road trip to puerto rico

The Ultimate 10-Day Puerto Rico Road Trip Itinerary

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I was hosted by Discover Puerto Rico on a handful of activities while researching this Puerto Rico itinerary. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

It’s hard to believe I previously had no interest in this incredible island. I think growing up in Hawaii made me a little complacent – I believed Puerto Rico was going to be far too similar to where I grew up. 

After driving in Puerto Rico from top to bottom on a road trip, I learned just how wrong I was! 

While there are so many beautiful similarities in culture, community, and climate that indisputably bond islands together, Puerto Rico is an explosion for the senses in a way I’d never experienced before. With its tapestry of peoples (most notably, Taíno, African, and Spanish), vast biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and colorful cities, you’ll quickly see why the island earned its nickname of La Isla del Encanto.

And, if you’re reading this article, I’m glad – it means you’re about to plan a trip to Puerto Rico so you can experience it all for yourself! 

I spent months and months planning this 10-day Puerto Rico road trip itinerary so I could thoroughly tour the island after attending a conference in San Juan. Below, I am sharing that exact itinerary here so you can do it yourself. 

Note – I spent 2 weeks in Puerto Rico working remotely . This Puerto Rico itinerary distills my experience into 10 days and removes my working hours from the equation so you can explore the island the same way in less time. If you also work remotely and want to learn more about traveling while working, check out my 9 Tips for Working While Traveling next. 

This 10-day Puerto Rico itinerary is also designed to help guide you if you only have a week in Puerto Rico! Simply skip Vieques (days 8 – 10) and you’ll still get a nice little 7-day Puerto Rico road trip focused on the mainland only 🙂 

Keep reading for my recommendations for a well-rounded 10-day Puerto Rico road trip. Below the itinerary, you’ll also find tips on where to stay, where to eat, and how to extend your stay if you have even more time. 

P.S.  Already have your Puerto Rico itinerary, and just looking for some more things to do? Don’t miss my guide to Things to do in Puerto Rico next!

DAY ONE: Touching Down in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Bienvenidos a Puerto Rico! As you touch down at the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (also referred to as the San Juan Airport or SJU), you’ll start your trip in San Juan, one of the most colorful historic cities in North America.

You can rent your car in San Juan at the airport now, or you can do what I did and wait until leaving San Juan on day 4 (see below) to pick up your car so you can save a little money. Ubers are abundant in San Juan and you’ll find you don’t really need a car to get around this city.

On the first day of your Puerto Rico itinerary, I recommend settling into the island’s capital city and wandering the pastel- and primary-colored hues of Old San Juan. 

A Super-Brief History of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is just 100 miles long and 35 miles wide. Within that small size, there are mountain ranges and rainforests and waterfalls and endless stretches of coastline.

It’s an unbelievably beautiful island. But beyond that, it’s an incredibly rich place for its culture, its music, and its people, too. And, while it’s easy to refer to Puerto Rico as an island like I just did (and will continue to do throughout this article, for brevity!), it’s actually an archipelago, with four small islands and hundreds of islets surrounding its mainland. 

The original inhabitants of Puerto Rico are the Taínos, who have called the archipelago (known then as Borikén) home for hundreds of years before the arrival of the Spanish. When Christopher Columbus arrived in the late 1400s, the island was renamed Puerto Rico or “rich port” upon the discovery of its abundant resources, like gold. While Columbus only stayed on the island for a brief time, he quickly claimed Puerto Rico for Spain, and Spain controlled the island nation for the next 400 years. With this came massive infusions of Spanish and African migration (via slavery) to Puerto Rico, giving the island its complex depth of cultural layers still present today. 

It wasn’t until the Spanish-American War of 1898 that control of Puerto Rico transitioned to the United States. Today, while Puerto Ricans are born US citizens, they do not have the same rights as the states. It’s up for debate what the future holds for Puerto Rico in this regard, but for now, Puerto Ricans do not vote in US elections, and the tax implications on the island are different than in the states.

Puerto Rico has endured natural disasters (most famously in recent years, Hurricane Maria in 2017), economic and financial instability, and a shrinking population due to increasing real estate prices and more lucrative financial opportunities in the mainland USA. 

Just like I encourage people to do when planning a trip to Hawaii , it’s important to understand some of this backstory to truly appreciate and respect the island when you come to visit!

Against the odds, Puerto Rico’s culture is one of resilience, freedom, and celebration. It’s a beautiful thing to see and an even more powerful thing to appreciate within the context above. 

Exploring Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Founded in 1519, San Juan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited post-European cities in the entire Western Hemisphere. The most famously picturesque part of Puerto Rico’s capital city, Old San Juan, is so much more than fun colors and pretty buildings. It’s a mix of impressive Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture combined with old UNESCO fortifications. It’s also famously the birthplace of the always reliable and always delicious piña colada 🙂 

With so much rich history, you’ll want to spend at least a couple of hours wandering and tasting your way around the streets of Old San Juan! 

Things to Do in Old San Juan:

• Visit the Castillo San Felipe del Morro and the Paseo del Morro – a seaside promenade that lines the old city walls via the San Juan Gate
• See the Calle Fortaleza
• Sample an OG piña colada in its birthplace by going to the Caribe Hilton (just outside of Old San Juan) or Barrachina
• Walk and admire – there are more than 400+ colorful Spanish colonial-style buildings to see in just a few short blocks! To learn more about what you’re seeing, I suggest booking a walking tour of Old San Juan.

Walking Tours in Old San Juan:

• Old San Juan Walking Tour
• San Juan History Walking Tour with a Guide
• San Juan Old Town Sunset Walking Tour
• Old San Juan Best Kept Secrets Tour
• Old San Juan Free Walking Tour

After a long day of exploration, be sure to grab a bite or some drinks in Old San Juan. While it is a cruise port city (which often equals ‘touristy’), you can rest assured that the food and drinks in Old San Juan are incredibly tasty and high quality. Visit Marmalade , Bodega Chic , or The Cave Cuban Cocktails & Cuisine for food (and possibly live music!), and be sure to grab a cocktail at the famous La Factoria . 

DAY TWO: African Culture, San Juan Beaches, & Nightlife

Not many people realize this, but there is a massive influence and presence of African culture in Puerto Rico!

It began as you might expect, following the Spanish arrival to the island in the late 1400s, with forced migration into slavery on the island bringing more than 15,000 slaves. Over the years, the African diaspora in Puerto Rico has created a permanent imprint on Puerto Rico’s food, music, religion, and fashion. 

African Culture in Loiza

The biggest concentration of African culture in Puerto Rico can be felt in Loiza, a small town just 20 minutes outside of San Juan. Here, you can take a tour or participate in a gathering to experience Bomba – a signature Puerto Rican music and dance that originated here. 

Things to Do in and Around Loiza to Learn About African Culture in Puerto Rico

• Learn about Bomba and Plena at the Escuela de Bomba y Plena Don Rafael Cepeda
• Visit the Alaya Family Home
• Visit Corredor Afro / Casa Afro
• Have an Afro-Puertorrican meal at El Buren de Lula

No Car? Day Tours of Afro-Puertorican Culture from San Juan:

• Bomba, Piñones, & Loiza Tour
• Old San Juan and Loiza Full-Day Tour
• Private Afro Ancestral Tour
• San Juan Nights to the Rhythm of Bomba and Plena Tour
• Afro-Puerto Rican Historical Food and Dance Tour

San Juan Beaches

You can start enjoying some of Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches right here, in and around San Juan! 

Three great beaches to check out include Condado Beach, Isla Verde, and Piñones. 

Flanked by high-rise hotels and not far from Old San Juan, Condado Beach is a very popular beach destination for Puerto Rico vacationers and resort goers. I didn’t visit this beach during my stay in Puerto Rico, but I’ve heard and read that the water conditions can be dangerous due to undercurrents. If you want to go for a swim, it might be worth checking out Playita del Condado, a smaller beach in the area with more protected waters. 

Isla Verde is another beach near San Juan that’s a bit less “touristy” than Condado but still flanked by resorts, high-rise hotels, restaurants, and shops. The conditions here are generally more gentle and suitable for swimming, making it a nice option for a beach day with easy access to lunch or drinks. 

A bit further out but still reachable within 15 minutes by car, Piñones is a beautiful coastline of golden sand dotted with dozens of locally run food kiosks. Situated right next to Loiza, Piñones is another area filled with longstanding Afro-Puerto Rican heritage and culture. It’s laidback and undeniably low-key here, which is a nice contrast to the high rises of San Juan. Come for the beach and stay for the delicious mofongo and alcapurrias! 

Dancing and Nightlife in San Juan

If you’re into nightlife, dancing, and music, you need to dedicate a night of your Puerto Rico itinerary to going out in San Juan!

San Juan is the place in Puerto Rico for a lively night out, and no matter what day of the week you find yourself here, you’re bound to find a decent scene.

Whether you’re in the mood for a craft cocktail in a quiet bar or a lively salsa night with friends, here were some of my favorite spots that are wildly popular for both locals and visitors alike: 

• La Placita de Santurce a market by day, nightlife hotspot by night
• La Factoria a cocktail labyrinth recognized as being one of the best bars in the world!
• Delavida Restobar for live music and salsa dancing

DAY THREE: El Yunque National Forest and the Famous Piña Colada

Fun fact: Puerto Rico is home to the only tropical rainforest in the United States, and it’s located just an hour outside of San Juan!

Puerto Rico might be known for its beautiful beaches, but a visit to El Yunque simply can’t be missed. You can easily get there by car, or, you can book a day tour to El Yunque with transportation to and from San Juan. That said, if you are going on your own without a tour, make sure you book an advance reservation on recreation.gov before you go! 

Then, when you’re back from your day exploring the rainforest, round out your time in San Juan by grabbing a piña colada, Puerto Rico’s national drink!

El Yunque National Forest

Spread across more than 28,000 acres on Puerto Rico’s east coast, El Yunque National Forest is a massive expanse of lush palms, native plants, waterfalls, and mountains lined with some of the island’s most epic hiking trails. Thanks to its unique ecosystem, El Yunque is also home to several endemic animal species, including the elusive and incredibly endangered green Puerto Rican parrot. 

Before any El Yunque adventure, I recommend starting your visit with a stop at the El Portal Visitor Center near the main park entrance. This visitor center blew me away… because it’s actually super nice! There’s a movie room to learn more about the rainforest, a cafe, a gift shop, an interpretive trail, and educational exhibits with sweeping views of El Yunque.

Things to Do in El Yunque:

• Go hiking! Check out the Mount Briton Tower Trail , the El Yunque Trail , the Angelito Trail , and La Mina Trail
• Swim in a waterfall or watering hole – some popular hikes, like Angelito, and La Mina, lead to swimming holes. Other popular spots to check out include Juan Diego Creek and La Coca Falls.
• Admire the panoramic views from the Yokahu Observation Tower

No Car? Day Tours to El Yunque from San Juan:

• El Yunque Rainforest & Waterslide Tour from San Juan
• El Yunque National Forest Tour with Nature Walk
• El Yunque Forest Off the Beaten Path Tour

Piña Coladas in San Juan

After a long day on the trails, it’s time to sample Puerto Rico’s national drink, the piña colada! Did you know the piña colada was born right here in San Juan? 

While you’re bound to find a delicious piña colada just about anywhere in Puerto Rico, the piña coladas in San Juan simply can’t be overstated. From classic to experimental, there are tons of places to try this pineapple coconut cocktail. 

Where to Get a Piña Colada in San Juan:

• Barrachina  
• Caribe Hilton
• Señor Paleta (for a piña colada paleta, or popsicle!)

DAY FOUR: Heading Out West to Rincón and Aguadilla

I don’t think any Puerto Rico road trip – or visit in general – would be complete without spending time on Puerto Rico’s west coast. Today, it’s time to grab your rental car and hit the road! 

Puerto Rico’s west coast reminds me a lot of Oahu’s North Shore , an area not far from where I grew up. Think beautiful beaches, consistent swells, and smaller, more relaxed towns. A big contrast to the city vibe of San Juan, the west coast is undeniably for surfers and those seeking a slower pace to enjoy the beauty of Puerto Rico. 

It takes about 2 hours to drive from San Juan to Rincón, and I recommend timing your drive so that you arrive in Rincón with time to spare before sunset. Alternatively, you could stay in Aguadilla, but I’ll speak from experience having stayed in Rincón and loved it personally. The two towns are close enough you can beach hop and day trip with ease!

Sunset Watching in Rincón

Hopefully, you’ve given yourself enough time to arrive in Rincón before the end of the day. 

Because Puerto Rico’s west coast is famous for having the best sunsets on the island! Whether you want to sit on the beach or grab a drink at a bar, you’ll find tons of prime viewing areas throughout Rincón to catch the greatest free show on earth. 

Where to Watch the Sunset in Rincón

• Ola Sunset Cafe & El Faro de Rincón
• The Beach House
• Caddy’s Calypso
• And basically any beach along the coast!

DAY FIVE: Enjoying the Beach on Puerto Rico’s West Coast

Out of the city and away from the hustle and bustle, the west coast of Puerto Rico is a haven for those willing to embrace island time. With miles of beautiful coastline, delicious food trucks, and small-town energy, this is just one of those places you know you’ll think of fondly before you’ve even left. 

You’ve been moving around a lot so far on this Puerto Rico itinerary, so today is all about taking it easy. Hitting the beach, dining at a delicious food truck or watering hole, and catching yet another magical sunset. If you’re craving a bit more of an active adventure, use this day to go surfing or chartering a sunset sail. The sky’s the limit! 

Beaches in Puerto Rico’s West Coast

There are so many good beaches on Puerto Rico’s west coast (truly, you can’t go wrong) but in my opinion, the best beaches include Steps Beach / Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, Pools Beach, Corcega Beach, Maria’s Beach, Domes Beach, and Crash Boat Beach. 

The Tres Palmas Marine Reserve & Steps Beach (Rincón) is a protected area featuring spectacular elkhorn coral, and it’s incredibly popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. You’ll find a natural rock barrier that forms small pools to explore along the coast as well. 

Pools Beach, Maria’s Beach, and Domes Beach (Rincón) are all popular surfing beaches, but even if you don’t surf you can come here to watch the action and take in the beautiful views. 

Corcega Beach (Rincón) is known for its calm swimming waters. 

Crash Boat Beach (Aguadilla) is one of my favorite beaches thanks to its beautiful water and amenities. Usually, you’ll find food and drink vendors doling out cold coconuts, piña coladas, and snacks from morning till dusk. On one Friday afternoon while I was here, there was even a DJ! 

Keep in mind that many of these beaches are popular local spots too. If you’re here for a vacation in Puerto Rico, try to plan beach days on weekdays or mornings so the beaches aren’t too crowded for locals on the weekends! 

Beyond this list above, there are many more beaches dotted along the west coast that are well worth your time. We even had a tiny go-to beach just steps from our accommodation that became one of our favorites. You’re bound to find a great spot to spend the day! 

Surfing and Water Activities in Rincón

If you’re craving a more active experience and want to get a taste of Rincón’s surf scene, this is the best place to go surfing in Puerto Rico! 

You can take a class or simply rent a board if you’re already experienced. Head straight to the beaches I mentioned above, or book a surfing lesson below.

• Surfing Lessons in Rincón
• Rincón Surf School
• Duke’s Surf School
• Surf 787 Lessons and Surf Tours

Rincón is also ideal for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and jetskiing if surfing isn’t your jam. 

Sunset Catamaran Rides in Rincón

During my time in Rincón, I was running outside nearly every single day to catch the sunset from the tiny local beach by our apartment.

On our last day, I booked a sunset catamaran tour but sadly it was canceled due to weather conditions. Nevertheless, if you have a chance to go on a catamaran tour and the weather conditions are right, I recommend it! You’ll spend 2 hours traversing Puerto Rico’s west coast with hor d’oeuvres and drinks as the sky turns pink before your eyes.

Book a sunset catamaran ride at Katarina Sail Charters using this link ! 

BONUS: The Macromurals of Pintalto in Aguadilla

If you want a break from the water during your 3 days on the west coast, you must take a quick detour into Aguadilla to see some of the famous Pintalto macro mural projects that are sweeping Puerto Rico. 

Throughout the island, this project – Pintalto – is transforming and revitalizing communities through art, and Aguadilla is one example of these community projects in action. This particular project is inspired by the fishermen in Aguadilla, and amidst the bright colors and mosaics, you can see many fish and sea themes that pay homage to this west coast town. 

DAY SIX: Heading South to Cabo Rojo and La Parguera

By this point, you might be tempted to spend another day posted up at the beach – and I don’t blame you! 

But if you’re eager to see more of what the westernmost part of the island has to offer, add Cabo Rojo to your Puerto Rico itinerary.

The southwest corner of Puerto Rico is home to some fantastically diverse landscapes and ecosystems. From salt flats and rugged limestone cliffs to the mangrove forests and secluded beaches, Cabo Rojo is well worth a dedicated day out of your Puerto Rico itinerary. 

In the evening, head to La Parguera in the southern town of Lajas to go for a night swim in one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays. Trust me, you won’t want to skip out on this!

The Dramatic Landscapes of Cabo Rojo

The rugged, remote Cabo Rojo is home to the most coastline in all of Puerto Rico, with great beaches and fascinating landscapes to see throughout.

Plan to leave Rincón in the morning so you can spend the whole day in Cabo Rojo. And, I recommend packing snacks, lunch, and drinks if you can before you go. 

Things to Do in Cabo Rojo:

• Stop by the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge and the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats
• See the Los Morrillos Lighthouse
• Head to the beach – La Playuela / Playa Sucia (pro tip: go on weekdays or early on the weekends if you can – this is a popular local beach with limited parking and bumpy road access!)

La Parguera and Puerto Rico’s Bioluminescent Bays

About 30 – 45 minutes east of Cabo Rojo, you’ll arrive at La Parguera in the municipality of Lajas. What’s special about La Parguera? It’s one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays, and it’s the only bio bay you can swim in, making this one of the most unique things to do in Puerto Rico. 

What is a bioluminescent bay? Areas with bioluminescence contain a high surplus of microorganisms that produce a shiny, glow-in-the-dark effect when splashed and disturbed in the water. There are only five ecosystems in the world with the right conditions for bioluminescence to occur. I’ve had the pleasure of swimming in bioluminescence in Oaxaca and in Puerto Rico!

To visit La Parguera , you’ll need to go with a licensed (and preferably responsible) tour operator. Tours depart about 1-2 hours before dusk, so plan your drive from Cabo Rojo appropriately to arrive on time.

I did my Bio Bay tour with Paradise Scuba , and you can book your La Parguera bio bay tour using this link .

PRO TIP : Plan your Puerto Rico road trip around this experience if you want the best chance at seeing this bio bay glow the brightest! The bio bays of Puerto Rico are best experienced during, and close to, the new moon when the sky is the darkest. 

Tonight, you can either spend one more night in Rincón or continue on towards Ponce. While I stayed in Rincón and didn’t mind the longer drive the next day, the latter will be more convenient for the rest of your Puerto Rico road trip! 

DAY SEVEN: Ponce and Ceiba

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to the west coast of Puerto Rico. If you only have 7 days in Puerto Rico, this also might be your last day (but that’s okay, you’ll just have to come back and do the rest on your next visit!). 

For those of you still with me for the long haul, keep reading. Day 7 is all about hitting the road to drive all the way to the east coast of Puerto Rico. If you stayed in Rincón the night before, plan to spend around 4 hours on the road today. But don’t worry – you’ll break up the day with a morning stop in Ponce for a walking tour and lunch in Puerto Rico’s second-largest city. 

If you stayed in Ponce overnight beforehand, hurray – enjoy the opportunity to sleep in a bit 🙂 

From Ponce, it’s another 2 hours to arrive in Ceiba to catch a quick ferry. Ferries depart from Ceiba every day to take travelers and locals to and from the outer islands of Vieques and Culebra, which is where we’re heading next on this Puerto Rico itinerary! 

The Museum City of Ponce

There’s a saying that goes “Ponce is Ponce. Everything else is just parking.” 

It’s cheeky, but it shows you just how much pride there is to be had in the Pearl of the South. 

Known as the Museum City, Ponce is a myriad of museums, colonial architecture, a beautiful historic city center, and fascinating history. It’s here that I learned so much about Puerto Rico’s multicultural flavor and positive attitude towards diversity – “everything that came into our ports over the centuries was celebrated,” as my walking tour guide Nori told me. 

You could – and perhaps should – spend 2 days here in Ponce learning about the city’s history, visiting the many museums, and strolling through the plazas, buildings, and markets throughout the historical center. However, if you’re pressed for time or only passing through, the best way to get acquainted with Ponce and its significance in Puerto Rico’s culture is via a walking tour. 

I did my Ponce walking tour with Nori from Isla Caribe Tours, and you can book your walking tour using this link . Nori is one of the best and most animated walking tour guides I’ve had in ages! 

After your morning walking tour, grab lunch at the Plaza del Mercado and be sure to admire the beautiful Plaza de Las Delicias (the main plaza of Ponce) before heading out to make your way to Ceiba. 

Getting to Vieques and Culebra via Ceiba

Tucked away on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico, Ceiba is the gateway to Puerto Rico’s two neighboring islands – Culebra and Vieques. With multiple daily departures to and from the islands each day, the Ceiba Ferry Terminal is the best way to conveniently and affordably access these islands. 

Expect to pay around $2 per person one-way, plus $1 for every piece of luggage you bring with you. A limited number of tickets are released for online booking (which I recommend), but you can also purchase tickets at the terminal. Keep in mind – this ferry is used by locals and tourists alike and space can fill up quickly, especially on the weekends! Locals are also given priority unless you have a pre-purchased ticket.  

The ferry to Vieques takes about 30 minutes, while the ferry to Culebra takes closer to 45. Flying to the islands from San Juan is also an option, but significantly more expensive. 

Use this link to check departure times and to book ferry tickets in advance .

Vieques vs Culebra: Which Island Should You Add to Your Puerto Rico Itinerary?

You might be asking yourself, what’s so great about Vieques and Culebra? Why would I visit a smaller neighboring island when I’m already road-tripping around Puerto Rico’s mainland? 

Truthfully, I didn’t know anything about these little islands before I started doing research for my Puerto Rico trip. These islands are wildly popular (especially amongst locals) for their remote beauty, tranquility, wildlife, and beaches! 

People visit Culebra specifically for its white sand, abundant marine life, low-key accommodations (think guest houses, vacation rentals, and even camping), and total seclusion. 

People visit Vieques for its varied scenery, wildlife refuge, wild horses, and bioluminescent bay. Of Puerto Rico’s 3 bio bays, the one on Vieques is said to be the brightest in the entire world. There is a slightly larger local population in Vieques than in Culebra, and you’ll find a few more restaurants, bars, and hotels as a result. 

Ultimately, I chose Vieques because I fell in love with a hotel on the island, and wanted to see the famous wild horses roaming free. It was epic but also incredibly chilled out and peaceful.

The last few days of this itinerary in Puerto Rico are spent slowing down and savoring island life right here in Vieques! 

How to Get Around in Vieques

A quick note on transportation – how do you get around in Vieques?

There are taxis, but they are nowhere near as abundant as the mainland, and they can add up quickly (expect around $20 per trip if you’re going more than 10-15 minutes between point A and point B). 

Fortunately, Vieques has the infrastructure for car and golf car rentals, and it’s recommended to book your transportation ahead of time. If you plan to do a lot of circle-island exploring, a car is the way to go (and, many parts of the island, like the wildlife refuge, are only really accessible by 4×4).

Otherwise, a golf cart – like I had – will be just fine for light exploring. 

Rent a car in Vieques using this link . 

Rent a golf cart in Vieques using this link . 

DAYS EIGHT & NINE: Taking It Easy in Vieques

Vieques is an amazing island both for adventurers and relaxation seekers. 

I stayed in a really beautiful bed & breakfast in Vieques called Finca Victoria , with daily yoga and ayurvedic breakfasts alongside the most beautiful pool. It was hard to leave, so on my first day in Vieques, I didn’t!

With two full days on this island, I think the best way to maximize your time in Vieques is by dedicating one day to sightseeing and exploration, and one to total relaxation on the beach or at your hotel. What better way to close out an epic 10 days in Puerto Rico? 

Beaches in Vieques

Vieques has a lot of beaches with unique character. Want to go to a tranquil, secluded bay with no one else around? No problem. A local hangout where everyone drives right up to the shoreline and picnics the day away? Got that! A black sand beach with dramatic cliffs? Yup. You get the picture.

Best and Most Easily Accessible Beaches in Vieques:

• Sun Bay Beach
• Playa Negra / Black Sand Beach 
• Sea Glass Beach 
• Punta Arenas

Other Things to Do in Vieques

What’s equally great about Vieques is that this island is a well-rounded mini Puerto Rico getaway with more to see and do than just visit beaches. 

Things to Do in Vieques:

• Go on a guided horseback ride
• See the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world on a clear-bottom kayak , on a standard kayaking tour , or on a guided boat tour
• Visit the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge  
• Admire the wild horses
• Walk the Malecon and grab a cocktail at one of the bars and restaurants lining the water
• Drive down Bunkers Road to see the old bunkers left here from US Navy occupation dating back to WWII
• Go scuba diving in Vieques
• Go snorkeling in Vieques

DAY TEN: Heading Back to San Juan

After 2 days traversing the remote and spectacular island of Vieques, it’s sadly time to close out this 10-day adventure around Puerto Rico.

Make sure to give yourself at least 5 hours before your flight out of San Juan to account for the ferry, the 1-hour drive from Ceiba, and the logistical time of returning your car and getting to the airport. Ideally, try to book a flight no earlier than 12 pm. 

Other Things to Do if You Have More Time

Have more time to spend on your Puerto Rico itinerary? You could easily spend a month here without running out of things to do! Here are some great add-ons for those of you planning to spend more than 10 days in La Isla del Encanto.

