Breakfast is also included, as well as an evening snack and drink.
After checking into your hotel, head to Acapulco Taqueria Mexicana for dinner.
This funky local joint serves the best Mexican food and it has a fun vibe with a DJ on the top floor.
Be sure to get homemade chips and guac, street tacos, and churros! They even have $3 tacos for Taco Tuesday.
End the day with sunset at Isla Verde Beach before calling it a night.
Day 2: Explore Old San Juan
You can’t help but fall in love with Old San Juan, a colonial yet cosmopolitan city.
This is the oldest European-founded city in the Americas and the cobblestone streets are lined with historic buildings splashed with color.
Spend the day wandering through the colorful streets, admiring the colonial architecture, and soaking in the vibrant culture.
Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history by visiting the impressive forts, Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal.
Be sure to stop by the San Juan Bautista Cathdedral, walk through the Old San Juan city gate, and make reservations to tour La Fortaleza.
Don’t miss the opportunity to sample delicious Puerto Rican cuisine. El Jibarito is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its traditional Puerto Rican food.
Another recommendation is Caficultura, a cute brunch spot with delicious pancakes and hummus plates.
The Waffle-Era Tea Room is also good for breakfast and brunch, try the poached egg on a waffle.
Cafeteria Mallorca serves the best Mallorca sandwiches which are a pastry filled with ham, cheese, and egg then dusted with powdered sugar.
La Malorquina is also a unique place to eat. This 170-year-old restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in Old San Juan.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat, cool off with a Spanish-style popsicle at Señor Paleta, or frozen hot chocolate at Chocobar Cortés.
For more recommendations, see our guide 12 Things to do in Old San Juan.
Day 3: Carabalí Rainforest Park
Spend the morning relaxing at the beach.
In addition to Isla Verde, Escambron Marine Park is another great beach that offers a unique experience for visitors to snorkel around sunken statues and boats.
Condado Beach also boasts a wide stretch of sand and turquoise water. If you’re lucky, you can even find the Empanada Lady that walks along the beach selling homemade empanadas.
Grab lunch at Numero Uno Beach House where you can eat burgers right on the beach, then head to Carabalí Rainforest Park.
Carabalí is a 600-acre family-owned ranch and adventure park that is located about a half hour from San Juan.
This is the best place for ATV and horseback riding tours through the beautiful foothills of El Yunque National Forest.
The tour takes you through the dense rainforest with a stop at the crystal clear waters of the Mameyes River to cool off.
They also offer horseback riding tours along the beach.
After your tour, take a few spins on the go-kart track.
Finish your evening with dinner at Carabalí Bar & Grill.
This open-air treehouse restaurant serves up some of the best local cuisine that we had on our trip!
For more information, see our guide What to Expect When Visiting Carabalí Rainforest Park.
Day 4: Drive to Rincon
After spending a few days in San Juan, it’s time to explore more of the beautiful island!
As you make your way to Rincon on the west coast of the island, there are a few cool stops along the way.
Cueva Arenales and Charco Azul
First, escape the tourist crowds and venture off the beaten path to Cueva Arenales and Charco Azul.
Here you’ll find a freshwater pool with unique limestone rock formations hidden in the middle of the rainforest.
Before you visit, there are a few things that you should know.
As you get closer to Cueva Arenales, you will see a house on the right side of the road advertising parking for $3 cash. Make sure you park here!
If you go all the way down to the end of the road, your vehicle will most likely get stuck. Do not go past this sign.
Although the road is paved the entire way, it is quite steep and there is little traction. Chances are your rental car will not be able to make it back up the hill, especially if it has been raining.
There are no signs warning you not to drive to the bottom, but there are plenty of signs for tow trucks once you get down there!
Another thing to note, the blue pools will likely be brown muddy pools if it has been raining.
It’s still a cool place with fascinating limestone rock formations to explore, but just be prepared that the water is not always blue.
Also, be aware that this area is prone to flash flooding, so do not visit if heavy rains are in the forecast.
To reach Cueva Arenales, after you park your car at the house walk to the bottom of the road until you reach a water pumping station.
Head to the left and follow the trail alongside the river.
You’ll need to cross the river a few times but it’s only ankle-deep at this point.
After a few minutes, you’ll reach the rock formations known as the caves.
You’ll need to swim across the river to reach the caves. I would recommend a dry bag to keep your phone, wallet, and keys safe and dry.
The river winds through the rocks where you can cliff jump into the blue pools at Charco Azul (or muddy pools!) and there is also a rope swing.
