Puerto Rico, one of the most popular Caribbean destinations, boasts pristine beaches, the United States’s only tropical rainforest, and rare bioluminescent bays.
Four days is enough time to explore the capital, hike the rainforest, and visit several white-sand beaches.
This Puerto Rico itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors, focusing on the best travel spots and most unique attractions. This post covers:
- 🗓️ 4-day optimized itinerary
- ⭐️ Unique attractions on the island
- 📍 Puerto Rico map with key places
- 💎 Firsthand travel tips
- 🏠 Where to stay
Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Puerto Rico.
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Puerto Rico Itinerary Route
This itinerary takes you to some of Puerto Rico’s best places:
- San Juan – the capital city with charming neighborhoods.
- El Yunque – a unique rainforest.
- Vieques – the most visited island with a bioluminescent bay.
- Luquillo – a coastal town with food stalls and more beaches.
About This Puerto Rico Itinerary
This Puerto Rico itinerary efficiently sequences attractions and activities the island is famous for. It gives you the opportunity to:
- See the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world
- Hike through the only rainforest in the United States
- Explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan
- Visit beautiful beaches with different colors of sand
- Eat traditional Puerto Rican food
5 Essential Tips for Visiting Puerto Rico
Before getting into the itinerary, here are practical tips to know when traveling to Puerto Rico.
🚘 1. Get a rental car for long distances.
Like much of the United States, the best way to get around Puerto Rico is by car for long distances. Reliable public transportation is nonexistent, so without a car, you’ll have to rely on tour transportation or taxis, which can get expensive.
I recommend getting a rental car for an itinerary like this one, where you’ll be traveling outside of the capital of San Juan.
You can rely on Uber for short trips in places like Old San Juan, where parking is difficult.
🏝️ 2. Book a golf cart early if you’re going to Vieques.
If you’re going to the popular island of Vieques, a great way to get around is by golf cart.
Book a golf cart early, as those tend to get booked. When I visited in March and my friend in December, we booked them too late (e.g., none were available or only the most expensive ones remained), so we had to rely on taxis.
See how much I spent on transportation in Puerto Rico.
⏰ 3. Expect locals to run on island time.
While tours and ferries may run on time, expect many other things to operate at a slower pace.
For example, meals can take a very long time, so restaurant waits are long (over an hour). On Vieques, I waited two hours at a local restaurant despite a short line because everyone was enjoying their meal and no one was keen on rushing.
🗣️ 4. Don’t expect everyone to speak fluent English.
Puerto Rico’s two official languages are Spanish and English, but Spanish is the dominant language on the island.
You’ll have no language barrier issues in tourist destinations, but don’t be surprised if only some people speak fluent English in more local areas.
🩱 5. Bring a swimsuit, insect-repellent, and sunscreen.
The island boasts numerous stunning beaches and a tropical climate year-round, so pack your bathing suit and sunscreen.
Puerto Rico also has disease-carrying mosquitoes, so bring bug spray. I am a mosquito magnet, so I always bring insect-repellent lotion, which works better for me than the spray kind.
Learn other practical tips when traveling to Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico Map
This map has all the recommended places in the Puerto Rico itinerary below.
4-Day Puerto Rico Itinerary
Below is a great way to spend four days in Puerto Rico. To help you plan efficiently, I’ve included suggested times for each activity based on my firsthand experience.
| Day 1 – Old San Juan | ||
| 👟 | Walking tour of Old San Juan | 10 am–12 pm |
| 🍛 | Puerto Rican lunch | 12:30–1:30 pm |
| 👸🏻 | Walk along Fortaleza Street | 1:30–2:30 pm |
| 🚤 | Water bike near El Morro | 3–4 pm |
| 🏰 | Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro | 4:30–6 pm |
| 🍹 | Enjoy the nightlife | 8:30–11 pm |
| Day 2 – El Yunque | ||
| 🌳 | Hike El Yunque | 10 am–3 pm |
| 🚗 | Grab a bite & drive to the ferry terminal | 3–5 pm |
| ⛴️ | Take a ferry (or local flight) to Vieques | 5:30–6:45 pm |
| 🥘 | Settle down & have dinner at Casa Nativo | 7–9 pm |
| Day 3 – Vieques | ||
| 🏝️ | Enjoy Black Sand Beach | 11:30 am–12:30 pm |
| 🏝️ | Visit Sun Bay Beach | 1:30–3 pm |
| 🏝️ | Relax at Caracas Beach | 3:15–5:30 pm |
| 🦞 | Dinner in Esperanza | 6–6:30 pm |
| 🌙 | Bioluminescent bay at Mosquito Bay | 8–10 pm |
| Day 4 – Luquillo & Santurce | ||
| ⛴️ | Ferry back to the main island | 10–10:45 am |
| 🏝️ | Visit Luquillo | 11:30–3 pm |
| 🖼️ | Explore Santurce | 4–6 pm |
All prices mentioned here are in USD 💵 .
