How to Spend a Week in Puerto Rico

Last Updated on August 18, 2021 by Ale

Spending a week in Puerto Rico is simply a dream! From beautiful beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls and a city full of charm, the island has it all. Planning a weeklong trip can be daunting, but follow this 7 day Puerto Rico itinerary and you’ll see some of the most beautiful sights the island has to offer. 

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Below you’ll find a day-by-day itinerary for your 7 days in Puerto Rico, as well as recommendations on where to stay, what to pack and much more.

As always, feel free to customize this Puerto Rico trip itinerary to suit your travel schedule and preferences. 

For example, if you love to explore cities, spend more time in San Juan. If nature is more your jam, allocate your time to the beaches and waterfalls! 

Where to Stay in Puerto Rico

There’s no shortage of places to stay in Puerto Rico, but perhaps the most central is staying in and around San Juan. 

There’s several neighborhoods you’ll want to consider around San Juan, including Isla Verde, Condado and Old San Juan itself. All of these are no more than 10-20 minutes from the airport.  Here are some recommendations: 

• In Isla Verde, stay at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel. Why? This luxe property sits right on Isla Verde Beach (one of my favorites), has easy access to nightlife, dining, and has beautiful grounds. 
• In Condado, the Caribe Hilton Hotel is iconic. There’s 9 restaurants onsite, 17 acres to explore, and beachfront views. You won’t have a shortage of things to do. It’s a splurge, but a worth it one. On a budget? Consider Casa Isabel B&B, or the Holiday Inn. 
• In Old San Juan, you have to stay at Hotel El Convento. This is a former convent that’s been restored and the architecture is stunning. Plus, you just can’t beat the location. 

If you’d like to stay somewhere more remote, consider the Hyatt Regency in Rio Grande (this is where we spent most of our vacation). The hotel is beautiful, but the service is just a tad underwhelming for the price. 

For those of you who prefer homes to hotels, this super cute bungalow is affordable and will put you walking distance to the beach. 

Traveling with a large group? This stunning beach house is conveniently located and sleeps up to 12 people! 

A Week in Puerto Rico Itinerary 

Ready to start planning your day-by-day Puerto Rico trip? Let’s go!

Day 1 – Arrive and Start Exploring 

Puerto Rico is an easy, short flight from most cities on the east coast. Your one week in Puerto Rico starts when you land in the San Juan Airport (SJU). 

This airport is conveniently located; it’s only about a 15-20 minute drive to Old San Juan, most hotels, and gorgeous beaches. 

Day 1 of the itinerary obviously depends on how early (or late!) you arrive in Puerto Rico. If you have an early flight, drop off your bags at your hotel or rental home and start getting to know the island. 

We spent our first night in Isla Verde, which put us walking distance to Hotties Bar & Restaurant (which we loved for drinks!) Get the classic Puerto Rican mofongo and a drink (or two!) to start off your time on the island. 

Other local suggestions in Isla Verde: Alambique Beach Lounge, Mi Casita Restaurant, and Barbacoa Puerto Rico. 

If you have time to explore after getting something to eat, hit the beach. There’s many small beaches all around San Juan. Isla Verde Beach was one of my favorites, especially since there’s a hidden swing (a local secret!) you can find if you explore enough. 

In Condado, check out Playita del Condado or Condado Beach. I didn’t find any direct beach access in Old San Juan, but you’ll be close to the water pretty much anywhere here. 

Do keep in mind that the beaches on the northern side of Puerto Rico face the Atlantic, so the waves tend to be rougher. 

If you have more energy and time after hitting the beach, you can always explore Puerto Rico’s nightlife. There’s rooftop bars in Condado, and other lively bars in Old San Juan. 

• La Factoria – Old San Juan
• La Vergüenza – Old San Juan 
• El Bar Bero – Condado / Ocean Park
• Mist Rooftop Bar & Grill – Condado 

Landing on a weekend? Check out the Placita de Santurce for a vibrant outdoor market in the artsy Santurce neighborhood complete with live music.

