6-Day Puerto Rico: Old San Juan, El Yunque, North Coast Beaches & Cultural Highlights (Mar 4–9, 2026)

Old San Juan (near Cerro Gordo base) · Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Old San Juan historical highlights and forts

Morning:

Start your day wandering the blue cobblestones of Plaza de Colón and soak in the morning light while enjoying coffee at a nearby café; from there stroll to the panoramic terrace at Paseo de la Princesa where street vendors and sculptures set a leisurely, local tone. Continue up to the imposing walls of Castillo San Felipe del Morro for sweeping ocean views and accessible ramped paths ideal for comfortable walking, then finish with a relaxing sit on the grassy glacis to watch small boats glide by before lunch.

Afternoon:

After a leisurely lunch, wander the colorful streets toward San Cristóbal Castle to explore its vaulted chambers and sweeping harbor defenses, then detour to the nearby Puerta de San Juan and imagine arriving by sea through the old city gate. Finish the afternoon with a peaceful visit to Casa Blanca, enjoying its shaded gardens and period furnishings while taking breaks on benches-an easy-paced way to absorb Old San Juan's layered history before an early dinner.

Evening:

As the sun dips, enjoy a relaxed sunset stroll along Paseo de la Princesa Extension (Raíces Fountain area) then cross toward the waterfront to linger at La Perla viewpoint for colorful seaside vistas and local life. Cap the night with a leisurely dinner and live bolero or trova at a nearby small venue such as La Factoría or a quieter table at Caficultura (Plaza Colón area)-savor Puerto Rican flavors while reflecting on the day's forts and gardens.

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El Yunque / Fajardo · Thursday, March 5, 2026

El Yunque rainforest and Torre Britton; optional Vieques ferry if time

Morning:

Begin with an easy-paced drive into El Yunque National Forest, arriving early to enjoy cooler air and the soft rainforest light as you take the accessible Baño de Oro Trail for gentle river views and birdwatching; pause at the shaded picnic area to sip coffee and listen for coquí frogs. Then head to the scenic overlook at La Coca Falls and continue along the winding road to the El Yunque Visitor Center for maps and a short, guided nature talk before making the short walk up to Torre Britton for sweeping coastal vistas-perfect for photos before a relaxed lunch in Fajardo or, if timing allows, a late-morning ferry check for an optional crossing to Vieques.

Afternoon:

After a relaxed lunch, drive down to Charco Azul for a gentle, scenic swim in a calm river pool-ideal for two travelers wanting a refreshing but low-effort nature stop. Continue with a leisurely visit to the coastal lookout at Punta Mellones to watch fishing boats and enjoy late-afternoon light, then stroll the accessible boardwalk at Las Tinajas wetlands to spot shorebirds and unwind before returning to Fajardo to check ferry schedules for an evening crossing to Vieques if energy allows.

Evening:

Wind down after the rainforest with a gentle sunset outing to Las Croabas boardwalk and mangrove viewpoints, where you can watch herons and evening light on the lagoon while seated on benches designed for easy comfort. Follow with a relaxed waterfront dinner at La Estación (Fajardo) or the quieter Casa Puerto Rico in Cabezas de San Juan, savoring fresh seafood and plantain specialties while scanning the harbor for ferry lights should you decide to take a late crossing to Vieques.

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Manatí / Arecibo area (beaches & Reserva Cueva del Indio) · Friday, March 6, 2026

North coast beach loop and coastal reserves

Morning:

Start with a calm, scenic drive north to the sheltered sands of Playa Mar Chiquita, where the natural rock formation forms a tranquil, shallow lagoon perfect for easy wading and photos; linger on a shaded bench and enjoy a mid-morning coffee from a nearby kiosk. From there head east to the tidal pools at Playa Ojo de Agua, taking a short, flat stroll along the shore to spot coastal birds and inspect tide-carved rock pools, then finish the morning with a gentle visit to the interpretive trail at Reserva Natural Cueva del Indio to view dramatic sea caves and coastal petroglyphs from accessible lookout points before a relaxed seaside lunch.

