So, you’re planning on visiting Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. Featuring soft sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and Spanish colonial architecture, the US archipelago is a marvelous destination and you’re lucky to be able to go there.
You’ve found the best guide if you’re looking for ideas on what to do during your vacation in Puerto Rico. There’s something for everyone here, whether you want to explore the historic fortresses of Old San Juan or spend an afternoon riding ATVs in the jungle.
I’ll tell you about all the best historic landmarks and natural attractions, but also fun and thrilling activities like skydiving and flyboarding. And, of course, I’ll cover some of Puerto Rico’s best beaches because who doesn’t want to spend at least one day soaking in the sun in this magical place?
Puerto Rico is the island of superlatives. It’s home to the longest zipline in the US, the largest rum distillery in the world, and the third-largest underground cave system on the planet. You can explore all of those – and much more – during your trip to the archipelago, so join me as I guide you through all the best things to do in Puerto Rico!
Best Of Puerto Rico Quick Guide
Must See: El Morro, Castillo San Cristobal, Old San Juan, Camuy River Cave Park, Crash Boat Beach, Liquillo Beach Where To Stay: Fortaleza Guest House, Boutique Hotel Belgica, Condado Vanderbilt Hotel Fun To Do: Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park, Skydiving, Casa Bacardi Distillery, Caja de Muertos Island Day Trips: El Yunque National Park, Ponce, Cayo Icasos, Taína Route, Cabo Rojo Must-Try Foods: Pasteles, Bacalaitos, Pernil, Tostones, Alcapurrias
Best Things To Do In Puerto Rico
It’s only about three hours from the east coast of Puerto Rico to the west coast, so you can explore most of the main island’s attractions regardless of where you decide to stay. This guide includes all the best attractions and tours on the main island but also everything worth seeing on the smaller islands in the archipelago.
1. Walking Tour of Old San Juan
San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, as well as one of the oldest European-established cities in the Americas. It was founded in 1521 by Spanish colonists, and the city has plenty of landmarks that recount its rich history. Old San Juan is the oldest part of the city and the best one for historic tours. You cannot explore Puerto Rico and leave out San Juan.
San Juan Cathedral is one of the city’s highlights. It’s the second-oldest church in the Americas and holds the tomb of San Juan’s founder, Ponce de Leon. Calle de la Fortaleza is the city’s most notable street, known for pastel buildings and ornate decorations. It’s lined with shops and restaurants and serves as a great starting point for a thorough exploration of San Juan.
Other notable landmarks in the old town are Plaza Colón, Casa Blanca, Puerta de San Juan, the Walkway of the Presidents, and Plaza del Quinto Centenario. And then there are the castles, but I’ll tell you more about them later because they’re too good to be squeezed into a quick walking tour of San Juan.
Practical Information: Walking tours of Old San Juan take 2-4 hours on average.
2. Visit Castillo San Cristobal
Castillo San Cristóbal is one of two historic castles in San Juan. Constructed in the mid-18th century to protect the city from land attacks, it is the largest of all Spanish-built fortresses in the Americas.
The fort is a part of the San Juan National Historic Site, which has been under UNESCO protection since 1983. Visitors can explore the site on their own or opt for guided tours. When you first enter the fortress, you can watch a brief documentary that recounts its history, and then you’re free to explore the grounds however you like.
Walk along the fort walls to experience some lovely panoramic views. By far, the best vista is from Caballero de San Miguel, which is the highest point of the entire complex. See the underground cisterns, walk through the castle tunnels, and check out the exhibit with military clothing and troop barracks.
Practical Information: The admission fee for Castillo San Cristobal is $10, and it includes access to Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro within 24 hours.
3. Ride Go-Karts And ATVs At Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park
Puerto Rico is an excellent destination for a vacation filled with fun and adventure. Head to Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park if you want to spend a day riding zip lines, ATVs, go-karts, and mountain biking through the forest.
Most adventures take place in the foothills of the El Yunque Rainforest, except for the zip-line rides, which are much closer to the park grounds. Even horseback riding is available here, and it’s loads of fun. If you enjoy being outdoors and you’re always in the mood for a new adrenaline rush, a trip to this adventure park is exactly what you need in Puerto Rico.
Practical Information: Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park is open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.
4. Natural Swimming Pool at Charco Azul
Charco Azul is Puerto Rico’s natural swimming pool, situated approximately an hour from San Juan. Come here to marvel at the lush greenery and swim in the serene river pools. Jump into the water from the tall cliffs and swim into the caves – if that sounds fun, you’ll have a great time at Charco Azul.
