3 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary

Dancing Your Way Across Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is rhythm and waves, where music spills into the streets and the island never really slows down. From rainforest to coast, history and flavour shape every day. It’s a place you don’t just visit, you move with it.

The Big Picture

Keep the map handy!

Your Day By Day Itinerary

* This is an estimated price which may vary with time. It doesn't include the cost of flight, food, cabs/public transport, rental charges, parking charges or personal expenses. It only gives a rough idea of price of your stay, inter-city transfers and activity costs included in itinerary.

Day 1 : San Juan

🚌 How to Reach

• Take a flight to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport(SJU).

• Once you arrive at the airport, get a rental car from the Airport. Budget or Avis are the most trusted car rental companies.

🏨 Where to Stay

For budget stays AirBnBs are the best option. Here is a recommended stay for you. Book the stay for 1 night.

• Carribean Tropical
  4.9 ⭐ | 426 AirBnB Reviews | ~60-80 USD/night

🪂 What to Do

⏰ Afternoon

Drive up to Castillo San Cristobal and park nearby or on available street parking. You can explore the area on foot as everything is within walking distance.

✅ San Cristóbal Castle

San Cristóbal Castle (Castillo de San Cristóbal) is a massive 18th-century Spanish fortress in Old San Juan built to protect the city from land attacks. Entry to the fort is included in the San Juan National Historic Site pass valid for both San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Price: 10 USD per person💰

✅ Castillo San Felipe del Morro

The area outside the fort boasts a large garden where the locals are often found flying colourful kites of all shapes and sizes. Its iconic lighthouse, massive stone walls, and dramatic ocean views make it one of the most photographed forts in the Caribbean. Entry is included in the San Juan National Historic Site pass. Price:FREE

✅ Old San Juan Gate

The Old San Juan Gate (Puerta de San Juan) is the last remaining city gate from the original Spanish walled city, dating back to the 18th century. It once served as the main ceremonial entrance to San Juan, and its cobblestone path, laid with blue ballast stones welcomed governors, bishops, and visiting dignitaries. Price:FREE

✅ Stroll through the colourful streets

Streets of Old San Juan are very lively and colourful, you can explore the shops, cafes etc on foot. I have marked some of the beautiful streets, churches, forts, gelato spots in the map, that you might want to check out. Price:FREE

⏰ Evening

✅ Casa Bacardi Tour and Mixology Class

• Casa Bacardi in Puerto Rico is an experience in itself. As you enter the premises, you’re welcomed by a lively bar area. You’re given a token to redeem for a complimentary drink, and the piña colada is one of the best. If you’re in the mood for something more premium, you can upgrade for a small additional cost.

• The tour itself walks you through the history of Bacardi and the rum-making process before shifting into the highlight for many visitors: the mixology class. It’s interactive, upbeat, and led by an engaging instructor who makes the experience fun and approachable. You get to mix your own drinks and enjoy them right there, which really adds to the festive atmosphere.

• You can book your tickets online to the Mixology Class via the Casa Bacardi site or check Agoda and other aggregators for deals. Price: ~80-90 USD per person. 💰

⏰ Night

✅ Lote 23

Its a cozy little outdoor spot packed with a bunch of food trucks, each with its own tasty specialty from burgers to delicious pizzas, and you’ve got a spot mixing up cocktails too. It often turns into a little party place, where some folks start playing musical instruments, singing, and dancing to the drum beats. Price:FREE

Day 2

🚌 How to Reach

Grab your rental car and head to the majestic El Yunque National Forest.

🏨 Where to Stay

Skip the check-in and kick off the day with an adventure, followed by a rainforest tour. Check in at the end of the day.”

Here is a recommended stay. Book the stay for 1 night.

• Near Ceiba Ferry - Quick Stop for Culebra/Vieques4
  4.8 ⭐ | 423 AirBnB Reviews | ~120-130 USD/night

🪂 What to Do

⏰ Morning

✅ Las Paylas Natural Water Slide

Not too far off the beaten path from El Yunque is Las Paylas Natural Slide, a natural waterslide formed by the rocks and river. It’s a super fun and adventurous little detour where you can just show up, slide down the natural water chute, and enjoy the cool, refreshing vibe. Remember to carry some cash as cards are mostly not accepted for the parking fees, which is around 5 USD per car. There are no entry charges. Price:FREE

⏰ Afternoon

✅ El Yunque National Forest

Explore lush rainforest trails and enjoy panoramic views from scenic lookouts like Yokahu Tower. Experience diverse wildlife, tropical plants, and refreshing river pools throughout El Yunque National Forest. Price:FREE

After you’ve had your fill of the forest and the slide, you can drive over to your stay in Ceiba .

Day 3 - Vieques or Culebra Island

Now it’s time to make the big decision and choose between two stunning islands: Vieques and Culebra.

• Vieques is perfect for summer travellers seeking adventure, especially bioluminescent kayaking, Mosquito Bay is one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world.

• Culebra is ideal for pure relaxation, home to Flamenco Beach, consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world.

🚌 How to Reach

Whichever island you choose, you will take the ferry from the Ceiba Ferry Terminal. Grab your rental car and head to the Ceiba Ferry Terminal where you can park your car or take it with you in the ferry. If you choose to park at Ceiba Ferry Terminal, the cost is ~20-25 USD for every 24 hours.

If you want to take your car also, remember to purchase Pax and Cargo tickets well in advance, else you can purchase Passenger Only ticket and leave the car the Ferry Terminal's paid parking space. Price: 1-5 USD per ticket 💰

🏨 Where to Stay

Here is a recommended stay. Book the stay for 1 night.

• Casa San Juan Guesthouse Room B in Vieques
  4.76 ⭐ | 99 AirBnB Reviews | ~80 USD/night

• Posada La Hamaca. in Culebra
  4.2 ⭐ | 163 Google Reviews | ~100-130 USD/night

⏰ Full Day

Vieques:

• The true highlight is a nighttime bioluminescent kayak tour at Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, where glowing plankton illuminate the water beneath clear kayaks like a star-filled sky. You can check Aqua SunSet Tours for great experience. Price: 60-70 USD per person 💰

• Explore the island on foot or horseback along scenic coastal trails, a unique and memorable way to take in the landscape.

• You can also dive into crystal-clear waters for scuba diving or snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Culebra:

• Relax at world-famous Playa Flamenco, known for its soft white sand and striking turquoise waters. Price: 2 USD per person 💰

• The island also offers excellent snorkeling, with calm, clear seas and colorful fish just offshore.

Next day take a return ferry to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and drive back to catch your return flight !