Afternoon:

Drive west to the sheltered crescent of Playa Los Tubos for a relaxed stroll along soft sand and a shaded bench lunch at a nearby kiosk, then continue to the calm, family-friendly inlet of Playa Parchola for easy wading and shell-collecting. Late afternoon, visit the dramatic coastal overlook at Batería La Torre (a scenic, accessible cliff viewpoint) to watch the light soften over the Atlantic, followed by a peaceful stop at Mirador Río Grande de Manatí to enjoy river-mouth vistas and birdwatching before returning to your base.

Evening:

As the light softens, take a short drive to Faro de Punta Borinquen (Arecibo Lighthouse viewpoint) for broad ocean panoramas and an easy, paved stroll along the lookout, then pause at the nearby Mirador del Vigía to watch fishing boats return while seated on shaded benches. Finish with a relaxed seaside dinner at Villa Marina Restaurant (or another waterfront eatery in Arecibo), where you can sample fresh catch and tostones while enjoying gentle evening breezes and reflecting on the day's coastal discoveries.

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Arecibo / Utuado / San Juan (evening) · Saturday, March 7, 2026

Cueva Ventana, Caguana ceremonial site, Lago Dos Bocas; evening guitar orchestra in San Juan

Morning:

Begin with a peaceful sunrise drive to Cueva Ventana for an easy, guided walk to the cave rim and its iconic window framing sweeping valley views-there are short, maintained trails and benches ideal for resting and photography. After soaking in the panorama, head inland to the nearby Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Caguana to wander accessible paths among reconstructed plazas and petroglyphs while an interpretive center explains Taíno life, then pause at a shaded picnic area by Río Grande de Arecibo for a relaxed mid-morning snack before continuing your route toward Lago Dos Bocas.

Afternoon:

After a relaxed morning, drive toward Lago Dos Bocas for a gentle boat tour or lakeside walk-rent a small electric boat or join a guided kayak excursion to enjoy calm waters and birdwatching from shaded spots along the shore. Continue with an easy visit to the scenic lookout at Mirador de Utuado for panoramic valley views and a short, paved stroll, then pause at Casa de los Típicos (or a local roadside café) for a leisurely late-afternoon snack of mofongo and coffee before heading back toward San Juan for the evening concert.

Evening:

After returning toward San Juan, enjoy a relaxed early dinner in the atmospheric courtyard at Café Comunión (Miramar) featuring Puerto Rican tapas and local rum cocktails, then take a gentle twilight stroll along the tree-lined promenades of Parque Muñoz Rivera to watch the city lights come alive. Arrive at the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico in time to find comfortable seating for the 6:00 PM performance by the Orquesta de Guitarras de Puerto Rico, savoring intimate classical and folk repertoire in an accessible concert hall-finish the night with a mellow post-concert coffee at nearby Chocobar Cortés while reflecting on a day of island landscapes and culture.

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Dorado / Paseo Real Marina · Sunday, March 8, 2026

Local community and cultural day: church service and Arte en el Paseo

Morning:

Begin with a warm, community-focused morning at Iglesia Bautista Bíblica de Dorado, arriving early to join the congregation, hear local hymns, and enjoy friendly fellowship over coffee afterward; volunteers or church staff can often point you to nearby neighborhood bakeries for a soft mallorca or empanadilla. After the service, take a relaxed stroll through Paseo Real Marina toward the marina-side artisan stalls, stopping to meet potters at Taller de Cerámica Doradeña and sample Puerto Rican frituras from a seaside vendor while watching small fishing boats return to the dock.

Afternoon:

After lunch, wander the stalls of Arte en el Paseo to meet local painters and jewelers, then join a hands-on workshop at Taller del Artista where you can try simple clay or watercolor techniques guided by a local artisan. Later, stroll to Plaza de Dorado for a shaded bench break and catch a live street performance or acoustic set at the promenade stage before ending the afternoon with sunset views from the marina boardwalk near Paseo Real Lighthouse while sampling fresh empanadas from a nearby vendor.

Evening:

After the festival winds down, enjoy a relaxed waterfront aperitivo at Marina Plaza Bar & Grill, where shaded tables and soft live guitar let you sample local rum cocktails and small plates while watching sunset light on the boats. Then take a gentle, lantern-lit stroll to Malecón de Dorado for seaside views and public sculptures before capping the night with a laid-back dessert-fried sweet plantains and house-made flan-at Dulcería La Esquina, sharing memories of the day's art and community encounters.