However, getting to Charco Azul is an adventure in itself. You can only get so far in a car and must hike uphill for the final stretch to the area. It’s recommended to park your car at supervised parking lots for the safest experience.
Practical Information: Access to Charco Azul is free of charge. There’s a $3 parking fee at the supervised lot.
5. Hike To The Top of Cerro El Rodadero
Cerro El Rodadero is a grassy mountain summit northwest of Ponce. Rising to an elevation of 2,864 feet above sea level, it’s one of the taller summits on the island. Hiking trails lead to the top of the mountain, where you can experience a magnificent view of Puerto Rico’s rolling hills.
The hiking trail is moderately difficult. It’s only 20-30 minutes from the nearest parking lot, but the path is quite steep with an elevation gain of more than 300 feet within the first 10-15 minutes of the hike.
Also, the terrain can be quite slippery in wet weather, so wearing sturdy shoes is a must to complete the hike safely. It is absolutely worth the hassle because this is one of the most scenic viewpoints in all of Puerto Rico.
Practical Information: The closest parking lot to Pico Rodadero is approximately a 50-minute drive from Ponce.
6. Excursion To Cascada Gozalandia
Cascada Gozalandia is a fantastic series of waterfalls in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico. Walking trails take you to the cascades and swimming holes in the forest, where you can marvel at beautiful nature and jump in the water to cool down on a hot day.
The waterfalls are easy to access if you have a car in Puerto Rico. There’s a parking lot near the entrance to the walking trails, as well as a local restaurant, so you don’t have to worry about food.
I recommend exploring as much of the area as you can before you decide to jump in the water. There are several swimming holes and waterfalls here; the ones closest to the parking lot tend to be quite crowded, while the ones farther away are rarely as busy.
Practical Information: Cascada Gozalandia is accessible from 9 AM to 6 PM. Entrance to the area is free of charge and the parking fee is $10.
7. See The Collection At Museo de Arte de Ponce
Museo de Arte de Ponce is a popular fine art museum in Ponce. The contemporary building houses the largest collection of European art in the Caribbean, and it’s one of the best attractions in this city on the southern coast of Puerto Rico.
See works of art from famous Spanish, Dutch, and British artists, as well as some incredible pieces of local Puerto Rican art. The exhibits are spread across the museum’s 14 galleries and it normally takes several hours to see the thousands of artworks on display.
However, the Ponce Museum of Art suffered significant structural damage in the 2020 earthquakes. It has since been closed to the public, and only a small part of its collection has reopened for visitors. Fingers crossed that it’s fully up and running soon!
Practical Information: Tickets are discounted to $6, but tours are available only on Fridays at 1 PM.
8. Enjoy a Day on Crash Boat Beach
Crash Boat Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Puerto Rico. Set on the west coast of the island, the beach is known for soft sand, turquoise waters, and countless stalls of food vendors. The beach is also popular for diving and water sports, as well as surfing.
Swimming is possible here sometimes, but you need to be mindful of the rip currents and waves. Some days it’s best to stay out of the water, but the upside is that there are plenty of ways to have fun on dry land.
I highly recommend going up to the Crash Boat Beach lookout point, which offers a mesmerizing scenic view of the sandy shore.
Practical Information: Parking is available right next to the beach entrance. Access to the beach is free of charge.
9. Zip-Lining At Toro Verde Adventure Park
Toro Verde Adventure Park is another top destination for adrenaline junkies in Puerto Rico. Come here for zip line rides, ropes courses, and golf cart rides throughout the park. Visitors of all ages are welcome here, and the place is heaps of fun for anyone who enjoys jungle adventures.
The main attraction in the park is the 2.5-kilometer zipline, aptly named The Beast. It’s suitable for anyone who weighs 100-300 lbs, and it’s possibly the most fun you’ll have in Puerto Rico. Also, the entire area of the adventure park is remarkably scenic, with endless views of rolling hills and treetops.
Practical Information: Toro Verde Adventure Park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. The fee for The Beast zipline is $50.
10. Hiking At El Yunque National Forest
Puerto Rico’s only tropical rainforest is the best destination for all avid hikers on the island. The area is huge and it would take you several days to explore everything on your own, so I recommend getting a guide to take you around the jungle. It’s quicker to find all the top sights when you’re traveling with local Puerto Ricans who know the way!
El Yunque Forest features hiking paths, waterfalls, and several panoramic viewpoints. Yokahu Tower offers a phenomenal view of the jungle, as does the El Yunque Peak Tower. Both towers are on opposite ends of the rainforest, so you should be able to access at least one depending on where you enter El Yunque.
