The ULTIMATE 4 Day Itinerary in Puerto Rico - Your Travel Flamingo (2024)

If you are headed to Puerto Rico for the first time and need help planning your trip, this guide is exactly what you need. Here, we’ll cover the essentials and logistics of how to plan an EPIC 4 day itinerary for Puerto Rico!

Is it Worth Visiting Puerto Rico?

The simple answer to this is yes. Puerto Rico is an island abundant in history, diverse landscapes, beautiful nature, vibrant culture, and amazing food.

There is simply something here for every type of traveler to enjoy. And for Americans, the fact that it’s so easy to travel to from the US, it should be a no brainer to add it to your bucket list.

Plus, as one of the safer destinations in the Caribbean, travelers can enjoy all there is to love about traveling in this region without some of the safety concerns that usually come with it.

Is 4 Days Enough in Puerto Rico?

It’s hard to give a definitive answer to whether 4 days in Puerto Rico is enough.

The truth is, you could easily spend way more than 4 days in Puerto Rico and still not see it all. This island has a lot to offer, especially given the wide range of natural landscapes present here, from rainforests, to heavenly beaches, to caves, waterfalls – the list goes on.

However, for most of us, a 4 day trip makes the perfect first bite into what Puerto Rico is all about. This 4 day itinerary in Puerto Rico will highlight the best of the best, and most bucket-list worthy destinations in Puerto Rico.

Of course, a subsequent trip here can definitely dive into the other amazing parts of Puerto Rico. But 4 days is definitely still enough to have an amazing trip.

Have Less that 4 days in Puerto Rico? Read: How to Spend 2 Days in San Juan

When to Go to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has a clearly defined dry season and rain season. The dry season is defined as running from December to March, while the rain season runs from April to as late as November.

Puerto Rico in December

December is generally the busiest time in Puerto Rico due to holiday travel, with this time seeing the highest prices for hotel bookings. You’ll also have a harder time booking tours and gaining entry into certain parks, such as El Yunque Rainforest.

You do have the best temperatures and chance of sunny days in this time of year, but I’d opt to visit a month or so later, just to avoid the crowds.

Puerto Rico in January – April

The best time of year to visit Puerto Rico is likely in spring. This is right after the holiday season, but still during dry season. This will ensure maximum sunny beach days, more comfortable temperatures and bearable numbers of tourists.

It’s still considered high season, so you’ll need to book hotels in advance to ensure getting a room you prefer. Tours and entry into some sites should also be booked ahead of time.

Puerto Rico in May – November

This is considered the low season in Puerto Rico. A visit in this time period usually means less crowds, lower prices on hotels, and some tour companies becoming less operational.

It can still be a great time of year to visit, especially in the earlier months in this time frame. You have some chance of rain, but it’s still very likely to have days of sunshine. Plus most tours and attractions are still open and ready for visitors.

Puerto Rico Hurricane Season

Puerto Rico’s hurricane season runs from August to October. Since this is peak low season, it offers the best deals for travelers. Still, I don’t really advise planning a trip in this time.

The risk of your trip being disrupted by a hurricane are greatly higher, presenting safety issues for the travelers themselves. But the real issue is that if a hurricane does hit, it’s really unfair to locals if hurricane relief supplies will need to be shared with tourists at this time.

I visited Puerto Rico in September in 2021, and had nothing but sunny skies. However, exactly one year later, Puerto Rico was slammed by a hurricane that left most of the island without power or water for weeks.

Plan your trip responsibly, and try to visit outside of this time.

Getting To Puerto Rico

Most people will get to Puerto Rico by flying from somewhere within the US. There are direct flights from most major hubs on the east coast, midwest and southern states now.

For Canadians, you have direct flights from Toronto and Montreal. For the rest of us, we will need to have a stopover somewhere along the way.

Things to Know Before You Go

Puerto Rico is a unique destination as it’s an official U.S territory, but still in some ways it’s own thing. Here are a few details you should know before planning 4 days in Puerto Rico.

Americans Don’t Need a Passport

If you are an American citizen, you won’t need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico. This makes it a great tropical getaway for Americans, especially considering 50% of us still don’t have a passport.

You’ll just need an up-to-date drivers license or state issued ID to present on check in and arrival. If you plan to travel onwards, such as to another Caribbean island or to Mexico, you will need your passport.

Real ID Act in 2023

There is a new regulation to be set in stone by 2023, known as the Real ID Act.

Essentially, depending on the state your ID was issued in, you may or may NOT be allowed to travel to Puerto Rico without a passport. You’ll need to verify whether the state your ID was issues in is complaint with this act or not.

If in doubt, just bring your passport for good measure.

The Currency is USD

Another reason Puerto Rico is such a convenient destination for Americans or those coming from the US, is that they use the same currency.

