Old San Juan is a vibrant and colorful district filled with Spanish colonial architecture, historic landmarks, and museums. Spend a day exploring its narrow streets by foot, visiting the iconic El Morro fort, and tasting authentic Puerto Rican cuisine at a local restaurant. Don't forget to try the popular mofongo dishes.
Ponce is a charming city on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, known for its neoclassical buildings, art museums, and gardens. Visit the Ponce Museum of Art, walk through the historic downtown area, and take a guided tour of the Hacienda Buena Vista coffee plantation. End the day by enjoying the sunset at La Guancha boardwalk.
Arecibo is a town located in the northern coast of Puerto Rico, famous for its natural wonders and scientific research facilities. Visit the Cueva del Indio natural reserve, the Arecibo Observatory, and the Rio Camuy Cave Park. Take a break from the sightseeing to taste the local delicacies at a nearby restaurant, and buy souvenirs at the artisan markets.
El Yunque Rainforest is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, known for its lush vegetation, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Take a guided hike to the La Mina Falls, visit the Yokahu Observation Tower for panoramic views of the area, and have a picnic at one of the designated areas. Spend the night at one of the nearby lodges in the middle of the forest.
Caguas is a cultural hub located in central Puerto Rico, featuring museums, galleries, and theaters. Start the day by visiting the Pedro Rosselló Museum, then walk through the historic city center, and attend a performing arts show at the Centro de Bellas Artes. Finish the trip by enjoying a traditional Puerto Rican dinner at a local restaurant.
Travelers can rent a car or hire a private tour guide to navigate through Puerto Rico's diverse landscape. The estimated cost for a rental car for five days is around $200-300, depending on the car type and insurance options. Taxis are also available, but can be more expensive and limited in rural areas. Public transportation is affordable, but the schedules can be limited, and the routes may not reach all the destinations. It is recommended to research and book transportation options in advance to save time and costs.
If you have more time, consider visiting the islands of Vieques and Culebra for its beaches and bioluminescent bay. If you have less time, skip Ponce and Arecibo, and spend more time exploring Old San Juan's landmarks and nightlife. Remember to check the opening and closing schedules of each destination, as they may vary by season or holidays. Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellant for the outdoor activities.
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the main airport serving San Juan and Puerto Rico, located in the city of Carolina, 5 miles east of San Juan. It is the busiest airport in the Caribbean and a hub for major airlines such as American, Delta, and JetBlue. The airport has various amenities such as restaurants, shops, and lounges. The other airports serving the island are the Mercedita Airport (PSE) in Ponce and the Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla, which offer domestic flights and limited international flights.