• Visit Culebra: Why not continue your island-hopping adventure with a detour to Culebra? The islands are each so different, making this an ideal next destination for those continuing their journey in Puerto Rico. 
• Take a Catamaran Tour or Water Taxi to Cayo Icacos: While I didn’t get to visit Cayo Icacos, my friends that have gone said it was hands down a highlight of a day trip while in Puerto Rico! Water taxis can be booked on the spot or in advance and typically cost between $50-$60. Otherwise, you can book a catamaran ride in advance using this link . 
• Go Chasing Waterfalls: One thing this Puerto Rico itinerary doesn’t have enough of is inland exploration. There are tons of amazing waterfalls and swimming holes throughout the island’s interior that are well worth your time. Some popular spots include (but are by no means limited to) Charco Azul, Juan Diego Falls, Chorros del Rio La Planta, and Gonzalandia Falls. 
• Explore the Puerto Rico Highlands: In the mountains of central Puerto Rico, you’ll find everything from Puerto Rican coffee plantations and indigenous culture to outdoor adventures and boutique mountain escapes. One such mountain escape that is high on my list for my next Puerto Rico trip is the woman-owned El Pretexto – Puerto Rico’s first culinary farm lodge . Intentionally supporting local agriculture is a challenging thing to do in Puerto Rico where most of the food produced is exported, and most of the food consumed is imported. Visiting a project like this, either by spending the night or booking a pop-up dining event, is one surefire way to positively benefit Puerto Rico’s local farmers and chefs.

Where to Stay in Puerto Rico

You can find a wide variety of places to stay throughout Puerto Rico! During my visit, I divided my time between Airbnbs since I was working remotely. Then, I treated myself to a luxe hotel getaway in Vieques to close out the trip. 

Here are some places to stay in Puerto Rico based on this itinerary.

San Juan Hotels

• O:Live Boutique Hotel : An upscale boutique hotel that’s woman-owned and high on my list for my next visit to Puerto Rico.
• Dreamcatcher by DW : A beautiful boutique hotel also known as San Juan’s only vegetarian hotel, with 19 unique accommodations and healthy food offerings just steps from the beach.
• Hotel El Convento : A former convent turned luxury hotel located in Old San Juan, this property has nearly four centuries of history to its name and enables you to step back in time.
• See all hotels in San Juan

Rincón Hotels

• Tres Palmas by La Cambija : A vacation villa and cottage accommodation located on the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve.
• Casa Verde Hotel : A boutique hotel with 19 bright and beachy rooms.
• Coconut Palms Inn Oceanfront : A beachfront guesthouse with colorful rooms and uninterrupted sunset views.
• See all hotels in Rincón

Ponce Hotels

• The Fox Hotel : A landmark building in the historical center of Ponce that has been transformed into a thematic hotel featuring vintage pop art.
• Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino : Another downtown Ponce hotel with a historic facade mixed with modern touches throughout.
• Aloft Ponce : While this hotel is a 10 minute drive from the historical city center, Aloft is a reliable and modern Marriott hotel chain that keeps you out of the more congested roads of the city center.
• See all hotels in Ponce

Vieques Hotels

• Finca Victoria : A beautiful woman-owned, eco-friendly boutique accommodation with unique rooms and suites set across a grassy property up in the hills of Vieques (just 15 minutes from the beach).
• El Blok Vieques : A unique hotel design inspired by the coral reefs of the Caribbean and located just steps from the beach in Esperanza.
• Blue Horizon Boutique Resort Vieques : An adults-only oceanfront resort located just down the road from the main Malecon in Esperanza.
• See all hotels in Vieques

Where to Eat and Drink in Puerto Rico

This 10 day Puerto Rico itinerary wouldn’t be complete without talking about where to eat and drink in the area. Here are some of my favorite spots from my time in Puerto Rico, plus some other recommendations I’ve heard great things about! 

Restaurants in Puerto Rico

• Distrito T-Mobile  (Isla Grande, San Juan)
• La Madre (Old San Juan
• Marmalade (Old San Juan)
• Bodega Chic (Old San Juan)
• The Cave Cuban Cuisine & Cocktails (Old San Juan)  
• Tia Dora (Santurce, San Juan)
• La Pradera (Miramar, San Juan)
• Jamón Jamón Wine Bar & Grill (Miramar, San Juan)
• Molini’s Cafe (Santurce, San Juan)
• Musa Restaurant  (Santurce, San Juan)
• Tres Palmas by La Cambija  (Rincón)
• Gastropark@115 (Rincón)
• Wake N’Break Food Truck (Rincón)
• The Wandering Bagel Food Truck (Rincón)
• Tin Box Restaurant (Vieques)  
• Vieques Food Park (Vieques)  
• Mango Public House (Vieques)

Cocktails, Beer, and Dancing in Puerto Rico

• La Grieta (Old San Juan)
• Barrachina  (Old San Juan)
• DesHistoria Birria Y Empanadas (Old San Juan) 
• Machete Bar (Miramar, San Juan)
• La Taberna Lúpulo (Old San Juan)
• La Terraza de Bonanza (Santurce, San Juan)
• La Placita de Santurce (Santurce, San Juan)
• Delavida (Santurce, San Juan)  
• Rincón Beer Company  (Rincón)
• The Beach House (Rincón)
• Ola Sunset Cafe (Rincón)

Coffee in Puerto Rico

• Cafe Cuatro Sombras  (Old San Juan)
• 787 Coffee  (Multiple locations in San Juan, but linking the one closest to Old San Juan)
• Daily Dose PR (Rincón)
• Cafe 2 Go (Rincón)
• D’Frozz (Vieques)

Puerto Rico FAQ: Tips to Know Before You Go

Do You Need a Passport to Visit Puerto Rico?

US travelers do not need a passport to visit Puerto Rico. 

What Is the Best Currency to Use in Puerto Rico?

As Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, the island archipelago uses the US dollar. Most places will take credit cards easily throughout the island as well, but it never hurts to bring cash with you for food trucks, tips, and small purchases. 

Like the rest of the US, tipping has become a key part of the service economy in Puerto Rico. While not compulsory, a 15 – 18% tip at restaurants is recommended. Plan to also tip your tour guides around 10 – 20% of the price you paid for your activity. Last but not least, tipping bartenders, hotel staff, etc is encouraged. 

What Language is Spoken in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico is a symphony of language and colloquialisms, with the official languages being both Spanish and English. You’ll be surprised to hear people speaking in melodic Puerto Rican Spanish and easily snapping in and out of perfect English without batting an eye. For visitors, it can take some getting used to! 

As a result, Spanglish conversations are not uncommon. It’s very possible to start a conversation in basic Spanish and end in English, ebbing and flowing based on your proficiency in either language.

How Do You Get Around in Puerto Rico?

For travelers arriving in San Juan, you’ll find that Ubers are easy, cheap, and abundant in the island’s capital city. However, once you venture outside of San Juan, your best bet is renting a car and driving in Puerto Rico! 

Renting a Car in Puerto Rico

I will say, after spending 2 weeks exploring Puerto Rico in a rental car myself, the roads in Puerto Rico can be a little intense! While road systems and signals are the same as the mainland USA, I found that some Puerto Rican drivers can be a bit, well, free-spirited! Beyond this, it’s worth noting that distances on the road are measured in kilometers, but car speeds are measured in miles per hour (confusing, I know). All that said, you’ll be fine in Puerto Rico as long as you drive a bit defensively and exercise caution on the roads. 

I strongly advise renting a car and driving in Puerto Rico in order to best accomplish (and enjoy) this itinerary. 

When you rent a car in Puerto Rico, there are two types of insurance you’ll be able to buy: Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), and Collision Damage Waiter / Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW). While the latter is optional, the former (SLI) is mandatory. 

Last but not least, you will realize that Puerto Rico has a lot of toll roads! I recommend paying a bit extra when renting your car to ensure you get an electronic toll pass. It’ll save you the hassles so you can freely drive on any road around the island. 

Use Kayak to compare car rental rates at the San Juan International Airport . 

Rideshare Apps in Puerto Rico

Uber is abundantly available and legal in San Juan. You can easily rely on rideshare to get around during your time in the big city! 

I’ve read that Uber is not allowed to pick you up from the airport when you arrive, and is only able to drop you off. However, this was not my experience, and I was able to request a ride when I landed. For peace of mind, you can book a ride ahead of time to your hotel using a transportation service like Puerto Rico Green Transportation , or reserve a rental car right away so you can take advantage of the rental company’s airport transfers. 

What Is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico?

The best time to plan a trip to Puerto Rico is generally winter through mid-summer (December through June / July). July – November tends to be the island’s rainiest season and is more prone to periodic extreme weather. However, some people prefer traveling in the low season to take advantage of the cheaper prices. Regardless, during these months it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the weather and stay alert in the event of a hurricane warning. 

If you’re planning a Puerto Rico itinerary around surfing, late summer to early winter are the best months to catch waves on the west coast!

What is Puerto Rico Known For?

Puerto Rico is known for its beautiful and abundant beaches, its rich biodiversity, and its unique cultural fusion of Latino, Taino, and African influence. Puerto Rico is a fascinating Caribbean destination because, despite being known as a US territory, you get the distinct sense that you have entered into a place that is managing – though not without difficulty – to hold on tight to its culture, unique blend of languages, and identity. It’s all of this and more that make a visit to Puerto Rico incredibly special and worthwhile. 

How Many Days Do You Need in Puerto Rico? 

After visiting Puerto Rico myself, I strongly recommend you plan at least one week (7 days) here to give yourself enough time to leave San Juan and experience the rest of the island. While you can easily drive around Puerto Rico in about 8 hours, you won’t want to just blow through! In 7 days, you could plan a lovely Puerto Rico itinerary, like the one you see here in this Puerto Rico guide. 

With 10+ days, you could explore more regions of Puerto Rico, including its neighboring islands – Vieques and Culebra! 

Ready to Go to Puerto Rico?

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Read This Next:

• 20+ of The Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico
• Everything You Need to Know Before You Plan a Trip to Hawaii

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Hey there! I’m Rachel, a travel writer and a full-time advertising / marketing expert. In 2019, I traveled more than 25 times while working 9 to 5, and since then I’ve committed myself to living a more adventurous life, even if it means bringing my laptop along for the ride. Are you hungry to travel more, but overwhelmed with how to juggle work and play? You’ve come to the right place!

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Let's go places.

• Updated on: November 1, 2023

6 Responses

thank you Rachel for this incredibly detailed list of places to visit. I was feeling overwhelmed and wondering how to even start. Now, I can mostly just retrace your path! Thank you, thank you!

Have the best time in Puerto Rico, Sabina! Glad you’ve found my article helpful!

Hi! Do you know a good affordable hotel at Culebra?? Thanks!

I’ve heard good things about Villa Tampico, but I haven’t stayed there personally! General guidance I’ve heard from others is that Airbnb / VRBO / vacation rentals in general might be the way to go in Culebra. Not as many traditional hotel choices at Vieques or mainland PR! Hope that helps!

Hey aloha from other Hawaiian transplants. I would like to go to Puerto Rico and enjoy the winter warmth as we live in Texas now. No Hawaii for us but not cold weather either. The one thing we need is like a kamaina rate or a better than cheap places to stay. Aaa is a good hotel finder but I thought like your suggestions to stay in a few places and explore. Not a $4,000 after air but use air miles on SW air and then rent a car. They are not cheap so Turo looks good. I will use your 10 day and spend three days in San Juan and two at the three others. Get some tan too. So Where did you live in Hawaii and high school? I was Punahou ‘71 third generation Mahalo wahine

Hello fellow Hawaii transplant! Hope you enjoy your Puerto Rico trip this winter! I am from Oahu and went to Mid-Pac myself 🙂

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The Perfect Puerto Rico Road Trip Itinerary for 4-7 Days (with Map!)

• Post author By Melissa
• Post date October 30, 2023
• 1 Comment on The Perfect Puerto Rico Road Trip Itinerary for 4-7 Days (with Map!)

Puerto Rico is a diverse island filled with beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, colorful, colonial-style buildings, and impressive caves, mountains and rivers. To experience the best of this US territory in the Caribbean , you’ll want to rent a car and go on a Puerto Rico road trip. Don’t know where to start? We’re here to help with our ultimate Puerto Rico travel guide and itinerary! 

This Puerto Rico itinerary can easily be followed whether you have 4 days in Puerto Rico or plan to spend one week on a Puerto Rico road trip. We’ve also included a Puerto Rico road trip map of all of our recommended stops and lodging recommendations to help you visualize and prepare for your Puerto Rico vacation.

Our road trip experience in Puerto Rico

Traveling to Puerto Rico is like stepping into a foreign country even though you’re still in a US Territory.

The culture and signage will make you feel like you’re outside the United States. Street signs are in Spanish and the gas stations are in metric. Don’t worry, speed limits are listed in miles per hour. 

In other words, Puerto Rico is a mix of a lot of cultures all inside an island that is only 39 miles wide. 

The main roads are easy to drive on. Think of the fancy turnpike that you pay tolls on. The side roads are like a country road. Well paved but with no markings. Given the beauty of the islands and the tight turns on the road, you’re not likely to drive over 35mph.

Even though the island is not very large, because of the terrain, it can take time to drive around .

Getting around Puerto Rico – tips for a Puerto Rico road trip

Renting a car is the best way to get around Puerto Rico , especially if you plan to road trip in Puerto Rico. 

But there are a few things to know before your Puerto Rico vacation. Here are some tips that will make the experience easier and more fun for everyone.  

Use a reputable rental car company

Puerto Rico is one of the best Caribbean islands for families . It is a US territory, so not only do you not need a passport to enter if you are a US citizen, but you’ll find many of the major chains and reputable companies that are well-known in the United States.

However, you’ll find several smaller, unknown companies, as well. And our advice is to avoid them. When it comes to renting a car, it is best to stick with reputable car companies. This will help you avoid scams and unexpected fees. 

Be cautious, even when booking through reputable websites like Discover Cars . If the rental car company is an unknown name, be sure to check the online reviews and customer ratings before you book .

If you don’t you may end up with a sub-par, dirty car, hidden fees that double the cost when you arrive, or a long wait that eats into your vacation time. 

Puerto Rico road signs are in Spanish 

Although Puerto Rico is part of the United States, Spanish is the official language . Road signs are all written in Spanish. So, it’s a good idea to learn some Spanish before visiting the island.

It’s one of the best languages to learn for travel , and will help you understand street signs and get around Puerto Rico easier. 

Mix of imperial and metric systems

While some things may feel different than in the states, others are very similar to what you would expect on any other USA road trip . For example, speed limits are listed in miles since Puerto Rico primarily uses the imperial system for measurement, like the rest of the USA.

However, gas stations in Puerto Rico use the metric system , so gasoline is measured in liters rather than gallons. 

Road conditions 

Roads and highways in Puerto Rico are generally well maintained.

Although during a Puerto Rico road trip, you might find yourself on some winding, two-lane mountainous roads that will require driving slower. But, look at the bright side, that just gives you more time to enjoy the beautiful scenery! 

Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria 

The island of Puerto Rico was devastated in 2017 by Hurricane Maria . Parts of Puerto Rico are still recovering years later.

During a road trip around Puerto Rico, you will certainly come across areas where the devastation is still evident. You’ll see plenty of homes that remain vacant and destroyed.

Lots of communities are still in the rebuilding process. But, that is to be expected considering Hurricane Maria was the worst natural disaster the island had ever experienced . 

Weather in Puerto Rico

Unless you have a tropical storm overhead, scattered showers happen every day. But, it’s rare to see any lightning. Weather in Puerto Rico is warm year-round .

Even in January, the coldest month in Puerto Rico, you’ll find the average high temperatures are around 83 degrees Fahrenheit, making the island territory one of the best warm winter destinations in the US .

Puerto Rico road trip itinerary

Here is a suggested Puerto Rico road trip itinerary that takes you around the entire island. We recommend at least 6 days for a road trip around Puerto Rico’s main island. However, you could always spend more time in San Juan or Rincon if you have a week in Puerto Rico or more.

Or, you could spend a day less in Arecibo if you only have 4 days in Puerto Rico.  

Day 1 – San Juan

Old san juan.

• Castillo San Felipe del Morro
• Castillo de San Cristóbal

Day 2 – Arecibo

Cueva del indio.

• Lunch in Arecibo 

Rio Camuy Cave Park 

Day 3 – arecibo.

• River Tubing at Tanama River Adventures

Cueva Ventana (currently closed)

Day 4 – rincon / la parguera, la parguera bioluminescent bay, day 5 – el yunque / fajardo, fajardo , day 6 – san juan.

• Back to San Juan

Prefer guided experiences? Find the best excursions and guided tours in Puerto Rico here .

Things to do on a Puerto Rico road trip

Now that you have a general Puerto Rico itinerary to follow, here is a brief description of all the awesome things you’ll see and do on your island road trip.

Perhaps the most visited attraction in Puerto Rico, Old San Juan, or Viejo San Juan in Spanish, is the oldest district in the capital city . There are so many wonderful things to do in Old San Juan !

With colonial Spanish-style buildings that date back to the 16th century, and cobblestone streets, this charming, historical area of Puerto Rico is a must-visit.

Spend some time wandering the Instagrammable streets and take in all the colorful buildings and beautiful doors. 

Be sure to visit the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista .

Located in the center of the Old San Juan, the church is the oldest church on American soil and the second oldest church in the western hemisphere. The cathedral dates back to 1521. It houses the tomb of Juan Ponce de Leon , the Spanish explorer who led the first European expedition to the New World.  

You’ll also want to try some of the popular Caribbean fusion restaurants. Definitely order mofongo , a traditional Puerto Rican dish made from mashed fried plantains.

Barrachina Restaurant is a popular place to eat in Old San Juan. Not only do they serve mofongo and other Spanish and Puerto Rican cuisine, but the restaurant claims to have invented the world-famous pina colada .

Old San Juan reminded us so much of Old Town Cartagena, Colombia , another beautiful, colorful city that we fell in love with during our travels!

Castillo San Felipe del Morro / Castillo de San Cristóbal

On the edge of Old San Juan, you’ll find two old forts dating back to as early as the 1500s . These two impressive Puerto Rico landmarks are within walking distance from each other.

Your admission fee covers your entrance to both Castillo San Felipe del Morro , or El Morro for short, and Castillo de San Cristóbal . 

The fortresses, which both tower over the sea, were designed to protect the island from attackers arriving by ship. In fact, they served as active military forts for centuries before they were retired in the 1960s.

The forts are now part of the National Park Service and serve as historical sites and museums.  

Where to stay in San Juan: Hotel El Convento  

Your next destination on your Puerto Rico road trip will be the Arecibo area. Approximately an hour and a half from San Juan, Arecibo is a great town to base yourself to explore some of the best caves and most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico .

If possible, plan to spend two nights in Arecibo to see the north central part of the country. 

Where to stay in Arecibo: Family home in the center of arecibo

Cueva del Indio is one of the most beautiful spots in Puerto Rico. Costing $10 USD a person to visit, this ocean-side cave is just a short hike from the parking lot.

Located about 10 minutes outside the town of Arecibo , the cave is surrounded by dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean.

The cave is an impressive look back in time as it contains petroglyphs that have somehow withstood the forces of nature and humans for centuries. In fact, Cueva del Indio is believed to have the largest number of petroglyphs on the entire island.

Getting into the cave is tricky and kind of confusing. You won’t find any signage pointing you toward the entrance.

Accessing the cave requires crawling through a narrow crevice that drops you down into the cave. Entering the cave can be done with kids, but it takes some work and a lot of caution.

I recommend watching this brief video before your visit so you’ll know what you are in for. You’ll want to wear walking shoes rather than flip flops or sandals since you’ll be climbing and walking on sharp rocky surfaces that were likely once coral. 

In the area around the cave, you’ll find breathtaking views of natural arches and waves crashing on the cliffs. So, spend some extra time taking in the surrounding beauty.  

If you love exploring the world beneath the earth’s surface, Rio Camuy Cave Park is not to be missed! The third largest cave system in the world , Rio Camuy Cave is easily one of Puerto Rico’s top natural attractions. 

The main cavern is an impressive 10-stories high . The kid-friendly tour starts out with a trolley ride that takes you down the mountain to the cave’s entrance.

The deeper you go into the cave along a well-defined walking path, you’ll find stalagmites, stalactites, and even bats sleeping overhead.

Camuy River runs through the cave. The highlight of the tour is a large sinkhole where sun rays often shine through into the cave.  

To visit Rio Camuy Cave Park , you’ll have to call or email in advance to make a reservation for your visit, or book a guided tour that includes Rio Camuy. Tickets are limited and Rio Camuy Cave Park sells out. 

NOTE: The trail to Cueva Ventana is closed. A reopening date has not yet been announced.

If you aren’t tired of cave tours by this point, Cueva Ventana is another great place to visit on a Puerto Rico road trip. 

This cave, located about 10 minutes south of Arecibo , is only accessible via a guided tour. The guided tour takes you on a short hike to Cueva Ventana, or Window Cave in English.

The hour and a half long guided experience is easy to do with kids.

Hiking shoes are a must. The tour company also requires all participants to wear hard hats that they provide. 

The view from inside the cave is one of the best in Puerto Rico.

Tanama River Adventures

Near the town of Utuado, south of Arecibo, Tanama River is a wonderful place to visit if you are looking for a family-friendly adventure.

Tanama River Adventures offers cave tubing and rappelling tours fit for people of most ages, including kids as young as 5 years old. 

There are 6 tours to choose from that vary in length and level of difficulty and adrenaline.

If visiting Puerto Rico with kids , the shorter, 3-hour cave tubing adventure includes a short 20 minute hike, swimming, and easy tubing through a rapid-free, underground river that runs through a large cave.

The tour company provides everything including a helmet, life-jacket, tube, and an experienced guide.

It is a refreshing and fun way to experience the beauty of Puerto Rico on a road trip. 

After one or two days in the Arecibo area, head to the west coast of Puerto Rico to the laid back surfer town of Rincon . Known for its beautiful beaches that are home to sea turtles , Rincon is a popular place for surfers and snorkelers.

You could easily spend 2-3 days in this relaxing seaside community, depending on how many days you have allotted for your Puerto Rico road trip.

Steps and Tres Palmas Reserve are the two most popular beaches particularly if you hope to see the Hawksbill Sea Turtle or the Leatherback Sea Turtle.

Both of these endangered species of sea turtles have been known to nest on the sandy beaches near Rincon. 

Where to stay in Rincon: Rincon of the Seas Grand Hotel

One of the most unique things to do in Puerto Rico, the bioluminescent bay in La Parguera is the only one of its kind in the US territory where you can actually swim in the water to experience the bioluminescence up close. 

Located in southwest Puerto Rico, La Parguera is one of three places in the territory where you can see the glowing effects created by microorganisms in the water . The microorganisms emit a short burst of light when disturbed or agitated.

The glow isn’t visible during the daylight, so, to experience this natural phenomenon, you need to take a night tour , where you can kayak and swim after the sun sets. 

While the bioluminescent bay on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques is supposedly the brightest in the territory and the world, La Parguera will not disappoint! 

However, unless you are incredibly skilled at night photography and have a professional camera, this experience is one that will live in your memory, but not on your camera. It is very difficult to capture this phenomenon on camera and do it justice.

Even our GoPro photo above, which was taken at sunset, turned out grainy once we brightened it a bit. But trust us, the tour is well worth it.

It is one of the most unique experiences in Puerto Rico to see the water light up a greenish-blue color as you tread water and move your arms about.

We have experienced both the bioluminescent bay in La Parguera and the bioluminescence near Fajardo. We definitely recommend La Parguera, as it is much brighter, the water seems cleaner, and you can actually swim in the glowing water!

Where to stay near La Parguera: La Jamaca, Lajas

El Yunque National Forest

The only rainforest in the US National Forest system , El Yunque National Forest is 29,000 acres of breathtaking, biologically diverse tropical scenery. 

The rainforest is a wonderful place to explore, hike, and swim beneath waterfalls. 

La Mina Trail is the most popular and most heavily traveled trail in the national forest. However, it is currently closed and isn’t expected to reopen until late 2024 at the earliest. It has been undergoing repairs since Hurricane Maria destroyed the island. 

The trail, which follows La Mina River, is a great and easy trail to hike with kids.

The .7-mile trail does involve a challenging elevation change which makes the return trip a bit difficult, but the hike takes you down to a lovely waterfall that cascades 35 feet into a shallow pool where you can take a refreshing dip if you wear your bathing suit. 

If planning to hike this trail (once opened), go early to avoid the crowds. 

Juan Diego trail is an alternative waterfall trail that is rated as easy. It is a very short hike, so it is great if hiking with young kids.

If you prefer guided experiences, you can book a guided excursion that includes both hiking in El Yunque and natural waterslides. 

Fajardo is a great place to stay if you want to island hop and visit the stunning beaches in Culebra or take the ferry or catamaran over to Vieques for a day trip . However, you likely need a few extra days if you want to experience the other islands in Puerto Rico. 

Even if you don’t plan to ferry over to Culebra or Vieques, Fajardo is a great place to spend a day. Home to great beaches, natural pools, and a bioluminescent lagoon , after hiking in El Yunque, Fajardo is a convenient place to stay on a Puerto Rico road trip.

Prior to Hurricane Maria, kayaking through a canopy of mangroves to the bioluminescent lagoon was a fun experience. However, according to numerous Trip Advisor reviews , the bioluminescent effect is barely visible now.

Numerous reviewers said the guide had to cover the group with a tarp in order to see the glowing water.

While we did not do a bioluminescent tour at Laguna Grande in Fajardo during our most recent trip because we opted for the one in La Parguera this time, current reviews do not reflect the same memorable experience we had pre-hurricane. 

Where to stay in Fajardo: El Conquistador Resort

What you won’t see on this Puerto Rico road trip

The primary thing you won’t get to do if you follow our road trip Puerto Rico itinerary is to visit the other islands. Vieques and Culebra are both great for day trips or an overnight stay. But with limited time on our road trip, we opted to just limit our Puerto Rico road trip to the main island. 

However, you could easily ferry over to either place from Fajardo or take a short flight over to Vieques from San Juan. If you want to add a few days to your trip to experience these other islands, expect a laid-back vibe and lots of relaxation. It would be a perfect way to round out your Puerto Rico vacation!

Have a question or comment about a road trip in Puerto Rico? We’d love to hear from you. Leave your thoughts in the comments below. 

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5 incredible road trips in Puerto Rico

Jan 5, 2024 • 7 min read

Get to know the best of Puerto Rico with these road-trip routes © Image Source / Getty Images

Puerto Rico may be small but it is also perfectly formed when it comes to incredible attractions.

The island has a wide array of delicious food , lush landscapes, wildlife and culture jam-packed into an area only 100 by 35 miles. Its relatively small size makes it an ideal road trip destination. Here, no drive is too long or too far, and it’s easy to embrace “island time” and savor every beach, roadside kiosk and photo op along the way. 

From north to south, east to west, mountains to beaches, the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, here are the best road trips in Puerto Rico . 

1. Cruise the Atlantic coastline along Route 681

Best route for dramatic coastline Barceloneta–Arecibo; 11.5 miles  

The northern coastal roads of Barceloneta and Arecibo offer easy drives by the seascapes of the rugged, dramatic Atlantic shore. Start your journey on Route 684 north and follow the farmlands along the river until the road becomes coastal Route 681.