Old San Juan (Day 1)
Start your Puerto Rico trip in Old San Juan, or “Viejo San Juan” in Spanish.
🇵🇷 Why Visit Old San Juan?
With its colorful buildings and pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets, Old San Juan is a great place to explore at your own pace on the first day.
Old San Juan is Puerto Rico’s oldest area and most popular destination. It’s renowned for its well-preserved historic architecture and nightlife. The entire district is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🚙 Getting to Old San Juan
Old San Juan is located in the capital city of San Juan on the north side of Puerto Rico.
It’s a short 15-minute drive from Puerto Rico’s main international airport, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. You can rent a car or grab a taxi from the airport to the district.
Old San Juan’s proximity to the San Juan airport makes it a great stop at the beginning or end of your trip.
⭐️ Top Attractions in Old San Juan
Old San Juan is a small area. You can walk across the district in about 20 minutes if you don’t stop. But it has enough things to see, eat, and do to keep you busy for at least two days.
Below are the best things to do when you only have a day. Given the district’s small size, you can change the order of some of these to better fit your mood and travel schedule.
Stop #1: Old San Juan Walking Tour
Start your trip with a historical walking tour to familiarize yourself with Old San Juan’s colorful streets, hidden parks, and local life.
This can be a self-guided walk if you’re primarily interested in sightseeing. Take an Old San Juan guided tour if you want to learn more about the rich history surrounding you.
Stop #2: Puerto Rican Lunch
Have lunch in one of Old San Juan’s traditional restaurants serving Puerto Rican cuisine.
One of my favorite restaurants in the area is Deaverdura, but be warned that they can have long waits. Their chimichurri churrasco was delicious.
Stop #3: Fortaleza Street and Paseo de la Princesa
Walk off your lunch on Fortaleza Street (called “Calle de la Fortaleza” in Spanish), Old San Juan’s most famous street. It’s a scenic walk filled with colonial architecture and the occasional live music.
Parallel to Fortaleza Street is the promenade, Paseo de la Princesa, which boasts coastal views and a street market selling souvenirs.
Fortaleza Street leads to the iconic La Fortaleza building, which is usually decorated with umbrellas (though it was closed when I visited).
Stop #4: Water Bike
For a unique activity and to see Old San Juan from a different perspective, consider taking a water bike tour in the Atlantic Ocean.
My friends highly recommend booking a Chiliboats water bike tour departing from the Paseo de La Princesa market. The water bikes are calm and stable.
Stop #5: Castillo San Felipe del Morro
One attraction you can’t miss is the massive, breathtaking park area surrounding Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a historical fort. You can stop here for a quick look or spend up to two hours in this area.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro has a $10 admission fee and closes at 5 pm, but I found that staying outside the fort (where it’s free) was also nice. The park is next to scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
If you have extra time, consider heading north to La Perla, a distinct, colorful neighborhood that has become more popular with visitors. When visiting, be respectful of the locals.
Stop #6: Old San Juan at Night
Make sure to see the district at night, as Old San Juan is known for its vibrant nightlife.
One of its most famous bars is La Factoría, which has several rooms with different themes. I had difficulty finding the entrance, so ask around if you need some help.
Unlike the United States, the legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18 years old.
🏠 Where To Stay in San Juan
There are three neighborhoods close to Old San Juan that you can stay in.
Option 1: Old San Juan
You can stay inside Old San Juan if you want to be within walking distance of all the action.
Staying in the historic neighborhood is convenient, but it can be expensive and noisy. I stayed at an Airbnb that was similar to this hotel.
Option 2: Miramar
Miramar is a quieter neighborhood that’s a 15-minute drive to Old San Juan. If you stay here, you’ll need a car or rely on Uber to get around and see the attractions.
I also stayed at an Airbnb similar to this hotel close to Laguna del Condado National Park and thought it was nice to be within walking distance of the lake.
Option 3: Condado
Condado is another neighborhood that has nice hotels with open ocean views. Staying here gives you easy access to Condado Lake, where you can kayak and paddleboard.
It’s also a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with diverse restaurant options.
🍀 Lukiih’s Tips for Old San Juan
Here are my general tips for visiting this historical district:
- Prepare to walk a lot – Old San Juan’s narrow cobblestone streets are not conducive to vehicles, but you can cover a lot on foot.