When you are finished at Cueva Arenales, head back up to the north coast then continue making your way toward Rincon.
Cueva del Indio and Seven Arches
Make another quick stop at Cueva del Indio and Seven Arches in Arecibo.
This stunning coastal formation is the filming location for scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean and Treasure Island.
Cueva del Indio is a sea cave with ancient Indian rock carvings that date back to the 15th century. The cave is more of an eroded sinkhole that you can view from up above.
There are some stone steps that you can use to climb down and explore the caves, just be sure that you are able to climb your way back up. There are also smaller caves and tunnels to explore inside the cave.
My favorite part is this rock formation in the center that looks like a giant toad guarding hidden treasure.
You’ll definitely want to wear tennis shoes if you plan to climb down into the cave.
I would also recommend tennis shoes just to walk around as the rocks are rough and the footing is uneven.
As you explore around, you’ll discover other cool sea caves and caverns.
After exploring the cave, continue along the coastline to view the impressive sea arches known as the Seven Arches.
You can also spot a tall structure in the background. It’s a statue dedicated to Christopher Columbus called “Birth of the New World”.
It’s the tallest statue in the hemisphere and is even 50 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty!
This rugged coastline really is breathtaking, but the cost is a little steep.
You’ll need to pay $10 cash per person to park and enter, which can add up when you are visiting with a family.
Playa la Poza del Obispo
There will be one more stop before reaching Rincon. Playa La Poza del Obispo is located in Arecibo near Cueva del Indio.
Here you’ll find a small protected beach cove that generally has calm and shallow water perfect for swimming.
The outcrop of rocks protects this lagoon against large waves. When the water is rough, the ocean puts on quite a show as the waves crash into the surrounding rocks.
This scenic beach cove sits at the base of the historic Arecibo Lighthouse which was built in 1898.
The Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park is open for visitors that would like to tour the lighthouse. Admission also includes access to a small amusement park that is geared toward younger kids.
It does have mixed reviews so we didn’t stop, but you may want to research it if that is something your kids would enjoy.
Rincon
That evening you’ll arrive in the cute surf town of Rincon where you’ll check into your hotel.
We booked an Airbnb, but wouldn’t recommend the one we stayed in. Instead, check out one of the many beachfront hotels and resorts such as Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel.
Grab dinner at a waterfront restaurant and enjoy your meal while watching the sunset over the ocean. Tamboo is a great option that offers delicious food and beautiful views.
Day 5: La Parguera
The next morning, head about 50 minutes south to La Parguera which is located on the Caribbean side of the island.
La Parguera
La Parguera is a small fishing village that boasts some of the clearest water in Puerto Rico.
It is a bit of a hidden gem with around 30 mangrove islands and sandbars just off the coast.
Cayo Caracoles is the most popular sandbar to visit. Dozens of boats anchor here and it’s like one big party, especially on the weekends.
You can spend the afternoon swimming in the warm shallow water on the sandbar, or exploring the mangrove tunnels.
It’s also a great place to snorkel, especially with the huge tarpon fish that frequent the waters looking for some food that has dropped from the boats.
There are several boat tours that will take you to Cayo Caracoles, but we loved Hook’d on Adventure Parguera.
This family-owned business is the only tour operator that offers a private boat tour to explore the other islands and canals in addition to Cayo Caracoles.
After spending time at Cayo Caracoles, they will take you to lesser-known and less crowded sandbars and cays.
They’ll even take you out to a coral reef island that is made of dead coral that you can walk on.
We even saw a few manatees and a massive sting ray while cruising around, it was definitely a highlight of our day!
You’ll also get a chance to cruise through the Los Canales.
These narrow mangrove canals are believed to have been created centuries ago by the Taino Indians to serve as a protection during hurricane season. The canals were also used during WWII to transport troops.
As you make your way back, you’ll pass by the cutest beach cottages right on the water. Many of these have been owned by the same family for generations. Some of them are even available to rent on Airbnb.
I would recommend booking the first boat reservation of the morning so that you can visit Cayo Caracoles before it gets too busy.
Another option for exploring the canals and cays is on a water bike tour.
After your tour, grab some lunch at one of the many food stalls and restaurants that are found on the waterfront.
We picked up some empanadas from Frituras Clara. They have quite a few flavors to choose from and they were all really tasty.
La Parguera is also home to one of three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico.
What makes this one unique is that it is the only bio tour where you can actually get in and swim in the sparkling illuminated water.
Cabo Rojo
After spending the morning in La Parguera, you can take a detour to Cabo Rojo on your way back to Rincon.