It’s important to note that the hiking trails range from short and easy to long and strenuous. Hiking up to the El Yunque Peak Tower can take anywhere from one to three hours depending on where you enter the forest, which is precisely why it’s best to visit the area with a local guide.
Practical Information: El Yunque National Rainforest is accessible from 8 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free of charge.
11. Pose For Photos at Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one of San Juan’s two significant fortresses. It was built in the 16th century to protect the city from sea attacks and served as one of Spain’s most important military outposts.
This historic landmark is set atop a promontory and offers splendid panoramic views. So, you cannot visit Puerto Rico and miss one of these fortresses. Visitors can explore the grounds on their own or join guided tours that are done by national park rangers. Tour all the different levels of El Morro and discover the recreations of the facilities that were once used by soldiers – kitchens, barracks, dormitories, etc.
The lowest level of the fortress almost reaches the water, and it’s the best spot for epic vacation photographs. You can also see most of the fort from here and really get a sense of just how massive the complex is.
Practical Information: El Morro is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Tickets for El Morro are $10 and also include access to Castillo San Cristóbal within 24 hours.
12. Wander Around Museo Castillo Serralles
Museo Castillo Serralles is an elaborate palace from the 19030s that’s been turned into a museum. Visit to see ornate furnishings, period decorations, and the most beautifully landscaped garden in all of Puerto Rico.
The exhibit at the Palace Museum focuses on local history, and it’s great if you want to learn more about the area. But my favorite thing about Castillo Serralles is the enchanting Japanese garden which even includes a pagoda. The views from the garden are out of this world and worthy of the day trip to Ponce.
Practical Information: Museo Castillo Serralles is in Ponce. It’s open for tours from 10 AM to 4 PM and tickets are $15.
13. Day Trip to Isla Culebra
Isla Culebra is a small Puerto Rico island known for fabulous beaches and a wildlife refuge. Flamenco Beach is the most famous on the island, and it manages to attract by far the most visitors. The beach is set in a bay, and it’s a good destination for swimming and snorkeling, but it can get a bit crowded during peak season.
The good news is that there are plenty of other, more secluded beaches on the island that you can reach by boat. I recommend arranging a water taxi to take you to the beach of your choice from Puerto Rico to Isla Culebra. Boat rides are available from the eastern coast of Puerto Rice, usually from Ceiba or Fajardo.
The island’s wildlife refuge also features some amazing white sand beaches with clear, turquoise water. And it’s a great place to visit if you want to get acquainted with the protected flora and fauna that are native to Puerto Rico!
Practical Information: The ferry ride from Ceiba to Isla Culebra is approximately an hour long and costs $2.25 in one way.
14. Day Trip to Vieques Island
Head to the port in Ceiba to catch a ferry to this magical island. Vieques is known for beautiful beaches, bioluminescent bays, and a vast wildlife refuge that is home to endangered animals. A day trip to the island is a must if you’re in Puerto Rico for a while, and I doubt you would regret it if you stayed here longer.
Most of the island’s white sand beaches are safe for swimming, making it a top destination for a relaxed vacation in Puerto Rico. The Black Sand Beach is famous for magnetic black sand, and if you bring a magnet, you can have heaps of fun playing with the sand and feel like a kid again.
Vieques National Wildlife Refuge takes up a large portion of the island. It features many miles of deserted sandy beaches and offers an opportunity to see wild horses playing in the sand. And of course, there’s the Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay, which is popular for night-time kayak tours. Arrange a guided tour in a clear-bottom boat to see the surreal glow of Mosquito Bay’s waters.
Practical Information: Vieques is a 45-minute ferry ride away from Ceiba and a one-way ride is $2. The island can also be reached by small local planes.
15. Admire The Views At Pozo De Jacinto
Pozo De Jacinto is a natural landmark in northwestern Puerto Rico. Come here for scenic views of the ocean and a seaside pit cave – it’s a truly impressive sight and one of the best spots for excellent photographs on the island.
Walking paths to nearby beaches and resorts are available here, and you could spend hours just exploring the area and marveling at the panoramic views. I will say that there isn’t much else to do in the area, so if you’re not in the mood for long walks on a seafront walkway, you might want to head elsewhere.
Practical Information: Pozo De Jacinto is a natural attraction, accessible at any time for free.