US dollars are the official currency used in Puerto Rico. Moreover, I’d say that card payments are nearly as widely accepted as in the States.

You should still bring some cash for tipping, street food stalls, and those few places that may still pefer cash payments.

Use Uber for Getting Around

In the city of San Juan, opt to use Uber to get around if you won’t have your own car or for when you plan to drink.

I did a cross-comparison of Uber and taxi prices while in San Juan, and Uber was always a fraction of the price of taxis offered to tourists.

Plus, it’s more convenient, and you won’t need to use cash.

No Wifi at the Airport

There is no wifi at the San Juan Airport. If you need any documents or information in order to get to your hotel, have it preloaded or saved on your phone prior to take off to ensure a smooth arrival.

COVID Test Required

Puerto Rico still currently requires COVID vaccinations or a negative COVID PCR test for travelers coming from outside of the US.

If you are vaccinated, you can present your vaccination card. Otherwise, you’ll need to present a PCR test result from no earlier than 6 days before arrival.

For more info on Puerto Rico COVID requirements, click here.

Getting Around Puerto Rico

The best and most convenient way to get around is by renting your own vehicle. You can easily rent a car from San Juan Airport, ready for pick up on arrival.You can also choose toship your own car to Puerto Rico for longer stays.

There are many rental companies to choose from, and I’d advise doing your own up-to-date research to choose the best on for you.

We rented from Alamo and can report a positive experience. We split the car rental price between 5 people, so it was economical and affordable.

Can you Do Puerto Rico Without a Rental Car?

For a 4 day itinerary in Puerto Rico, you actually can get by without renting a car. Since many travelers opt to take tours in Puerto Rico, these almost always include a free transfer from San Juan to your destination.

So, you could totally just base yourself in San Juan, take tours to reach other places in your itinerary, and take Uber to get around the city itself.

We did not use our rental car very much in Puerto Rico, apart from getting to and from the airport, and a half-day trip to Camuy Caves. You can’t drive in Old San Juan, so there isn’t a huge need for a car in the city at all.

Cost to Rent a Car

The average daily price for renting our car was $196 USD. This did not include gas nor parking in San Juan.

Since we split this between 5 people, it was worth it, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that car rentals in Puerto Rico are pricey.

Decide where you’d like to go, whether you prefer to join tours or do self-guided trips, and weigh out for yourself if renting a car is worth it.

Puerto Rico by Public Transportation

With only 4 days in Puerto Rico, I do not recommend trying to get around using public transportation. While public transportation is available, the island is perhaps a lot bigger than you think.

You don’t want to waste your short trip in transit half the time, so opt to rent a car or book tours with transfers included.

What to Pack

No matter what time of year you visit Puerto Rico, two things will remain certain: It will be hot, and it could rain at any time.

If you are visiting in the summer months, expect scorching heat and very high humidity. For those lucky to be visiting closer to winter or in spring, the temperatures will be more favorable, but still hot and sticky.

If you aren’t used to this weather, I’d definitely advise loose, breathable clothing. I saw people there in jeans and almost got a second hand heatstroke.

Here is what I’d personally recommend packing for 4 days in Puerto Rico:

4 Days in Puerto Rico Packing List

• 3 – 4 loose fitting tops (you will potentially change more frequently here due to the weather)
• one work out outfit (will be handy when walking in the rainforest)
• 2 flowy dresses (instagram ready)
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 1 pair of loose linen pants or a maxi skirt
• a bikini
• one wide hat (to block the sun)
• sunglasses
• MOSQUITO SPRAY
• sunscreen SPF 50 or higher
• a beachbag tote
• beach sandals
• comfy sneakers (a lot of Old San Juan is cobbled streets)
• a small backack (for going into El Yunque)
• your camera
• a dry bag
• one lightweight scarf (can double up as a beach coverup)
• waterproof/ sweat proof make up
• A good deodorant

Where to Stay

For this 4 day itinerary in Puerto Rico, it could be practical to base yourself in San Juan for the majority of the trip.

This is especially true if you won’t be renting a car, and will be taking guided tours to the points of interest around the island as most day tours start and end in San Juan.

I’d definitely opt to stay in Old San Juan, simply for the vibes. But you also have a ton of options for bars and restaurants to unwind in after a long day of sightseeing.

Best Hotels in San Juan

Decanter Hotel: Located smack dab in the center of Old San Juan, this hotel is walking distance from most sights in San Juan, plus a huge number of restaurants and bars. This hotel is ideal for groups, as they offer conjoined rooms and kitchen with their rooms. No special amenities such as pool or rooftop.

El Colonial: This is likely the best place to stay in San Juan. Located in the old town, this hotel offers the best in location , style and comfort. The rooms are simple, yet tasteful in decor, and there is a fabulous rooftop terrace and bar onsite.