Make a quick pit stop at Rolyn’s seafood kiosk, known for manta-ray empanadillas (turnovers), as you make your way to La Cueva del Indio (the Indian Cave). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and featured in movies including  Pirates of the Caribbean , this seaside grotto has Taino petroglyphs dating back nearly a millennium.

Any seafood restaurant further along the road –  Salitre  is a local favorite – makes a great spot for lunch or dinner. We recommend unwinding at La Poza del Obispo beach, with its turquoise waters, towering limestone rock formations and historic lighthouse.

End your day in Islote, where countless bars look out over the sea and afford ideal spots to take in the sunset with a refreshing drink in hand.

Planning tip:  You’ll come across plenty of beaches en route, but swimmers beware: the tide is strong on the north shore, with large waves in the winter months that are perhaps better suited to surfing. 

2. Drive the chinchorro route

Best route for roadside restaurants Bayamón–Comerío; 23 miles 

A chinchorro is a small, typically roadside restaurant or kiosk that serves all kinds of Puerto Rican foods, especially the deep-fried variety. No road trip experience in Puerto Rico is complete without a day spent “ chinchorreando ,” which usually consists of scenic drives through the mountains with stops at various   establishments to experience food, drinks and sweeping views of the lush countryside along the way.

Start in Bayamón, a suburb of San Juan, and head southwest towards Naranjito on Route 167. Snap a photo at the Mirador al Puente Colgante (hanging bridge) or keep going to the many chinchorros along Route 152, including La Casa de la Morcilla, Caldoso, Calichi Gastro Bar , Asador San Miguel and others. 

From there, continue south to Comerío on Route 809 toward Doña Elena for some of the best carne ahumada (smoked pork) on the island. 

Planning tip: Head out for your drive on a weekend afternoon or evening, and chances are you'll catch some   live music performances at the  chinchorros.

3. Marvel at the natural scenery along the Ruta Panorámica

Best coast-to-coast route Maunabo–Mayagüez; 167 miles; allow for two to three days for the entire route

Puerto Rico’s most famous scenic drive is a 167-mile-long network of roads crossing the island from coast to coast through the central highlands. The itinerary is aptly named La Ruta Panorámica, or the Panoramic Route. 

Since the drive includes plenty of narrow two-lane mountain roads with hairpin turns, cliff drops and sharp climbs, this is a trip for the adventurous traveler. But the brave will be rewarded with an epic journey from the beach to the mountains, from jungles to lakes – with breathtaking views, nature and plenty of great eats along the way. 

The route officially begins in Maunabo (located on the eastern part of the island) and ends in Mayagüez (on the west coast), passing through 15 other municipalities along the way. You can choose to drive the whole route and cross the entire island or opt for a smaller section if you’re pressed for time.

There are plenty of highlights, depending on what strikes your fancy. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy strolling along the beach at Punta Tuna Nature Reserve and Lighthouse , rappelling at Cañón San Cristóbal , hiking Toro Negro Forest or kayaking Lake Garzas.

Foodies will want to stop in Guavate, known as the Ruta del Lechón (Pork Highway) and famous for its slow-roasted pork, or at one (or more) of the many chinchorros along the way.

Planning tip:  Several charming options for lodging along the route include  Hacienda Juanita in Maricao, Parador Villas Sotomayor in Adjuntas, and El Pretexto in Cayey – book in advance and take your time as you meander across the island’s interior. 

4. Catch some rays via the Beach Route

Best drive for a family day out by the sea Cabo Rojo loop; 18 miles

The southwestern region of Cabo Rojo is home to some of Puerto Rico’s best beaches . The beauty and serene waters of the Caribbean Sea make them especially popular with local families on weekends.

Start your beach tour at the palm-fringed Playa Buyé . From there, take a quick stroll to explore the trails and limestone formations of the Punta Guaniquilla Nature Reserve .

Stop at the Boquerón boardwalk for lunch and grab a photo at the Muelle de la Libertad (Freedom Pier). Next up is Combate Beach , with its shining white sands and endless beach bars, followed by the Salt Flats , whose pink landscapes make for a somewhat bizarre but stunning backdrop for a quick walk. 

End your day at La Playuela, a pristine half-moon bay with incredible views of the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, limestone cliffs and the Caribbean Sea.

Planning tip:  Avoid the crowds on this route by visiting during the week.

5. Hop on a ferry to explore charming Vieques 

Best route for a laid-back vibe Ceiba–Vieques; 50 miles (including round-trip ferry) 

Often overlooked by visitors, Vieques is located 7 miles off the east coast of the big island of Puerto Rico. Famous for its undeveloped beach coves, lush vegetation and roaming paso fino  horses, it has a laid-back, small-town vibe that makes it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of its (much) bigger neighbor.

To explore the island by car, take the cargo ferry from Ceiba (approximately 30 minutes), or catch a 25-minute flight from San Juan and rent a car upon arrival.

Start your trip at Sun Bay Beach , one of the most popular beaches thanks to well-maintained facilities: lifeguards, bathrooms, showers and a restaurant.

Nearby is lovely Esperanza, a small seaside town whose  malecón (boardwalk) is dotted with restaurants, bars and guesthouses. From there, head to Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach), where black volcanic sand promises one of the island’s most dramatic beaches.  

Stop at the Parque de la Ceiba to see the island’s most formidable tree (it’s over three centuries old). Before catching the ferry back, head to Mosquito Pier , a top fishing and snorkeling spot where you can spot starfish, sea turtles and many varieties of fish. Mosquito Bay Beach (known locally as Starfish Beach ) also offers colorful starfish in abundance.

Tips for driving in Puerto Rico

• On a tropical island with numerous microclimates, plan for all kinds of weather and terrain. Sudden and powerful rain showers are common here, so be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella. 
• The central highlands are much cooler than the coastal areas, with a light mist or fog rolling in most afternoons. Roads along these mountains are windy and should be driven with caution. Always have cash handy, as most local businesses only accept cash or ATH Movil (Puerto Rico’s version of Venmo/Paypal).
• Be sure to keep your eyes on the road and your wits about you: signage and road conditions can be lacking in less-traveled areas, with some epic potholes even on heavily trafficked roads. 
• Navigation apps can be hit or miss, so expect some backtracking – consider it a chance to discover and enjoy even more of this magical island.

This article was first published February 2022 and updated January 2024

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The Ultimate Puerto Rico Road Trip Itinerary (7-Day Adventure)

• Road Trip Itinerary

Looking for the ultimate adventure while staying in Puerto Rico?

Look no further! Puerto Rico is the perfect place for a road trip with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, delicious food, and a rich history.

I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years and explored every corner of the island.

In this article, I will share the ultimate 7-day Puerto Rico road trip itinerary:

– Day 1 – San Juan – Day 2 – Fajardo & Laguna Grande Bio Bay – Day 3 – Ponce – Day 4 – Cabo Rojo – Day 5 – Rincón & Aguadilla – Day 6 – Arecibo – Day 7 – Culebra

Day 1 – San Juan

Get ready to kickstart your ultimate Puerto Rico road trip adventure in San Juan , the bustling capital city where you can soak up the perfect blend of history, culture, and nightlife.

Begin your day exploring Old San Juan’s colorful colonial buildings, winding streets, and local shops and restaurants.

Don’t miss out on the stunning El Morro Fortress , a remarkable fortification that has stood guard over the city since the 16th century.

Once you’ve explored the old town, go to the Condado neighborhood, a must-visit for its gorgeous beaches, luxury hotels, and upscale shopping.

And when the sun sets, get ready to experience the vibrant nightlife scene in San Juan, with its countless bars, clubs, and live music venues to keep the partying going all night long. 

Below is a video of what to expect from the nightlife in San Juan:

From historical sights to trendy hotspots, San Juan is the perfect way to start your seven-day adventure through Puerto Rico!

Check out our list with the 40 Best Things To Do In San Juan for more ideas.

Day 2 – Fajardo & Laguna Grande Bio Bay

On day 2 of your Puerto Rico road vacation, visit the lovely village of Fajardo , located on Puerto Rico’s eastern coast. 

With its lush tropical woods, gorgeous beaches, and crystal-clear seas, Fajardo is a favorite destination for adventure lovers.

The Laguna Grande Bio Bay  is one of the major attractions in Fajardo. 

The waters of Laguna Grande come alive with an exotic blue-green light as the sun sets, producing a captivating and unique experience.

You must try a guided kayak excursion to explore Laguna Grande Bio Bay. 

You’ll kayak into the bay’s mangrove waterways, where you will observe the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence. It’s a genuinely unique and spectacular event you won’t want to miss.

Below is a video of someone kayaking the Laguna Grande Bio Bay:

Following your tour to Laguna Grande, you can return to Fajardo and dine at one of the town’s numerous restaurants. 

You’ll discover various culinary selections to explode your taste buds, from seafood to Puerto Rican favorites.

Learn more about taking a guided kayak tour in our article featuring the 6 Best Bio Bay Tours In Laguna Grande .

Day 3 – Ponce

Drive to Ponce , a southern city called the “Pearl of the South,” on the third day.

Visits to Ponce, a picturesque city with a fascinating past, are worthwhile.

History & Culture

Visit the Ponce Museum of Art first thing in the morning to take in the fantastic collection of works by regional and worldwide artists. 

Housed in a neoclassical building, the museum displays modern and traditional art, including installations, sculptures, and mixed-media works.

After leaving the museum, explore the lovely streets and spectacular buildings in the historical city center.

Several famous places can be found in Ponce, including the vibrant Parque de Bombas , a former fire station turned museum. 

Try some genuine Puerto Rican food for lunch at one of the neighborhood eateries.

At Ponce, renowned for its culinary scene, you can choose from various meals that emphasize the island’s charming features.

Things To Do

Visit the Serralles Castle Museum after lunch. This magnificent palace was previously occupied by the family that created the famous Don Q rum.

Learn about the history of the Serralles family and the creation of the distinctive spirit produced on the island by taking a museum tour.

Go to the La Guancha boardwalk if you have time in the afternoon to take a leisurely stroll along the shore and enjoy the stunning sights.

The boardwalk is a great place to spend a leisurely day since it has stores, eateries, and entertainment.

Return to your hotel in the evening and get some rest before day four’s excursions.

For an ultimate Ponce travel guide, check out this video below:

If you plan on staying the night, check out our guide to Where To Stay In Ponce .

Day 4 – Cabo Rojo

Day 4 is filled with excitement and adventure as you embark on a journey to explore the stunning southwestern coast of Puerto Rico in Cabo Rojo .

You’ll start your day by visiting one of the island’s most treasured landmarks, the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse .

The striking red-and-white striped lighthouse commands attention and awe with its towering height against the Caribbean Sea backdrop.

Once you’ve taken in the magnificent views, it’s time to head over to Playuela Beach, recognized as Playa Sucia by locals. 

Relax on this secluded beach with pristine white sand, clear waters, and soothing sounds of waves.

In the afternoon, it’s time to explore the expansive Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area spanning over 1,800 acres. 

This wildlife refuge is home to a diverse range of migratory birds and endangered species like the West Indian manatee and the green sea turtle. Take a hike on one of the refuge’s scenic trails and keep an eye out for the myriad of wildlife that may cross your path. 

You’ll surely be captivated and mesmerized by the stunning surroundings and the unique experience that awaits you. 

Read up on where to stay in our guide to the 5 Best Places To Stay In Cabo Rojo .

Day 5 – Rincón & Aguadilla

On day 5, take a road trip to the surfer towns of Rincón and Aguadilla , located on the west coast of Puerto Rico.

These two surf towns, famously known for their beautiful landscape and crystal-clear waves, are located on the west coast of Puerto Rico.

Visit the famous Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla , an excellent place for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. 

Visit the City Hall Museum in Aguadilla to taste local history and culture, which showcases the city’s rich heritage and features exhibits on local art, music, and traditions.

After a lovely day of sunbathing, head down to Rincón to see one of its renowned sunsets.

There are several places to take in the beautiful sunset, such as Steps Beach and Maria’s Beach .

You can also visit the Rincon Lighthouse, which offers tons of parking and great sunset watching.

For dinner, you can indulge in some of Rincón’s finest cuisine, which both Puerto Rican and international flavors influence. 

There are many great restaurants in Rincón to choose from, so be sure to research ahead of time or ask locals for recommendations.

In addition to its beaches and cuisine, Rincón is also known for its vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of bars and clubs, many of which offer live music and dancing. 

Rincón is ideal for relaxing with friends over drinks or dancing after a day of exploration.

Check out our guide to Where To Stay In Rinc ó n and make the most of your trip.

Day 6 – Arecibo

For day 6, you’ll take on the northern coast of Puerto Rico to visit Arecibo’s most popular attractions: Cueva Ventana and Cueva del Indio.

Cueva Ventana is a large cave with breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. You can take a guided tour through the cave and learn about its history and geology.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the countryside. 

Afterward, head to La Cueva Del Indio , a natural cave along the coastline.

This cave is surrounded by beautiful rock formations and offers a fantastic view of the ocean.

Stroll along the beach, explore the cave, and snap some pics of the gorgeous scenery.

Looking for a perfect beach day? Head on over to La Poza del Obpiso in Arecibo!

This secluded beach is located between towering cliffs and lush greenery, providing a calming scenic escape from the city.

My favorite part of La Poza Del Obispo is seeing the big waves crash the coral reef surface, causing a big and fun splash people always anticipate when swimming there. 

Whether you want to simply lounge on the sand or explore the unique natural features of the area, Poza del Obispo is a great addition to your itinerary. 

Check out Poza del Obispo in the following video:

These caves are mentioned in our Best Caves in Puerto Rico article.

Day 7 – Culebra

Make your way to the picturesque island of Culebra , which lies just off the main island’s east coast, on the last day of your seven-day road trip around Puerto Rico.

The island’s well-known Flamenco Beach , which several travel journals have ranked among the world’s top beaches, is one of its key attractions.

Flamenco Beach is a natural paradise with its immaculate white sand, brilliant blue waves, and lush green hills in the distance.

Swim, sunbathe, and take in the breathtaking vistas of the turquoise seas all day long.

Culebra is renowned for its thriving culinary industry, scenic natural surroundings, and intriguing cultural attractions. 

Savor local cuisine in seafood restaurants or famed street food trucks while exploring the island.

The classic Puerto Rican cuisine mofongo, created with mashed plantains and savory seasonings, is one of the island’s staple fare.

Take some time to appreciate Puerto Rico’s stunning natural scenery and diverse culture as your seven-day road adventure ends. 

Unwind on beaches, explore monuments, and savor local cuisine; Culebra is the perfect place to end your trip.

Visit this Caribbean gem for award-winning beaches, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Consider taking a quick ferry journey to the nearby island of Vieques after spending some time at Flamenco Beach.

The famous Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay  on the island of Vieques emits a brilliant blue light at night because of the presence of millions of tiny creatures. You must try a night trip to view this amazing natural phenomenon for yourself.

FAQ section

What is the best route to drive around puerto rico.

The best route to drive around Puerto Rico is starting north in San Juan, then going clockwise east to Fajardo and Culebra, south for Ponce and Cabo Rojo, west for Rincon and Aguadilla, and back North in Arecibo, which leads back to San Juan.

Is it worth driving around Puerto Rico?

Yes, it's worth it! Puerto Rico is a small but incredibly diverse island, offering visitors a wide range of activities and experiences.

Final thoughts

Puerto Rico has something for everyone – beaches, mountains, history, and culture.

This article gives you the best itinerary for you to follow for a week-long road trip.

Stay in each town to avoid long drives, and have ample time to explore every place.

Check out our article How Long Does It Take To Drive Around Puerto Rico to help you plan for your trip and Renting a Car in Puerto Rico article to learn more about renting a car for your road trip adventure. 

Miguel Concepcion

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years and have experienced every inch of this stunning island. Growing up in Puerto Rico has helped me truly learn about the rich culture and extensive history this island has to offer. I share my local knowledge in all of the articles that I write. 

Find the best things to do by interest

Outdoor adventures, food & drinks, history, culture & art.

The Perfect 3 or 6 Day Puerto Rico Road Trip

Puerto Rico is just 90 miles long and 30 miles wide. With good highway infrastructure and cheap rental cars, driving around the island is relatively easy. A Puerto Rico road trip can be a lot of fun!

This Puerto Rico road trip is just the most fun solo trip I’ve done yet. From amazing beaches to interesting history to amazing food, Puerto Rico is one of my favorite, if not favorite, islands in the Caribbean. I’ve been to 9 different islands.

Table of Contents

There is SO MUCH to do in  Puerto Rico  beyond San Juan   and a Puerto Rico  road trip  was the perfect way to explore. I was in love with the island and I’m definitely hooked on the island.

It’s probably the cheapest island in the Caribbean to go to right now. Seriously, I was shocked at how little things cost! You’ll see my breakdown below, but if you’re looking for a beachy vacation that won’t break the bank then this is it. What other Caribbean islands can you visit on a $150 round trip flight and average hotel cost of $100 a night?! PS read how I found my  flight for even cheaper here . Pretty fabulous if you ask me!

3 Day Puerto Rico Road Trip Costs:

• Flight : $73 round trip (not a typo – see how I get these prices  here )
• Hotel/Airbnb Per Night: $60, $120 (I tend to mix  cheap AirBnBs  with one nice night)
• Total Hotel Costs:  $240 ($120 a person)
• Car Rental :  $12 a day about $50 total ($25 a person)
• Tours/Activities:  $65
• Food:  $10 per meal so about $80

Total Costs: $403 a person (based on 3 people), for 6 day, just double hotel and car costs!

Tips for a Puerto Rico Road Trip:

• Puerto Rico is part of the US. US citizens do not need a passport to go.
• It is a Spanish-speaking island, but most people also speak English. I had no problems going around the whole island and not being a fluent Spanish speaker.
• The airport is not located far from San Juan, and Uber is readily available to and from the airport. Late at night, you’ll probably have to take a cab through as few drivers are available.
• Traffic around San Juan can be really (and I do mean that) bad during rush hour. Try to leave after 10 am or before 7.
• Old San Juan is a protected part of Puerto Rico, and you need special permits to drive. Be careful about getting here and wait to rent a car until after you’ve been to Old San Juan or you could have issues with parking/permits during your Puerto Rico road trip.
• Car rentals  are cheap and easy. I paid just $10 a day for my car while there and most car rental locations are right by the airport.

Subscribe here   to get my Puerto Rico packing list and  road trip packing checklist !

Day 1: Old San Juan

Old San Juan is a seriously adorable part of Puerto Rico. Some people will try and tell you it’s boring, but honestly it’s the best place to start. Old San Juan has the most colorful and pretty streets! It’s the perfect introduction to Puerto Rico.

Arrive the evening before and settle in. You’ll want to take a taxi that is able to drive into Old San Juan on this day (there are driving restrictions because it is a historical area!) so it’s best to take a taxi from the airport. It will most likely cost about $20 – $30 depending on the location of the hotel, traffic, and number of people.

Stay in Old San Juan this night at one of the boutique hotels within walking distance of all the restaurants and bars. I’d recommend Hotel Plaza Del Armas for it’s awesome location and pretty courtyard.

Make sure you find a flamingo show happening too in the evening on your first night or second! There are tons of restaurants that offer dinner and a show that make for a special experience. You’ll need to make a reservation in advance so make sure you look up where you want to go. It’s worth a reservation to check out one of these awesome shows.

Wake up the next day and spend your whole day in San Juan and create your own pace! I’ve created my own walking tour below with the things I’d recommend seeing/loved when I was there. It’s very walkable and easy to get around. Make sure you make lots of stops for street vendors serving ice cream and yummy snacks!

Start your walk with a visit to Castillo San Cristóbal

San Cristóbal is the largest and best-preserved Spanish military fortification in the Americas. It was built to protect San Juan residents from land attacks from the east side and covers almost 27 acres of land. Walk through an S-shape tunnel, enter a dungeon, and take a picture inside a sentry box. There’s an amazing panoramic view on the third floor that is just beautiful. It’s less-visited which means it’s even more worth your time.

From here, keep walking until you get to El Morro and Castillo San Felipe Del Morro. Keep on a lookout for the cutest spots with the Puerto Rican flag as you walk! This area is a really popular spot in Old San Juan. You’ll find a historic cemetery, large plazas, and lots of kites. El Morro is one of the first military defenses in the Americas, it brings you back in time and has an amazing view of the entrance to the San Juan bay.

Cruise ships entering or leaving port are almost at the same height as the 6 level fort and it actually took over 250 years to build! It’s got amazing views, lots of iguanas, and fun history.

There is a set of stairs and a walkway that leads around the outside of the fort along the coast from the inside of the fort. This is a great way to walk around the outside of the fort or you can walk above the walls as well for a great view. The walk takes about 20 minutes either way and you will see the San Juan gate which is the only original gate into the city that is left.

Stop for a picture here and keep walking until you get to Paseo de Princessa. You’ll know your there because you’ll see a large fountains and steps.

The Paseo de Princessa starts with a large fountain and a promenade that is really pretty to walk. From there, you can start to walk the streets of San Juan and take in the colorful scenery! Famous streets include Calle del Sol and Calle San Sebastian.

Some notable stops include the cathedral, awesome murals like the San Juan flag, tons of shopping, and the perfect spot for a pina colada. Puerto Rico is the home of the pina colada and two different spots claim to have the original. Make sure you check them out!

This evening, you can go pick up your car in Carolina by the airport or stay another night in San Juan if you have the budget! There are also lots of affordable AirBnBs in and around San Juan. Many are in Carolina and Condado right by the beach which could be a great way to spend the evening!

Day 2: San Juan to Aguadilla to Rincon

Old San Juan to Carolina 15 minutes

On day two, it’s time to get out of the old city! There are some incredible and secluded beaches in Puerto Rico that are just amazing. Time to get to some of those perfect spots on your Puerto Rico road trip.

Pick up a rental car from near the airport for just $12 a day, then head out west. As I mentioned, the traffic can be pretty bad around typical rush hour times. Leave after (or before if you want to get up early) rush hour by making a stop in Carolina for some great breakfast! There’s a whole strip of really cute restaurants that are all local.

There’s tons of cool street art and a super relaxed feel. Once you’ve grabbed some food head out on an hour-long drive to Cueva Ventana.

Carolina to Cueva Ventana 1 hour

Type Cueva Ventana into your GPS

Cueva Ventana is a section of 5 caves that you can only go to on a guided tour. It’s just about an hour from San Juan and really pretty easy to find. I was there over the weekend and walking up to get a ticket was easy. You can walk right up and buy a ticket. There is a large parking lot behind where there is space to park. Bring cash and buy some refreshing juice and stop for gas at the gas station right next door.

For $20 you are taken on a guided hike through the rainforest and two of the 5 caves for some awesome views and history. You’ll see amazing views, bats, shy plants, petroglyphs, and more. The whole experience takes about 2 hours and happens every half hour so it’s not difficult to find a time.

Cueva Ventana to Aguadilla 1 1/2 hours

Type Surfer Beach into your GPS

From here, drive another hour to Aguadilla to check out some awesome beaches. If you’ve got more time, the town of Aguadilla is really cute and I’ve heard it’s worth a stop! I only had time to check out some of the beaches – Surfer Beach and Survival Beach. I’m so glad I made this stop to an amazing local beach spot.

These two beaches are surfer beaches but offer awesome views. The large waves almost knocked my rental car keys into lost oblivion but I was able to rescue them thankfully. They are also a little off the beaten path which I loved. Getting there was easy because you can drive all the way to the beach where there is a large parking lot. Once parked, walk toward the trail and away from the road to get to Survival Beach.

When I was there I was almost alone on the beach except for a few surfers. This led to amazing views along the water. I found tons of turtle tracks and was able to walk from Surfer Beach to Survival Beach during low tide. If you visit during high tide then you’ll have to hike through the forest. There is a trail so you’re still able to make it there! The only issue is the mosquitos. Be prepared with bug spray so you don’t get bit!

Aguadilla to Rincon 30 minutes

Type Villa Cofresi (your hotel) into your GPS

After this beach stop, head to Rincon in time for sunset! I chose to stay at Villa Cofresi . This hotel is known for its perfect sunset view and private beach. I couldn’t recommend this hotel enough. You can read my full review here .

Day 3: Rincon, Cabo Rojo, and Fijardo

This is the most driving you’ll do in a day on this three-day Puerto Rico road trip. It’s going to be across the island and total about 6 hours. I chose to do it this way because the east side of the island is still recovering from the hurricane. When I was driving through, there were many spots that were still closed and the main city on the east side is still rebuilding and so it made sense to visit what I could in one day. Each drive is pretty easy though and there was no traffic. It’s also broken up with some amazing stops.

Morning in Rincon

Type Steps Beach or GastroPark Rincon into your GPS

Rincon is another spot known for its surfing, but while I was there, the water was pretty calm and tons of people were swimming. I chose to relax on the beach and by the pool at my hotel . However, there are a lot of beaches that are good for snorkeling that you can get to easily, most famously Steps Beach.

From the beach, I headed to Gastropark Rincon. This cute area is full of awesome food trucks with choices for drinks and food. I chose to eat at Plantanas which served every dish with plantains. So good! They are open late here too so if you’re staying in Rincon, it’s the perfect spot late at night.

Note: if you decide to do a longer road trip, I’d recommend an extra day in Rincon. Stay longer and take a surf lesson, visit the lighthouse for sunset, and enjoy walking around town!

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Rincon to Cabo Rojo 2 hours

Type Las Salinas Cabo Rojo into your GPS

Cabo Rojo is an incredible area. I was shocked that it wasn’t crowded with tourists. Cabo Rojo is a cape that is located on the southwest side of Puerto Rico. It’s free to visit and has some really cool spots. I started off going to Las Salinas Cabo Rojo (that’s what you want to put into the GPS) and made a stop at the visitors center. 

Your GPS will tell you it’s closed and you’ll see signs for different stops. Keep driving until you see the visitors center and tower! There you can talk with the park services and get a great view from the tower.

After that, head to the pink salt flats. Yes PINK! They are so pretty and the best days to see the bring pink are on sunny days. I walked around and was able to see lots of birds. I was there basically alone which meant I had so much peace and quiet to myself, I loved it.

From here, keep driving to see the lighthouse and gorgeous coast. You’ll get to a parking lot and see a walkway that looks like a road. Take this road to get to the lighthouse. The lighthouse costs $3 to get inside and I am glad I didn’t skip it because I possibly wouldn’t have discovered the incredible coast that was there. There are tons of trails around the lighthouse.

