7 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary (Pre-Planned By a Local) (2024)

👉 Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | How to Get Around | Itinerary Planning Tips | Get Printable Version

Planning a trip to Puerto Rico but don’t know what to see or where to go? Lucky for you, I’ve created the perfect 7-day Puerto Rico itinerary for your trip!

I’m a Puerto Rico local and I’ve crafted this 7-day guide with the best of my insight, so you can discover as much of Puerto Rico as possible in 7 days.

This action-packed itinerary takes you through some of my favorite places to stay in Puerto Rico and top Puerto Rico attractions. Of course, you can always customize it to your taste.

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

7 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary

🖨️Get a printable version of this itinerary

We put this entire itinerary on a handy Google Map with every place, hotel, site, and restaurant on this post nicely organized for you.

Plus, it links to this post so you’ll have it handy when you need it on the road. It’s basically a one-click vacation planner!

Tip: hit the star button next to the map title, and it’ll automatically save to your Google Maps.

You can also get a printable version of this itinerary here.

👉 Pro Tip – Before you start, make sure you have a rental car! It’s by far the best way to accomplish an itinerary this packed. There is a shortage of Puerto Rico rental cars, so search Discover Cars Puerto Rico to compare prices from all the island’s agencies.

Day 1 – Old San Juan

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Top Things to Do San Juan

Start your morning in San Juan by enjoying breakfast in Café Don Ruiz inside the Museum Las Americas, and don’t miss the chance to ask for a cup of delicious coffee.

After you’re done, cross the street tour El Morro fort early in the morning. After you visit El Morro, walk down Boulevard Street and visit La Vergüenza to enjoy a Piña Colada.

Pop over Fuerte San Cristobal, the largest fortification built by the Spanish empire in the New World and one of the best views of Old San Juan.

After you’ve finished with both forts, take Calle de Luna until you reach the San Juan Cathedral.

Continue to Plaza de Armas and reach Calle Fortaleza, where you’ll find all kinds of shops, restaurants, great spots for pictures, and La Fortaleza, the house of the governor. Stop at Café Manolin for a great local and cheap lunch.

After lunch, make a quick stop at Capilla del Cristo and take the small alley behind it to reach Calle de Tetuán where you can enjoy dessert at Señor Paleta.

Continue walking down to Paseo de La Princesa, where you can spend the afternoon walking and visiting famous landmarks like the Raices Fountain and San Juan’s Gate.

For the evening, head over to Condado and experience night kayaking in the Condado Lagoon, and enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants on Ashford Avenue.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: El Convento ($$$$, luxury, and great location) • Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel ($$$, centrally located) • CasaBlanca Hotel ($$, best budget)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: La Vergüenza ($$), Café Manolin ($)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: La Factoría ($$), La Taberna Lúpulo ($$)

Day 2 – Arecibo, Isabela, and Aguadilla

📍 Google Maps

Start your day by hopping in your car before 7:00 am. You’ll be driving west to Arecibo, where you can visit Cueva del Indio.

Finish your morning with a quick dip in La Poza del Obispo beach, from where you can see Arecibo’s Lighthouse.

Continue driving to Quebradillas, and stop for lunch at Carbon y Leña. After lunch, your next stop will be the Guajataca Tunnel, a historical route for the railway, and La Cara del Indio, a famous rock sculpture at the entrance of Isabela.

Continue your trip further west to check out the many things to do in Aguadilla. Wrap up your day soaking in Crash Boat Beach, one of the top beaches of Puerto Rico.

Or, if you’re more into surfing, hiking, and scenery, visit Surfer’s Beach for a great sunset. For dinner, head over to Aguadilla’s Food Truck Park.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Punta Borinquen Resort ($$$, near the beach) • Courtyard Aguadilla ($$$, swimming pool, one of the top places to stay in Aguadilla)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Carbon y Leña ($$), Aguadilla’s Food Truck Park ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Kukaramakara Bar & Grill ($$), Sal De Mar Restaurant & Rooftop Bar ($$)

Day 3 – Rincon and Cabo Rojo

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Top Beaches in Puerto Rico

Hop on your car early and drive to Rincon’s public plaza, to enjoy breakfast in Café 413. After breakfast, feel free to walk around the Rincon plaza and the small-town shops.

Head over to Punta Higueras Lighthouse, from where you can spot whales during the winter and spring seasons, and you can enjoy an amazing view of Domes Beach.

While Domes Beach is perfect for surfers, it can be dangerous for swimmers. For something more family-friendly, drive to Steps Beach instead.

You’ll find both great scenery and some natural pools safe for beach bumming. While you’re there, try reaching the steps on the beach and taking your Instagram photo.

Have lunch in The Beach House, and after getting some pictures of the view, get back on the road.

Continue driving south to Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge where you’ll find the Los Morillos Lighthouse and the Pink Salt Lakes (although these are yet to be restored after Hurricane Fiona).

Once in the Wildlife Refuge, you can take a deep dive in Playuela Beach. Finish your day dining with the famous roasted pig dish in Lechonera El Combate.