Day 2 – Explore Old San Juan 

When you visit Puerto Rico for the first time you need to spend at least one day exploring Old San Juan (or Viejo San Juan, in Spanish). This historic area of the city dates back to the early 1500’s when the Spanish first started colonizing the island. 

Here’s a Tip: Plan to spend your first night or two in Old San Juan so you can pop back into your hotel when you need a break from the city. Hotel El Convento is stunning and worth every penny. 

There’s a ton of things to do and see in Old San Juan, which you’ll mostly be exploring by foot, so bring some good walking shoes! 

Consider booking a walking tour of Old San Juan to ensure you don’t miss any of the best attractions! 

Start your day by exploring the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (or El Morro, for short.) This huge fortification has protected the city for hundreds of years and overlooks the San Juan bay.

There’s a reason this is a must-stop on every “what to do in Puerto Rico” list around – it’s a great place to learn about the island’s history, get gorgeous water views, and marvel at this feat of architecture. 

End your time at the fort by doing the Paseo del Morro with the city walls on your left and the water on your right.

Eventually, this path will take you to the original city doors and to two of my favorite streets in San Juan: Caleta de San Juan and Caleta de las Monjas. Admire picturesque Spanish architecture as you walk along either of these tree-lined streets. 

Your next destination? The home of the Piña colada, Barrachina, for lunch and drinks. Keep in mind that there’s often a wait at Barrachina, but the drinks are worth it! 

While you wait, or after lunch, take a short walk to the following nearby attractions:

• Umbrella Street 
• Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud 
• La Casa Estrecha 
• La Fortaleza 

If you’re still up for more after Barrachina, you have two options (you can do both if you’re making good time, but I recommend doing one and leaving the other for a different day!)

1. Make the 15 minute walk across Old San Juan to Castillo San Cristobal 
2. Take a leisurely stroll along Paseo de la Princesa

Paseo de la Princesa is closer, and is a stunning, shady walk with several little plazas where you can stop and take in the views. We did this on a different day where we had more time for a leisurely stroll. 

Castillo San Cristobal is another historic fort, similar to El Morro and also worth visiting. The best part about doing the walk here? Seeing more of Old San Juan’s beautiful architecture. 

Your feet will be tired after a full day walking around San Juan in the sun – it’s perfectly ok to call it quits early and go hang out at your hotel (I did!)

Even if you only spend one day here, Old San Juan is a city steeped in history and beauty, making this a must have on a Puerto Rico 7 day itinerary. 

Tips for the Best Day

• Good walking shoes are essential when exploring San Juan, so make sure you bring a pair. 
• While you don’t need a car to explore San Juan, if you have one, park at one of several pay lots. I left my car at both the Ballaja and La Puntilla Parking lot and explored the city on foot from there. It was much easier than trying to find street parking or navigate the narrow streets. 
• Puerto Rico gets HOT and SUNNY. You need plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and lots of water. 
• I carried a small backpack with me when exploring San Juan and it made my life so much easier. It’s a convenient way to carry extra water, your sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and anything else you need. 
• Bonus tip: if you’re not staying in Old San Juan, consider bringing a change of clothes in your backpack to change into if you start to feel sweaty and gross. 

Day 3 – Old San Juan / Santurce Street Art 

Day 3 of this Puerto Rico itinerary will have you continuing to explore whatever you missed in Old San Juan the previous day, as well as including a little detour to see some incredible street art in Santurce. 

In Old San Juan, if you haven’t seen Castillo San Cristobal or Paseo de La Princesa, today’s the day to see either (or both!)

At the beginning of Paseo de la Princesa, there’s a cute little park and playground with a gorgeous fountain. Map yourself to Fuente de la Herencia de las Américas, you’ll find it in the same gated area. 

As you continue along the Paseo de la Princesa, make sure you stop at the Raices Fountain – a beautiful water feature that represents Puerto Rico’s heritage, and commemorates 500 years since the arrival of Spanish colonizers. 

The Camino de la Princesa ends at the red city doors. Here you’ll take a left where you’ll first encounter La Rogativa, an iconic bronze sculpture that commemorates the procession that scared British invaders away in the late 1700’s according to legend. 