- Be patient with long lines – If you’re visiting during a weekend or the high season (December to April), restaurants, shops, and bars will have long waits.
- Go on a food tour – If you have extra time, go on a San Juan food tour. I found Puerto Rican cuisine delicious and flavorful, and I wished I had sampled a wider variety of dishes.
El Yunque National Forest (Day 2)
On your second day in Puerto Rico, head east to the El Yunque for a day trip.
🌳 Why Visit El Yunque?
El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the United States, making it a great place for visitors to experience a lush atmosphere with a lot of biodiversity.
🚙 Getting to El Yunque
El Yunque rainforest is about an hour and a half’s drive southeast of Old San Juan. You can get there by renting a car or booking an El Yunque tour that provides transportation.
I rented a car and found the drive doable as an American. The roads between Old San Juan and El Yunque are paved and well-maintained.
⭐️ Top Attractions in El Yunque
El Yunque has several hiking trails varying in difficulty. I recommend spending the day hiking, but you can also do other activities like ziplining over the lush rainforest, chasing waterfalls, cliff jumping, and swimming in water holes.
Stop #1: El Yunque’s Summit
Go on a moderate hike to the peak of El Yunque. The summit rewards hikers with panoramic views, which require some rock scrambling with a rope.
Alternatively, choose shorter trails that lead to waterfalls (e.g., La Coca Falls, La Mina Falls) and man-made attractions (e.g., Bano Grande Pool, Torre Britton).
El Yunque also has several easy, family-friendly trails, like Angelito Trail, that lead to swimming holes.
El Yunque has a $1 reservation fee that needs to be booked over a month in advance. Tickets have a timed slot, so make sure to book a morning slot to give yourself enough time for the day.
Stop #2: Food and Ferry
After your activities, grab a bite in El Yunque or Palmer, a settlement near the rainforest’s exit.
Then, drive to the ferry terminal to catch a ferry to Vieques, Puerto Rico’s most popular island.
Stop #3: Dinner in Vieques
Upon arriving in Vieques, settle down in your accommodation and grab dinner.
I recommend getting food at Casa Nativo, which serves delicious Puerto Rican food. However, they run on island time, so there can be a long wait.
🍀 Lukiih’s Tips for El Yunque
Here are my general tips for visiting this rainforest:
- You don’t need hiking shoes – El Yunque’s trails vary, but they’re generally accessible. Most have well-paved paths, and you’ll sometimes have to walk on a flat dirt road. I wore my hiking shoes, but my friends were fine in regular sneakers.
- Pack as if you’re going on an actual hike – Bring bug spray, sports sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle, as some areas have water fountains.
Remember to bring a bathing suit if you plan to swim in any watering holes.
- Bring cash – While Puerto Rico’s major cities have good credit card infrastructure, carrying cash is a good idea once you leave the San Juan area. El Yunque’s visitor areas have stalls for snacks and food.
Vieques (Day 3)
On your third day in Puerto Rico, cross the ocean for a change of scenery.
🏝️ Why Visit Vieques?
Vieques is Puerto Rico’s largest and most popular island, excluding the main island. It is famous for having unique beaches and one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world, Mosquito Bay.
🚙 Getting to Vieques
You can get to Vieques by ferry or plane from Puerto Rico’s main island.
⛴️ Option 1: Ferry
If you want to save money, the best way to get to Vieques is to take a ferry from the Ceiba Ferry Terminal.
You can leave your rental car overnight at the ferry terminal’s parking lot like I did. The lot is big and costs $8 a day. You can take a free shuttle or walk to the port from there.
The ferry ride takes 40 minutes and costs $4 one-way. You can buy the tickets online or in person at the terminal.
If the online tickets are sold out, buy the tickets in person. Tickets are rarely sold out at the terminal, as they only sell a small percentage online.
✈️ Option 2: Local Flight
You can also catch a 15-minute flight to Vieques from the Ceiba airport, José Aponte Hernández Airport. The flight costs $50 one-way.
I get motion sickness and found the ferry ride choppy, so if you also get sick, I recommend bringing medication or taking the short flight.
⭐️ Top Attractions in Vieques
A great way to spend a day in Vieques is to visit its beautiful beaches throughout the day and Mosquito Bay at night. Below is an optimized one-day Vieques itinerary.
Stop #1: Playa Negra
Your first stop should be one of Vieque’s many unique beaches. I started at Playa Negra, named after its dark, volcanic sand that contrasts against the blue water.
