A Week of Relaxation in San Juan, Puerto Rico

  • Day 1: Old San Juan
    35 minutes (12 miles) from the airport

    Begin your trip by exploring the charming cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, lined with colorful Spanish colonial buildings and historical landmarks like the famous El Morro fortress. Stop by Plaza de Armas, the lively central square, to grab a refreshing drink or snack from local vendors.

  • Day 2: Beach Day
    20 minutes (9 miles) from Old San Juan

    Fuel up for a day of relaxation at Isla Verde Beach, one of the most popular beaches in San Juan. Soak up the sun on soft sand and crystal clear waters, or rent a paddleboard or kayak for some fun on the waves.

  • Day 3: Museums and Gardens
    15 minutes (6 miles) from Isla Verde Beach

    Take a break from the sun and explore the many museums and gardens of Miramar. View contemporary art at the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico, stroll through the lush Botanical Gardens, or visit the Museum of History, Anthropology, and Art for a deeper understanding of Puerto Rican culture and heritage.

  • Day 4: Rainforest Adventure
    45 minutes (35 miles) from Miramar

    Embark on a tropical adventure through the El Yunque rainforest, the only rainforest in the United States National Forest System. Take a dip in natural pools like the famous La Mina Falls, hike through lush greenery on scenic trails, and look out for native wildlife like colorful parrots and coqui frogs.

  • Day 5: Culinary Delights
    25 minutes (11 miles) from El Yunque

    Experience the vibrant culinary scene in Santurce, known for its fusion of Puerto Rican and international cuisine. Indulge in fresh seafood dishes like ceviche and mofongo at the famous La Cueva del Mar, or try innovative cocktails and tapas at trendy spots like Jungle Bird and La Coctelera.

  • Day 6: Beach and Sunset
    30 minutes (14 miles) from Santurce

    End your trip with a relaxing day at Luquillo Beach, a beautiful crescent-shaped beach with calm waters and a backdrop of lush green hills. Enjoy water sports, local food from beachside vendors, and stunning views of the sunset over the ocean.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • El Morro (1-2 hours, $7 admission)
  • Isla Verde Beach (half day, free)
  • Museum of Art of Puerto Rico (2-3 hours, $10 admission)
  • El Yunque Rainforest (half day to full day, $5 admission)
  • La Cueva del Mar (1-2 hours, $18-20 per dish)
  • Luquillo Beach (half day, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $40-45 per person

Transportation

San Juan has many transportation options available to travelers, including taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services. Taxis from the airport to San Juan typically cost around $20-25 and take around 30-40 minutes, while ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may be slightly cheaper. To get around San Juan, it is recommended to take public transportation or rent a car, as parking can be difficult in tourist areas.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to one of the nearby islands like Vieques or Culebra, known for their stunning beaches and natural beauty. If you have less time, skip the visit to Miramar and spend an extra day exploring Old San Juan or the beaches.

Airports

The main airport in San Juan is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), located around 5 miles southeast of downtown San Juan. The airport is served by many major airlines from destinations around the world, and there are many transportation options available to get to your hotel from the airport.

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