4-Day Family-Friendly Puerto Rico Itinerary

  • Day 1: El Yunque National Forest
    50 minutes (27 miles) from San Juan

    El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, and offers stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife. Highlights include La Mina Falls, Mount Britton Tower, and Yokahú Observation Tower.

  • Day 2: Vieques Island
    1 hour and 15 minutes (37 miles) from San Juan to Ceiba Airport, then a 10-minute flight to Vieques

    Vieques is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including the Bioluminescent Bay, which is a must-see experience. Don't miss the island's historic naval bunkers and the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.

  • Day 3: Arecibo Observatory
    1 hour and 20 minutes (66 miles) from San Juan

    The Arecibo Observatory is one of the most significant scientific research facilities in the world. Visitors can see the largest radio telescope in the world and learn about space and planetary science.

  • Day 4: Old San Juan
    10 minutes (4 miles) from San Juan

    Old San Juan is the historic district of San Juan, full of stunning architecture, colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Highlights include the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the Cathedral of San Juan, and the Paseo de la Princesa.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • El Yunque National Forest (4-6 hours, $25 entrance fee per vehicle)
  • Vieques Island (full-day trip, $2 round-trip ferry ticket, $5 entrance fee to the Bioluminescent Bay)
  • Arecibo Observatory (2-3 hours, $10 per person entrance fee)
  • Old San Juan (half-day, free to explore)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $47 per person

Transportation

Travelers will need to rent a car to get to El Yunque and Arecibo Observatory, or book a guided tour. To reach Vieques Island, travelers will also need to take a ferry from Ceiba, or take a short flight from San Juan. The cost of a rental car is approximately $40-$60 per day, depending on the type of car, and the ferry cost to Vieques is $2 per person each way.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider staying overnight in Vieques, or exploring more of San Juan, including the Bacardi Rum Factory, the Plaza de Armas, or the Condado Beach. If you have less time, skip the Arecibo Observatory or explore only one beach on Vieques.

Airports

The main airport of Puerto Rico is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) located in San Juan, approximately 10 miles from the city center.

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