Our four suggested itineraries each start in Old San Juan, since most visitors will arrive on the island either by plane or cruise ship. If you only have one day, spend it in Viejo San Juan. If you have more time, expand outward with our 3, 5 and 7 day Itineraries. For a longer visit, start with the 7 Day Itinerary and add in any Hidden Gems, Chinchorreo Routes, or Tours to round out your experience. Pair any of these with Beaches of Puerto Rico to swap in the right beach for your route, or see Best Time to Visit to pick your dates first.
1 Day – San Juan Highlights
Walk Old San Juan’s blue cobblestone streets: San Juan Gate, the city wall and Paseo de la Princesa, La Fortaleza, and Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Lunch on mofongo in the old city, then sunset at Castillo San Cristóbal. Doable as a cruise-ship day or a long layover.
3 Days – San Juan + El Yunque + Bio Bay
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Old San Juan on foot – forts, Paseo de la Princesa, Condado for dinner |
| 2 | El Yunque National Forest – waterfalls, trails, visitor center; combine with Luquillo Beach |
| 3 | Bioluminescent bay kayak tour at Laguna Grande (Fajardo) in the evening |
5 Days – Add the West or the Southwest
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1–3 | Same as the 3-day plan above |
| 4 | Drive to Rincón (surf town, sunsets) or Ponce (Ponce Creole architecture, Museo de Arte de Ponce) |
| 5 | Cabo Rojo salt flats and lighthouse, or Guánica dry forest, before heading back |
7 Days – Full Island Loop
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Old San Juan + Condado/Ocean Park |
| 3 | El Yunque + Luquillo Beach |
| 4 | Ferry to Culebra – Flamenco Beach, snorkeling |
| 5 | Ponce – architecture, museums, lechón detour through Guavate |
| 6 | Rincón – surfing, sunset, Tres Palmas snorkeling |
| 7 | Arecibo/Camuy Caves and the karst country on the way back to San Juan |