San Juan, Puerto Rico-7-day-itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Old San Juan
- Morning: Arrive at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
- Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber to your hotel in Old San Juan
- Where to Stay: Hotel El Convento, a historic hotel located in the heart of Old San Juan
- Activities:
- Explore La Fortaleza, a 16th-century fort that now serves as the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico
- Visit the nearby Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in San Juan
- Where to Eat: Lunch at La Bombonera, a local bakery and café serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine
- Tips:
- Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular tourist spots
- Try to visit during the week or early morning to avoid weekend traffic
- Don’t forget your sunscreen and sun hat!
Day 2: Beach Day in Condado
- Morning: Head to the Condado area, known for its beautiful beaches and upscale amenities
- Transportation: Take a taxi or walk from Old San Juan (about 10-15 minutes)
- Where to Stay: If you’re not already staying in Old San Juan, consider moving to the Condado area for the night
- Activities:
- Spend the day lounging on the beach at La Concha Beach Resort
- Take a leisurely walk along the Condado boardwalk and enjoy the ocean views
- Where to Eat: Lunch at El Jibarito, a local favorite serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine
- Things to Know:
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings while walking along the beach or boardwalk
- Respect local vendors and vendors selling street food
Day 3: Luquillo Beach and Kiosks
- Morning: Head to Luquillo Beach, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike
- Transportation: Take a taxi or drive from Condado (about 20-30 minutes)
- Where to Stay: Consider staying in the nearby town of Luquillo for the night
- Activities:
- Spend the day lounging on the beach at Luquillo Beach
- Visit the famous Luquillo Kiosks, a row of food stands and shops selling traditional Puerto Rican cuisine and handicrafts
- Where to Eat: Lunch at one of the many kiosks along the beach
- Tips:
- Try some of the local street food, such as alcapurrias (meat-filled fritters) or quipesitos (shrimp fritters)
- Don’t forget your sunscreen and sun hat!
Day 4: El Yunque National Forest
- Morning: Head to El Yunque National Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Transportation: Take a taxi or drive from Luquillo (about 30-40 minutes)
- Where to Stay: Consider staying in the nearby town of Río Grande for the night
- Activities:
- Hike through the forest and explore the waterfalls and scenic views
- Visit the El Yunque National Forest Visitor Center to learn about the history and ecology of the area
- Where to Eat: Lunch at La Estación, a local favorite serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine
- Things to Know:
- Be prepared for rain and mud while hiking through the forest
- Respect the local wildlife and plants
Day 5: Old San Juan
- Morning: Head back to Old San Juan
- Transportation: Take a taxi or walk from Luquillo (about 30-40 minutes)
- Where to Stay: Return to Hotel El Convento for the night
- Activities:
- Visit the Museum of Art, which features a collection of Puerto Rican and Latin American art
- Explore the historic neighborhood of Old San Juan and visit the local shops and galleries
- Where to Eat: Lunch at La Parroquia, a local favorite serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine
- Tips:
- Try some of the local specialty drinks, such as Pitorro (a type of moonshine)
- Don’t forget your sunscreen and sun hat!
Day 6: Flamenco Beach
- Morning: Head to Flamenco Beach, a beautiful beach located in the town of Culebra
- Transportation: Take a ferry from Fajardo (about 1 hour) or drive from Old San Juan (about 2 hours)
- Where to Stay: Consider staying on the island for the night
- Activities:
- Spend the day lounging on the beach at Flamenco Beach
- Visit the nearby town and try some of the local cuisine
- Where to Eat: Lunch at La Estación, a local favorite serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine
- Things to Know:
- Be prepared for crowds and lines during peak season
- Respect the local wildlife and plants
Day 7: Return to San Juan
- Morning: Head back to San Juan
- Transportation: Take a ferry from Culebra (about 1 hour) or drive from Old San Juan (about 2 hours)
- Where to Stay: Spend your last night in Puerto Rico at Hotel El Convento
- Activities:
- Visit the famous La Fortaleza fort and take some last-minute photos
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the many local restaurants
- Tips:
- Try some of the local specialty drinks, such as Pitorro (a type of moonshine)
- Don’t forget your sunscreen and sun hat!