If you still have energy after sundown, hang out in the Boqueron neighborhood.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay in Rincon: Combate Beach Resort ($$$, near the beach) • BOHO Beach Club ($$, bar and pool)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: The Beach House ($$), Lechonera El Combate ($)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Sangre Boricua ($$), Balaju Sport Bar ($$)

Day 4 – Ponce

📍 Google Maps

Kickstart your morning by driving to Ponce to enjoy breakfast at CoffeeHouse. After breakfast, drive to Plaza Las Delicias and visit the Ponce Cathedral and Parque de Bombas, the oldest firehouse on the island.

Spend the rest of the morning walking the city and exploring the best things to do in Ponce.

In the afternoon, pop over to El Barril de la Mulata for a cheap Puerto Rican lunch. Later, drive to Castillo Serrallés Museum, which sports a Japanese garden and the famous Cruceta del Vigia, a viewpoint from where you can see all the south coast. Buy tickets here.

For dinner, visit La Guancha, where you’ll find a variety of food kiosks with traditional Puerto Rican foods you can enjoy with a view of the sea.

Go to sleep early as you will have to wake up at dawn on day 5.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Hilton Ponce Golf and Casino Resort ($$$, sports casino) • Boutique Hotel Bélgica ($$, great budget and location)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: El Barril de la Mulata ($), CoffeeHouse ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Asturias Lounge Bar ($$), Sabor y Rumba ($$)
• 👉 Pro Tip: Your next itinerary stop is Vieques. Instead of spending the night in Ponce, you can choose to drive to Ceiba and stay in a vacation rental close to the ferry terminal to catch the earliest ferry.

Day 5 – Culebra

📍 Google Maps | Top Day Trips from San Juan

Get up before dawn and drive east to Roosevelt Roads to catch the earliest ferry to Culebra.

After you arrive in Culebra, enjoy breakfast at Blac Flamingo Coffee. Drive to Flamenco Beach on the northwest coast, where you can relax for the rest of the morning and later enjoy a light lunch at the food kiosks on the beach.

After lunch, hike your way from Flamenco Beach to Carlos Rosario Beach to spend the afternoon snorkeling between breathtaking coral reefs in what’s considered one of the best beaches in Culebra.

For dinner, visit DomiRico Food Truck, and head over to Zoni Beach to enjoy the magic hour at this beautiful beach.

Besides stargazing, there isn’t much to do at Culebra during the night, so you can go to sleep early.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Club Seabourne Hotel ($$$, bar, and outdoor pool)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: DomiRico Flavor Food Truck ($$), Blac Flamingo Coffee ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Mamacita’s Restaurant and Bar ($$), Zaco’s Tacos ($$)

Day 6 – Vieques

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico

Drop off your rental car, and take the earliest flight from Culebra to Vieques. There used to be a ferry route between the offshore islands, but it’s no longer operating.

So, if you want to explore both Vieques and Culebra one after another, you’ll need to take a connecting flight, or go back to the mainland and catch a ferry from there to Vieques.

After arriving in Vieques and picking up your car rental, head over to Panaderia La Viequense to enjoy Puerto Rico’s traditional bread.

Continue your morning by visiting the El Fortín del Conde Mirasol and Mosquito Pier. After a quick visit, hop back in your car and drive to Playa Caracas (Red Beach) located in Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.

For lunch, drive north to Gracias, De Nada food truck for a great burger. Make sure to check their social media page to see if they’re open.

Spend the afternoon hiking and exploring the Wildlife Refuge. Don’t miss a visit to Puerto Ferro Lighthouse Ruins, where you’ll get the best views of Vieques.

If you still have free time before the night, head back to Playa La Chiva (Blue Beach) to do some snorkeling.

For dinner, visit Duffy’s Esperanza and before the night, take a tour from the Esperanza neighborhood to Mosquito Bio Bay and kayak on the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay.

Be sure to book a Mosquito Bay Kayak Tour in advance as they frequently sell out. Oh, and be sure to read my full list of the best things to do in Vieques to prepare!

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Bravo Beach Hotel ($$$, close to Ferry) • El Blok ($$$, close to the beach)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Duffy’s Esperanza ($$), Panaderia La Viequense ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: The Mar Azul ($$), El Sombrero Viejo ($$)
• 👉 Pro Tip: The ferries only allow resident’s cars onboard. You’ll need to leave your rental car at the ferry port and rent a new car, walk, bike, or take taxis on the offshore islands. You can book your ferry tickets ahead of time here.

Day 7 – Fajardo, Luquillo, and El Yunque

📍 Google Maps

Wake up early, and after dropping off your car, take the first ferry back to Ceiba.

From Ceiba, drive up the east coast to Fajardo and grab breakfast at Dulce Aroma.

Continue your trip to the Seven Seas Beach on the north coast and take a morning dive in the blue turquoise water.

For lunch, get back in your car and drive to the Luquillo Kiosks, to enjoy local food right in front of the sea.

After eating, continue driving to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States. Reservations are no longer necessary, but you might find a waiting line during the high season.

