Stroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and explore the colorful colonial-era buildings. Highlights include the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Plaza de Armas, and the colorful umbrellas at Umbrella Street. End the day with sunset views from the Paseo de la Princesa promenade.
Soak up some sun and sand at Luquillo Beach, a crescent-shaped stretch of sand lined with coconut palms. Take a dip in the calm turquoise waters, rent chairs and umbrellas, and grab some snacks from the kiosks lining the beach.
Get up close with nature at the El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. Hike to waterfalls like La Mina Falls, take in the views from the Yokahu Tower, and keep an eye out for tropical wildlife like the colorful Puerto Rican parrot.
Experience the magical glow of bioluminescent plankton at the Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo. Paddle a kayak through the clear waters of the lagoon, and watch as your movements light up the water.
Discover the wonders of outer space at the Arecibo Observatory, the largest single-dish radio telescope in the world. Take a guided tour of the observatory and learn about its fascinating history and scientific discoveries.
To make the most of your time in Puerto Rico, it's recommended to rent a car. A car rental for 5 days typically costs around $200. Having a car provides the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace and eliminates the need to rely on public transportation or taxis. The roads can be windy and narrow, so be cautious and take your time.
If you have more time, consider visiting the charming town of Ponce or taking a day trip to the nearby island of Culebra for some world-class snorkeling. If you have less time, consider skipping the Arecibo Observatory or the Bioluminescent Bay, as both require a bit of driving time.
The main airport in Puerto Rico is the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) located in San Juan, about 5 miles from the city center. Other airports in Puerto Rico include the Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla on the west coast, the Mercedita Airport (PSE) in Ponce on the south coast, and the Antonio Rivera Rodriguez Airport (VQS) on the island of Vieques.