16. Casa Bacardi Distillery Tour
Casa Bacardi is a popular rum distillery in Cataño Bay across from Old San Juan. Come here for tours, rum tastings, and mixology classes in the world’s largest rum distillery. The Bacardi Distillery spans an area of 137 acres across 44 buildings, so it’s no wonder that it’s also known as the Cathedral of Rum.
The mixology classes are very fun if you want to learn how to make cocktails with rum. And you get to drink the fruits of your labor, which is usually even more fun than making them. Rum-tasting tours allow you to try Bacardi’s best rums paired with appropriate chocolates, plus you’ll get to learn some of the drink’s history.
The most comprehensive tour of the distillery is the Founder’s Experience. It lasts for two hours and it’s the only tour to include a visit to the Tropical Aging Warehouse. A rum tasting is also included in this tour, which is the priciest way of seeing the Bacardi distillery. But I say if you’re going to see the place, do it right,
Practical Information: Experiences at Casa Bacardi are priced at $40-125. Minors are not allowed on tours.
17. Food Tour of San Juan
Authentic Puerto Rican food is a wonderful blend of Spanish, Taíno, Mexican, and American influences. Staple Puerto Rican dishes are similar to the ones from other Latin American countries, but often with a unique twist. If you enjoy hearty food full of different flavors, you’ll absolutely enjoy eating your way through Puerto Rico.
Delicious food is available everywhere on the island, but San Juan is the most popular destination for culinary Puerto Rico tours. Visit the capital’s best local restaurants and devour plates of Pasteles and Pernil, while sipping on tasty rum cocktails. Most food tours will also include sightseeing as you hop from one eatery to another, and some tips and trivia about the local sights.
Practical Information: Culinary tours in Puerto Rico are available in all major cities, but are most common in San Juan. They usually last 2-3 hours.
18. Visit Cabo Rojo
Cabo Rojo is on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. The municipality is home to quite a few interesting sights, including a popular lighthouse, pink salt flats, and sandy beaches. Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge is also in this region, and it’s one of Puerto Rico’s best birdwatching destinations.
The pink salt flats are also part of the refuge, but I have to be honest here – they’re quite underwhelming. Sure, they have a pinkish hue, but it’s not as dramatic or bright as the photos would lead you to believe.
Los Morrillos Lighthouse, on the other hand, is every bit as fabulous as advertised. It’s one of the most scenic spots on the entire island, offering mesmerizing vistas of the sea and the cliffs before it. The walk from the nearest parking lot to the lighthouse is 10-15 minutes, and it’s worth every second.
Practical Information: Cabo Rojo is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from San Juan by car.
19. Walk Through The Guajataca Tunnel
The railroad tunnel of Guajataca is a historical monument in northwestern Puerto Rico. It was first constructed in the early 20th century to connect the towns of Quebradillas and Isabela, and it is still considered one of the most important remnants of Puerto Rico’s railway system from the previous century.
The tunnel is no longer used for railway transport and nowadays anyone can just walk through it. It’s a chilling experience that ends with panoramic views regardless of the direction you pass through the tunnel. Guajataca Beach is beautiful but not suitable for swimming due to rough waves.
Insider Tip: Avoid the area at night because it’s not the safest spot for tourists in Puerto Rico after dark.
Practical Information: Guajataca Tunnel is a 90-minute drive from San Juan. It is accessible at any time of day for free.
20. Explore the Underground Caverns at Camuy River Cave Park
Hidden in the karst region of Puerto Rico’s north coast, the Camuy River Cave Park is one of the best natural landmarks on the island. It is the world’s third-largest subterranean cave system, and it’s only a 90-minute drive from San Juan. Tours from San Juan are available, but you can also easily visit the park on your own if you want.
The park spans an area of 300 acres, so it takes a while to tour the entire place. And since it takes almost three hours to get there and back from San Juan, you’ll have the best time if you turn this into a half-day trip and take your time. Explore the underground caverns, see Puerto Rico’s largest stalagmite, the Empalme Sinkhole, and enjoy the sounds of the rushing Camuy River below.
One important thing to note is that there’s no trolley in the caves for now. You have to walk down and then all the way back up on your own. The path is quite steep and it’s very humid in the caves, so you might want to avoid this experience if you’re not in excellent physical condition. Also, visitors aren’t allowed to roam around the caves on their own and must join guided tours.
Practical Information: Camuy River Cave Park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 AM until 4:30 PM. Tickets are $18 and tours take approximately 2 hours.