Spend the afternoon hiking the different trails of El Yunque. Don’t end your visit without taking a dip in Juan Diego Falls, or climbing the Yokahu Tower, for an amazing view of the coast.

After visiting El Yunque, start driving back to San Juan, but make a stop at Piñones to enjoy the last dinner in Puerto Rico.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort ($$$$, golf course, and private beach) • St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort Puerto Rico ($$$$, luxury, and privacy)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Dulce Aroma ($), Luquillo Kiosks ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Boardrider’s Surf Bar and Grill ($$), Brew!!! Taller Experimental ($$)

How to Get Around in Puerto Rico

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We love using Discover Cars for finding car rentals whether in Puerto Rico or elsewhere. They make it easy to compare and contrast the vehicles so you always get the best price.

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In Puerto Rico, public transportation is poor. While it might work to move around San Juan, buses run mostly in the metropolitan region.

Fortunately, driving around Puerto Rico is easy and straightforward. Taking a road trip in Puerto Rico is easy. Visitors should rent a car to maximize their time and to move around freely.

If you don’t know where to look, use Discover Cars Puerto Rico to compare prices and find the best deal for your rental car.

If you’re planning to visit Vieques and Culebra, you’ll need to take a ferry and rent a different car on each island, as ferries are transporting only cars from residents.

Visitors staying in Old San Juan can walk around or rent scooters.

Read my full guide to getting around Puerto Rico for a breakdown of all your transportation options.

Itinerary Planning Tips

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Tip #1 – Arrive the Night Before

If you’re only staying 7 days on the island, try to arrive either the night before those seven days start or during dawn, so you don’t lose time on your first day.

Tip #2 – Choose the Best Airport

While Luis Muñoz Marin (SJU) is Puerto Rico’s main airport, it isn’t the only one. There are two additional Puerto Rico commercial airports in Aguadilla and Ponce.

If you’re more interested in exploring the island’s west side, you can look for a flight directly to Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla.

If the south coast is your final destination, fly into the Mercedita International Airport (PSE). You can also take a connecting flight directly to Vieques or Culebra.

Tip #3 – Take a Walking Tour

You could spend a whole week in San Juan alone. If you don’t want to miss anything important, but still want to save time, take a walking tour around Old San Juan.

You’ll do a lot of sightseeing and learn about the history in a short time. Check out our picks of the best tours you can do in Puerto Rico so you don’t have to tour on your own.

Tip #4 – Tweak My Itinerary As You Need

Like with every itinerary, you need to modify my pre-planned Puerto Rico itinerary to your needs.

A good Puerto Rico tip, if you want to enjoy the best of the island, is to switch historical landmarks for beaches or day activities for night activities according to your taste.

You can also eliminate stops to slow down your trip. The end goal is to make sure the itinerary adjusts to you and not the other way around!

Tip #5 – Know What to Pack

This itinerary moves around Puerto Rico pretty rapidly, so you’ll need to have your bags properly packed and prepared to maximize every minute of your trip.

I’ve got an entire post on what to pack for Puerto Rico with a checklist of exactly what you need to bring.

Tip #6 – Consider The Dates and Connections

While this itinerary places Vieques and Culebra one day after another, it’s true traveling between the islands has become more challenging in the past year.

Ferries between Vieques and Culebra stopped running. As a result, you have to go back to Ceiba and catch a ferry or a plane to the other island.

Flying directly between the islands is also an option. As of February 2024, flights with Vieques Air Link run only on the weekends, but you’ll also find private air taxis that connect between the islands.

You could also take a day trip boat tour to Culebra from Fajardo or place one of the islands at the beginning of your trip and fly direct from San Juan.

FAQs About Creating a Puerto Rico Itinerary

How many days do I need in Puerto Rico?

In general, travelers visiting Puerto Rico need from 7 to 10 days to cover the main attractions of the island during their trip, but longer times like two weeks are better to cover the coast, the central area of Puerto Rico, the surrounding islands, and cays.

How can I spend 7 days in Puerto Rico?

Visitors can spend 7 days in Puerto Rico visiting main landmarks and beaches around the island including El Morro, Castillo San Cristobal, Condado, Parque de Bombas, Piñones, El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, and the Mosquito Bio Bay in Vieques.

Is 5 days enough for Puerto Rico?

Five days to visit Puerto Rico is enough to cover some of the main attractions of Puerto Rico including Old San Juan, Condado, Isla Verde, El Yunque, Vieques, and Culebra but, visitors wouldn’t get the chance to visit places where they can experience the Puerto Rican culture outside the tourist zone.

What should I do on my first day in Puerto Rico?

During your first day in Puerto Rico, explore Old San Juan so you get familiarized with the culture, climate, and the way of driving in Puerto Rico, before heading anywhere else. If travelers are staying closer to Isla Verde, then they can visit the Piñones and Isla Verde Beach. Consult our fulllist of what to dofor more ideas.

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🖨️ Get the Printable Version of this Itinerary!

Now that your 7-day Puerto Rico itinerary is ready, you don’t need to worry about anything but making your bags! But, if you want to tweak your itinerary, check out the top activities you can do on the island so that you can add other destinations to your trip.