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Punta Salinas / San Juan · Monday, March 9, 2026

Beach morning, pack-up and transfer to San Juan; downtown stroll

Morning:

Enjoy a gentle final morning at Balneario Punta Salinas, arriving early to stroll the wide, calm beach, sit under a palapa with coffee, and wade in the shallow water ideal for easy footing; there are benches and shaded areas for relaxed packing and last-minute towel drying. After a short, scenic drive toward San Juan, stop at Parque del Indio for a shaded picnic lunch and coastal views, then make a brief, comfortable visit to Plaza Antonia in the downtown district to stretch your legs and admire local street art before checking into your San Juan lodging.

Afternoon:

After checking out, take a relaxed coastal drive toward San Juan and pause for a light, scenic lunch at Playa de Piñones Boardwalk, where you can sample fresh pinchos and alcapurrias from roadside kiosks while seated at shaded picnic tables and listening to seaside rhythms. Continue into Old San Juan for an easy-paced afternoon: enjoy a leisurely walk along Calle del Cristo browsing boutique shops and art galleries, then rest with coffee and a pastry at the sheltered courtyard of Café Mallorca before a calm, last stroll to Plaza de Armas to watch daily life unfold and prepare for your evening plans.

Evening:

After checking into San Juan, enjoy a gentle twilight paseo through the leafy streets of Santurce-stop at La Placita de Santurce for a shaded seat, a refreshing agua de coco, and people-watching as vendors set up evening stalls. Continue with a calm waterfront walk along Paseo de la Princesa Extension (Raíces Fountain area) toward the bay, then settle for a relaxed dinner at the accessible courtyard of Caficultura (Plaza Colón area) or a quieter table at Princesa Gastrobar, savoring mofongo and local seafood while reflecting on the week before a short, restful nightcap at Barrachina.

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Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Plaza de ColónFree
Paseo de la Princesa (including Raíces Fountain)Free
Castillo San Felipe del Morro$10
San Cristóbal Castle$10
Puerta de San JuanFree
Polvorín de Santa Elena (1783)Free
Bastión de San AntonioFree
Casa Blanca$6
Batería Santa ElenaFree
Ron del Barrilito Rum Tour (optional)$20
El Yunque National Forest (entrance/parking)Free
Baño de Oro Trail / La Coca Falls / Torre Britton (El Yunque area)Free
El Yunque Visitor Center (donations/talks)Free
Ferry to Vieques (optional)$8
Mar Azul Restaurant (Vieques)$25
Charco Azul (swim)Free
Las Croabas / Fajardo waterfrontFree
La Estación (restaurant Fajardo)$25
Playa Mar ChiquitaFree
Playa Ojo de AguaFree
Reserva Natural Cueva del IndioFree
Playa Los TubosFree
Playa ParcholaFree
Batería La Torre (viewpoint)Free
Mirador Río Grande de ManatíFree
Faro de Punta Borinquen (Arecibo viewpoint)Free
Mirador del VigíaFree
Villa Marina Restaurant (Arecibo)$20
Cueva Ventana$12
Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Caguana (Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Heritage Center)$6
Lago Dos Bocas (boat/kayak rental)$30
Mirador de UtuadoFree
Casa de los Típicos (local snack)$8
Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico - Orquesta de Guitarras (Mar 7, 6pm)Free
Café Comunión (restaurant Miramar)$25
Chocobar Cortés$8
Iglesia Bautista Bíblica de Dorado (Dorado Bible Baptist Church)Free
Paseo Real Marina (Arte en el Paseo event)Free
Taller de Cerámica Doradeña / Taller del Artista (workshop)$20
Plaza de Dorado / Paseo Real LighthouseFree
Marina Plaza Bar & Grill (Dorado)$20
Malecón de DoradoFree
Dulcería La Esquina$6
Balneario Punta SalinasFree
Parque del IndioFree
Plaza AntoniaFree
Playa de Piñones Boardwalk (food kiosks)$12
Calle del Cristo / shops (Old San Juan)Free
Café Mallorca / Café Mallorca (pastry / coffee)$8
Plaza de Armas (Old San Juan)Free
La Placita de Santurce / agua de coco$5
Princesa Gastrobar / Caficultura (dinner options)$30
Barrachina (nightcap)$12
Estimated Total (per person)$403
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