The coast is so pretty and you can walk along the coast down around to the beach and back to the car. The beach is a pretty quiet one and there are manatees that live there, although they tend to stay more inland! I was really wishing I had snorkel gear just in case though. After this, take the road back to your car. The whole thing took me about an hour to hike around plus a quick stop at the beach.

Cabo Rojo to Fajardo for the  Bioluminescent Bay  3 hours

Type address given by your tour into your GPS

If you choose to extend your trip beyond three days , I would recommend you wait on visiting the bio bay until later on in the trip! It could fit in on any day 4-7 depending on what you decide to do.

The next part of the drive is the longest. Try and start earlier than I did because it was dark for part of my drive but the lights were out along the highway which was a concern!

Fajardo is home one of five bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico. There are only 3 spots in the whole world where you can experience a biobay. Tours will take you in to see the bay where you’ll get an incredible and unique experience. In the past ten years lots has been done to try and conserve the area because it is so unique.

I chose to go with  GlassBottomPR  because a glass bottom kayak with glowing creatures under me?! Sign me up! It was only $40 and they have two tour times available – 6:30 and 8 pm. Depending on your flight and how late you can stay up, you could do either. It lasts about two hours and as we kayaked, the bottom looked like the sky as it lit up with the tiny creatures.

They can be difficult to see on nights where the moon is bright so try to go when the moon will not be too bright. Our guide was prepared though and had a tarp he put over our group which made it darker. Once he did this, you could see your whole hand light up. When I lifted my hand out it looked like it was sparkling. There’s no other way to describe it except incredible. Do not miss this spot!

Fijardo to San Juan 1 hour

Type San Juan International Airport into your GPS

Once the two hour tour ends, you’ll head back to San Juan to begin the end of your three day Puerto Rico road trip. This may mean you get an  Airbnb  for another night or if you are lucky, have an evening flight like I did! I had a 10:30 pm flight so the 6:30 tour left me with just enough time.

If you know me, you know how I tend to cut it close. Don’t recommend this if you get anxious about making a flight! It may be better to try to stay one more night instead. This extra night would honestly not be a stress though because you’ve spent so little money on this trip! I had work though and needed to be back.

Want to stay longer on your Puerto Rico road trip and check out somewhere else?

These last 4 days are add-ons from my last trip. It would be easy to extend and do a longer week trip to include the stops below. You would do a full loop of the island, just as with a 3 day trip. Any of these days are super close to each other with the home base being Luquillo.

You could do one of these days or all of them while still being the same distance from San Juan, where you will most likely fly out of.

Cabo Rojo to Luquillo 3 hours

Instead of driving from Cabo Rojo to Fijardo, drive a little further to Luqillo which will be home base for the rest of this road trip.

Day 4 Luquillo

Luquillo is a beach town located just 30 minutes north of Fijardo and trust me when I say, it’s worth the visit!

Located right outside El Yunque National Rainforest, Luquillo is famous for incredible views, great food, and more. We chose to stay here for two nights on my last trip to Puerto Rico. It’s the perfect spot to stay at when wanting to see this part of the island!

We chose to stay at an  adorable little beach bungalow  just two blocks from the beach. It was walking distance to many bars and restaurants and had been recently renovated. Our host was incredibly kind – cannot recommend it enough.

Luquillo Beach

Type Luquillo Beach into your GPS

Start your morning off by visiting Luquillo Beach. Luquillo Beach is a beautiful beach that is really popular with the locals. It’s $5 to park your car and you’ll find lots of activities and fun happening along this beach. From kayak rentals for $5 to spots for a great Pina Colada, you will have a great time hanging out here.

It’s a local favorite so you’ll find people selling their favorite items made from fallen palm leaves, loud music, barbecues, and families enjoying the day. We loved the vibe here as people really just came to have a good time, plus the red life guard stations are pretty cool with the mountains and rainforest behind them!

Luquillo Kiosks for Lunch

Type Luquillo Kiosks into your GPS

After the morning at the beach, head over to the Luquillo Kiosks. The Luqillo Kiosks are a row of over 60 kiosks of food, drink, and shops with delicious local foods you have to try while in Puerto Rico! We were so excited when we walked through and got to try all the fun local, mostly fried, foods.

My favorite foods to try:

• puerto rican taco
• rellenos de papa

Las Paylas Rock Slides

In the afternoon, spend your time at the incredible Las Paylas. Las Paylas are rock water slides located right outside El Yunque and just a 10-minute drive from Luquillo. You park for $5 at a man’s house and walk about 5 minutes through the rainforest to the river. It’s incredibly beautiful and an adventure for sure.

There are two natural rock slides. The first you come to right as you get to the river. There is a rope that you can use to climb up the rocks to the optimal spot for sliding. Be careful here – if you go up too far you will risk injuring yourself because the force of the water will cause you to go too fast. We were alone here and could have gotten seriously hurt. Luckily, we walked away with just some bumps on our knees.

After enjoying the first slide, head down the river over the small pools of water (also fun to splash and play around in!) to the second water slide. It leads into a larger pool where there are rocks to jump off of and a rope swing.

This rock slide is much more tame than the first. Again, be careful on the rope swing as the water levels can change drastically depending on the flow of the water. Test the depth of the water before using the rope swing!

Honestly, this was such a fun surprise and unexpected. We found it essentially empty and enjoyed swimming around here. It is an adrenaline rush!

Day 5 El Yunque National Forest  1 hour drive

Use  this map  I created to visit where we did on our day trip

El Yunque is the only rainforest part of the national forest system in the US. It is incredibly beautiful and a really popular spot for visitors in Puerto Rico. I was so glad we got to go here on my latest trip because I had missed it on others!

On this day, get an early start, the part opens at 7:30 am. Why so early? Because all the day trips start to arrive by 10 am. We found that we were alone for the first portion of the day and enjoyed swimming in waterfalls and hiking to spots inside the park without a worry of parking our car.

By 10 am when we got to our next stop, it was extremely crowded. This meant we no longer got to enjoy the tranquility that a rainforest should be! We shared the trial with many other tourists.

The following are stops that we made and I’d highly recommend.

• La Coca Waterfall (a stop right along the road)
• Yokahu Tower (beautiful overlook, the tower isn’t open until 10 am)
• Juan Diego Falls (my favorite waterfall and a short, but difficult hike. Great for a dip!)
• Torre Mt. Britton Trail (45 minute hike each way to a beautiful overlook)

La Pared Beach

After the morning of hiking and seeing the rainforest, we headed back to our Airbnb to relax and head to another beach, La Pared Beach. This beach was just two blocks walking distance from our Airbnb and known for surfing. It worked out perfectly!

It’s just $5 to rent a surf board, if you dare! If not, you can sip a coca fresco (fresh coconut) and watch as the surfers practice their skills. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the afternoon.

Plus, if you stay at the  same Airbnb we did , they have beach chairs, towels, and a cooler to make your trips to the beach even easier!

Bioluminescent Bay Tour

If you decided to extend your trip the full 7 days, this is the night you should go on the Bioluminescent bay tour. As I mentioned above, I recommend going with  Glass Bottom PR  for the best experience!

Day 6 Island Trip

Icacos Day Trip, $80

Puerto Rico has many smaller islands that surround it such as  Culebra (known for incredible beaches), Vieques  (known for  Mosquito Bay ), and  Icacos . I looked all over the internet for possible island day trips. It’s possible to visit any of the three for a day, but it will cost you!

We decided to  visit Icacos  given we had just a day and Culebra day trips were well over $100.

Icacos is only a 45 minute boat ride from Fijardo making it an easier day trip, plus it was the most affordable of any option at $80 a person and incredibly beautiful!

Our day trip started at 9 am when we got onto the boat with many other people. We chose  East Island Adventures  because we saw great reviews, it included unlimited drinks, plus a snorkel stop. It checked all the boxes and we ended up having a wonderful time.

The 45 minute trip along the water was a beautiful one. You get views of several different islands as you cruise along with the mountains of El Yunque on the other side. The water is crystal clear blue and the deck hands are so kind.

Once we arrived we had a safety briefing and set off for the island. The beach had beautiful white sand and the water was seriously so blue! We were told that the next stop would have snorkeling, but our guide let us know we could take snorkel gear with us along the beach as well.

We decided to walk further away from the main beach and found a spot with a huge coral reef without any people swimming. We enjoyed some snorkeling away from the boats and relaxed on the beach until it was time for lunch.

After lunch, and a few drinks of course, we headed to the snorkeling stop. It was just a short 5 minute boat ride away with views of the beach off the coast. We saw many fish and had the chance to jump off the boat, enjoy the slide on the back of the boat, and chill. We had a great time as they kept the drinks flowing!

We headed back around 2:30 and were back at the dock by 3:15. It was a beautiful day and I honestly loved it so much! The only thing about going with  East Island Adventures  was that it is a big boat so you can expect to share space with a lot of people.

We didn’t end up minding since it was such a gorgeous day with a great crew. Overall, I highly recommend and think a day trip to an island (or a longer stay if you can!) is worth it.

If you still have time after these 6 days…

• Condado  has awesome beaches and great hotels that is close to the airport. Day passes are available at the Intercontinental for $40
• Bacardi  has a giant rum distillery that’s tons of fun just 30 minutes outside San Juan.
• There are museums and plenty of history in each city I named above. Spend some extra time there!
• Ponce is a great option for a stop between Cabo Rojo and Luquillo. Ponce has beautiful architecture and was named after Ponce de Leon’s grandson.

Related posts

Fun and Unique Things to Do in San Juan

Fun and Cheap Things to Do in Panama City, Panama

The Best Day Trips near Washington, DC from a Local

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Sounds like a great destination to visit if you don’t want to break the bank, and so many things to do. I’ll definitely put it on my list. Can’t believe such low airline ticket prices- this is a true find.

I’ve been lucky enough to find cheap tickets a few times. It’s such a fun place to visit!

I always forget US citizens don’t need a passport. Haven’t made it yet but been based in Europe 8 years so maybe soon !

Right? Makes it very easy to travel to and enjoy a Caribbean Island!

Your itinerary has so many unique activities that I didn’t know were options in Puerto Rico. If I make it there, in addition to hanging out on the beach, I’d want to check out the pink salt flats and take the bio tour!

There’s some really unique things to do in Puerto Rico. Hope you make it there!

© 2024 Meghan The Traveling Teacher | Site made by Life in Color Designs

The Perfect Road Trip in Puerto Rico: Everything to Know

• Post last modified: March 1, 2024
• Post author: Danielle Zito
• Post published: December 16, 2020
• Post category: Caribbean / Cruise Ports / Guides / North America

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Want to start planning your road trip in Puerto Rico? Well you're in the right place!

When it comes to getting around in a new place there are a lot of things to take in to account. Is there reliable public transportation? What's the cheapest way? What's the easiest way?

In Puerto Rico's case, we highly recommend driving, as it allows you the freedom to discover so many great places. Here's everything you need to know about  your road trip in Puerto Rico.

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The Perfect Road Trip in Puerto Rico: Where to Rent Your Car From

When looking online, there are so many options to choose from. Most likely, you'll be flying in the capital of San Juan , and luckily there are many options. If you are cruising, there are plenty of options right in the center of Old San Juan.

Renting a Car Inside the San Juan Airport

The easiest option is renting straight from the airport. This allows you to maximize your time, and also takes care of your transportation to and from the city. This however is not the cheapest option, as there are many taxes added for the rental companies being located at the airport, that are not disclosed until you actually arrive.

Companies inside the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National Car Rental.

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Renting a Car Outside the Airport in Puerto Rico

Many of the car rental companies that you will find online will claim themselves to be at the airport, but you will find that they are actually located on a strip outside of the airport. Although these car rental places will have low rates, this is actually the worst option.

Why? For one, the places are actually not cheaper than any of the others, because they have a number of extra fees that they do not include on the price that is online. The price you see online will actually be about double by the time you get out of the place. We will go into detail about the different taxes in a little bit.

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The second reason that this is not a great option, is because you will have to wait for the shuttle, which can have some long wait times. Heading back to the airport on your return will also be much more stressful, as you will need to factor in a lot of extra time that you will also be missing out on.

Rental Car Companies in San Juan

The companies that are included in this are the budget car rental companies that are franchises, such as Dollar, Thrifty, Payless, Cabrera Car & Truck Rental, Leaseway Car & Truck Rental, E-Z Rent-a-Car, and Allied Car & Truck Rental, as well as SIXT, and Europcar.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in Puerto Rico?

We have rented cars in Puerto Rico a number of times, and prices have ranged quite a bit. The reason behind this is that some rental companies have hidden fees.

I have pad as low as $20/day for a rental car in Puerto Rico, while other times I ended up paying $50-70/day. That's why I am here to clarify where to rent from, and how to get the best deals for your road trip in Puerto Rico.

Why is it So Expensive to Rent a Car in Puerto Rico? San Juan Rental Car Fees to be Aware of

Renting a car in Puerto Rico usually ends up being much more expensive than what car rental companies show online. But why is it so expensive to rent a car in Puerto Rico? This is because there are fees added that the third part sites don't account for. (Don't worry- you can in fact get great rates for rental cars in Puerto Rico! You'll need to find ways to avoid the following fees).

These are the fees that were charged to us from Payless Car Rental Company:

• City Tax 1%
• State Tax 10.5%
• TRPP $1.95/day
• ERA $3.95/day
• Transportation recreational fee 8.75%
• Vehicle energy fee $3.89/day
• Vehicle tire/battery fee $1.39/day

We forgot which fee was exactly for which tax, but there is a tax for the company being a franchise, a tax for being part of the airport, and a tax for being part of the airport but outside the airport, so you can see how the fees add up and are much more for the airport area.

Rental Car Fees In San Juan

Renting from inside the city is definitely the most seamless experience. The places are much quicker checking in and out, and the prices are very transparent, with no extra hidden fees. The only extra fee will be your transportation into the city. If you are cruising, this is definitely the best option. 

Our favorite place to rent from is located right outside where the ship docks, which is located right inside of the Sheraton Hotel. Just make sure that you book in advance, as they tend to sell out faster than other places.

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People wonder why is it so expensive to rent a car in Puerto Rico, but it's only super expensive when you book from the airport! Stick to local rentals and you'll be able to have a much more affordable road trip in Puerto Rico.

Here you can rent your car in Puerto Rico. Just make sure to look for places within the city! However, If you don't mind paying extra for the convenience, you can also look at the car rentals from SJU.

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Type of Car to Rent For Your Road Trip in Puerto Rico

When it comes to choosing a type of car, because Puerto Rico is part of the US, the most common type of car is automatic. If you are planning on traveling close to the city, a small car will suffice. 

However, if you plan on traveling to waterfalls, small beaches, and more off the beaten path places, we definitely suggest a 4x4, as some of the roads can be full of potholes. There were a lot of places that we don't think we would have quite made it to without a larger SUV.

Some of the hidden gems of Puerto Rico require a 4x4.

Car Insurance in Puerto Rico

When it comes to insurance, if you are part of the US than you are in luck. You won't need to purchase extra insurance, as you will just need to make sure that you are covered in case of an accident. They never asked us to show the insurance, but of course it is good to have your proof ready just in case.

If you are not from the US, or you do not have car insurance already, you can pay a flat rate per day in order to be covered. As Fede is not American, We decided to pay an extra $13/ day for him to drive, which is pretty standard.

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Driving on Your Road Trip in Puerto Rico

When it comes to a road trip in Puerto Rico, there are a few things to take into consideration while driving around the island. Many islands in the Caribbean are very relaxed when it comes to driving regulations, but as the Puerto Rico is part of the US , it can be very easy to get a ticket.

Puerto Rico  is stricter for driving than the other Caribbean islands .

Traffic Lights in Puerto Rico

In a lot of areas of the island we actually noticed that there were places that didn't have stop signs, nor traffic lights. This was a little alarming to us, but just make sure that you stop and check for traffic on all ends. There are some places where they simply just yield to the car who approached first, and let each other go in order.

There were also many traffic lights on the west side of the island that were standing, but not functioning at all. In this case, slow down, make sure that the light is not blinking or working at all, and yield to any cars that may have approached the area before you.

Tolls in Puerto Rico

When it comes to tolls, the only way that you can pay them is by having the tag. This means that if you plan on renting a car you pretty much need to get the Auto Expreso Pass, or you will get a $50 fine every time you pass through a toll. 

The pass costs $4.95/day, and is definitely something that they will try to push on you. However, we found that it wasn't really necessary, as it is very easy to avoid toll roads without adding time onto your trip.

Gas Prices in Puerto Rico

When renting a car you will be given the option to prepay your gas. We don't suggest this, as the rate is obviously higher than what you would get gas for, and then you would need to make sure to return the car empty to feel like it was worth it, Not to mention that that would be an anxious drive back returning the car!

The gas is priced in liters, and is around 50 cents /liter, or $2/gallon. Being that gas is pretty cheap, going on a road trip in Puerto Rico is definitely an even smarter option!

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Road Trip in Puerto Rico: Parking

Now parking is a BIG one. We say this because it is very easy to get a ticket when it comes to parking. The reason being, that there are so many cars that will park in places they shouldn't.

We thought that we were able to park in spots many times, to find out that we were in fact not allowed to, and that police come around giving tickets.

Parking On the Streets in Puerto Rico

When parking in the cities, there are always cars parked and lined up on either side of the road. The trick is, to make sure that you are avoiding any yellow lines. If there is a yellow line, you cannot park there, even if you see all of the other cars lined up next to the yellow lines.

It is also important to note, that there are plenty of streets (especially in  San Juan ) that it may seem that you can park there, but there will be a small sign on the wall nearby saying that parking is not allowed. When in doubt, look around and make sure that the area is clear of any signs.

That being said, we got a ticket by following all the rules. When we tried to fight it they made up some BS excuse about only locals being able to park in the city. So because of this, we highly suggest finding a parking garage when in  San Juan .

There are a lot of rules when it comes to parking in Puerto Rico .

Parking On the Side of the Road

There are many places such as waterfalls, nature trails, and parks that do not have official parking. In this case, you can just park on the side of the road. Just be aware, that your car must have all four tires off of the pavement, and you should be safe. We saw a few cars get tickets for just barely touching the road.

Doing a Road Trip in Puerto Rico: Other Things to Keep Know

Now you are almost ready for your road trip in Puerto Rico! Here are our final words for you.

Is Driving in Puerto Rico Difficult?

Overall, driving in Puerto Rico is pretty similar to driving in many areas throughout the US. The only difference is that the pace is definitely a lot more relaxed, so you will find that people drive very slow, and will even stop in the middle of the street for people to cross at their leisure. As a native Jersey Girl, this drove me insane! For those that are into a more relaxed pace though, this probably won't bother you at all.

As far as roads go, most of them are well paved, unless you are going to more natural places like the hidden waterfalls in Puerto Rico , or off-the-beaten-path destinations. We suggest getting a 4x4 to play it safe.

Another thing to note is that Google Maps was not our best friend in Puerto Rico, especially for going to some of the lesser known destinations. Talk to locals and ask for directions, as they often times know much better than Google does.

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Is it a Good Idea to Rent a Car in Puerto Rico?

We absolutely loved renting a car in Puerto Rico! Being that there is so much to see and do, doing a road trip in Puerto Rico allows you to really experience all that the island has to offer. As an American, it is also super easy being already covered by your insurance company in case something happens.

With all of these recommendations and tips, we know that you'll have an amazing road trip in Puerto Rico.

Want to rent a car? Make sure to do it in advance for the best rates and availability!

Travel Planning Tools

Here are some useful tools that you can use for planning your upcoming trip!

Puerto Rico is a very easy island to get around, and has so many great places to offer. Driving allows you to discover so many beautiful hidden gems, as well as some fantastic views. While on a road trip in Puerto Rico, we suggest going in a big circle east, south, west then north and heading back to San Juan , or vice versa. 

The island only takes a few hours from east to west, and just one hour from north to South. Give yourself extra time when driving around, and don't be afraid to get lost, because you never know when you will stumble on some beautiful nature, colorful artwork, or stunning views. And one more thing- take the coastal route! It is so scenic.

Need help planning you next trip? We can help you create the most epic itinerary, while saving money along the way! Want to learn more? Take a sneak peak at the different  travel planning packages  that we have to offer.

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• The PERFECT Puerto Rico Road Trip Itinerary: One Week in Puerto Rico

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After finding an error fare to Puerto Rico that was too good to pass up, I found myself wondering how I should spend my week in Puerto Rico. I wasn’t too keen on the idea of spending a week lounging on the beach beach, so I started researching how to do a Puerto Rico road trip.

Surprisingly, there were no road trip itineraries out there for Puerto Rico – most people tend to stay in San Juan and maybe do a couple of day trips. But after spending time in San Juan and all over the country, let me tell you: a Puerto Rico road trip is the way to go.

My mom and I drove all around the island and witnessed the local side of the country at its finest and I wouldn’t have it any other way. For those of you that are interested in seeing what Puerto Rico has to offer outside of San Juan and the beach (I did those as well), follow this perfect Puerto Rico road trip itinerary to see all the amazing places the country has to offer!  Note: I always use Expedia for car rentals  because it allows me to compare prices everywhere.

Table of Contents

The Perfect Puerto Rico Trip Itinerary (7-10 days)

Puerto rico road trip itinerary overview.

• Arecibo: 1 night
• Isabela & Aguadilla: 1 night
• Mayaguez & Guanica: 1 night
• Ponce & El Yunque: 2 nights
• San Juan: 2-3 nights

So you’ve arrived in Puerto Rico and picked up your   rental car . Awesome. You’ll probably be a bit tired by the time you finish getting your stuff so I recommend heading directly to your accommodation in Arecibo. The drive should take you 1.5 – 2 hours. You’ll have time at the end of your trip to explore San Juan and surrounds.

Travel tip: A Puerto Rico road trip is not for the faint of heart. Roads get pretty small once you get out of the city, and drivers don’t believe in blinkers, stop signs, or cautious driving in general.

Stop 1: Arecibo

How long to spend in Arecibo: 1 night

On your first day in Puerto Rico, take it easy. You’ll likely be tired by the time you arrive to your accommodation in Arecibo. You’ll have plenty to do on your second day in Arecibo, so spend the evening lounging in a hammock, swimming in a hotel pool, or reading to the sound of coqui frogs. Grab dinner at a nearby restaurant, and head to bed on the earlier side so you can be well-rested for the next day’s worth of exploring.

The next day, I recommend visiting all four three places listed in the section below: La Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Observatory, Cueva Ventana and Cavernas del Rio Camuy ( 2019 UPDATE: Rio Camuy has been closed since Hurricane Maria hit. No news on when it will be re-opened) . Stop for lunch at some point when you’re hungry and once you’re done, make your way over to Aguadilla via Isabela.

Where to Stay in Arecibo

• Budget: Arecibo Inn |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay
• Luxury:  Ocean Front Suites by City Inn  |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay

Best Things to Do in Arecibo

La cueva del indio.

La Cueva del Indio   is   a somewhat unmonitored cave in Arecibo. It’s pretty rocky and a bit steep to get to the cave’s entrance (wear sturdy shoes !), but once you get to the ladder it’s an easy climb down. The inside is really cool with indigenous carvings and crevices. If you’re claustrophobic or a bit fearful of caves in general, I wouldn’t recommend this place. But if you think you can handle it, it’s really cool. If you continue along the rocks, you’ll recognize the double arches where parts of Pirates of the Caribbean 2 were filmed. It’s a pretty spectacular view.

Note: The parking situation here is a bit sketchy. Apparently, if you park near the beach and do a long walk, you can visit the caves for free. We paid $10 for private parking and one of the security people hung around the cave area to make sure we were okay, so it was worth it in my book. There are a couple of private parking lots, and we just pulled into the first lot we saw. We went around 10 am and had the whole place to ourselves.

Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy

Parque Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy is the other cave I recommend visiting. This cave, unlike the other one,  is set up for tourists, complete with an entrance fee, a trolley ride, and a comprehensive audio guide. My mom loved this one since it included a guided tour, and I have to admit that the stalagmites and stalactites were stunning. We even saw a couple of bats! UPDATE: Rio Camuy has been closed since Hurricane Maria hit. No news on when it will be re-opened.

Arecibo Observatory

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Doc Rocket ? (@docr0cket) on Oct 6, 2016 at 3:34pm PDT

The Arecibo Observatory is home to the world’s largest radio telescope that is used to gather information about the galaxy. If you’re nerdy like me, then this is SO cool to see in real life. There are plenty of exhibits and an informational film that offers historical context and information about who has used the telescope and for what purposes. If you’re at all interested in astronomy, don’t miss this!

Cueva Ventana

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwNTjgVDlQA/

Cueva Ventana  translates to “window cave” and that’s exactly what it is. It’s a low-key and easy tour through the cave (there are a few steps here and there) and you have the opportunity to see fruit bats, which is pretty cool. The best part of this cave is the stunning landscape view you get at the end. Tours last around 90 minutes and you can see the tour times  here . La Cueva del Indio was definitely my favorite of the three, but this one was pretty cool as well.

Drive from Arecibo to Isabela.

It will take you around an hour to get to Isabela directly from Arecibo. If you have some time to spare, consider checking out Guajataca Tunnel , a historic former railroad tunnel that leads up to a nice sandy beach. From there, stop for a quick photo op at the Cara del Indio statue , a giant face carved into a large boulder, before arriving at the charming town of Isabela, where you’ll be spending the night.

Where to Stay in Isabela

• Budget: Apartment del Rio  |   Book a Stay
• Luxury: Royal Isabela |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay

Stop 2: Isabela and Aguadilla

Spend a couple of hours exploring the cute town of Isabela (and maybe even hit the beach, if you’d like!) before heading to Pozo de Jacinto , a part of the beach with blowholes. I loved watching the aggressive waves crashing against the rock formations, although it clearly wasn’t the best place for swimming. Continue your drive along the coast until you hit Playa de Jobos , one of the best spots to learn surfing in Puerto Rico. It was particularly crowded when we arrived (and I was too scared to surf anyway), so we continued to Aguadilla, where we had lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon walking around town and swimming at Crash Boat Beach . That evening, make your way to Rincon, where you’ll spend the night.

Best Things to Do in Isabela and Aguadilla 

Guajataca tunnel.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Jessica Nason (@happyfitwildfree) on Feb 20, 2016 at 7:10am PST

Guajataca Tunnel is a historic former railroad tunnel. It was once used to transport sugar cane from nearby farms, connecting Quebradillas and Isabela. Nowadays, you can walk through the tunnel and it leads to an oceanside trail, which eventually takes you to a beautiful, sandy beach.