 Continuing along, you’ll see the Casa Rosa, a gorgeous pink house dating back to the early 1800’s with lots of shady fruit trees in its grounds. 

Nearby, you’ll also find the Casa Blanca Museum – a historic house built in the 1500’s for Ponce de Leon. While he died before the house was built, his family occupied it for the next couple of centuries.

Nowadays, the house has been converted into a museum that’s open to the public. 

Other things to see in Old San Juan: 

• Catedral de San Juan Bautista 
• Hotel El Convento 
• Puerto Rico Door 

After exploring Old San Juan, head over to Santurce to see the local street art scene. The neighborhood of Santurce is only a few miles outside of Old San Juan, but you’ll want to drive or get an Uber out here. 

There’s street art throughout the neighborhood, but a good chunk of art is concentrated on Calle Cerra. 

This area of Santurce is home to the Santurce es Ley street art festival which brings both local and international artists who utilize the neighborhood’s buildings as their blank canvases. 

The art here is truly incredible, with huge murals adding color and helping to revitalize the neighborhood. 

To start, get to El Patio de Sole, a beautiful restaurant that’s run out of the owner’s family home. The outside of the restaurant is covered in stunning artwork, with a bohemian vibe continuing inside. 

Note: parking in Santurce can be difficult, so you may want to  just take an Uber. 

Get a batido (smoothie) at El Patio de Sole and start exploring Calle Cerra and the nearby streets to see and photograph the art. 

At night, you might want to explore La Placita de Santurce, a lively outdoor market with food, live music, and plenty of locals. 

Optional: take a salsa dancing class! You’re in the Caribbean, why not learn to dance like the locals before you hit the nightlife scene?

Day 4 – Explore El Yunque + Luquillo

Day 4 of your 1 week in Puerto Rico is an adventure unlike any other – you’ll be exploring El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the entire United States. 

Located about a 40 minute drive from San Juan, El Yunque will give you your pick of gorgeous waterfalls, lush hiking trails, and stunning views all around. 

The two main ways to explore El Yunque are 1.) on your own, or 2. with a local tour. 

If you’re exploring on your own, you’ll want to stop at Juan Diego Falls, La Mina Falls, and hike the Mt. Britton Trail at a minimum. Ziplining through the rainforest is also super popular – plan to book in advance before your trip!

Note: As of summer 2021, you still need reservations to get into El Yunque. The cost is $2 per private vehicle, and reservations can be made online. 

Pack plenty of snacks, and stop for breakfast before you get to El Yunque. Puertorrican Bakery has yummy (and super affordable) breakfast sandwiches, while Degree 18 has delicious acai bowls and fresh juices. 

After you explore El Yunque, stop at los Kioskos de Luquillo – a series of kiosks serving up plenty of Puerto Rican fare. Try the mofongo at Rellena’o (#40) and splurge on the paella at La Parrilla Restaurant. 

After you grab some food, head over to Luquillo Beach, it was absolutely the prettiest beach we visited our entire time in Puerto Rico. There’s a parking lot next to the kiosks with a guard station, you’ll need to pay $4 (cash only) for parking and then walk to the sand from there. The beach has lifeguards, a snack stand, and calm, crystal clear water perfect for everyone. 

If you have more energy after this full day, book a night kayaking tour in the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo. 

Know Before You Go

• You’ll want to pack water shoes for El Yunque – the waterfalls are rocky and everything gets super slippery. 
• Rain is common in El Yunque year-round, so consider packing a rain jacket for your trip.
• La Mina Falls and Big Trees Trail are closed for construction until 2022. 
• The fastest way to El Yunque from San Juan involves a cashless toll road. Ask your rental car company how they handle tolls, or remember to use the “avoid tolls” setting on google maps. 

Day 5 – Hit the Road and Go Beach Hopping

Puerto Rico has amazing beaches, and today you’ll be taking advantage of all their gorgeous natural beauty!

In Day 5 of this Puerto Rico blog post we’ll hit the road to go to the remote and rugged southwestern coastline of Puerto Rico. 