21. Hop Over To Caja de Muertos Island
Set off the coast of Ponce, Caja de Muertos is a small uninhabited island with pristine nature. It’s accessible by ferries from Ponce, but it’s important to note that there’s no infrastructure on the island at all. Most of it is a nature preserve, so make sure you bring everything you might need to have a good time there.
It’s known as Coffin Island in English, but the atmosphere on the island couldn’t be more different from its name. It’s home to unique flora and fauna, as well as four incredible beaches that are suitable for swimming. And thanks to a variety of walking trails, this tiny island is also very popular for hiking.
One of the trails will lead you to the ruins of the lighthouse, which serves as a reminder of Caja de Muertos’ history. It wasn’t always deserted; people lived on the island in the 19th and 20th centuries, but the population decreased over the decades due to a lack of infrastructure. In 1945, only the lightkeepers remained, and once the lighthouse was automated, they were free to leave too.
Practical Information: Ferries to Caja de Muertos island depart from Salinas Marina. The ride is approximately 40 minutes long.
22. Follow The Taína Route
The Taína Route runs from north to south in central Puerto Rico. Travel from Arecibo to Ponce, passing through multiple smaller towns and discovering Caribbean ceremonial centers, ancient villages, tombs, indigenous petroglyphs, and much more. If you’re genuinely interested in the ancient history of Puerto Rico, this is the best discovery tour on the island.
Taíno people were indigenous on the island until the Spaniards arrived in the early 16th century. The native men were enslaved while the native women became wives to Spanish soldiers, and very little of this indigenous culture remains in Puerto Rico.
However, the natives left many marks on the island, and you can discover them if you embark on the Taina Route. Start with the petroglyphs in Arecibo’s Cueva del Indio, then move on to Utuado’s Centro Ceremonial Indígena Caguana, which is still the most important archeological site of the Taíno-culture in the Antilles. The Cemí Museum in Jayuya boasts a large collection of Taíno artifacts, while Ponce’s Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes boasts petroglyphs, burial sites, and more.
Practical Information: Guided tours of the Taína Route are priced at around $200. If you have access to a car, you can do the excursion on your own.
23. Skydiving at Arecibo
Arecibo has an excellent skydiving center that offers tandem jumps, accelerated freefall, and fun jumps. It’s one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico for thrill seekers, and it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new if you’ve never been skydiving before.
Anyone can try skydiving thanks to experienced instructors who run training courses. Safety briefs precede each jump, and beginners are allowed only on tandem jumps with instructors. Reach speeds of 120 mph as you freefall from an altitude of 14,000 feet – there’s hardly anything more exciting in Puerto Rico.
Practical Information: Skydive Puerto Rico is in Santana, a suburb of Arecibo, about an hour from San Juan. The price of jumps starts at $225.
24. Waterbike Rides at Laguna del Condado
Laguna del Condado is in San Juan, nestled between the Condado and Miramar neighborhoods. It’s part of the San Juan Bay Estuary and one of only two lagoons in Puerto Rico’s capital.
If you’re looking for calm waters in San Juan, this is the best place. Small beaches are available on the shore, and the lagoon is generally popular for SUP rides, kayaking, and water bikes. Rent a water bike and set out on the waters of Condado Lagoon – it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new while enjoying the view of downtown San Juan’s skyline.
The lagoon waters are mostly still and clean, but it’s common to see some manatees swimming around.
Practical Information: Laguna del Condado is accessible at any time of day for free.
25. Snorkeling At Cayo Icacos
Cayo Icacos is a lovely uninhabited island off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. Boasting turquoise waters and picture-perfect white sand beaches, the island is a proper slice of paradise. If you’re thinking about renting a boat and having some fun off the coast of Puerto Rico, this is one of the best places to visit.
The tiny island features reefs and rich marine life, which make it a popular destination for snorkeling. And the crystal clear sea is ideal for swimming, making this island an excellent place to be if you want to spend a day just enjoying yourself on the beach and having fun in the water.
One thing to note is that there is not much else to do on Cayo Icacos, so if none of the activities above sound fun to you, feel free to skip this day trip.
Practical Information: Water taxis can take you to Cayo Icacos from Fajardo in about 20 minutes.
26. Visit Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is a local art museum in San Juan. Set in a former hospital built in the 1920s, the museum houses an impressive collection of Puerto Rican art. If you want to get acquainted with the local culture, this is one of the best places to visit.
The exhibit includes more than 1,000 artworks from the 17th century to the modern day. Some of the most famous Puerto Rican artists are promoted at this museum, as well as up-and-coming artists who have yet to make a name for themselves.
Practical Information: Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $12.