Pozo de Jacinto and Playa de Jobos

Pozo de Jacinto is a cool part of a beach that has natural blowholes. I’d never seen one before, and I loved watching the aggressive waves crashing against the rock formations, although it clearly wasn’t the best place for swimming. Not far from the blowhole is Playa de Jobos , one of the best spots to learn surfing in Puerto Rico. If you’re at all interested in learning to surf, stop at one of the nearby schools and spend the afternoon taking lessons. You might be surprised by your abilities!

Crash Boat Beach

Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla was my favorite beach in Puerto Rico: it had just the right number of swimmers and surfers, and had great views of the neighboring town. Not only is parking easily available, but you can also do any number of water activities here such as snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and more. I highly recommend spending a couple of hours here!

Drive from Aguadilla to Rincon.

It should take you less than an hour to get to Rincon from Crash Boat Beach (less if you’re coming from Aguadilla Pueblo). Rincon is famed for its beaches and surfing, so you have the option of swimming here instead of at Crash Boat if you’d like. Either way, Rincon is a small town, with the center mostly serving as a place to eat and rest your head. Maria’s Beach, Steps Beach, and Sandy Beach are the most popular hangout spots.

Where to Stay in Rincon

• Backpack:  Rincon Inn  |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay
• Save:  Lazy Parrot Inn & Mini Resort  |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay
• Splurge:   Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel   |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay

Stop 3: Mayaguez and Guanica

Today will be a relaxing beach day. Spend some time in Rincon, then continue down the coast toward Mayaguez, one of the larger towns of Puerto Rico. Considering that it’s a “large” town, it’s actually surprisingly quiet – continuing the trend we encountered on our Puerto Rico road trip. The most happening place was Ricomini Bakery , which I recommend a lunch stop (we shared a steak Cubano, mille-feuille and a guava and cheese roll). After walking around the town and admiring the plazas and artwork, head to Guanica, where you’ll be spending the rest of the afternoon. Spend the day however you please: I recommend a visit to Gilligan’s Island, a combination hike and beach day at Caña Gorda Beach, or some hiking in Bosque Estatal de Guanica. In the evening, you have the option to do a bioluminscent bay tour in the nearby town of La Parguera, but if you’re planning on heading to Vieques, skip it. Spend the night in Guanica.

Best Things to Do in Guanica and Surrounds  

This town is the third largest city in Puerto Rico and considered to be the capital of the West Coast. What makes it so distinct is its colorful, colonial-style buildings, which you can see in Plaza de Colon (in the photo) and Teatro Yaguez, the town theater. It’s easy to see the town in an hour or so – besides the plaza and theatre, don’t miss the Parque de los Proceres (local park) and if zoos are your thing, Mayaguez Zoo, the only zoo on the island. I loved wandering around and seeing all the gorgeous architecture. If you’re hungry, stop by Ricomini Bakery for some delicious baked goods!

Caña Gorda Beach

Caña Gorda Beach is a beautiful public beach with shallow waters. Unlike most beaches in Puerto Rico, which have large surfing waves, this beach is much more tranquil, making it perfect for swimming and water activities. It also has bathroom facilities, rentable chairs and a view of Gilligan’s Island. It’s the perfect place to relax.

Bosque Estatal de Guanica 

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The Bosque Estatal translates to a “dry forest” rather than a rainforest. Although that strikes mental images of a desert landscape with cactuses, Bosque Estatal isn’t like that at all. It’s actually really green, composing of shorter trees, cacti, and other plants that thrive in drier climates. There are also quite a few animals, including birds and reptiles. This forest has nearly a dozen hiking trails, so you can easily spend a few hours or an entire day here depending on what you’d like to do. You can read more information about the different trails and how to get there here . Be sure to bring sunscreen , insect repellent and hiking sandals !

Gilligan’s Island

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Surprise! Gilligan’s Island isn’t just a TV show – it’s a real place and it’s located in Southern Puerto Rico. It’s a small island where people go to swim, kayak, and snorkel. You can take the ferry over (it runs hourly) and it’s a fun and inexpensive day trip. I highly recommend kayaking amongst the mangroves. Just be sure to bring everything you need (including food, water, toilet paper, sunscreen, etc) as there are no facilities on the island.

La Parguera (Optional)

La Parguera   is one of three towns in Puerto Rico where you can see a bioluminescent bay. For those of you who are wondering, a bio bay is a body of water where these organisms called dinoflagellates live. When they come in contact with things, they glow. Puerto Rico is home to three bio bays – the one in  Vieques is the brightest in the world . IF you can visit Vieques, you should (and skip La Parguera), as the Vieques bay is way brighter. If you can’t fit it in your schedule, opt for the bay in La Parguera.

There are lots of tour options once you arrive to the town itself. The most budget-friendly one is Johnny’s Boats , which takes you on a bay tour in a motorboat. It’s a somewhat quick tour but a great way to see the bay if you’re on a budget. The bio bay is really cool, but just remember that it won’t glow as brightly as the photos you see online. Not even close. But it’s still magical and sparkly. And you can’t capture photos, (unless you have a super-amazing camera), so sit back and enjoy the ride.

Drive from Rincon to Guanica. 

The drive from Rincon to Guanica is pretty short – around an hour and a half, but you should definitely stop along the way. Take a quick break in Mayaguez to walk around perhaps eat lunch. Consider stopping at the Cabo Rojo lighthouse before making your way down to Guanica for a beach and / or hiking day, depending on your interests. I recommend spending the night in Guanica, but if you aren’t up for a beach or hiking day and prefer to do some city exploring instead, continue your drive to Ponce and spend the night there.

Where to Stay in Guanica

• Save: Parador Guanica 1929 |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay
• Splurge:   Copamarina Beach Resort and Spa   |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay

Stop 4: Ponce and El Yunque

Wake up early and head directly to Ponce from Guanica – around a 45 minute drive. Spend most of the day exploring Ponce, the second largest city in Puerto Rico. Don’t miss the epic art museum (Museo de Arte de Ponce), the central plaza (Plaza las Delicias) and the colorful former firehouse (Parque de Bombas). Once you’ve gotten your fill of Ponce, drive two hours to your accommodation in / around El Yunque Rainforest, where you’ll be spending the next day.

Best Things to Do in Ponce

Museo de arte de ponce.

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Museo de Arte de Ponce is one of the best art museums in the Caribbean, where you can easily spend several hours enjoying the various exhibits. The collection has more than 5,000 works of art from various cultures so if you’re at all interested in art, don’t miss it.

Parque de Bombas

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The Parque de Bombas is said to be Puerto Rico’s most photographed building, and that doesn’t surprise me one bit: the red-and-black-striped exterior is a real eye catcher. Nowadays, the Parque de Bombas is a tourist information center, but it was once home to Ponce’s volunteer firefighters. It’s well-worth taking a look and getting some local information while you’re at it.

Hacienda Buena Vista 

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Not only is Hacienda Buena Vista one of the best places to learn about the cultivation of coffee, but it’s also one of the best preserved plantations in the country. Puerto Rican coffee is delicious and the entire process of growing and distributing coffee is fascinating (and takes WAY longer than you’d expect). It’s well-worth a visit if you’re at all interested in learning about coffee. At the very least, purchase a few bags to take home!

Drive from Ponce to El Yunque. 

You’ll want to spend as much time as possible in the El Yunque Rainforest the next day, so I highly recommend staying in a hotel in the area the evening before. If you really aren’t up for the two-hour drive, you can stay in Ponce and head to El Yunque early the next morning. My number one pick for accommodation in El Yunque is Casa Flamboyant , hands-down the BEST accommodation I’ve ever stayed in  anywhere . It has a stunning location inside the rainforest, hiking trails to several private waterfalls, all-natural water throughout the property, and incredible hospitality. I’ve also included a few other options below.

Where to Stay in El Yunque

• Backpack:  Luquillo Beach Hostel  |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay
• Save:  Luquillo Sunrise Beach Inn  |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay
• Splurge:  Casa Flamboyant  |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay

Stop 5: El Yunque Rainforest

Wake up early so you can spend as much time hiking through El Yunque Rainforest. El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the United States . It has multiple beautiful paths and hiking trails, all sorts of flora and fauna, coqui frogs, and quite a number of rivers and waterfalls. So even if you don’t end up staying at  Casa Flamboyant , you can still experience the joy of swimming under a waterfall – although you’ll have to share this experience with other tourists. The best part is that the trails in El Yunque are well-paved, which makes for fairly easy hiking.

Because El Yunque is so large, it’s really easy to miss some of the cooler spots in it, especially if you’re pressed for time. I really wish I’d spent more time here or went on a guided tour to really take full advantage of it. If you’re pressed for time like I was, definitely consider doing a “ local’s tour ” or doing a combination El Yunque / Bioluminescent tour  instead! Spend an additional night at your El Yunque accommodation.

Why stay at Casa Flamboyant

Note: This stay wasn’t sponsored or anything but it’s seriously been my favorite accommodation to date – and I’ve traveled a LOT. Paradise does not even begin to describe the beauty that is Casa Flamboyant . We had a private terrace and our own view of a waterfall. All the water that runs through the property is natural and pure, straight from the forest. What’s more, everything we could possibly want or need is included in the room: tons of towels, earplugs, a fridge, a hairdryer and more. And in the house: more towels, walking sticks, ponchos, and DVDs. The property itself has a pool (with natural water) overlooking the rainforest AND two trails that lead to private waterfalls. Oh yeah, and Ricky (the co-owner) even emailed me asking if we had any dietary preferences for breakfast beforehand. Did I mention breakfast included organic fruit from their garden and local farms? This was hands down the best place I’ve ever stayed at during ALL my travels. If you ever come to Puerto Rico, or do your own Puerto Rico road trip, splurge on at least one night here! Book it on Booking.com .

Now that I’ve sufficiently gushed over Casa Flamboyant, I’ll have you know that I did actually visit El Yunque. We spent a few hours hiking a couple of the trails and although we didn’t spot any animals, we saw lots of gorgeous flowers and plants. The views of the greenery were stunning.

Stop 6: San Juan

If you’re really eager (like me), wake up extra early for one final hike – I was determined to hike to one of Casa Flamboyant’s private waterfalls before I left. Even though Florin had instructed me the day before, we forgot to bring walking sticks with us. This resulted in some unpleasant slipping and sliding through the mud, but we eventually made it to the empty waterfall. It was totally worth it! We were greeted back at the bed and breakfast with a delicious home-made breakfast (locally sourced fresh fruit, French toast topped with strawberries, fresh cream, mango infused syrup and nutmeg. SO GOOD). Once we were done and all packed, we made our way to San Juan.

If you’d prefer not to do any early morning hiking, that’s fine – have a leisurely breakfast and do the final drive of your trip to your hotel in San Juan.

Technically, this is the end of your Puerto Rico road trip. I highly recommend spending the rest of the day exploring Old San Juan and doing a round-trip Vieques bioluminescent bay tour if you’re short on time. 

What to do in San Juan and the area depends on how much time you have left in Puerto Rico. If you only have a couple of days left, spend them exploring San Juan and doing a  round-trip, same-day tour to Vieques .  There aren’t many tour options that will take you from San Juan to Vieques for a bioluminescent bay tour and back the same day because it takes 2 hours+ to get to the island. I recommend this one , which includes a sunset boat ride as well. In my opinion, this is the best option so you don’t have to lug your stuff to Vieques for a couple of days then go back to San Juan.

If you have a few more days in San Juan and want to stay in Vieques overnight to do a bioluminescent bay tour, consider booking this one . You have to book your accommodation and transportation separately.

Best Things to Do in Old San Juan

We spent the majority of our time in Old San Juan wandering the streets and admiring the architecture. We saw Campo del Morro Fortress, San Cristobal Fortress, La Fortaleza, Plaza de Armas, the San Juan Cathedral and strolled through Paseo de la Princesa. Again, it’s really small, so I’d say the best thing to do is to just wander. There’s nothing like colored buildings and charming streets to inspire you. Another option (for better historical context) is to consider doing a walking tour  to get a taste of the city from a local. There’s also a free trolley that takes tourists around if you aren’t up for walking.

Free Walking Tour in Old San Juan

One of my favorite ways to orient myself in a new city is by taking a walking tour and nowadays, many cities offer free (tip-based) ones . In two hours, you get a great introduction to the city – including the must-see sights and plenty of history. This walking tour is definitely one of the best free things to do in Puerto Rico! Psst: if you’d rather do a tour led by a local writer, consider doing this walking tour  instead.

Castillo San Cristobal

As the biggest European fort in the Americas, Castillo San Cristobal is a pretty awesome place to visit, covering 27 acres in San Juan. Plus it has an incredibly cool dungeon. Although it’s not as impressive as San Felipe del Morro, you’ll get great views, plenty of photo ops, and a dose of history.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo San Felipe del Morro is far more popular than its counterpart and one of the top things to do in San Juan. If you spend just one day in San Juan, this fort is not to be missed, thanks to stunningly impressive architecture, historical cannons, cliffside views, and plenty of history.

Condado Beach, Ocean Park Beach, and Pine Grove Beach

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If you’re in Puerto Rico, chances are you’re familiar with the top beaches in San Juan. After all, you can’t visit San Juan without spending some time getting your tan on. Condado Beach is probably the most popular due to its proximity to Old San Juan (and most hotels) -plus, you can rent chairs and umbrellas. Ocean Park Beach is a bit on the smaller side comparatively, but still a good option. Just 15 minutes by car from San Juan is Pine Grove Beach , which is usually a lot less crowded. There’s also the added bonus of being able to take surf lessons from the nearby school. Either way, you can’t go wrong with any of San Juan’s beaches.

Eat your way through San Juan on a food tour

It’s no secret that food tours are my  favorite way to get to know a new culture. What better way to learn about a new place than by eating like locals do? On this food tour through Old San Juan , you’ll sample some of the island’s best food – and Puerto Rican food is delicious (how I miss mofongo!). I always recommend doing food tours at the beginning of a trip so you can get excellent foodie recommendations from the guide for the rest of the time #priorities. P.S. Speaking of good food, I highly recommend dinner at Jose Enrique in Santurce. There will be a wait, but the food is spectacular.

Read more awesome things to do in San Juan and beyond here .

Where to Stay in San Juan

• Backpack:  Hostel H1 Miramar  |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay
• Save:  352 Guest House  |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay
• Splurge:  Condado Vanderbilt Hotel  |  Read Tripadvisor  reviews   |   Book a Stay

What to Pack for Puerto Rico

• Backpack OR Suitcase:  The  Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack  is hands down the best backpack I’ve ever used for travel. Not only is it carry-on sized, but it’s also incredibly comfortable and easy to carry, even for a small-framed person like me. It has tons of pockets and compartments for organization, lockable zippers, and it’s weather resistant. If you don’t think you can handle packing in a carry-on, the  Osprey Fairview 70 Backpack is just as comfortable but a lot larger. When I don’t bring my backpack, I use my Samsonite bag . I used to always buy inexpensive suitcases to save money but most of them didn’t survive longer than a few trips. This suitcase has been adventuring with me for several years and it still looks new. It’s definitely a worthy investment!
• Daypack:  For days where I’m out all day, I always carry a daypack.  This daypack  is great because it’s durable, water-resistant, has several organizational pockets, and folds into a tiny pouch.
• Locking Purse: Puerto Rico is safe, but I’d rather be safe than sorry, which is why I bring this handy lockable purse  with me everywhere I travel. Is it the most stylish purse I’ve ever owned? No. Does it keep me from worrying about pickpockets? Absolutely. Plus, it’s surprisingly roomy – I keep my water bottle, camera, wallet, and other stuff in there and they fit no problem. If a smaller purse is what you’re after, check out  this one  or  this one .
• Basic temperature regulating t-shirt: No matter what the season (Puerto Rico is hot all year), you’ll want at least one basic temperature regulating shirt, like this one . This T is specially made to be moisture-wicking, anti-odor, and offer SPF protection. Plus, it doesn’t look like an exercise top but still offers a lot of the benefits of high-performance clothing. It’s cute enough to be dressed up with a cardigan or nice scarf. If you decide you love these shirts and want more, try  this one .
• Lightweight bottoms: If you’re visiting Puerto Rico, you’ll want loose and lightweight everything, including pants . I’m a fan of this  particular style but anything lightweight will do. Same goes for skirts .
• Dresses : Puerto Rico is super down-to-earth with warm, beach weather to match. I packed lightweight dresses for days and evenings in the city. Just 2-3 will do, as you’ll want to bring other clothing for any outdoor activities you do, like hiking.
• Workout / Hiking clothing : Planning on visiting the El Yunque Rainforest or hiking in general? You’ll want comfy workout pants for that. I’m obsessed with this pair because they’re great for outdoor activities without looking like workout pants. I always bring  this workout bra because it keeps moisture and smells away. Same goes for this underwear (plus, it dries quickly for easy washing). You can easily pair workout pants with one of the temperature-regulating tops I included above.
• Secret pocket scarf:  One of my favorite minimalist hacks for travel is to bring several scarves and several basic shirts and mixing and matching them to make it look like a whole new outfit. Cool trick, right? My favorite scarf to pack for every trip is  this secret pocket scarf . It’s cute and functional and has the added bonus of having a hidden pocket, where you can keep your passport, some money, or any other valuable you’re worried about.
• Swimwear : You’ll likely be spending a fair amount of time at the beach in Puerto Rico (duh, right?), so don’t forget to pack a swimsuit, cover-up , sun hat , sunglasses, sunscreen and beach sandals.
• Sunscreen : For everyday use, I use Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen  because my skin is prone to acne. The  original Neutrogena sunscreen  is just as good if acne is a non-issue. Neither will leave your skin feeling gross and greasy. For the rest of me, I use the solid body stick, which works well. My friends who dive told me that the chemicals in sunscreen are really bad for the ocean though, so if you’re going swimming, they recommend  All Good Sunscreen , which is safe for reefs and the planet. The more you know!
• Insect repellent: You’ll definitely want insect repellent in Puerto Rico, especially if you’re prone to bug bites. This insect repellent  specifically was voted number one in consumer tests and I can vouch for that fact that I’ve gotten fewer bites using it. Plus, you can use it on your clothes and your skin and it doesn’t make you feel or smell gross!
• Chafing gel:  The only time I ever wish for a thigh gap is when it’s hot and I’m wearing a skirt or dress. Chub rub, that uncomfortable rawness you get between your thighs from them rubbing together, is  very real, especially when it’s hot out. I use this anti-chafing balm whenever I visit hot destinations, and my only disappointment is how long it took me to figure out that it’s a thing that exists.
• Moisture-wicking socks:  These  moisture-wicking socks are perfect for all-day wear without smelly or sweaty feet. Just a couple of pairs will do.
• Sandals:  I love  these Keen sandals  because they’re cute and super comfortable to walk in all day. I bring them with me everywhere and they haven’t failed me yet. If you prefer hiking sandals, I’ve used  these  in Costa Rica and they’re perfect for the great outdoors.
• All-purpose sneakers:  Last year, a friend of mine introduced me to Allbirds, these  awesome wool sneakers  that don’t make your feet sweat (even if you wear them without socks). Then I found out they’re made of Merino Wool, which explains the magic behind them. They’re cute, they’re functional, and they’re comfy AF. You can wear them to hike up a mountain or to explore a new city. They’re my go-to travel shoes and if they get dirty, I can throw them in the wash.
• Travel Insurance:  Yes, you need travel insurance for if things (hopefully don’t but often do) go wrong. I’ve been sick, needed stitches, crashed a rental car, had cash stolen and have dealt with luggage delays. Let’s just say I’ve learned my lesson about travel insurance the hard way. My go-to insurance is  World Nomads because they’re awesome. Be sure to check out the different plan options to pick one that’s right for you!
• Travel First Aid Kit:  I love that this  travel first aid kit  is small enough to stick in your bag but still has tons of items in it. I’d remove the scissors if you aren’t planning to check your luggage, but otherwise, this is incredibly handy, especially if you’re going to be doing outdoorsy things.
• Travel Camera(s):  I know all the cool kids are about that #iPhoneOnly life, but I still like taking photos with a camera. Does that make me old? Whatever, I’m embracing it. Anyway, for adventure footage and photos, the latest  GoPro  is seriously the best. It’s waterproof, image stabilizing, and a bunch of other cool features. If you’re looking for a nice digital camera that doesn’t involve complicated lenses, I personally use the  Sony RX100 II , which I’m obsessed with. This is the older model (I think they’re on the 6 now) but it works great. The Carl Zeiss lens helps take spectacular, high-quality photos but the camera is small enough to fit in a purse. I also bring my  Instax Mini 9  with me cause I’m extra like that, but I also understand that most normal people don’t travel with three cameras.
• Kindle:  Confession: I’m low-key a book fiend and chances are high that I’m currently in the middle of reading something. As a traveler, I don’t have the luxury of taking up precious space in my suitcase with a book or three. I was uncertain about buying a  Kindle  initially, but it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. Not only can you keep guidebooks on there, but it’s also nice to be able to read at your leisure on those long distance trips or at the beach.  This particular Kindle  magically blocks sun glare somehow (sorcery, I tell you!), which is why I prefer it to reading on a tablet.
• Headphones:  There are a lot of things that suck about planes, but bad headphones don’t have to be one of them. The small  Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones  do a pretty good job of blocking ambient sound on airplanes (and everywhere else). They’re small and they’re wired, making them much more practical for travel than the bulky over-ear headphones.
• Insulated water bottle and water purifier or water purifying bottle: I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel because single-use plastic sucks for the planet and buying lots of bottled water is expensive and inconvenient. You can drink the tap water in Puerto Rico, but some travelers have gotten diarrhea from it. To combat this, I bring along a Steripen , a UV water purifier that gets rid of 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa and use it in combination with my  CamelBak Insulated Water Bottle . This bottle is particularly awesome because it holds 20 oz and keeps water cold, which you’ll want in a hot country like Puerto Rico. If you’d rather purchase an all-in-one solution, Grayl’s water filtering bottle  is a great alternative so you can fill directly from the tap and drink almost immediately.
• Microfiber towel:  Pretty much all hotels will have towels for use on hand, but I find that it’s always nice to have a towel I can use when I travel, whether I’m on the beach, at an impromptu picnic, or just a bit chilly. This  Wise Owl Camping Towel dries super quickly, takes up almost no room and comes with a bonus face/hand towel for hikes and outdoor activities. I always bring it with me when I travel, and almost always use it.
• Travel clothesline:  This  travel clothesline has been my lifesaver when I’ve hand-washed clothing or have a wet swimsuit or towel that I need to dry. It may not be worth the hassle to do laundry if you have just a few things to wash or are moving through cities quickly. The clothesline is more a nice to have rather than a must-have depending on your travel style.

Safety in Puerto Rico: Is Puerto Rico Safe?

Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico hard in 2017 and some parts of the island are still recovering. I get that most people are concerned about safety in Puerto Rico, but don’t be: Puerto Rico is safer than most U.S. cities ! My mom and I traveled together all over the island on a road trip and never once questioned our safety on the road. The only thing you should be wary of in Puerto Rico is petty theft (namely, pickpocketing) in some parts of San Juan. I combat pickpocketing by carrying my valuables in a lockable purse and secret pocket scarf and have never had issues! Again, just be street smart like you would in any other city and get travel insurance and you should be fine!

Currency, Language, and Passport

As an American, one of the coolest things about visiting Puerto Rico is feeling like you’re being transported to a totally different culture while still technically being in the United States. That means no passport needed and no currency exchange needed either – Puerto Rico uses US Dollars and ATMs are widely available across the island.

Although Spanish and English are both official languages of the island , Spanish is definitely the dominant one, especially outside of the more touristy parts. Brush up on a few basic Spanish phrases and you should be solid for your travels.

Transportation in Puerto Rico

If you have a rental car like we did, you should have no issues getting around Puerto Rico, especially outside of San Juan. Within San Juan, you can easily get around by foot, bike and Uber (better than taxis so you don’t have to worry about getting ripped off).

If you’re looking to explore Puerto Rico outside of the usual tourist path, a Puerto Rico road trip is for you. Although Puerto Rico wasn’t my favorite country in all my travels, it was an excellent place to spend a relaxing week. Whether you like beaches, nature, or adventure travel, Puerto Rico certainly has something for you.

Get inspired by all the amazing things to do in Puerto Rico below!

More Puerto Rico Resources

• Puerto Rico Travel Guide
• 27+ Spectacular Things To Do in Puerto Rico for First-Time Visitors

Have you ever been on a Puerto Rico road trip? Which cities are your favorite? Share in the comments below!

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33 thoughts on “ The PERFECT Puerto Rico Road Trip Itinerary: One Week in Puerto Rico ”

Puerto Rico is amazing! So glad to were able to see so much of the island. Come back for another visit to check out Ponce, Fajardo, and more beaches!

I agree! I definitely want to come back and spend more time exploring the eastern side :).

Gorgeous! I especially like the La Cueva del Indio carvings. I haven’t been to PR yet, but hopefully one day soon!!

Yeah! The carvings were SO cool. I hope you get a chance to go soon, it’s a great country!

Looks fabulous. Costa Rica and Puerto Rico are two places that I really want to get to. I think I would definitely love to stay at Casa Flamboyant. Just my style of place. The food looks great too, which I was pleased to see as a friend led me to believe otherwsise.

Funnily enough I went to both Costa Rica AND Puerto Rico in April (for the first time). You would love Casa Flamboyant! It’s basically paradise :). The good food is a bit challenging to find but once you find it’s amazing! I hope you get a chance to visit both countries soon 🙂

Wow, your trip looks amazing! I have never been to this part of the world but if I went, would totally go for off the beaten paths! Itinerary looks great and the beaches are so stunning!

Thank you! This is the first time I straight up skipped over the touristy places and went straight for the local places and I would definitely do it again! I hope you get a chance to visit one day 🙂

OMG a $100 flash sale!!!! I need to be watching out for these! What an amazing trip and beautiful photos! I really want to visit Puerto Rico!!! Thanks for sharing!

Yes! I have a love-hate relationship with Spirit but when they do their 99% off sale (subscribe to the emails!) it’s hard to say no. And thank you, I had a great time. I hope you get a chance to go soon!

That’s a nice trip and you have been able to pack a lot in, my favourite here would be La Cueva del Indio, and the rain forests, would love to visit them. Great pics too.

Thanks! Yes it’s honestly SUCH a great place to visit and I was obsessed with the caves – they made me feel a bit like Indian Jones :). I hope you get a chance to visit one day!