Wake up bright and early to make the 2.5 hour drive to Playa Sucia, a gorgeous beach with turquoise waters and views of a nearby lighthouse. 

We really loved this beach. It’s remote locations gives it a very locals-only vibe, it wasn’t crowded at all, and there were shady coves among the trees to hang out in. Plus, you can do a short hike to Faro los Morillos and see stunning cliffside views. 

Note: getting here can be difficult, the last bit of the drive is on a dirt road full of potholes – definitely a bit sketchy! 

Continue your beach hopping by hitting up Playa el Combate or Playa Buye. We didn’t have enough time to do both, and chose to spend the afternoon at Playa Buye, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. 

This beautiful, small beach had some of the most crystal clear water around. Note that this spot is super popular with locals, so avoid visiting on weekends and Mondays. If you come on those days, get here early! Parking is VERY limited. 

Food can be a bit more limited on this side of the island, but we stopped at El Pirata in Boqueron and the food was AMAZING. 

If you have a rental car, you can 100% do this on your own (we did!) But to see this side of the island without having to worry about the driving, book a tour with a local guide. 

Other Things to do Nearby: 

• Near Playa Sucia, check out Faro Los Morillos and walk to Puente de Piedra, a gorgeous natural bridge over the water. 
• On sunny days, stop at Las Salinas de Cabo Rojo where you can see gorgeous pink water. We couldn’t find easy parking to stop here, but were able to see some of the pink water from the road. 
• In Boqueron, stop at Muelle de la Libertad, a beautiful spot for a sunset photo. 
• La Parguera offers up yet another bioluminescent area for kayaking off-the-beaten-path. 

Day 6 – Cueva Ventana & Gozalandia 

On your 6th day in Puerto Rico you’re in for a boatload of fun! I’ve saved two of my favorite things on the island for this Day 6 of this Puerto Rico itinerary (one week). 

Cueva Ventana, or “window cave” is a natural cave located about an hour away from San Juan. Its name comes from the large, window-like opening at the end of the cave that gives you stunning views of the Puerto Rican jungle, river and mountains. 

You can only explore the cave on a guided tour with a staff biologist, but it’s worth it. You’ll learn about the history of the caves, the animals that call it home, and of course end with amazing views. 

I cannot recommend Cueva Ventana enough, it’s absolutely marvelous. Reserve your tickets in advance (they do sell out!) directly with Cueva Ventana, or book a guided tour that includes transportation from San Juan. 

Know Before You Go for Cueva Ventana:

• Make sure you wear closed-toe shoes. You’ll be walking through uneven terrain in the dark. 
• Plan for a 45 minute walk, minimum. It’s not difficult, but there are sections with stairs that may leave you a bit breathless. 
• Bring water, or buy it there. When we went, the guide had water for sale (cash only). 

After leaving Cueva Ventana, drive another hour west – you’ll be heading to two waterfalls collectively known as Gozalandia, located on private land. 

Psst! You can take a combined tour of Cueva Ventana and Gozalandia! 

The waterfalls are stunning. The upper falls require a five (5) minute walk uphill, but you’re rewarded with beautiful views and perfectly cool water for your efforts. There’s a rope for you to swing into the water, and it’s a ton of fun. 

When you’re done with the upper falls, walk down to the lower falls, passing gorgeous streams (feel free to go for a dip when you find a clearing to the water, we did!)

The lower falls require you to walk down some steep wooden stairs, but again, the view when you arrive is spectacular. The water is beautifully cool and you feel almost like you’re in a grotto. We even saw fish swimming in the shallows! 

Know Before You Go for Gozalandia 

• This is a private property, you’ll need to pay $10 (cash only) for parking. 
• Bring water shoes! The waterfalls are rocky, slippery and muddy in places, so come prepared. 
• No coolers are allowed – there’s a restaurant on-site if you’d like to get food. 
• Rain is common! It started drizzling while we were here, which only added to the beauty of the afternoon. 

Day 7 – Leaving Puerto Rico

Honestly, the worst part of my trip to Puerto Rico was leaving. There’s so many things to do in this beautiful island I definitely wasn’t ready to go home by the end of it. By now, I definitely wasn’t asking myself “what is there to do in Puerto Rico in 7 days?” I experienced it! 