27. Flyboarding at Luquillo Beach
What’s the point of going to Puerto Rico if you’re not going to spend at least one or two days having fun on the beach? Luquillo Beach is one of the prettiest on the main island, with tall palm trees, soft sand, and safe swimming spots.
Plenty of food trucks and cocktail bars are available at the beach, so you’ll have access to everything you might need. The water sports here are insane, and I highly recommend you try flyboarding if you’ve never done it before. It’s an amazing feeling, and it only gets better when you’re doing it in Puerto Rico with views of such a picturesque beach.
Practical Information: Luquillo Beach is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and access is $4.
Frequently Asked Questions for Puerto Rico
What is the #1 Attraction in Puerto Rico?
Castillo San Felipe del Morro is the most visited tourist attraction in Puerto Rico. San Juan’s El Morro castle dates back to the 16th century when it was constructed to protect the island from sea invasions.
How Much Money Do You Need Per Day in Puerto Rico?
The average cost of travel to Puerto Rico is $100-200 per day per person, depending on your travel style. This budget includes accommodation, meals, and transportation around the island.
Is 4 Days in Puerto Rico Enough?
Four days in Puerto Rico is enough to explore many of the island’s tourist attractions, but not enough to see everything. Extend your trip to at least a week and you’ll have enough time to visit all the main attractions on the island.
Is There a Lot to Do In Puerto Rico?
Yes, there is a lot to do in Puerto Rico. The main island offers a wide variety of tourist and natural attractions, plus there are several smaller islands worth visiting on excursions.
Where To Stay In Puerto Rico
If you’re in the mood for sightseeing, stay in San Juan. Puerto Rico’s capital city offers the most tourist attractions, and staying there will allow you to discover all the historic landmarks and go on day trips to nearby destinations. Consider staying close to El Yunque National Forest if you’re primarily interested in hiking trails, waterfalls, and other natural landmarks of the island.
Ponce is a great place to stay for a bit of both; it’s one of the bigger towns in Puerto Rico with plenty of tourist attractions, as well as easy access to the beaches and other natural landmarks. Here are some of the best hotels in Puerto Rico for all budgets:
Tips And Information For Visiting Puerto Rico
Best Time To Visit
Winter is the best season to visit Puerto Rico. The weather is pleasant but it’s not too hot or humid. The temperatures are in the 70s and 80s from mid-December through March, and this is Puerto Rico’s dry season.
However, it’s also the most popular time for trips to the island. Hotel rates are at their highest and the crowds can get quite big at popular tourist attractions, as approximately half of all of tourist visits to Puerto Rico are during this season.
If you want to avoid the crowds and get lower hotel rates, consider a trip in the fall or late spring. It will be warmer and more humid, but there won’t be as many people around. Just don’t go to Puerto Rico between June and September because the temperatures are often in the high 80s and 90s throughout the day, which makes it almost impossible to safely and comfortably explore the island’s attractions.
Getting There
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is the busiest in the Caribbean, transporting approximately 10 million passengers annually. The airport is in Puerto Rico, just 15-20 minutes from downtown San Juan. Try to find flights to this airport for a hassle-free journey, especially if you’re planning to stay in San Juan or somewhere close.
Additionally, flights to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport are often the cheapest because it’s the largest airport with the most international connections. Other major international airports on the island are Mercedita International Airport (Ponce) and Rafael Hernández International Airport (Aguadilla), but they have fewer international connections.
Getting Around
Renting a car is necessary for ultimate freedom and convenience when exploring Puerto Rico. Public transportation exists on the island, but there are no set timetables and it’s simply not reliable. Riding in a taxi and Uber is better than relying on buses and trains, but ultimately more expensive than car rental. A private transfer or a taxi is also the best option for traveling from the airport to your hotel.
I suggest you consider how long you’re staying in Puerto Rico and which attractions you really want to visit. If you want to do just a couple of day trips and spend most of your time lounging on the beach, then book guided tours to explore Puerto Rico on a budget. But if you don’t like the idea of staying in one place and you want to visit as many attractions as possible, car rental is the best option.
How Much Time Do You Need
You need at least a week in Puerto Rico to explore the island’s best attractions without rushing from one place to another. Plan a vacation of 7-14 days for the ultimate adventure filled with spectacular nature, historic buildings, and endless sandy beaches.
Trips shorter than a week are fine if you’re not interested in seeing all of Puerto Rico’s popular landmarks. You should have enough time to see all of San Juan’s best attractions, but not for a more thorough expiration of the main island.