What an awesome itinerary you’ve built here. I actually like to spend half/half touristy stuff and off-beaten path stuff so this will nicely compliment each other. I keep putting Puerto Rico off (mainly because Alaska doesn’t fly down there directly and I hate connecting flights) but I’ll keep looking for deals down there.

Thank you! I find that oftentimes when I’m short on time I mostly end up in touristy places so I’m glad I was able to get more local flavor this time around. Yeahhhh connecting flights can be a huge pain but the flight deal made it worth it :). Definitely keep a look out for them!

Looks like a fantastic trip and great itinerary. I love getting off the tourist track when I travel. The one thing I LOVED in PR was the bioluminescent bay – touristy but worth a look!!

Thank you! And yes me too although I feel like I don’t do it enough! I want to go back and see the bay in Vieques because I hear it is STUNNING. But even the one in Parguera was pretty cool as well :).

OMG, YOU ARE SUCH A KIND DAUGHTER!!! Your first mother-and-daughter trip is a major milestone and will be one you talk about in years to come. My mom is my favorite travel partner. Maybe I’ll think of Puerto Rico for us one day. Currently hoping to take her to Cuba next year but that’s just a dream at htis point. My cousin did a spontaneous trip to PR with no expectations and she absolutely LOVED it! The caves in Arecibo look stunning! Im a rea sucker for indian jones moments 😛

Thank you :). She has been raving about Casa Flamboyant since we stayed there so I think I wowed her for our first trip! Cuba would be AMAZING! I haven’t been yet but it has been high on my bucket list foreverrrr. I hope you get a chance to go with your mom! Haha yeah I felt like a bit of a bad-ass down in the cave, not going to lie :p

Great itinerary. I basically did pretty much the same things you did while I was in Puerto Rico! I loved El Yunque and want to go again so badly! I loved all the waterfalls we got to see.

Thank you! Most people tend to stick to the east side but that’s awesome that you did a road trip as well! So much great nature both in El Yunque and beyond 🙂

Looks like you did it all! So lucky to get a deal like that and good thing you took advantage of it. The place this place and every single thing you did. Good you got off the tourist spots as well. Definitely giving me wanderlust to go here. Perhaps I switch my Iceland trip to Puerto Rico. Feel like it has more to offer.

Yes I was really lucky I got a deal and I had a great time exploring outside of the tourist spots! I’ve never been to Iceland so I can’t speak to that but maybe you should consider Puerto Rico for your next trip 🙂

Your post has made me want to travel to Puerto Rico! It looks amazing. I loved your photos. You’ve given some great tips – I love the one where you say to keep a good attitude while driving. Haha I know I can get a bit stressed when driving in a foreign country, but I guess that’s the whole fun of the experience. Such a wonderful post!

Thank you! I hope you get a chance to go sometime soon! It’s definitely a bit of a challenge not to get frustrated with driving but the only way to get through it is laugh about it, right? :). Thanks for reading and commenting!

I absolutely love how food-centric this post was! After such a delicious looking (and sounding) dinner the first night (seriously – I’m currently salivating at work). I always feel SO guilty for getting Western (well…American franchise) food when traveling. You’re so right. I actually went to the area in your first picture when I was 8 or 9. I wonder if I looked that small from a bird’s eye view!

Thank you! Food is such an important part of traveling for me and I’m glad you feel the same way! I was SO ashamed to have eaten western food twice in one day but it was a very dire #hangry situation hahah. That’s awesome! It’s such a pretty area of Puerto Rico! You were probably tiny lol

Ooh I love a good road trip and how amazing that you actually got to stay inside the rainforest!

I used to really dislike road trips surprisingly, but I’m finding them to be the best way to experience hidden local gems! And yes I LOVED Casa Flamboyant! I highly recommend it if you find yourself in Puerto Rico 🙂

i visited Puerto Rico 5 years ago and reading your post brought back such incredible memories! And how lovely that you did a road trip to capture the island in all it’s glory!

That’s awesome that you got a chance to visit! i’m so glad I went and did a road trip – I would have never visited if it weren’t for that flight deal, but I ended up loving it. It’s such an amazing place – I hope we both get to go back again someday!

My husband is running a marathon series in San Juan in late summer, so we’re just starting to plan our approach to our Puerto Rico trip. We’ve been tossing around the idea of a road trip around the island–I’ve been to San Juan before, and while it’s wonderful, I want to get out and see the rest of PR, too. You’ve given me SO much to think about as I start planning: the hard part is going to be parsing down exactly what we need to do in the timeline we’ve got planned! Also, we will be traveling with our (very adventurous) 4 year old and our infant (who basically just goes along for the ride)–are there any places that you visited that you definitely wouldn’t recommend going with little kids?

Hi Natalie! Thanks for reading this post. I’m glad you found it useful! My mom and I sort of played it by ear without much research, but I think most places would be pretty child friendly for the most part. I’d skip the first cave (La Cueva del Indio) as it’s a bit precarious for small children. Also, Day 5 was mostly a relaxing and walking around day, so if you’d prefer something a bit more exciting, then I’d skip that as well. Otherwise, everything else should be good for little kids! I hope you have an AMAZING trip 🙂

I was there several times! Absolutely great trips!))

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How to Plan the Perfect Puerto Rico Road Trip

Puerto Rico is celebrated for its natural splendor, rich history, cultural diversity, and unspoiled beaches. From its otherworldly Bioluminescent Bays , to the vibrant nightlife of San Jua n , Puerto Rico is a tropical getaway destination with adventure around every turn. And what better way to discover those adventure-awaiting turns than taking an epic Puerto Rico road trip? 

Puerto Rico is an ideal destination for road-tripping. It is only 110 miles east to west and 35 miles north to south. Before driving through the “Island of Enchantment,” you’ll need to know how to rent a car in Puerto Rico. Most rental car companies require the driver to be at least 25 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. Reserve your rental car before arriving to avoid the hassle of last-minute paperwork. Once you land, find your company’s kiosk, pick up your car, and hit the road toward adventure.

Although Puerto Rico is a relatively small island, it’s full of things to see and do. Whether you’d like to surf the world-class break in Rincón , hike El Yunque Na tional Rainforest ( Open Monday-Sunday 8 AM – 5 PM ) , explore the underground Camuy Caves ( Open Wednesday-Sunday 8 AM – 5 PM ) , or stroll through the historical plazas of Ponce, a road trip around Puerto Rico allows you to explore on your schedule while following your itinerary. 

Ultimately, you can create a Puerto Rico road trip map that explores your interests in the timeframe you have. With emerald beaches, lush mountain landscapes, and historic villages, you’ll surely come across roadside surprises that pique your interest. That’s the beauty of a road trip in Puerto Rico. We’ve created an outline that maps out the four regions of Puerto Rico, making an ideal itinerary for road-tripping. ¡Vamos! 

Hit the Gas on our Puerto Rico Road Trip

Remember, you can drive in whichever direction you’d like from the starting point of San Juan. For our purposes, we’re heading west to first explore the northern region of Puerto Rico. From San Juan to Rincón , you can take Route 2 along Puerto Rico’s northern coast. From start to finish, it’s about 90 miles, but plenty of worthwhile stops can be made along the way. It’s worth noting that some roads will have tolls, so you may want to have a few dollars on hand. Most tolls are now cashless, so your rental car’s AutoExpreso tag should save you from the hassle of stopping. 

The first stop of our road trip around Puerto Rico is the town of Manatí and nearby M ar Chiquita beach (Open Monday-Sunday 12 AM – 11:59 PM) , which translates to “small sea.” Here, a unique coral formation surrounds a coastal cove, creating a small beach protected from sea swells. Mar Chiquita’s calm waters make it a popular destination for lounging, swimming, and snorkeling. 

If you’d like to stay a few nights in the area, the coastal city of Arecibo is a great base. Along with the downtown’s historical charm, the town’s picturesque beach, Poza del Obi spo , features a historical lighthouse that offers Insta-worthy photo opportunities. Arecibo also provides easy access to Rio Camuy Cave National Park, home to the world’s third-largest underground cave network. Here, you can take guided tours through the enormous caves. 

Before continuing your Puerto Rico road trip to the western region, consider visiting the forested Goza landia Waterfalls in Sa n Sebastián , riding horses on the beach of Isabela , or grabbing a seaside meal at Salitre Meson Costero (Open Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:30 AM – 8 PM and Friday, Saturday 11:30 AM – 9 PM) , one of Arecibo’s most popular restaurants.

Epic Surf and Scenery in Western Puerto Rico

Staying on Route 2 is about an hour’s drive from Arecibo to Rincón. Rincón is a world-class destination for surfers on the northwest corner of Puerto Rico. The confluence of currents from the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea produces big swells here, especially during the winter. Surfing has been a way of life in Rincón for decades. 

If you want to catch some waves during your Puerto Rico road trip, stop in Rincón. Even if you don’t plan to surf, Domes Beach and Sandy Beach are worth visiting. We also suggest catching a sunset from F aro Punta Higüeras , a historic lighthouse set on a hilltop, and grabbing a cocktail at one of Rincón’s famed beach bars. For a memorable meal in Rincón, try Estela ( Open Tuesday-Saturday 5 PM – 10 PM ) . James Beard Award-nominated Chef Abel Mendoza serves a menu of Puerto Rican favorites with international influences. 

While Rincón may offer Puerto Rico’s best waves to ride, most agree that the southwestern region of Ca bo Rojo boasts the island’s most postcard-worthy beaches. Still driving on Route 2, cruise south for about 30 minutes before reaching Mayagüez , the third-largest city in Puerto Rico. Mayagüez is known for its colonial-style buildings, so the city is worth exploring if architecture’s your thing. 

If you don’t have the time, we suggest continuing on Route 100 to explore the region’s beaches. From the relative seclusion of Pla ya Buyé to bustling beach bars , the Cabo Rojo region offers plenty of world-class beaches to fit your mood. Among all the beaches, L a Playuela could be the most idyllic beach in Puerto Rico. With its white-sand beaches, turquoise and calm waters, La Playuela is an unspoiled, half-moon swimming cove. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most photographed spots in Puerto Rico. 

History and Thermal Springs in Southern Puerto Rico

From Cabo Rojo, you’ll stay on Route 2 to Ponce, which should take about an hour. On the way, you’ll pass the Guánica Dr y Forest , a UNESCO National Reserve offering hiking trails through coastal forests and around Spanish forts. 

Known for its 19th-century architecture, Ponce is home to the Museo d e Arte de Ponce (Open Fridays 10 AM – 3 PM and the last Saturday of the month 10 AM – 5 PM ) . It holds around 4,500 pieces of Caribbean art. It’s also home to the Museo C astillo Serrallés (Open Wednesday-Sunday 10 AM – 3 :45 PM) , once the summer home of the Serrallés family. The Museo Castillo Serrallés is a must-visit for Puerto Rican history. 

No visit to Ponce is complete without a visit to Museo Castillo Serrallés, the estate of the creators of Don Q Rum . While touring the estate’s magnificent grounds, you’ll learn about the sugar cane industry and the history of Puerto Rican rum. 

After exploring the city’s museums, grab a bite at the Gua ncha Boardwalk , which overlooks Ponce Bay. The boardwalk is a great area to mingle and sip another rum cocktail as the sun sets. Or, grab dinner at Chef’s Creations ( Monday-Friday 11 AM – 4 PM) , which serves classic Puerto Rican dishes using fresh ingredients from Ponce’s Plaza del Mercado (Open Monday-Saturday 6 AM – 5 PM) , the city’s farmer’s market.  

Before continuing your road trip in Puerto Rico, consider quickly visiting the Hot Springs of Coamo (Open Monday-Sunday 6 AM – 9 PM) , located just east of Ponce. Set on the banks of a river and heated by dormant volcanoes, the Hot Springs of Coamo offer natural, mineral-rich thermal waters. Since your road trip has included hiking, exploring, and swimming, refresh with a therapeutic soak in the rejuvenating waters. If the mood strikes you, you can also opt for an on-site massage before hitting the road again. 

End Your Puerto Rico Road Trip in the Rainforest

While your Puerto Rico road trip map can differ, we’re taking Expreso Luis A. Ferré from Ponce to Fajardo , which is nearly a two-hour drive. Once you arrive, you’ll have easy access to all Puerto Rico’s eastern region has to offer, which is a lot. The amount of natural wonders in this region is hard to believe. 

A night kayaking trip through a bioluminescent bay should be at the top of your bucket list.  Dinoflagellates light up at night, shimmering with each paddle. Hit Ceiba to visit the Las Tinajas waterfall before heading to Maunabo to walk the black-sand beach of Playa Los Bohios . We suggest dining at La Estación (Open Monday and Friday at 4 PM, Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM) , a gas station-turned-restaurant that reimagines U.S-styled BBQ using Caribbean flavor profiles. 

Now that you’ve explored the coastal regions of Puerto Rico, it’s time to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the El Yunque Rainforest. Much of the rainforest is in the Luquillo Mountain Range , which creates plenty of streams, waterfalls, and swimming holes to explore. While there are plenty of different hikes and rainforest trails, hiking to the La Coca Waterfall is a highlight for many visitors. 

After a day or two exploring the El Yunque Rainforest, it’s a short drive on Route 3 to return to San Juan from Fajardo. Remember, your Puerto Rico road trip is yours to shape. Whether you spend two hours or two days at any of the destinations we mentioned will be up to you. Create a personalized road trip around Puerto Rico and allow yourself to steer your own Puerto Rican adventure.

Want to get a more personalized guide to Puerto Rico? Read our last installment of Meet the Locals about Javier Ruiz . 

31 thoughts on “ How to Plan the Perfect Puerto Rico Road Trip ”

We have done a lot of road trips, including thousands of miles through Mexico. I would love to do a road trip through PR!

I have only been to Puerto Rico once (where I boarded a cruise). I would love to visit someday.

So many things to do in Puerto Rico and road trips is one of the best ways to explore and really experience its beauty.

I visited Puerto Rico when I was a teenager and have always wanted to go back. This sounds like a great itinery.

Sounds amazing I would love to head off on a road trip for a few weeks

I’m sad to say I haven’t ventured past San Juan when I’ve been in PR. This post has inspired me to broaden my horizons!

I’ve never been to puerto rico but I would love to go there asap…The place is stunning wow…I need to plan a trip soon.

This looks and sounds like quite the adventure! I’d love to visit Puerto Rico, there are so many beautiful spots to see.

The idea of driving through the “Island of Enchantment” sounds great, even though I’m not used to driving. I bet it’s beautiful!

Hi Barbie, you can go to San Juan and not drive the island. There’s something for everyone. Enjoy!

I would really love to go and visit Puerto Rico! Such a really wonderful and amazing place

WOW! Puerto Rico looks amazing!!!!! Such gorgeous coastlines. Road trips are such a great way to explore a country.

Road trips are a great way to get around the island. We hope you make it to Puerto Rico!

It looks like such an amazing place. Those beaches are beautiful and the scenery is stunning. It is on my bucket list.

We hope you get a chance to go! It’s a must see destination.

Wow! I’m so amazed by Puerto Rico, reading this makes me interested in this place.

Thanks for reading and being interested. You should check it out! Happy travels!

Oh wow, that does sound lovely. I’d love to go to Puerto Rico. I’d be going for the gorgeous scenery and beaches.

I would love to visit Puerto Rico. It’s next on my travel’s list. I will surely keep these in mind.

I’ve never been to Puerto Rico before but if looks amazing. Thanks for these useful tips.

Thanks for reading our planning guide. We hope you get the chance to go!

Whew! Those are truly epic views of the shoreline. I want to be here someday. Many people have told me Puerto Rico is so beautiful, year-around!

Hello Edgar, yes the views are gorgeous. It can be busy during season but very much worth the visit. Thanks for reading!

I’ve never been but I deffinetly want to visit, I have always wanted to see the rainforest in person.

This sounds like fun. I think we’re going to go with Route 2 since my husband is an avid surfer. We’d also love to explore the Cabo Rojo region.

Thank you for sharing these tips. Will make sure to visit Museo Castillo Serrallés too.

Enjoy the waves and the scenery! Thanks for stopping by the site.

Puerto Rico looks beautiful. I’d love to explore there one day and like the fact that it is ideal for road tripping.

My daughter wants to take her girls to Puerto Rico. Their dad was born and raised there. She wants them to see their heritage and meet their family they haven’t seen yet.

Hi Rosey, What a beautiful moment it will be when they arrive. The memories they will make. Thank you for sharing with us. Please let us know when they go and if you need any additional information.

It looks amazing! From the beaches, the museum and the rainforest in the end. I’d love to take a road trip there one day.

I’ve never been to Puerto Rico, but I’d love to go. It seems like such an amazing place to explore x

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Planning an Epic Trip to Puerto Rico: Step-by-Step Guide

So you’ve decided on Puerto Rico for your next trip, excellent choice! Puerto Rico is an incredible island with so many amazing areas to explore. You can truly tailor your Puerto Rico itinerary to fit any kind of trip you’d like to have. Puerto Rico isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination, it has so much to offer. Relaxing beaches? Check. Delicious food? Check. Adventurous, adrenaline inducing experiences? Check and check. Now that you’ve decided on your destination, let’s get right into this guide for planning an incredible trip to Puerto Rico!

Planning a Trip to Puerto Rico

1:  choose your dates wisely.

The first step when planning a Puerto Rico trip is to decide on the time of year you’d like to visit. The best months, in terms of weather, to visit PR are December-April. This is when you’ll get the most mild weather and the least amount of rain. 

However, since this is the high season, expect flights and accommodations to be more expensive. If you’d like to potentially save some money on your trip, consider visiting in the summer or fall. 

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that June-September is hurricane season. This doesn’t mean there will 100% be a hurricane or bad weather on your trip, but the chances are much higher. 

I’ve traveled to PR during many seasons and my favorite time of year to visit is around January/February. The weather is great, the island isn’t too busy and it’s always wonderful to escape a Vermont winter. 

My least favorite time of year to visit is the height of the summer, August, for example. Although it’s still beautiful, the high heat and humidity aren’t my favorite.

2: Consider How Much Time You Want to Spend on the Island

If you’re traveling from the East Coast of the US, you can get to PR in about 3.5-4 hours. This means you can easily visit Puerto Rico for a long weekend or just a few days. However, if you can, I definitely recommend staying longer and exploring more of the island. 

If you’re only planning to spend a few days in Puerto Rico, I recommend staying in San Juan. That’s where you’ll fly into and there is more than enough to do to fill a few days. Old San Juan, specifically, is my favorite part of San Juan and you can easily spend a full day or two exploring this beautiful neighborhood. 

Check out my posts all about how to spend 48 hours in Old San Juan and the best things to do in Old San Juan for an itinerary and tons of recommendations. 

If you have more time to spend in Puerto Rico, say a week or ten days, then I highly recommend taking a road trip around the island and checking out the amazing beaches, charming towns and beautiful views. Check out my 7 day road trip around Puerto Rico post for a full itinerary and guide!

3: Plan Your Transportation

If you’re planning to stay in the San Juan area on your trip to Puerto Rico, I don’t recommend a rental car – especially if your trip is short. Ubers are affordable and readily available and most neighborhoods, like Old San Juan and Condado, are very walkable. 

If you’re planning on taking a day trip to El Yunque rainforest from San Juan, which I highly recommend you do, there are many guided tours available that provide transportation and an expert guide. 

If you’re planning to leave San Juan during your trip, and especially if you’re road tripping around the island, then a rental car is 100% necessary. 

4: Understand the Wifi and Electricity Situation

You will find good wifi in many parts of Puerto Rico. However, don’t count on every business and hotel to have great wifi. I’ve stayed in quite a few hotels and AirBnbs that have wifi, but it’s quite slow. I’ve also stayed at properties that have amazing wifi. 

If you’re planning to work from home, check with the hotel or AirBnb first to see how strong the wifi signal is. 

Power outages 

Power outages are common in Puerto Rico. The electrical grid is outdated and is actually the worst in the US. For many Puerto Ricans, blackouts are a part of everyday life – something that is difficult and at times dangerous to live with. 

Most hotels and businesses have generators for when these blackouts take place, but it’s important to be aware that these outages can happen.

5: Decide on the Type of Accommodations You Want to Stay In

Puerto Rico is one of those destinations that really has it all. There are luxury beachfront resorts, quaint AirBnbs, eco-stays, budget stays and many more. I like to stay in a mix of property types when I travel, but I definitely gravitate towards boutique hotels. 

You’ll also find options at a variety of price points, from affordable hostels to luxury resorts. San Juan definitely has the highest concentration of hotels and guest properties, but you’ll find great options all over the island. 

Many people visit PR for the beaches and if a beach vacation is your vibe, check out these awesome properties: 

• Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Dorado) 
• The Horned Dorset (Rincon) 
• Condado Vanderbilt Hotel (Condado, San Juan)

If you’re interested in an eco-stay , check these out: 

• El Yunque Rainforest Inn (near el Yunque)
• Casa Grande Mountain Retreat – Adults Only (Utuado) 
• 4 Casitas (Cabo Rojo)
• Hacienda el Jibarito (San Sebastian) 

Lastly, if boutique hotels are your thing, here are a few of my favorites: 

• Dreamcatcher (Ocean Park, San Juan) 
• O:live Boutique Hotel (Condado, San Juan) 
• Hotel el Convento (Old San Juan) 
• Boutique Hotel Belgica (Ponce)
• Check out my Instagram reel of the beautiful pool area.

6: Book Unique Tours and Activities

When visiting Puerto Rico there are so many fun and unique activities to partake in. You can swim in a bioluminescent bay in La Parguera, visit the only tropical forest in the United States , explore a 500 year old fort and so much more. 

There’s really something for everyone, but a few of my top favorite experiences include: 

In San Juan:  

• Explore the infamous La Perla neighborhood in Old San Juan with an expert guide.
• San Juan Guided Snorkel Tour
• Such a fun way to try delicious Puerto Rican cuisine,.
• Guided LED Night Kayak Excursion in Condado Lagoon

Day Trips:  

• Another great El Yunque hiking and swimming option .
• Journey to one of the other islands in PR – it’s known for its beautiful beaches.
• This tour is about 2 hours, so it’s a great morning or afternoon activity.

7: Get Packing!

Puerto Rico consistently has temperatures in the 80s-90s with high humidity, so pack for warm weather. If you’re staying in a hotel, you may want a sweater for the air conditioned lobby, but besides that you likely won’t need one. 

One thing to keep in mind when visiting Puerto Rico is that during the warmest, most humid months, re-wearing clothes isn’t always possible. I always try to pack in just a carry-on, and I’ve made the mistake more than once of planning to re-wear outfits on my trips to PR without having access to a washing machine. 

Trust me when I say that when it’s that hot and humid and you’re outside all day, you likely won’t want to be re-wearing many of your outfits. 

For shoes, I recommend sandals as well as sneakers, especially if you’re planning on doing any hiking or adventurous activities (like ATV riding). 

Other items to pack for Puerto Rico:

• A portable charger  
• Wrinkle release spray (this stuff is amazing) 
• Teva type sandals (great for getting wet)
• Lots of sunscreen  
• Lightweight long sleeve shirt

FAQ: Planning a Trip to Puerto Rico

• If you’re from the US you do not need a passport to visit Puerto Rico. Travelers visiting the island from other countries will need a passport. 
• English and Spanish are both official languages in Puerto Rico. However, Spanish is more common and is spoken at home by the vast majority of Puerto Ricans. 
• Most people working in the tourism industry speak English, but don’t be surprised if some don’t.
• Puerto Rico uses the US dollar. 
• Yes, the tipping culture is similar to the rest of the US. For example, tipping 18-20% in restaurants is common. 
• Yes, your US cell plan will work in Puerto Rico with no additional charges. The strength of your cell signal may vary, but I’ve had good luck all over the island with AT&T.

So there you have it, all of the steps for planning a trip to Puerto Rico! If you have any questions about planning your Puerto Rico trip, please let me know in the comments.

Also check out my other Puerto Rico guides for itineraries, restaurant recommendations and more!

• Epic 48 Hours in Old San Juan: The Best Things to Do and See
• The 16 Best Things To Do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

The Ultimate 7 Day Road Trip Around Puerto Rico

If you found this post helpful, please share it on social media. Make sure to follow us on Instagram, @twosistersabroad for more Puerto Rico photos and mini-guides.

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Puerto Rico Road Trip: How to See the Entire Island in 7 Days

I t may be relatively small in size, but Puerto Rico has more than its fair share of attractions — beaches, rainforests, caves, bioluminescent lagoons, ancient towns, and its own stellar music and cuisine, to start. But it’s precisely because of its size that the island offers something else to travelers: prime road trip potential.

One way to take advantage is to base yourself in San Juan and strike out on a series of day trips — even the farthest tips of the island can be reached in under a few hours. Perhaps more exciting, though, is to rent a car and hit the road for a week. If that’s what you decide to do, we have you covered with this awesome seven-day itinerary.

From the airport in San Juan, you’ll take PR-26 towards PR-66 to reach Rio Grande. From here you’ll drive to your first stop, Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, by hopping on the PR-3 S, a ribbon of highway that takes you by popular spots like El Yunque Rainforest , the Luquillo food kiosks, and Luquillo Beach. You’ll get glimpses of the blue-green ocean as you drive to the second-oldest lighthouse on the island. Let’s get started.

Stop 1: Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve

Found on the easternmost tip of the island, Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve protects seven ecological systems, including a bioluminescent bay, dry forest areas, coral reefs, mangrove swamps, and several beaches. You explore the reserve aboard an open-air trolley, making short stops to walk around and get a look at animal species like the big iguanas, fiddler crabs, and exotic birds that call this place home. There’s also a short-but-beautiful boardwalk through mangrove trees that takes you to Laguna Grande, a bioluminescent lagoon that glows at night.

The tour ends with a visit to the Fajardo Lighthouse, built in 1880, with views of the surrounding islands of Icacos, Palominos, Vieques, and Culebra. The Spanish-Colonial tower and the former keepers’ quarters still operate and house exhibitions about the ecosystems the reserve protects.

There are other tours available in the reserve, including an archaeology tour and a cycling tour. Some are available at night for those who enjoy stargazing and listening to the music of the nocturnal creatures that sing in the dark. This is a good stop for families looking to educate their kids on different ecosystems, but also for photography, stargazing, bird watching, biking, and archaeology and history enthusiasts.

Don’t forget: Reservations are required for all tours and can be made online. Also, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.

Up next: Take PR-53 south, then PR-30 towards Caguas, and PR-52 to Cayey.

Stop 2: La Ruta del Lechón, Cayey

Pork lovers come in droves to this culinary paradise where lechoneras serve some seriously delicious roasted pork. The road lies high in the mountain town of Cayey, making for a beautiful drive.

Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern call Los Pinos restaurant the best place to get your pork fix. Their lechón asado is tender, salty, and smoky, and they serve a side of the crispy skin, called cuerito , popular for its more pungent flavor.

Don’t stop at just the one, though, because each of the restaurants along this route is different from the last. Some are famous for their rice and pigeon peas, others for their spicy sauces. Sample the different variations and make sure to wash it all down with a local beer (unless you’re the one driving, of course!).

Up next: Take PR-52 south to reach Ponce.

Stop 3: Ponce, Pearl of the South

Ponceños will tell you that “Ponce is Ponce,” meaning this city on the island’s south coast is one of a kind — and they’re right. It’s the second largest city in Puerto Rico and a hub of culture, history, and good food. Founded in the late 17th century, Ponce is adorned with delicate colonial houses showcasing detailed balconies and balustrades. The town’s plaza, where locals come to stroll and hang out, is the perfect place for reflection.

A short walk from the plaza takes you to the Parque de Bombas, a historic firehouse building painted in red and black stripes that now serves as a museum. The firehouse was built in 1882 for the World Fair that took place in Ponce and today is considered one of the most important landmarks on the island.

Other nearby places to visit include Castillo Serrallés , the former home of the founders of the popular rum Don Q; Hacienda Buena Vista , a coffee plantation in the rural part of Ponce; Caja de Muertos, a stunning island eight miles off the coast with white-sand beaches and clear waters; and the Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center , home to the most important archaeological site in the Antilles. After all that, stop by La Guancha for local food, music, drinks, and a view of the marina.

Up next: Take PR-52, and then PR-2 towards PR-116. Follow the PR-304 towards La Parguera.

Stop 4: La Parguera, Lajas

Our next stop is a small fishing village on the southwest coast where a bioluminescent bay, tiny islands, and amazing views can be found. Rent a boat or take a tour to explore the coastal waters and colorful houseboats, the islands of Mata La Gata and Caracoles, and the mangrove swamps. At night, catch the glowing light of the microorganisms that live in the lagoon.

This is an ideal stop for families and a pleasant town to stay overnight; kids will love island-hopping and seeing the bio-bay. Don’t forget to visit at least one of the many restaurants by the pier — Moons Bar & Tapas gets great reviews for its mahi mahi.

Up next: Head north to PR-2 W, then take PR-115 to Rincón.

5. Rincón, the surfing capital

Surfing is big in Puerto Rico — professional athletes come from around the world to ride the waves during winter, although there are good swells year-round in different spots. Head to the beaches of Tres Palmas and Domes in Rincón to catch surfers in their element.

Visit the Punta Higuero Lighthouse for beautiful views of Domes Beach and the Atlantic — sometimes you can even see whales here. You can also book a sailing trip to check out Rincón from the water. This area is great for snorkeling, surfing, whale watching, hiking, and swimming. And when you inevitably get hungry, try the food trucks by the highway and brunch at one of the many restaurants around town.

Up next: Take PR-115 to PR-2 N. Turn left on PR-443, right on PR-110, and then follow PR-464 toward Isabela.

6. Isabela, on the north coast

Back on the island’s north coast, drive to the town of Isabela for otherworldly views from the road, a snorkeling paradise called Blue Hole Coral Reef, and the historic Guajataca Tunnel. The tunnel was built in 1911 as a railroad passage to connect Isabela with Quebradillas and is now used by visitors to reach Playa El Pastillo.

Stay overnight at Parador Villas del Mar Hau, with its beautiful ocean views. For a bit of extra luxury, book at the prestigious Royal Isabela for seaside views, a world-class golf course, and sustainable cuisine and lodging. A nearby stop for some outdoor exploration is the Guajataca Forest Reserve, a subtropical dry forest with many interpretative trails.

Up next: Take PR-2 to PR-22 up to exit 42A (road 137) towards PR-2 again. Turn right and take road 687 to 6671 east and make a stop at the beach in Vega Baja. Then it’s back on PR-22 for the return to San Juan.

7. Vega Baja en route to San Juan

The trip is almost over, but not before making a stop at Vega Baja’s gorgeous Puerto Nuevo Beach for a swim. Conditions here set it apart from other swimming spots on the island — the calm waters and rocky backdrop make for a clear lagoon perfect for lazy floating. There are nice facilities at the beach and great seafood restaurants nearby like UP Restaurant & Bar — fuel up with the plantain soup.

Feature photo: Ricardo Mangual [/caption]

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Puerto Rico Road Trips

The fastest way (usually) to drive around Puerto Rico is to take the toll roads (autopistas). This is fine if you want to just get from A to B as quickly as possible, but if you have the time, I urge you to explore the roads beyond the autopista. You won’t be disappointed and will be rewarded with; great drives, awesome views and the chance to discover some of Puerto Rico’s better kept secrets.

To get you started here are a few routes to check out:

PR143 Barranquitas to Toro Negro (part of the Ruta Panoramica)

For anyone considering driving the complete Ruta Panoramica; you need at least 2-3 days to do the drive justice. For those looking for a taste of the Ruta; then spend a day driving a section of the route.

One such section is Road 143 just south of Barranquitas heading west towards Toro Negro. This drive is easily accessible from the San Juan metro area and offers amazing views of both the north and south coasts of the island (weather permitting) as well as awesome views of the central mountains and valleys.

Unfortunately you will not find many designated look out spots to enjoy the amazing views so just pull over whenever you can. There is though one really great spot to stop; Mirado Villalba Orocovis . Here you will find ample parking space, covered picnic tables, kid’s playground, bathrooms and small café. Oh and did I mention the amazing views of both the south and north coasts.

Other nearby attractions include:

Salto Dona Juana (Dona Juana Falls) on Rd 149 (this is a narrow stretch of twisting road, so drive carefully) Toro Verde Zip lines Cerro de Punta at 4, 390 ft

PR 15 Cayey – Guayama

The road will take you from Cayey to Guayama on the south coast with views of the mountains surrounding Cayey in all their greenery and breath taking views of the east coast and south coast as you head down towards Guayama.

The twisting mountain road is in good condition but I would recommend pulling over and allowing any fast local drivers to pass so that you can enjoy the views at a more leisurely pass. As with most of the routes mentioned here, you will need to just pull over when you have a chance to enjoy the views as there is no official look out spots on this route.

Nearby Attractions:

From Guayama, you could head west towards Salinas (several seafood restaurants) and Ponce. Or east towards Manuabo to visit the Faro de Punta Tuna (lighthouse)

PR 901 & PR 3 Yabaucoa – Maunabo – Guayama

From Yabaucoa head south on PR 901. The road twists as it climbs offering great views of the coastline and the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Along this stretch of road you will find several cliff side restaurants with ocean views, if you are looking for somewhere to eat.

As you head towards Maunabo you have the option to take the Vicente Morales Lebron tunnel, but if you want to continue to hug the coast line, skip the tunnel and stay on Rd 901.

Once in Maunabo you can take a short detour on PR 760 to the Faro de Punta Tuna (Maunabo Lighthouse) and even more great coastal views.

From Manuabo continue along PR 3 (also known as Hwy 53) towards Guayama

PR 102 Joyuda

Nearby Attractions: Cabo Rojo Lighthouse Combate Beach Boqueron Beach Mayaguez Zoo

Other Routes to Check Out

PR 10 Arecibo to Ponce Consider stopping at Dos Bocas Lake on a weekend or holiday to enjoy the lake and one of the lakeside restaurants

PR 187 San Juan to Rio Grande Ocean views, beaches and the famous road side kiosks in Pinones make this drive worthwhile.

As for places to eat, if you don’t have any places in mind, do what we do when we head out on a road trip; just look for the places that are busy with locals and you will stand a good chance of finding a great place to eat. Also, don’t forget those road side stalls for some traditional Puerto Rican snack foods.

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8 responses.

really that sounds awesome

this is how i want to see Puerto Rico, thanks for the maps and directions~

Thanks for checking out the site and glad you like the Road Trip ideas

Hope you get to drive one or too soon

We are hoping to check out a few more ‘less traveled roads soon

Thanks again

my pal says puertorico is the bomb and it is

immm outta of here:)

Nothing like PR road trips. Stopping at diferent points of interest, meeting people, finding new places every time. I love it. My favorite, from SJ stopping at El Tunel Guajataca and having some lunch on the beach. Driving by the coast of Aguadilla to see crash boat. Then Rincon, can’t miss the lighthouse and some great food and music at Calypso. Then pass on by Joyuda straight down to Cabo Rojo lighthouse, getting there is an adventure while passing through the salt mines. Closing of the day with the sunset from the lighthouse is unforgetable and so amazing. One of my favorite places in PR. The sensation of being on top of the world whlie dangerously looking down at the waves crashing below!!! You cant miss going there. If you’re adventurous wait till the sun sets completely to head on back throught the sandy road, If not go back while theres light. Oh and have son mosquito repelent. Enjoy!

Thanks for the great itinerary. We have plans to check out Aguadilla and Rincon soon, so all your ideas are great.

Do you know of any hotels / BnB’s in the Rincon area that you would recommend?

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One Day Puerto Rico Road Trip Itinerary

One day puerto rico road trip itinerary (for content creators).

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I RECEIVE A COMMISSION FOR PURCHASES MADE THROUGH THESE LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. I ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS AND PARTNERS I ABSOLUTELY TRUST, BELIEVE IN, AND WHOSE PRODUCTS/SERVICES I USE AND ENJOY! PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

For our second day on the island we decided a one day Puerto Rico Road trip was a great way to enhance our itinerary and create some content. We would drive from San Juan to Rincon through the south of the island, which meant driving north to south and then across the entire south until reaching the west. Then, we would drive up the west coast all the way to Rincon.

Our goal was to stop in Guayama, Ponce, Cabo Rojo, and end in Rincon. We were going to spend two days at the beautiful Lazy Parrot Inn  so we figured we’d make a content day and stop around the island for beautiful pictures and to discover.

We were wondering if it would be worth all that drive, but we were curious to find out. Our Check in was not until 3pm and in the interest of finding the best places for content creation ( aka seeing the most beautiful spots on the island ) we decided to try.

Read about our Rincon experience here!!!!!

The crazy thing about Puerto Rico is that for such a small island, it is incredibly diverse. While driving south we saw some crazy mountain ranges and lush forest. Then, upon reaching the south, it was almost like a desert. And once we got to the west, it was an entirely different vibe with deserted beaches and cute little towns.

Road Trip Stop #1 : Guayama

After deciding to grab some breakfast before departing, we left San Juan area at 9am.

I had kept in contact with the rental car clerk, Rosa. She was super sweet and helpful so I asked her for tips on where to stop. She told me that Guayama did not have much to see, but that it was a beautiful place.

We reached Guayama around 11am. It’s a small little fishing town, with not much to see except for a natural reserve/park that seemed to be closed off to the public. On our way to find it though, we spotted this little restaurant/ boat launch area and decided to stop there for some food.

The place was basically deserted except for a family that was going off boating.

We ate some fritters, had some coffee and walked around for a bit. Then we took some photos and were on the way.

One thing to note about the south of the island though, is that it is considerably hotter than the north, so prepare!

Ponce, Puerto Rico

Road Trip Stop #2 : Ponce

Ponce is Puerto Rico’s second largest city, and even though we are not big fans of cities, we wanted to stop here for two reasons. First of all, it was a nice break point from Guayama to Cabo Rojo (where we were headed next). Also, their downtown is absolutely beautiful with colonial buildings, and a gorgeous cathedral.

We knew we wanted to stop here for photos, and even though we did not do much more than this, it was well worth it.

Ponce reminds me a lot of my hometown of Guantanamo, Cuba. The streets are small and the houses all look like cakes, painted in different pastel colors.

My lady of Guadalupe Cathedral though, steals the show. The building is currently still under restoration from the damage of the hurricane, but even from outside one can admire how gorgeous it is. In front of it, there is a park with lots of shade. So you can just sit and transport yourself to another time.

Road Trip Stop # 3: Playa Sucia, Cabo Rojo

In the southern most, western most tip of the island, there is a lighthouse ( which was also closed for restoration during our visit) and right next to it, a beach unlike any beach I’ve ever seen. The beach is next to some salt flats, and maybe this is what makes it so unique.

The locals have been calling this beach Playa Sucia for years, but there seems to be some debate about its actual name being Playuela. Either way, it is off a little dirt road, but easy to find with a gps or google maps.

This is my favorite beach on the island, as the water is absolutely pristine, it never seems to be too crowded, and the vibe is just surreal. There is nothing fancy here, just nature and the ocean, but to us, this is paradise.

I came here years ago, and to this day I remember it as being my favorite beach on the island. Returning to it and finding it just as it was made me very happy.

After lounging around for an hour or so, it was time to go….get some food!

For whatever reason, we have no pictures from our lunch, so here is another one in Playa Sucia

Road Trip Stop # 4: Lunch at  UIKU de BORINKEN

Off the side of the road, right before getting into the highway to start driving to Rincon, I spotted this little place. I immediately looked it up online for reviews and saw the reviews were great. One neat thing happening in Puerto Rico right now, is the emergence of small businesses and microbreweries.

When we arrived at Uiku, they were just opening for the day, yet the owner was incredibly friendly and welcoming. We love supporting local businesses especially when they are this great!

Aside from being a delicious place to eat, they offer an array of local artisan beers, veggie friendly food, and he made me the best virgin mojito I’ve ever had.We had a vegan burger and according to Roger, the best mofongo (Puerto Rican style mashed plantain) of his life.

If you’re ever in the area, or headed to Playa Sucia, this would be a phenomenal place to stop and grab a bite to eat.

There is no food and no vendors in playa sucia. It is also about 15-20 min away from the nearest venue so eat beforehand!

Final Road Trip Stop : Rincon – The Lazy Parrot Inn

The drive north to Rincon is not that long, but it is on a smaller road so it does get tiring. We arrived in Rincon almost at sunset time, but even at this time, we could see the vibe here was something else.

Rincon has a large expat community and it’s one of the most beautiful places on the island for watching the sunset.

The Lazy Parrot Inn is a cute, eco conscious hotel in Rincon which stole our hearts. We left hugging everyone in the front desk, to give you an idea of the experience we had there. Some of our best meals ever were had here, and even though it is quite centrally located, it feels like you’re secluded in the mountains.

Read my blog on our Rincon Experience here!!!

Was it worth it?

Our one day Puerto Rico road trip itinerary was packed! Driving all day can be exhausting, but it does not feel too bad when you are stopping along the way. Additionally, we love being inspired by a place and creating content so for us, this trip was a treat! I would say it is definitely worth it, but if I had limited time, maybe I would skip either Ponce or Guayama and cover the rest of the places.

What do you think? Is this a good road trip for one day? 

Watch our Puerto Rico Vlog below and take a look at “Playa Sucia”!!!

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Best view i have ever seen !

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Catch your breath on your Puerto Rico road trip at La Mina Falls in El Yunque rainforest. (Photo: Jessica van Dop DeJesus)

Vamos plan the perfect road trip along puerto rico’s jaw-dropping east coast.

Want to experience the “real” Puerto Rico ? Rent a car and explore the roads less traveled.

Start your journey along the island’s east coast, home to stunning beaches lapped by turquoise waters and lush green rainforest. This stretch of coast is also the gateway to gorgeous outer islands such as Vieques and Culebra.

From San Juan, head east on Route 66 to Route 3. In less than an hour you will find yourself on the east coast of the island. Renting a car in Puerto Rico is easy, with the same requirements as the U.S. mainland.

Grab the keys and hit the road to discover new beaches and roadside food stands and chat with locals for recommendations.

Stop 1: El Yunque

El Yunque is a must-visit, ranking as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Puerto Rico and the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service system.

From Route 3, drive the winding road PR 181 into the park, where you are immediately engulfed by the lush, green vegetation of the rainforest. There are several hiking trails to choose from, varying in length and difficulty (head to the visitor center at the entrance of the park for detailed maps).

No matter which trail you choose, expect to encounter waterfalls, tropical flora and the sounds of el coqui , a small frog beloved by Puerto Ricans. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the Mount Britton Trail to El Yunque Peak. On a clear day you can see most of the east coast of Puerto Rico.

[El Yunque was heavily damaged in the September 2017 hurricane that hit Puerto Rico. Please check with your hotel concierge for information about current access to the rain forest.]

Stop 2: Luquillo

After working up an appetite hiking El Yunque, head to Luquillo Beach, a 15-minute drive from El Yunque. Luquillo is known for its serene and shallow water, perfect for families. Mountains cloaked in rainforests serve as the backdrop to this sandy beach.

While there, indulge in meals sold at the stretch of small stands that dish up everything from classic Puerto Rican roadside cuisine like fried empanadas to sit-down dining.

Pro tip: Check out the El Terruno stand and make sure to order the rice with coconut. It’s delicious!

Stop 3: Fajardo

From Luquillo, drive 25 minutes southeast to Fajardo. Most visitors only travel to Fajardo to take the ferry to Puerto Rico’s outer islands, but they are missing out on attractions like Cabezas de San Juan.

At this ecologically protected site, you’ll find the Fajardo Lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of coastal waters and surrounding mangroves as well as protected stretches of coral. In order to visit this area, you must book in advance.

Para La Naturaleza offers a series of tours, ranging from climbing the lighthouse to kayaking on the bioluminescent bay.

Stop 4: An Outer Island

Several outer islands dot the coastal waters of Puerto Rico. The two most popular are Vieques and Culebra, home to some of the most epic beaches in the Caribbean, like Culebra’s renowned Playa Flamenco.

From the port of Fajardo you can board a ferry to either island. Rental cars are not allowed on the ferry, but plan a day trip and leave your vehicle at the Fajardo terminal.

Once you arrive on the islands, it’s possible to rent a jeep and reach pristine beaches such as Playa Negra in Vieques. Though a rental offers more flexibility, both islands also offer limited public transport vans that take visitors from the ports to the beaches.

Stop 5: Humacao Nature Reserve

The east coast of Puerto Rico not only offers beaches, but also beautiful nature reserves. For an active stop, head to the Humacao Nature Reserve , a 35-minute drive south from Fajardo. Rent a kayak and take a paddle through the lush mangroves that lead to the ocean.

The reserve also offers bike rentals if you’d prefer to explore the trails, which have many interesting stops for bird watching and just observing nature. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds, egrets and orioles buzzing around the mangroves and hibiscus trees.

Stop 6: Inches Beach, Patillas

Inches Beach in the town of Patillas is one of the southernmost points of Puerto Rico’s east coast. This beach is a favorite of surfers thanks to its big waves during hurricane season (June through November) and calm, shallow waters the rest of the year.

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Road Trips Around Puerto Rico: Discovering Untouched Gems

Isn’t it amazing how much beauty is packed into the small island of Puerto Rico?

Planning a road trip around this gem can be a bit daunting, can’t it?

Well, let’s unravel this together.

This handy guide will pave the way for you to dive into the enchanting blend of experiences that Puerto Rico has to offer

From the lively buzz of San Juan to the tranquil beaches along the eastern coastline, this treasure trove of insights will help you balance the thrill of adventure with the serenity of relaxation.

Make sure you stick around till the end of the article to unlock a personalized itinerary perfect for your road trip adventure.

You’ll be well-prepared to go on road trips around Puerto Rico that will leave lasting memories for your entire family.

Key Takeaways

• Discover diverse experiences on road trips across Puerto Rico.
• Plan a well-balanced trip that caters to the whole family.
• Maximize your vacation by exploring different regions of the island.

Road Trips Around Puerto Rico: Planning Your Trip

Renting a Car

To make the most of your Puerto Rico adventure, it’s wise to rent a car.

Most rental companies require you to be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

When selecting a rental car company, opt for a reputable one to ensure a smooth experience.

With a car at your disposal, you’ll have the freedom to explore the island.

GPS and Maps

Navigating the roads of Puerto Rico can be a breeze with the help of GPS or online maps.

However, it’s useful to have a backup – such as a physical map or offline map downloaded to your phone – just in case you lose connectivity or cell service during your road trip.

Weather and Road Conditions

Puerto Rico’s climate is generally warm, with occasional rain showers that might affect road conditions.

Before heading out on your journey, check the weather forecast and stay informed about any potential hazards on the roads.

This way, you can avoid potential delays and ensure you’re prepared for any challenges along the way.

Travelers and US Territory

As a US territory, Puerto Rico makes traveling easy for US citizens who don’t need a passport or visa to visit.

But, it’s still essential to carry identification, such as your driver’s license, while exploring the island.

Road signs in Puerto Rico are primarily in Spanish, so knowing some basic Spanish phrases or having a translation app handy can be useful for navigating your way around.

Exploring San Juan and Surroundings

Old san juan.

Ah, the charm of Old San Juan is bound to captivate you.

This historic district is filled with colorful Spanish colonial buildings, museums, and shops.

As you stroll down the cobblestone streets, don’t forget to visit the forts like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal.

If you’re on a budget, the good news is that there are plenty of free things to do in Puerto Rico , like walking around Old San Juan.

Beaches and Waterfalls

You can’t talk about Puerto Rico without mentioning the gorgeous beaches.

From sandy shores to crystal-clear waters, the best beaches in Puerto Rico await you.

Luquillo Beach, only a short drive from San Juan, is a perfect spot for the whole family.

Known for its calm waters, it’s ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Looking for a little adventure?

Make time to explore Juan Diego Falls, a beautiful waterfall tucked in the rainforest.

Perfect for a refreshing dip, this natural wonder is truly a hidden gem.

El Yunque National Forest

A visit to Puerto Rico wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the enchanting El Yunque National Forest, which is the only tropical rainforest park in the United States.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, fascinating wildlife, and majestic waterfalls, it’s a must-visit destination.

El Yunque offers various trails suited for all ages and fitness levels, making it a perfect family-friendly excursion.

Just don’t forget your camera; the stunning landscapes and natural beauty are memories you’ll want to capture.

East Coast Adventures

Fajardo and vieques.

If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Puerto Rico with kids, Fajardo and Vieques are the perfect destinations.

Fajardo, a small city on the east coast, is home to beautiful beaches and the famous bioluminescent bay, making it a great spot for kayaking at night.

You can even visit the nearby Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve for an unforgettable family adventure.

Vieques, an island just off the coast of Fajardo, is perfect for snorkeling and exploring Caribbean wildlife.

To add a touch of luxury to your adventure, consider staying at the El Conquistador Resort.

Trust me, the beautiful surroundings and relaxing atmosphere are worth the splurge.

Culebra Island

Another must-visit destination is Culebra Island.

This small island is a tropical paradise full of pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters – a perfect place to unwind with your family.

To get the most out of your Culebra experience, don’t miss snorkeling at some of the most beautiful spots on the island.

My personal favorite is Flamenco Beach, where the warm water and colorful fish create a magical underwater world.

Besides spending time at the beach, Culebra offers many other fun activities for the whole family.

You might explore the island on a bike ride, learn about local wildlife during a nature walk, or even take part in a guided tour of the historic town.

Whatever you choose, you’ll surely create lasting memories together on Puerto Rico’s east coast.

South Coast Escapades

Ponce and salinas.

Ponce, often referred to as the “Pearl of the South,” is a must-visit destination on your Puerto Rican road trip.

As you cruise down the south coast, embrace the rich culture and Spanish colonial architecture that fills the city.

Be sure to swing by the iconic Parque de Bombas, a former fire station turned museum whose striking black-and-red facade is a truly unique sight.

After exploring Ponce, continue your journey to Salinas, where you’ll find stunning coastal views, delicious local food, and a chance to kick back.

Make a pit stop at La Guancha, Ponce’s waterfront promenade, to taste authentic Puerto Rican dishes as you soak in the breathtaking ocean panorama.

Guanica and Lajas

Looking for a tropical forest adventure?

Then Guánica is the place for you.

Nestled along the south coast, this forest reserve boasts a myriad of trails waiting to be explored.

The lush vegetation, coupled with breathtaking ocean vistas, creates a tranquil retreat perfect for nature-loving families.

As you move west from Guánica, you’ll discover the captivating town of Lajas.

Here, immerse yourself in the community vibe by visiting La Parguera, a charming fishing village featuring colorful homes set along winding streets.

This picturesque destination also offers a chance to explore bioluminescent bays, where glowing microorganisms create a mesmerizing, otherworldly spectacle.

Remember, as you journey through Puerto Rico’s enchanting south coast, be sure to have change or a prepaid card handy to pay tolls on certain roads.

Besides, what’s a real road trip without a few coins jingling in your pocket?

West Coast Wonders

Puerto Rico’s west coast is filled with idyllic beaches, charming towns, and natural wonders.

This region is perfect for families looking to unwind and have fun together.

Let’s explore the top attractions in Rincon, Aguadilla, Mayaguez, and Cabo Rojo.

Rincon and Aguadilla

Rincon, famous for its laid-back atmosphere, boasts of some captivating attractions like the Parador Maunacaribe, a beautiful resort by the beach.

Why not hit the hiking trails together to explore the lush green scenery or take a dip in the refreshing natural pools to unwind?

For a family-friendly dining experience, grab a bite at a beach bar where you and your family can relish great food and a spectacular view.

Aguadilla, on the other hand, is a haven for beach lovers – Crashboat Beach should be on your must-visit list.

Enjoy a scenic drive through this charming city on Route 681, and visit the Cueva del Indio for an interesting, historical experience.

Mayaguez and Cabo Rojo

Mayaguez is home to various attractions that the whole family will enjoy.

Spend time in Plaza de Colon, filled with verdant palm trees and an elegant fountain.

Visit the Mayagüez Zoo, a fantastic place for animal lovers of all ages.

Cabo Rojo is a dream destination where you can explore the rugged coastline and beautiful beaches like Combo Beach.

Don’t miss the breathtaking Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, perched on dramatic cliffs, offering stunning views.

Close by, the town of Maricao beckons with its picturesque coffee plantations and nature trails.

Discovering the west coast of Puerto Rico offers a unique family adventure that combines natural beauty, relaxation, and fun activities.

North Coast Highlights

Arecibo and cueva ventana.

Arecibo is a city on Puerto Rico’s north coast that offers beauty and rich history.

You can’t miss visiting the Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park, packed with educational exhibits and remains of the original lighthouse.

After exploring the park, don’t forget to stop by La Cueva del Indio, a unique cave filled with ancient Taino petroglyphs .

Next, head to Cueva Ventana, a must-see cave that features an eye-shaped opening overlooking the Río Grande de Arecibo valley.

Make sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking view.

After touring the cave, unwind at La Poza del Obispo Beach, a beautiful, family-friendly beach with gentle waves.

Road Trip Routes

To make the most of your north coast adventure, consider driving along Route 681, a picturesque coastal route that follows the farmlands and rugged Atlantic shore.