Playa Negra is somewhat hidden. It’s accessible via an easy but non-obvious 15-minute hike. Three free-roaming horses typically block the path, but they’re used to visitors, so you can walk around them without disturbing them.
Stop #2: Playa Sun Bay
Drive 15 minutes east to Playa Sun Bay as your next stop. It’s a beautiful, popular beach with a steep drop-off between the sand and water, which is great for swimming.
Stop #3: Playa Caracas
Continue heading east to Playa Caracas, another stunning beach with soft red-tinted sand. This beach is a good snorkeling and relaxation spot, and it wasn’t as crowded as some others when I visited.
Vieques has over 40 beaches, making it a perfect place to enjoy the sun. If you want to visit more beaches, other popular ones include Media Luna Beach and Navio Beach. They’re all located on the south coast.
Stop #3: Dinner in Esperanza
Start getting dinner around 6 pm, so you have enough time to prepare for your bioluminescent bay tour, which often starts around 8 pm.
The southern town of Esperanza has several well-rated restaurants.
Stop #4: Mosquito Bay
End your day with a visit to one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world and one of Viques’s top attractions. Mosquito Bay was the highlight of my trip and one of the most surreal experiences I’ve had while traveling.
You can visit Mosquito Bay on your own or with a local guide. I booked a bioluminescent bay tour because doing it on your own requires considerably more planning (e.g., the road to the bay is dark and bumpy; you’ll need to rent a kayak and time your visit with the moon cycles).
🏠 Where To Stay in Vieques
The best place to stay on Vieques is on the south side of the island, where Mosquito Bay and many of the top beaches are located.
The town of Esperanza on the south side has a good selection of accommodations, including this well-rated guesthouse that’s affordable for the area.
I chose to stay on the north side in Isabel Segunda. It’s conveniently located near the ferry terminal but far from all the beautiful beaches.
🍀 Lukiih’s Tips for Vieques
Here are my general tips for visiting this island:
- Figure out your transportation early – Ask your concierge or accommodation host for contact numbers and suggestions. Vieques is not a walkable island, and taxis are not readily available everywhere, like in the San Juan area.
- Be aware of the free-roaming horses – If you have no experience or exposure to horses, consider doing some basic research. Vieques is known for its free-roaming horses; you will see them everywhere. They’ll sometimes block your path or try to eat your food, so it’s good to know how not to disturb or approach them.
Luquillo & Santurce (Day 4)
On your last day in Puerto Rico, spend some time in Luquillo and Santurce before heading back to San Juan to be near the airport.
🖼️ Why Visit Luquillo and Santurce?
Old San Juan, El Yunque, and Vieques are Puerto Rico’s top areas that are great for first-time visitors.
After those three areas, Ponce and Rincón are the most popular. However, they’re located on the west and south sides of the island and too far away to comfortably fit into a four-day Puerto Rico trip.
Instead, while making your way back from Vieques to San Juan, stop in Luquillo and Santurce. They’re both conveniently located on the way and have attractions that make them popular destinations.
🚙 Getting to Luquillo and Santurce
The best way to get from the Ceiba Ferry Terminal to Luquillo and Santurce is by driving. Book a taxi in advance if you don’t have a rental car.
Luquillo is a 30-minute drive from the terminal and has a large parking lot.
Santurce is a 40-minute drive from Luquillo and has free street parking.
⭐️ Top Attractions in Luiquillo and Santurce
Here’s how to spend your fourth and last day in Puerto Rico:
Stop #1: Return to the Main Island
Spend part of the morning returning to Puerto Rico’s main island from Vieques.
Stop #2: Luquillo
From the ferry terminal, drive to Luquillo, where you can easily spend a solid four hours.
The town of Luquillo features Luquillo Beach, a beautiful beach lined with palm trees, and the kiosks of Luquillo, a set of food stalls and restaurants allowing you to sample Puerto Rican food (don’t forget to get a piña colada).
Stop #3: Santurce
Make your way back to San Juan and stop in the neighborhood of Santurce. Santurce is known as the art and culture center of the capital city.
It’s home to the Puerto Rico Museum of Art and has streets lined with art murals (park near Calle Cerra for the street art).
Santurce is also home to many modern and tasty restaurants. I enjoyed the plant-decorated patio in El Axolote, and my friend highly recommends La Alcapurria Quemá.
🍀 My Tip for Luquillo and Santurce
Luquillo and Santurce offer very different atmospheres and activities. If you only have time to visit one of these two areas before you need to depart, consider whether you want another beach day or if you prefer doing a self-guided street art tour.
How much will a trip set you back? I share my travel expenses in this Puerto Rico budget breakdown.
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