5-Day Adventurous Itinerary in San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Day 1: Hike El Yunque National Forest
  40 minutes (28.7 miles) from San Juan

  Start your adventure by hiking at the El Yunque National Forest. This is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System and home to over 200 species of trees. This trail can be strenuous, but it’s filled with spectacular scenery and waterfalls that make it worthwhile.

• Day 2: Surf at Playa Aviones
  40 minutes (19.3 miles) from El Yunque National Forest

  Head to Playa Aviones for a fun, yet challenging surfing experience. Known for its consistent waves and beautiful beach, this spot attracts surfers of all skill levels. You can rent a board and take lessons from expert instructors if you need to brush up on your surfing skills.

• Day 3: Explore the Cueva Ventana
  1 hour 20 minutes (62.5 miles) from Playa Aviones

  After surfing, visit the Cueva Ventana or “Window Cave”. It's a popular tourist spot due to its natural and unique features along with its amazing views of the landscape. You can explore the different cave chambers and formations inside while enjoying the view of the valley beneath the cave.

• Day 4: Kayak to Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques
  1 hour 45 minutes journey to Fajardo, and another 1-hour trip by kayak to reach the Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques.

  Take a guided tour kayaking to the Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques, an experience that offers a unique encounter with nature. You’ll paddle through the mangrove forest, and once you arrive at the bay, you can experience the otherworldly glow of the water organisms. This is a natural phenomenon caused by dinoflagellates that illuminates the water every night.

• Day 5: Try Zip Lining in Orocovis
  1 hour 20 minutes (41.1 miles) from Vieques island

  Conclude your adventure by zip-lining in Orocovis, an attraction well-known for its adrenaline rush atop the lush canopy of tropical forests. You can zip line above the trees and encounter various scenic views of the Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park.

Time and Costs Estimates

• El Yunque National Forest (4 hours, $5 entrance fee)
• Surfing at Playa Aviones (2-3 hours, $50 board rental, $100 lessons)
• Exploring Cueva Ventana (1 hour, $20 entrance fee, $10 parking)
• Kayaking to Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques (3-4 hours, $60-80 per person, based on group size)
• Zip Lining in Orocovis (2 hours, $70-150 per person based on adventure selected)
• Total Estimated Costs: $205-415 per person depending on activities chosen and group size.

Transportation

Public transportation and ride-sharing services are available. However, it’s recommended to rent a car to travel around San Juan and surrounding areas during your adventures. Rental cars start at $40 per day. The estimated travel time between each location is included in the itinerary.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can venture into more adventurous activities in the nearby islands of Vieques and Culebra. If you have less time, consider taking a short hike on a nearby mountain that offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city such as Cerro de La Cruz.

Airports

The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the main airport in San Juan, which is located approx 5.5 miles southeast of downtown.