Along the way, make stops at Islote and Punta Guaniquilla Nature Reserve to appreciate the area’s stunning natural beauty.

Dotted with cacti and limestone cliffs, Punta Guaniquilla offers fantastic hiking opportunities as well.

After working up an appetite, visit Guavate, the famous “Pork Highway,” where you can find some of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico serving mouthwatering pork dishes.

For a change of scenery, explore the Maricao State Forest by taking the Ruta Panorámica or Panoramic Route.

This windy, mountainous road provides amazing views of the island’s lush vegetation.

Planning some downtime during your road trip?

Consider staying at either Parador Villas Sotomayor, nestled in the mountains, or El Pretexto, a charming guesthouse surrounded by nature.

Parting Words

Embarking on road trips around Puerto Rico can be a truly unforgettable experience for families like yours.

Throughout your journey, you’ll discover an array of mesmerizing landscapes, diverse wildlife, and mouthwatering local cuisine.

So, why not treat your loved ones to an adventure they’ll always cherish?

Remember, it’s essential to plan your itinerary thoughtfully, ensuring you make the most of your time on this enchanting island.

You’ve got this.

While traveling, don’t hesitate to ask locals for insider tips or off-the-beaten-path recommendations.

And last but not least, capture all those family moments in photos and share your stories with friends and loved ones back home.

Because nothing brings people closer than shared memories of magical adventures together.

Related: Can You Drive in Puerto Rico with a US License?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best routes for a 7-day itinerary in puerto rico.

Starting in San Juan, make your way to El Yunque National Forest, then on to Fajardo, Culebra or Vieques islands, and continuing through Ponce and Rincon. This 7-day itinerary showcases a beautiful mix of Puerto Rico’s culture, history, and natural wonders.

What Is The Most Scenic Drive In Puerto Rico?

The northwestern coast of Puerto Rico offers incredible scenery, with the Ruta Panorámica being a popular choice. This winding road takes you through lush forests, captivating coastlines, and impressive mountain ranges, giving you a fantastic taste of the island’s diverse landscapes.

How Long Does It Take To Drive Around Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico is relatively small, covering about 100 by 35 miles. If you were to drive non-stop, it would take roughly 8-10 hours to circumnavigate the island. However, to fully experience Puerto Rico’s beauty and culture, plan for a road trip of at least a few days to a week.

What Are Some Tips For Driving In Puerto Rico Mountains?

When driving in the Puerto Rican mountains, be prepared for narrow roads and tight curves. Drive slowly and cautiously, stay on your side of the road, and always be prepared for unexpected wildlife or hazards. It’s also essential to check the weather, as heavy rain can increase the risk of landslides in mountainous areas.

Are There Any Recommended Maps For Getting Around Puerto Rico?

While Google Maps and other navigation apps work well in Puerto Rico, it’s wise to have a backup plan. Consider downloading a detailed offline map or purchasing a physical map to have on hand, just in case you lose signal or experience technical difficulties during your road trip.

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12 Things to do In Puerto Rico (The Ultimate Island Road Trip)

By Averi Melcher

After spending two months on the island, I can easily say that there is no shortage of amazing things to do in Puerto Rico. With countless waterfalls, world-class beaches on Vieques and Culebra, rare bioluminescent bays, jungles, mountains and that famous Puerto Rico nightlife in San Juan, the real trouble is figuring out where to start your adventure on the Island of Enchantment.

Fortunately, the island isn’t that big – only 110 miles at its widest point – making it very easy to turn your week-long vacation into the ultimate Puerto Rican road trip.

Before you balk at the idea of driving in an unknown place, hear me out.

First off, remember that Puerto Rico is a US territory. It has two airports, a major port and doesn’t require a passport to enter. That makes getting there easy.

Secondly, the island uses US dollars and the national languages are both Spanish and English. So you won’t need to worry about learning how to say, “ Where is the next rest stop? ” in Spanish. Unless you want to try to pick up the language, that is.

Finally, there is no reliable, island-wide public transportation option. There are thousands of people who visit the island each year that never leave San Juan and the surrounding area because they don’t know about all the hidden gems and other things to do in Puerto Rico – or how to get to them. That leaves wide open beaches, empty jungle trails and hidden waterfalls all around the island just waiting for you to discover.

That’s also what makes a road trip your perfect island vacation !

How to Prepare for a Road Trip in Puerto Rico

It’s very easy to rent a car in most of the bigger towns. San Juan, Aguadilla, Rincón, and Ponce all had options that I looked into while I was there. My recommendation would be to make the process really simple and reserve your car when you book your flight, especially if you are traveling during the peak winter months.

There are two international airports on the island – one in San Juan and one in Aguadilla – but they are both very small, so the inventory of cars can get booked quickly.

After you buy your plane tickets and start planning out your week, your next step should be to get out a map and star all the things you want to do in Puerto Rico.

This will make it easy to see which towns will be your main stops. It’s a good idea to know what day you’ll be in each town and plan which hotel, hostel or Airbnb you’ll stay in after a full day of exploring. And if you want to check out some of the brightly-painted beach houses that are around the island, you can use my Airbnb coupon code.

You’ll also be able to start making a loose plan of what you want to see each day – leaving plenty of time for impromptu stops and taking those narrow island roads at a slow pace.

Here are my top 12 things to do on a Puerto Rican road trip:

1. Take a walk around Old San Juan

San Juan is the only large city on the island and is the part of Puerto Rico you see the most often in photos. It’s iconic cobblestone streets and bright buildings make for a great day of walking around around. There are plenty of small restaurants to pop into for “mofongo” – a local dish made of fried plantains – and a piña colada.

Afterward, you can watch boats and cruise ships come in to port at sunset by Castillo del Morro, a 16th-century Spanish fortification that overlooks the harbor, before getting ready to party hop your way through all the best nightlife hotspots in Puerto Rico .

2. Go spelunking in one of the western hemisphere’s biggest caves

When I was looking for new things to do in Puerto Rico, I was surprised to learn that the island is home to a massive cave system and the third largest underground river in the world.

You’ll forget you’re in the middle of a tropical island when you step into the caves at Camuy Cave Park. Afterward, you can drive to the Arecibo Observatory to see the world’s second-largest single-dish radio telescope.

3. Swim in crystal clear waters at Crashboat Beach

Spending a day at Crashboat Beach is one of the more popular things to do in Puerto Rico, but it’s still well-worth the stop.

Jump off the former military pier, take a photo by the brightly painted boats and have some street food from one of the local stands – this is what island life is all about.

4. Jump off Sugar Mill Pier near Aguadilla

Your Puerto Rican road trip is bound to take you along the island’s sugarcane route, where you’ll see what’s left of the Spanish-built sugar mills. Once the home of the island’s largest export, all that’s left are just rusty skeletons being taken over by the jungle.

The pier near Aguadilla is known for a rope swing that once hung there, but thrill seekers still go and make the jump. Enter (and jump) at your own risk.

5. Mountain bike at breakfast and surf at sunset in Rincón

Rincón has a special place in my heart because that’s where I spent most of my time, but I also think it’s the best spot on the island when it comes to looking for adventure sports and other things to do in Puerto Rico that involve a little bit of adrenaline.

You can’t walk around this little town without running into an expat surfer who came on a surfing holiday and never left. Steps Beach/Tres Palmas and Domes Beach are all known for serious waves, but Domes is a great place to hang out for the day if you want a little bit of everything.

You can rent an ATV, take a surf lesson and even rocket down some downhills at one of my favorite mountain bike trails in Puerto Rico before grabbing a Medalla at the bar right on the beach.

If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, plan to stick around for the art walk and some local brews in the town square, too.

6. Dive for bombs near an uninhabited island

Before your Puerto Rican road trip takes you out of Rincón, book a snorkeling and scuba-diving trip to Desecheo Island.

Snorkeling is one of those things you can do almost anywhere in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, but I love this spot because the local boats will take you out to a tiny, uninhabited island that used to be used for ammunitions testing.

Look for a bomb underwater, but keep your exploring to the water. No one is allowed to walk ashore because of the potential danger.

7. Jump off a waterfall by San Sebastián

Hunting for waterfalls in the jungle is one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico and no road trip would be complete without at least one.

Why not make it one you can jump off, complete with a rope swing?

Gozalandia has a name that sounds like it’s out of some sort of make-believe city, but it’s real and it’s one of my favorite places to hang out with friends for a day. There is a swimming hole with a rope swing at the top of the hill and a larger waterfall below it that people jump off when the water below is deep enough.

8. See the sights in Cabo Rojo

If you’re looking for the more adventurous things to do in Puerto Rico, you may want to stop in Cabo Rojo for more than a day.

Cabo Rojo itself is a small town with a lot of colonial Spanish influence. Visitors can learn more about Puerto Rico’s interesting history at the Museo de los Proceres and then venture out to the beaches, wildlife preserves, and salt flats in the area.

On my personal list of things to do in Cabo Rojo: Stand up paddle board through the mangroves off the coast.

9. Watch the water glow in a bioluminescent bay

Glowing water really needs no introduction, but there are bioluminescent plankton living in the water that glow when they are agitated. And Puerto Rico is the place for plankton, it seems.

Of the five bioluminescent bays in the world, three are on the island. Mosquito Bay on Vieques is the brightest of the three, but if you are on a road trip around Puerto Rico, you can easily see La Parguera on the west coast or Laguna Grade on the east. They are most brightest on a new moon, and it’s definitely an experience that is worth the wait.

10. Celebrate at one of Ponce’s festivals

Carnaval de Ponce is Puerto Rico’s Mardi Gras festival. It happens in February each year and is a week packed with dancing, colorful costumes and plenty of libations.

It will take some planning to plan a Puerto Rican road trip during this time (and accommodations will book out well in advance), but you would be able to take part in a festival that not many tourists see.

11. Hike or bike in the desert at Guánica State Forest

Not technically a desert, Guánica is a subtropical dry forest full of cacti, hiking trails and singletracks for mountain bike fans .

There are over 100 miles of trails in the park, so you can be hiking or pedaling for quite a while before you run out of new scenery. There are also a few cacao farms in the area that rent out land for camping, in case you want to sleep under the stars and listen to the coqui frogs after a day of exploring the park.

12. Trek through the only jungle in the United States

No list of things to do in Puerto Rico would be complete without mention of El Yunque. It is the most popular destination on the island and is a great place to go if you want to see rare animals, waterfalls and a high-altitude dwarf forest.

If you are lucky, you may even spot a chupacabra, the island’s version of Big Foot that is said to only live in El Yunque National Park. Read up on the legend of this vampire-like creature and keep an eye out as you walk the trails in the park!

If you are mapping your road trip route according to the 12 things to do in Puerto Rico that I just listed here, you’ll notice that we are now back on the Northeast side of the island, creating a full loop.

Once you make it to San Juan, you could take a day or two to unwind even more and visit the neighboring islands of Vieques and Culebra for their famous white beaches.

Regardless of what things you want to do most, planning a road trip for your Puerto Rican vacation or travels is the perfect way to see every inch of the island. Plus, you won’t have any strict agenda, so you can stay in each spot for as long as you would like.

So, know that you know about all the things to do in Puerto Rico, would you go on a road trip on the island? What would you do first?

I’m Averi Melcher, a former fashion student who ditched my designer bag for a backpack about 7 years ago. A week after learning about the art of slow travel and bicycle touring, I bought my first bike and haven’t looked back since. I’ve traveled (mostly solo) to 24 different countries, seeking out experiences that take me outside and off the well-trodden tourist trails whenever possible. Most of my camping, hiking, and cycling adventures have sprung from conversations with locals and are also shared on  The Pedal Project  and  @thepedalproject .

Wow!. These are amazing things to do in the beautiful Island. Puerto Rico is definitely a place to visit. When I visit I would definitely hike the state forest. Thanks Averi.

Thank you Josephine! Puerto Rico has a mind-blowing amount of things to do and sew packed into such a small island. And full of surprises (like a desert and the bio-bays). I kind of felt like I was in a dream the whole time I was there. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help whipping up an island itinerary!

*see not sew ;P

Averi Thanks for the ideas when in Puerto Rico – love the sense of adventure and the photos captured here!

Thanks Kevin! Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

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Puerto Rico Road Trip: West Coast

Last year, I shared with you my tips for a Puerto Rico road trip along the east coast of the island .  Recently, as I produced my book, Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico, I had the opportunity to explore the west coast of the island on a Puerto Rico road trip not once but twice this year.  The west coast is more laid back and filled with local charm.  You get to experience the calm waters of Cabo Rojo to the surfer friendly beaches of Rincon. Expedia.com heard about my upcoming trip and asked me to share my picks for a west coast road trip of Puerto Rico.

Getting there:  a drive to the west coast of Puerto Rico will take you from 2-3 hours from San Juan.  Additionally, Jet Blue also offers routes to smaller airports such as Aguadilla and Ponce, brining you closer to the west coast.  Renting a car is easy in Puerto Rico. For my latest trip, I booked my car rental via Expedia.com where I got a great deal with Sixt Rent a Car.  D ining Traveler Tip:  when looking for a car rental, consider booking from a rental off-terminal for a steep discount.  Many like Sixt offer a complimentary shuttle to/from airport.  People complain about traffic in Puerto Rico but if you’re coming from places such as DC, you will look at locals crazy when they complain about “el tapon” (traffic jam).

West Coast of Puerto Rico Road Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 & 2:  Arrive in Cabo Rojo.  I suggest starting in this town as it is the southernmost point of the island and working your way north along the coast.  Cabo Rojo is filled with calm waters which I love to call “nature’s swimming pool”.  If you are traveling with small children, I recommend Combate Beach, Playa Buye, and Playa Sucia as the beaches are shallow and relatively surf-free.  Perfect for swimming.   For the nature lovers:  Cabo Rojo is also filled with natural wonders such as the Salinas de Cabo Rojo.  These salt mines give the protected area pink sandy beaches, perfect for photos.  Punta Guaniquilla has cave-like rock formations and the Puente de Piedra is also a not-to-miss attraction.

Where to eat:   I was hesitant to go to Annie’s Place as it seemed very touristy.  However, I was proved wrong.  The fresh passion fruit sangria was one of the best cocktails I’ve had in Puerto Rico.  Dining Traveler Tip:  plan your dinners at sunset, they are pretty epic on the west coast of Puerto Rico!  Snacks for the beach?  Go to the fruit stand of Parada La 100 for cold coconuts, papayas, and local made honey to bring home.  Head to Sangre Boricua in Joyuda for their well-known craft sangria and seafood dishes.

Where to stay:  Feeling adventurous?  Stat at one of the most beautiful AirBNB I’ve experienced, The “Jungalo” with its outdoor kitchen and boho-chic decor.  Looking for more classic accommodations? Combate Beach Resort is a local-owned small inn (Parador) with spacious rooms, direct access to the beach, and most importantly (at least for me, wi-fi).  Bonus: the staff there is one of the friendliest I’ve encountered on island.

Day 3 & 4: Head to Rincon.  On your way to Rincon, stop by Mayaguez for lunch.  Mayaguez is the second largest city in Puerto Rico.  Among locals, it is known to be a fun college town.  There are two foodie items the town is known for:  Brazo Gitano (jelly roll) and Sangria Fido.  You cannot take a road trip to the west coast of Puerto Rico without having those!  Have lunch at Ricomini Bakery.  Although they have several locations, head to the one in the city center.  Their sandwiches are to die for!  Try one of their meaty medianoche sandwiches.  There, you can also purchase your Brazo Gitano to take on the road…

Upon arriving in Rincon you may ask yourself “am I still in Puerto Rico?”  as many gringos have flocked to that area for the perfect surf conditions and laid back atmosphere.  My first time in Rincon years ago I took surf lessons and it was an amazing experience.  The swells are not as intimidating as the ones I’ve seen in Hawaii but big enough to channel your inner surfer.  Most recently, we had the chance to spend the morning with Ramse of Surf Lessons Puerto Rico , a local owned surf school at Las Marias Beach as he led a hands-on surfing class.  There, you can see the beautiful people of Rincon, locals and visitors alike surfing along the coast.  For the best vantage point, head to El Faro to catch all the surfing action from above.

Where to eat:  Catch another epic sunset at La Copa Llena with a great happy hour ($2 medalla beers, and $4 well drinks) and delicious tapas such as flash fried cauliflower and anchovy montaditos.  If you love seafood, head to La Cambija, a local-owned establishment which started as a skewer stand and has evolved into a full service restaurant.  There, choose from fresh catch such as red snapper and dorado for fresh fish tacos.  For those looking for a vegetarian dish, check out Jack’s Shack food truck.   They have veggie friendly items such as veggie burritos and quinoa salads.

Where to stay:   Rincon has a great selection of vacation rentals.  We were a huge fan of the AirBNB in which we stayed.  If you’re looking for ultimate luxury, stay at the Horned Dorset Primavera with its Moroccan inspired rooms, breakfast with an ocean view, and a pool surrounded by the lush vegetation of the property.  The owner, Austrian-born, Wilhelm has been living in Puerto Rico for 20 years. He can be seen roaming around the property with his adorable rescue dogs.

Day 5 & 6:  Aguada & Aguadilla:  The beauty of taking a Puerto Rico west coast road trip is the diversity you get to experience along the way when it comes to beaches.  If you are a surfer, the beaches of Rincon may seem a bit crowded for you.  Drive to neighboring Aguada for more swells in a much rustic environment. Head to beaches along route 441 for a more local experience.

Aguadilla is home to one of my favorite beaches in Puerto Rico, Crashboat Beach. The clear turquoise waters, the old pier where you can jump off of, transports me back to my college days when I first discovered this beach.  Make sure to bring a snorkel as you can see plenty of fish swimming along the pier. Lesser known to tourists is the area called “Muelle de Azucar” (sugar pier) where if you’re brave enough you can jump from a pretty high point.

Where to Eat:  One of my most epic meals I’ve had in Puerto Rico has been at Marullo, with inventive dishes such as tuna with guava sauce and curried chicken. For a light lunch,  Levain Bakery is a favorite of locals in Aguadilla.

Where to Stay:  If looking for a unique, affordable lodging experience, stay at Grateful Souls Hostel in Aguada.  This beachfront property has shared rooms and offers activities like yoga, rainforest walks, and cooking lessons during high season. More about my stay here . If your lodging preferences are a bit more classic, the Courtyard Aguadilla offers all the classic amenities and it is closely located to Crashboat Beach.  Additionally, there are many vacation rentals in this area via AirBNB and Home Away.

The verdict:  if you prefer a more laid back, local experience, taking a Puerto Rico road trip on the west coast may be an option for you. The roads are a bit more rugged than San Juan or the East Coast of the island but it provides you a unique perspective of the island.  From the sleeping beach of Playa Combate to the roaring waves of Rincon, the west coast of Puerto Rico is definitely an experience not to be missed.  Have you taken a Puerto Rico road trip?  What have been your highlights?

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you rock a Spanx way better than me!!

Aww, thanks! Love their stuff!

Jessica, you have sold me on Puerto Rico. It was not on my radar until reading your blog.

After reading the post, i`m sure i will not hesitating about Puerto Rico. It would be great flying there in the summer

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Recipe: How to Make Rellenos de Papa (Puerto Rican Potato Balls)

Old san juan hotels: villa herencia.

How To Explore Puerto Rico Safely

P uerto Rico is a Caribbean island located in between the Dominican Republic and U.S. Virgin Islands with diverse influences. The island is a U.S. territory, which means that tourists who are American citizens do not need a passport to visit. The tropical destination is a place where English (along with Spanish) is commonly spoken and the U.S. dollar is used, so it is particularly accessible for people coming from America. But all travelers going to Puerto Rico will appreciate the island for its rich history, vibrant (Spanish, Indigenous and African ) culture, naturally beautiful scenery and welcoming community. The landscape of Puerto Rico is unique , since the island has lush forests, bioluminescent beaches, mountains, caves, valleys and desert. 

Travelers visiting Puerto Rico will have plenty to do since it’s home to the largest shopping center in the Caribbean, Plaza Las Américas. The island also has the most extensive rum factory in the world, Casa Bacardi, and a legal drinking age of 18 years old, making it a popular party destination. With a diverse and complex culture , historical gems can also be found there, like the Caparra Archaeological Site, which contains some of the oldest evidence of the “New World”. For adrenaline junkies, some of the most popular attractions and activities in Puerto Rico include beach fun and watersports. Snorkeling, surfing, kayaking and sailing are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to adventurous things to do in Puerto Rico. 

While all of these attractions are enticing, of course travelers want to know that they can enjoy their excursions without worry. The safety level of a destination is of utmost importance to travelers. Puerto Rico has a somewhat questionable reputation for safety, so some travelers may feel hesitant to travel there. We have compiled an overview of the safety in Puerto Rico, which will help travelers decide for themselves if they want to travel there.

Official Travel Advisories

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a great resource for travelers to gauge the threat levels of a destination. Through its world factbook the CIA shares travel facts, recommendations for emergency situations, suggests safe tourist destinations and provides information on local culture. These tips can help travelers feel more comfortable during their stay in Puerto Rico. 

For health concerns, travelers can depend on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . Its website keeps people up to date on travel health notices and relevant recommendations. Like drinking bottled water and washing any produce before eating it, while in Puerto Rico. Travelers can utilize the CDC website to track local illnesses, environmental risks and ways to avoid contracting anything while abroad. Before, during and even after travel are ideal times to use this resource to maintain health. WHO also has reports that provide important information on the health of Puerto Rico. Its specialized health agency Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) has a regional office and provides country health profiles. 

Is Puerto Rico Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?

Yes, Puerto Rico is an overall safe place to visit. While crime in Puerto Rico is lower than most places in the mainland United States, there still is some crime that travelers may be concerned about. The island also technically has a lower crime rate than similarly sized metropolitan areas. The densely populated island’s primary safety concerns have to do with the drug trade which in turn increases the violent crime rate. But, if travelers stay away from criminal activity they should be safe, according to local police. 

Solo travelers are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and to not go out at night alone, to avoid robberies. Plenty of solo travelers have gone to Puerto Rico and felt safe, but it is also important to note that they stayed diligent about their personal safety. Rural areas that may have either low or no lighting may pose a risk to solo travelers. But the majority of solo travelers are concerned about environmental threats when preparing to travel to Puerto Rico. Bug bites, sunburn and dehydration are all concerns that travelers should prepare for. 

How To Stay Safe in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a welcoming destination that does not pose a great risk to travelers. But, as is common, travelers can run into trouble if they are not careful. Tourists should be wary about theft and mugging, particularly in the large metropolitan areas of Puerto Rico. Theft is the number one issue to be concerned about as a tourist of Puerto Rico. There are also many ways to avoid having possessions stolen, like keeping money in concealed pockets or pouches while out in public. Highly valuable personal items like cameras, computers and jewelry should be secured, or better yet stored in a safe at a travelers accommodation. 

Transportation safety is important to take note of while in Puerto Rico, even if a visitor is a domestic traveler. For those that anticipate that they will be riding on public transportation, the buses are considered safe. As in many places though, nighttime can increase the amount of danger on public transportation so travelers should be cautious. Keeping possessions within arms reach and not falling asleep in public are good ways to avoid unwanted attention. If travelers want to stay on the safe side they can take government sanctioned taxis per the national tourism office’s recommendation. This would keep tourists safe from scams and drivers that look to take advantage of tourists. 

Where to Stay in Puerto Rico

There are a total of 78 barrios (neighborhoods or districts) in Puerto Rico that all have differing safety levels, which can be difficult to sort through for potential tourists. These are the most tourist-friendly areas with low crime rates, that tourists will love exploring. It is important to note that the east coast of Puerto Rico is heavily frequented by tourists. San Juan is Puerto Rico’s capital and its largest city. It is a popular place for tourists to stay since it has a lot of the main attractions that tourists want to visit. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Puerto Rico and is also considered one of the safest. Old San Juan, Miramar, Isla Verde and Condado areas are San Juan’s safest neighborhoods. Old San Juan has historic importance since it is the oldest city in the U.S. that was settled in 1521. There is an abundance of colonial architecture and history in Old San Juan that history buffs will be delighted to see. The area is heavily guarded by policemen so its safety level is very clear for locals and tourists alike. For travelers with a more modern taste, “new San Juan” includes other areas like Condado and Miramar. 

The south and west sides of the island are full of locals. Ponce is a south-central coastal city, which is the second most populated area besides San Juan. It is a small yet popular residential area that is known to evade the impact of seasonal hurricanes. This location may be preferable if visiting during stormy seasons. In western Puerto Rico, there are plenty of beautiful beaches and safe beach towns. Rincon and Cabo Rojo are peaceful beachside towns that tourists frequent. But the west side of Puerto Rico is notably more vulnerable to natural disasters, so travelers should be cognizant of that. 

Best Time To Visit the Island

Puerto Rican is tropical all year round, so really the best time to visit depends on a traveler’s preferences. But surprisingly, winter is the best time to visit Puerto Rico. The island experiences temperatures around 70 to 80 degrees during its “cold” season. Winter runs from December to March and is considered the most pleasant time for weather, although the weather in Puerto Rico does not vary extremely. 

There are tropical storms that impact life in Puerto Rico. Natural disasters happen occasionally near Puerto Rico, with most being hurricanes. During hurricane season, between June and November, travelers should keep an eye out for weather forecasts and trends. Prices for travel to Puerto Rico are generally lower from August to November but the affordable prices come at a cost since that is during hurricane season. 

People Also Ask 

Is it cheaper to go to Puerto Rico or Hawaii? Puerto Rico is less expensive to travel to and visit than Hawaii. Puerto Rico has more affordable prices on accommodations and activities, so budget travelers often opt to travel there.

Do I need a passport to visit Puerto Rico? U.S. citizens can travel to Puerto Rico without a passport. It is a U.S. territory so any government issued identification is enough to take a trip there.

Former SEC quarterback found safe after missing for hours in Gulf of Mexico

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. ( WJHG /Gray News) - A former college quarterback has been located after reportedly going missing on a fishing trip.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office updated its search Thursday evening, saying a missing kayaker, identified as Chris Smelley, has been found safe.

According to the sheriff’s office, Smelley went fishing in a blue and black kayak around 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico near Grayton Beach and did not return.

Smelley is currently the head football coach at Sylacauga High School in Alabama. The 37-year-old also played quarterback for the University of South Carolina from 2006-2008.

Authorities did not share any further immediate information about how he was found.

Earlier in the day, the sheriff’s office reported it had jet skis in the water off Grayton Beach and the United States Coast Guard was notified.

Copyright 2024 WJHG via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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