Puerto Rico 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring San Juan

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Puerto Rican breakfast at one of the local cafes in Old San Juan. Try Mallorca (sweet bread) or Tostones con Salsita (fried green plantains with garlic sauce).
    • Old San Juan: Spend the morning exploring the colorful streets of Old San Juan. Visit the historic forts of El Morro and San Cristobal, and stroll through the blue-walled city.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant in Santurce, known for its vibrant art scene. Don’t miss out on Arroz con Gandules (rice with pigeon peas), a popular dish in Puerto Rico.
    • Art Walk: Take a self-guided Art Walk in Santurce’s Calle Loíza district to see some of the best contemporary art galleries and street art in the Caribbean.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at one of the many trendy restaurants in Santurce. Try Mofongo (mashed plantains with seafood or meat), a local favorite.
    • Bacardi Factory Tour: End your day with a visit to the Bacardi Rum factory for a tour and tasting. Book in advance as tours fill up quickly.

Day 2: Nature and Relaxation

  • Morning:

    • El Yunque National Forest: Spend the morning hiking through El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Don’t forget to visit La Mina Falls at the end of the trail.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch: Have a packed lunch or stop by one of the local restaurants near El Yunque for a quick meal.
    • Luquillo Beach: Relax on the beautiful Luquillo Beach in the afternoon. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and try some fresh seafood from the beach shacks.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Have dinner at one of the restaurants near Luquillo Beach or head back to San Juan for a farewell meal.
    • Bioluminescent Bay: If your trip coincides with a new moon, take a night tour to see the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo. It’s one of the best places in the world to see this natural phenomenon.

Things to Know:

  • Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to visit. Other nationalities should check visa requirements.
  • The official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
  • The currency used is the U.S. Dollar.
  • Tap water in Puerto Rico is safe to drink.
  • Tip 10-15% in restaurants and for taxi services.

Transportation:

  • San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the main gateway to Puerto Rico.
  • Renting a car is the best way to get around the island, but public transportation is also available. Uber and local taxis are widely used in San Juan and the major towns.