This picturesque region boasts breathtaking coastal scenery. You can visit the iconic Los Morrillos Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the rugged cliffs and azure waters.
Soak in the sun at Playa Sucia and Bahia Salinas. These picturesque crescent-shaped beaches are known for their crystal-clear water and pristine soft golden sand.
The Las Salinas pink salt flats are also a unique spot where you can walk on a path across the pink water, or view it from the observation tower at the visitor center.
Playa Buye’ is also a beautiful nearby beach with white sand, turquoise water, and swaying palm trees.
For more information, here is a great guide that details the best things to do in Cabo Rojo.
Sunset in Rincon
As you make your way back to Rincon, stop by Don Frappe for the best Puerto Rican milkshakes. The strawberry cheesecake was my favorite!
We also got dinner next door at Don Maceta in Aguada. It was a fun place with huge portions of deep-fried foods. This was the appetizer platter.
Our kids liked it, but I don’t know if I would necessarily recommend it.
Be sure to make it back to Rincon in time to watch the sunset.
Rincon is a laid-back town known for having the best surf beaches in Puerto Rico.
It is home to Domes Beach, one of the most famous surf spots in the Caribbean.
The name comes from the decommissioned nuclear plant that sits on the shore.
The main beach can get a little crowded, but if you head to the right and climb over some rocks you’ll find an isolated cove that is a little slice of paradise.
It’s the perfect spot to play in the sand and catch the sunset.
Day 6: Drive to Luquillo
Spend the morning exploring more of the beaches in Rincon.
Steps Beach Reserve is a great beach for snorkeling. Sandy Beach is lined with palm trees and is the perfect beach for relaxing on the shore.
Maria’s Beach is a good beach for beginner surfing. Lessons are available at the beach with Rd. 2 Happiness.
Gozalandia
As you make your way back to the other side of the island, you’ll want to make a detour to Gozalandia in San Sebastian.
This is one of the coolest waterfalls in Puerto Rico. Not only is the setting picturesque, but you can climb up behind the waterfall and cliff jump.
There is even a small rock waterslide and a small underwater cavern.
Parking is $10 cash per vehicle. When you first arrive, it feels very commercialized with an on-site restaurant, gift shop, and restrooms.
In some ways, it takes away from the authentic experience and feels touristy. However, it is nice that the waterfall is so easy to access and the amenities are convenient as well.
There is a steep cement staircase leading down to the waterfall with lookout points along the way.
Once you get down there, it feels like you’re a world away!
This 50-foot waterfall and swimming hole in the jungle truly is a Puerto Rico gem.
From the top of the stairs, you can continue upstream along the path for about 10 minutes until you reach the upper falls.
This waterfall isn’t as big as the lower falls and isn’t quite as impressive at first glance.
However, if you climb up the rocks you can get behind the waterfall and take a shower in the falls.
This is also a great spot to cliff jump and it usually isn’t as crowded as the lower falls.
Luquillo
After spending a few hours swimming in the falls, it’s time to get back on the road and make your way to Luqillo.
Luquillo is another fun surf town located on the north shore of the island about 45 minutes east of San Juan.
We stayed in this cute little beach bungalow right by the beach.
It was adorable and the location was great. They even had beach equipment for guests to use.
The beach here is not swimmable due to a strong undercurrent.
However, it’s a great place to build sand castles or just relax and read a book while being serenaded by crashing waves.
The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar is also a great resort option that is located in Rio Grand near Luquillo.
If you want to stay closer to Fajardo, the El Conquistador Resort is a beautiful resort with great amenities and even has access to its own private island, Palomino.
For dinner that night, head to the Luquillo Food Kiosks.
This famous strip has 80 different beachfront restaurants and food stalls. There is live music spilling out of the different restaurants and a fun energy in the air.
With so many options, it’s hard to narrow down which restaurant to eat at. Our Airbnb host recommended Terruno Comida Artesanal in kiosk #20.
The menu primarily consists of seafood, and we honestly didn’t love what we ordered. We also thought that it was a little pricey.
It got great reviews online, so maybe we didn’t order the right dishes. The Tres Leches was delicious, though!
I will say that the ambiance was nice with live music and an outdoor patio with ocean views.
It’s a great way to end the day as the sun goes down in Luquillo!
Day 7: El Yunque
Make reservations in advance to visit El Yunque National Forest.
This 28,000-acre forest is the only tropical rainforest that is listed in the US National Forest system.
The lush forest was a finalist for one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and is filled with countless hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Plan to arrive early in the morning so that you can make the most of your last day in Puerto Rico.
