San Juan Puerto Rico 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Old San Juan

  • Accommodation: Stay at the El Convento Hotel, a historic property in the heart of Old San Juan.
  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Puerto Rican breakfast at Santaella, offering dishes like MALLORCA (sweet bread) and Tostones con Crema y Salmon (fried green plantains with cream cheese and smoked salmon).
  • Activities:
    • Explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan. Visit El Morro Castle, a historic Spanish fortress dating back to the 16th century.
    • Walk along the blue Paseo de la Princesa, a beautiful promenade with historic architecture and lush greenery.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Jose Enrique, a local favorite serving innovative Caribbean cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the San Juan Cathedral, the oldest church in Puerto Rico, and wander through the charming streets of Santurce.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Metropol Restaurant, known for its fusion dishes with a stunning view of Old San Juan.
  • Evening: Relax at La Factoria, one of San Juan’s most famous bars, offering an extensive selection of rum drinks and live music.

Day 2: Isla Verde & Luquillo

  • Transportation: Rent a car to explore the northern coast.
  • Activities:
    • Spend the morning at Luquillo Beach, one of Puerto Rico’s most popular beaches with calm waters and food kiosks.
    • Visit El Yunque National Forest, home to the Caribbean’s only tropical rainforest. Hike the La Mina Trail to see La Cascada (the waterfall).
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Kiosko La Paterna in Luquillo, offering delicious Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo and arroz con gandules.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Bioluminescent Bay (Fajardo) for an unforgettable nighttime kayak tour under the glowing bay.
  • Dinner: Dine at Casa Vieja in Fajardo, known for its fresh seafood and Caribbean ambiance.

Day 3: Day Trip to Culebra & Flamenco Beach

  • Transportation: Take a ferry or boat tour from Fajardo to Culebra Island, home to Flamenco Beach.
  • Activities:
    • Spend the day at stunning Flamenco Beach, one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches.
    • Snorkel in the clear waters, exploring the vibrant marine life around Culebrita Island.
  • Lunch & Dinner: Bring your own food and drinks for a beach picnic, or dine at Playa Tamarindo Restaurant in Culebra.

Day 4: Explore Santurce

  • Activities:
    • Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR) to learn about Puerto Rican art and culture.
    • Walk through Plaza de las Armas, the heart of Santurce, and visit the vibrant Calle Loíza Street for street art and local boutiques.
  • Lunch: Dine at Omar & Co., a modern Mexican restaurant in Santurce with creative dishes and an impressive tequila selection.
  • Afternoon: Relax at Balneario de Carolina, a public beach with calm waters and beautiful views of the San Juan Bay.
  • Dinner: Savor Puerto Rican fusion cuisine at Marmalade, located in Santurce’s bustling food truck plaza.
  • Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Santurce at Club 77 or La Factoria, known for its lively atmosphere and extensive drink menus.

Day 5: Departure

  • Breakfast: Enjoy your final Puerto Rican breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
  • Transportation: Head to the airport for your departure flight.