Depending on when your flight leaves and where you’re staying, spend your last day in Puerto Rico winding down and getting in some final views of the places you fell in love with. For us, that meant going down to Playa Isla Verde and taking in the views from a beachfront swing. 

Activities to Plan with More Time in Puerto Rico

If you’re lucky enough to have a bit more time to spend in Puerto Rico, here are some more activities you can enjoy. 

Take a Boat Out to Culebra or Vieques for a Daytrip

This was high on my list of things to do in Puerto Rico but I ended up running out of time. Vieques and Culebra are small islands off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, each offering up something special. 

Culebra is known for its world-class white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, perfect for snorkeling. The most famous beach in Culebra is Playa Flamenco – if you’ve seen an instagram shot of Puerto Rico, chances are you’ve seen Playa Flamenco. 

To get here you can take the ferry, fly, or book a private tour. I’d recommend the tour option so you don’t have to deal with the ferry (it’s notorious for delays) or with renting a car on the island. This tour comes with great reviews, and includes food + drinks! 

Another day trip option is to visit Vieques. This island is larger than Culebra, but also offers stunning beaches and great snorkeling (including sea turtles!) 

Vieques is best known for its bioluminescence at Mosquito Bay. While you can book a kayaking tour, you’d need to spend the night in Vieques to do so. For a day trip, I recommend booking a snorkeling tour that will take you to the best areas in Vieques. 

You can access Vieques via ferry, plane, or private tour. 

Visit a Deserted Island 

Did you know that there’s deserted islands off the coast of Puerto Rico you can visit? It’s true! The most famous of these is probably Cayo Icacos, with plenty of boats making the trek out to this beautiful, small deserted island.

This is the perfect place to go snorkeling, relax, and spend a lazy day on white sand beaches. The only way to get here is via water taxi or with a catamaran tour.  

Take a Rum Tour 

For those 21+, Casa Bacardi opens its doors for rum tasting and mixology classes. Located right across the bay from San Juan, this is a great option if you’re traveling with adults 21+ and are staying around San Juan. Start planning your visit here. 

What to Pack for 7 Days in Puerto Rico 

When packing for Puerto Rico you need to remember that the island tends to be hot, humid and sunny (think like you’re packing for Hawaii). 

Breathable fabrics are the name of the game here, and of course, plenty of swimsuits. Here’s a list of things you absolutely need when packing for a week in Puerto Rico. 

• Sundresses (3-4): I live in dresses, and Puerto Rico was no exception. Look for breathable fabrics. 
• Flip flops (1): my absolute favorite are rainbows, worth every penny. But these ones are a good budget option. 
• Water shoes (1): one of the best things I packed, period. You need them if you’re exploring waterfalls, and they’re great for El Yunque. 
• Sunhat: you only need one cute one (unless you’re me and lose yours halfway through the trip!)
• Swimsuits (3-4): this one is super flattering, this one is adorable, and this one will make you look like a million bucks! 
• Shorts + T-shirts (2-3): look for breathable fabrics (linen is great). Look for neutrals you can mix and match. 
• Sunglasses: a cheap (but cute!) pair is all you need. 
• Lightweight towel: I LOVE these towels. I used them on the plane as a blanket, at the beach and at the waterfalls. They dried super quickly and were perfect for the trip. 
• Dry bag: I wasn’t sure I’d need a dry bag but I’m so glad I brought one! I have this one – it fits my camera, towel and a change of clothes and was perfect for when I wanted to wade into the waterfalls with my camera. 
• Cell phone protector: so you can take pictures in the water and not ruin your phone. This one is an affordable option. 
• Socks, underwear, bras: I always pack more than I think I’ll need! 
• Toiletries (sunscreen, deodorant, toothpaste, floss, face wash, toothbrush, lip balm, razor, lotion, Diva Cup, etc.)

Save This for Later!

Planning a week-long trip to Puerto Rico? Don’t forget to save this post for later so you can reference it as you plan your trip!

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