Start your day at La Coca Falls which can be seen right from the road. If you are ambitious, there is a hiking trail that leads down to the river.
Continue on to the Yokahú Tower for breathtaking views over the rainforest.
Make a stop at Juan Diego Creek where you can hike up to a series of cascading waterfalls and swim in the pools.
The Angelito Trail is also a beautiful trail through the jungle that leads to a swimming hole with a rope swing.
And be sure to visit the Las Paylas Natural Waterslides. It is located just outside of the park but is such a fun area with natural rock waterslides, rope swings, cliff jumping, and swimming holes.
Book an afternoon ziplining tour with Rainforest Zipline or JungleQui where you can soar high above the jungle canopy.
After your zipline tour, grab a refreshing treat at the nearby Sweets Temptation by Dayra!
For more information, see our guide for The Best Things to do in El Yunque National Forest.
That evening, head to Fajardo for dinner and a bioluminescent bay night tour.
I would highly recommend eating at Burger Lab where you’ll find the most delicious handcrafted burger creations.
Order the WTF burger and you’ll soon learn how it got its name.
The Philly Burger is also a great option, but you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. All of the burgers are grilled fresh to order using high-quality locally-sourced ingredients.
Be sure to try their fresh lemonade served in a juice pouch. It’s like a grown-up version of a Capri Sun!
The outdoor dining space is also adorable with string lights and a deck overlooking the creek.
After dinner, head to Seven Seas Beach for sunset.
This protected cove is perfect for an evening swim. Just be aware that the bugs can be bad here, so bring repellant.
Then book a bioluminescent bay tour for later that night where you can paddle through mangroves to reach Laguna Grande.
This bay is filled with bioluminescent organisms that glow when the water is agitated.
There are only 5 bays in the world where this organism can be found and 3 of them are here in Puerto Rico.
It truly is an enchanting phenomenon to see the water sparkle every time the paddle hits the water. Just keep in mind that the conditions have to be just right in order to witness the full affect.
If there is too much light pollution, or the moon is too bright, or it has been raining, or too cloudy for the organisms to absorb light, then they won’t glow as bright.
The best time to go is when there is a new moon, try to avoid going when there is a full moon.
Even if the conditions aren’t ideal, it is still a magical experience to float through the mangrove tunnels under a starry sky.
The tour guide will also provide you with a tarp to cover your kayak so that you can see the glowing organisms more brightly.
Keep in mind that your phone or camera will not be able to capture the bioluminescent organisms very well, so it’s best to put it away and just enjoy the moment.
Your phone’s screen will also add to the light pollution so the guides ask that you don’t even pull them out.
This really is the best way to end your time in Puerto Rico. I hope this 7-day Puerto Rico itinerary will help you plan your vacation and discover the best things to do on the island!
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A few more of the best things to do in Puerto Rico if you have time:
- Vieques Island: Take a ferry to Vieques which is known for having the brightest bio bay in the world at Mosquito Bay. Rent a golf cart to go beach hopping at Playa Sun Bay, Black Sands Beach, and Playuela Beach.
- Culebra Island: Take the ferry or book a snorkel tour to Culebra Island. This island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico, including the world-famous Flamenco Beach.
- Las Tinjas Falls: Slide down these two natural waterslides along the Charco Frio River and go cliff jumping as well.
- Toro Verde Adventure Park: Test your bravery on The Monster Zipline which is 1.57 miles long and reaches speeds of 95 mph!
- Chorro de Dona Juana: This three-tiered waterfall can be spotted along the road and there is a trail leading down to the bottom where you can swim in the pool.
- Las Delicias Falls: An enchanting waterfall and swimming hole surrounded by ferns and moss covered rocks. It is a short walk from the road to reach the waterfall and you can follow the trail upstream to reach more falls. Here is a link to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Puerto Rico.
- Roca Norte Outdoor Climbing Gym: Outdoor enthusiasts will love this scenic rock climbing spot.
- Tanama River Adventures: If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, book a tour with Tanama River Adventures where you’ll go rappelling, swim through caves, hike to waterfalls, explore underground rivers and more!
- Crash Boat Beach: This unique beach in Aguadillo has a fun local vibe that offers an authentic Puerto Rican experience with food stands lining the beach, music playing, and a long pier perfect for jumping off and swimming in the ocean.
- Rio Espirito Santo: This “Holy Spirit River” boasts a picturesque waterfall and swimming hole, referred to as “Charco Verde”. Here you’ll find an aqua-green plunge pool surrounded by moss-covered boulders.
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