5-Day Adventure Itinerary in Puerto Rico with a Beachy Twist

  • Day 1: El Yunque National Forest
    45 minutes (32 miles) from San Juan

    El Yunque National Forest is the only rainforest in the US National Forest System. You can hike through the lush greenery and admire the stunning waterfalls, including La Mina and Juan Diego Falls. Keep an eye out for the many species of birds, coquí frogs and other wildlife that call this place home.

  • Day 2: Cueva Ventana and Tanamá River Adventures
    1 hour 45 minutes (73 miles) from El Yunque National Forest

    Cueva Ventana, also known as Window Cave, is a natural limestone cave formation, part of a large cave system in Puerto Rico. You can take a guided tour, see ancient petroglyphs and explore the bat-filled depths of the cave. Part two of the adventure includes a kayak or tubing journey down the Tanamá River, known for its stunning beauty and hidden waterfall.

  • Day 3: Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour
    30 minutes (13 miles) from Cueva Ventana and Tanamá River Adventures

    Take a kayak tour to witness the incredible bioluminescent phenomenon in Vieques or Fajardo. You'll glide through clear, warm waters at night, surrounded by glowing water organisms that light up the night sky. It's an otherworldly experience that's sure to impress.

  • Day 4: Zipline in Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park
    1 hour 20 minutes (47 miles) from Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour

    Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park offers multiple zip-lines, including "The Beast," the longest zip line in the Americas with a length of 4745 feet. Take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and vivid greenery as you whiz through the sky. For thrill-seekers who love heights, this is the ultimate experience.

  • Day 5: Luquillo Beach and Food Kiosks
    30 minutes (17 miles) from Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park

    Finish off your adventure with some relaxation and good food. Luquillo beach is one of the best public beaches in Puerto Rico, with crystal clear waters and miles of soft, white sand. Afterward, walk over to the nearby food kiosks where you can enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, including delicious fried seafood, empanadas, and other local favorites.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • El Yunque National Forest (3-4 hours, free)
  • Cueva Ventana and Tanamá River Adventures (6-7 hours, $155/person)
  • Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour (3-4 hours, $49-$109/person)
  • Zipline in Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park (2-3 hours, $60-$209/person)
  • Luquillo Beach and Food Kiosks (3-4 hours, free + cost of food)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $264-$532/person

Transportation

While you can drive to some destinations, it's recommended to book transportation services or tours for this itinerary, as many places require a guide. A rental car will cost between $35-$60/day, but you'll also need to account for gas, tolls and parking. It's better to book a tour group or transportation service that will take you from place to place, such as tours by Puerto Rico Tours, Go-Car Tours, or the Highlight Tour.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Arecibo Observatory or the Camuy River Cave Park. If you have less time, skip the Cueva Ventana and Tanamá River Adventures, as it's quite a long journey. You can add more beach time by visiting Isla Verde Beach or Seven Seas Beach.

Airports

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the main airport serving San Juan that is 8 miles away from the city center.

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