Itinerary: The Best of Puerto Rico in One Week
It would take at least a month to fully explore Puerto Rico, but this one-week whirlwind tour gives visitors a little taste of everything the island has to offer: beaches, nature preserves, historic architecture, surf and dive spots, and golf.
Day 1: Viejo San Juan
Arrive the night before and plan to spend your whole first day in Viejo San Juan, starting with café con leche and a mallorca for breakfast at Cafeteria Mallorca. Wander the cobblestone streets and shop for hand-rolled cigars at El Galpón and The Cigar House or vejigante masks at Puerto Rican Arts and Crafts.
For lunch, fuel up on the sampler platter of fritters at Deaverdura, then tour one of the Spanish forts, Castillo San Felipe del Morro or Castillo de San Cristóbal. In the afternoon, sip on a craft cocktail at Antiguo 26.
For dinner, feast on lamb tagine and lobster risotto at Marmalade, then enjoy an after-dinner cocktail at La Factoria. Explore the neighborhood’s maze of secret bars, including Shing-a-Ling, a late-night salsa bar.
Day 2: El Yunque National Forest
Be sure to book your timed tickets to visit El Yunque ahead of time. Rent a car and drive to the town of Palmer. Dine on waffles or a breakfast burrito at Lluvia, then head south to El Portal de El Yunque, the striking visitors center. Hit the road again, stopping along the way at La Coca Falls and Yokahu Tower to admire the views.
From the Palo Colorado Visitors Center, follow the signs on a short, two-minute walk to see Baño Grande, a stone pool built in the 1930s. Hikers will want to drive south to the closed gate and take the strenuous hike to Mount Britton Tower. From here, intrepid hikers can continue to the summit of El Yunque.
If you have energy left, drive to the Luquillo kioskos and lunch on a variety of fritters, then head next door to Playa Luquillo and spend the afternoon swimming and sunning at one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Drive back to San Juan and freshen up before dining at Semilla Kitchen & Bar in Condado.
Day 3: Santurce
Take a taxi or Uber to Calle Cerra in Santurce and have breakfast at MUSA. Stroll up and down Calle Cerra, admiring the incredible street murals. Tour Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and view its art collection spanning from the 17th century to the present.
Order lunch at the window of a bright yellow storage container at Tresbé, and find a shady table on the deck to dine on pinchos, ceviche, and tamarind chicken wings.
Next, explore the Loíza neighborhood. Stroll along Calle Loíza, shopping at boutiques and thrift stores such as Len T. Juela and Electroshock. Head to Lote 23 food truck park for dinner and dine on pork sandwiches and frosty cocktails.
In the evening, join the street party at La Placita. Order a drink from a sidewalk bar and wander the streets people-watching and dancing to salsa music.
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Day 4: Fajardo
Drive an hour east from San Juan to Fajardo and enjoy a brunch of coconut pancakes or eggs Benedict while admiring the views at Las Vistas Café. Take a water taxi to one of the small islands in the Reserva Natural La Cordillera, and spend the day swimming and sunning on a deserted beach.
In the afternoon, take a sunset cocktail cruise on a catamaran. For dinner, dine on smoked meats and grilled seafood at La Estación. Stay the night at the Fajardo Inn.
Day 5: Vieques
Wake up early and head to the airport in Ceiba. Catch a 10-minute flight to Vieques. Grab a cup of coffee and a pastry at Isla Nena Café at the airport while you wait for your rental car.
Explore the historic sites of El Fortín Conde de Mirasol and El Faro Punta Mulas, and visit the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust. Enjoy a Cuban sandwich at Panadería La Viequense, then take a horseback ride on the beach with Esperanza Riding Company.
Have an early dinner of Caribbean-inspired Mexican cuisine at Coqui Fire Café. After dark, take a bio-bay kayak tour of Mosquito Bay. Toast your adventure over a craft beer at Duffy’s Esperanza. Stay the night at Malecón House.
Day 6: Culebra
Enjoy a breakfast of avocado toast and fruit smoothie at Rising Roost Market & Café, then hop the 7-minute flight back to Ceiba and catch a 12-minute flight to Culebra. Snorkel with sea turtles on a guided tour with Kayaking Puerto Rico.
Dine on a burrito at Zaco’s Tacos for lunch, then spend the afternoon swimming and sunning at Playa Flamenco. For dinner, chow down on Asian-influenced Caribbean cuisine at Susie’s Restaurant and drink your dessert in the form of a bushwhacker cocktail at Mamacita’s. Stay the night at Club Seabourne.
Day 7: Caguas and Cayey
Catch a flight to Ceiba, pick up your rental car, and drive to Caguas and visit Jardín Botánico y Cultural de Caguas. Take a short scenic drive through the mountains along the Ruta del Lechón in Cayey and stop at Los Pinos lechonera to feast on roast pork with chicharrón, pasteles, rice and beans, and tostones.
Go for a swim at Charco Azul, a natural freshwater pool, then head back to San Juan and say goodbye to the island.
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