Puerto Rico Itinerary (4 Days)

Day 1: San Juan

Morning

• Arrival: Arrive at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
• Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at La Bombonera, a historic bakery in Old San Juan
• Old San Juan Walking Tour: Explore the cobblestone streets and visit famous landmarks like El Morro and La Fortaleza

Afternoon

• Beach Time: Relax on Condado Beach or Ocean Park Beach
• El Yunque National Forest: Visit the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, located about 30 minutes from San Juan

Evening

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Marmalade Restaurant, a popular spot for Caribbean cuisine
• Nightlife: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Puerto Rico in Old San Juan or Condado

Day 2: Luquillo and El Yunque National Forest

Morning

• Luquillo Beach: Visit Luquillo Beach, famous for its kiosks serving delicious food and drinks
• El Yunque Hike: Take a hike through the lush rainforest of El Yunque National Forest

Afternoon

• Cascada La Mina: Explore Cascada La Mina, a beautiful waterfall in El Yunque National Forest
• Aguas Buenas: Visit Aguas Buenas, a picturesque town with historic architecture and natural beauty

Evening

• Dinner: Have dinner at El Jibarito Restaurant, serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine
• Stargazing: Enjoy stargazing in the peaceful surroundings of El Yunque National Forest

Day 3: Ponce and the South Coast

Morning

• Travel to Ponce: Drive to Ponce (about 2 hours), a charming city on the south coast
• Ponce City Hall: Visit Ponce City Hall, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture
• Casa Alfonso: Explore Casa Alfonso, a museum showcasing Puerto Rican art and culture

Afternoon

• Ponce Beach: Relax on Ponce Beach or visit the nearby La Guancha Beach
• Hacienda Tres Angeles: Visit Hacienda Tres Angeles, a historic estate with beautiful gardens and architecture

Evening

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at La Estación Restaurant, serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine
• Nightlife: Experience the nightlife of Ponce, known for its vibrant atmosphere

Day 4: Arecibo and the North Coast

Morning

• Travel to Arecibo: Drive to Arecibo (about 1 hour), a scenic town on the north coast
• Arecibo Observatory: Visit the Arecibo Observatory, a world-renowned astronomical research facility
• La Poza del Obispo: Explore La Poza del Obispo, a beautiful beach and natural area

Afternoon

• Dona Totty’s: Enjoy lunch at Dona Totty’s, a popular spot for seafood and local cuisine
• Camuy River Cave Park: Visit Camuy River Cave Park, a unique geological formation with underground caves

Things to Know:

• Language: Spanish is the primary language spoken in Puerto Rico. English is also widely spoken.
• Currency: The US dollar is the official currency.
• Safety: Puerto Rico is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
• Weather: Puerto Rico has a tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) throughout the year.

Visa Requirements:

• No visa required: Citizens of the US, Canada, and many European countries do not need a visa to enter Puerto Rico.
• Check with your embassy: Check with your home country’s embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

Transportation:

• Airport: The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is located about 10 minutes from Old San Juan.
• Rental Cars: Renting a car is recommended to explore the island. Major rental companies are available at the airport and in major cities.
• Public Transportation: Public transportation, including buses and taxis, is widely available.

Other Tips:

• Beach Etiquette: Be mindful of beach etiquette and respect local customs.
• Water Quality: Some beaches may have limited water quality due to nearby construction or runoff. Check with locals for the best spots.
• Food: Try traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, including dishes like mofongo, arroz con gandules, and empanadas.

Enjoy your trip to Puerto Rico!