Palacio Provencial: This hotel offers a mix of colonial and modern architectural styles, together creating a beautiful aesthetic. It offers possibly the best rooftop pool deck in Old San Juan, and other amenities such as hot tub and a gym.

4 Day Itinerary in Puerto Rico

This 4 day Puerto Rico itinerary covers sites mostly on the Eastern side of the island. While that won’t show you all of Puerto Rico, and all it has to offer (you can’t see it all in 4 days anyway!) it includes the most impressive aspects of what Puerto Rico has to offer, including a UNESCO heritage site, the only rainforest in the US, Puerto Rico’s top rated beach, and the #1 bioluminescent bay in the world!

Here is the perfect 4 day itinerary in Puerto Rico!

Day 1: Old San Juan & Surroundings

Start your first day in Puerto Rico by exploring the capital city of San Juan. Ideally, you’ll stay in Old San Juan, which is by far the most convenient and scenic area to base yourself.

Here, you’ll be close enough to walk to most of the must-see places in San Juan.

Calle de la Fortaleza

Get your bearings for Old San Juan by first walking down the main street of Calle de la Forteleza. This street runs through the length of the entire historic district of San Juan.

You’ll find the characteristically colorful old buildings that line both sides of the street, giving the entire street a whimsical and vibrant appearance. Admire the old architecture and snap away those instagram photos, while maybe stopping into one of the many cafes or restaurants for breakfast.

La Fortaleza

Walk down the length of Calle de la Fortaleza until you hit La Fortaleza. This is the historic and current residence of the governor of Puerto Rico. Visits aren’t permitted, but you can admire the building from the outside.

Sometimes, the street just in front of La Fortaleza will be decorated seasonally. At one point, it became insta-famous for the umbrellas that hung across the top of the buildings.

In 2021, the umbrellas were sadly already gone, but there was a different decoration installed.

Paseo de la Princesa

This is known as one of the most beautiful walking areas in Old San Juan. There is a famous fountain here that is popular with tourists, as well as streets that are beautifully lined with trees.

Puerta de San Juan

Puerta de San Juan is the historic gateway into San Juan, and today leads the way into the walking path around the cities outer walls.

Walk the Paseo del Morro

The Paseo del Morro is a boardwalk walking path that covers the outer parameters of San Juan’s historic outer wall.

The walk will take you along the edge of the sea, to the fortress of Castillo San Felipe de Morro, walking alongside the historic outer wall of San Juan. On the other side, it’ll take you alongside the bay of San Juan.

Historic Park of San Juan

You’ll come to a large park overlooking the sea. At the end of the park, you’ll come to Castillo San Felipe de Morro. This historic fortress was built by the Spanish as a means of protection for San Juan from would-be invaders.

Today, it is a UNESCO site, and well worth a visit to learn of the history and admire the views.

Cementerio Santa María Magdalena de Pazzi

At the other end of the Historic Park of San Juan, you’ll come to the Cementerio Santa María Magdalena de Pazzi. In my opinion, this may be one of the most scenic cemeteries in the world.

Set alongside the sea, it’s now the resting place of several prominent figures in Puerto Rican history.

Visit La Perla on a Tour

La Perla is a famous shanty town located on the oceanside just below Old San Juan. What was once a rough neighborhood riddles with crime, it has now become a place of interest largely due to its feature in the Despacito music video.

Here you can admire the colorful buildings and vibrant murals, while walking along the sea. You can get a feel for another side of Puerto Rico. You can visit on your own, but for safety, it’s advisable to go with a tour.

Old San Juan Nightlife

End your first day in Puerto Rico by indulging in the many offerings in terms of bars, restaurants and lounges in Old San Juan.

For food, you have many options from more low-key Puerto Rican cuisine, to swankier tapas bars, and fine dining restaurants. I personally loved having small bites and co*cktails at T•tuan, a restaurant located in a courtyard of fairy lights and live music.

If you are seriously hungry, opt to check out Deavadura or El Jibarito for authentic Puerto Rican eats in a humble, no frills setting.

La Factoria

When the time comes for a drink, there is simply one place you cannot miss out on: La Factoria. What was named among the top 50 bars of the world several years over, a visit here is quite literally a rite of passage during your 4 days in Puerto Rico.

La Factoria is actual a group of 7 bars, with a single hole in the wall, unmarked entrance. You could easily spend a night hopping from one bar to another, as each other a unique vibe and drink menu.

Visit a Cigar Lounge

If you’re up for something unique, you may opt to visit a cigar lounge while in San Juan. While Puerto Rico is not as famous of a cigar producer as the some of the neighboring island nations, they do produce their own high quality brands here.

Whether or not you’re a fan, you can still learn about different types of cigars, how they are made, and maybe even test one out yourself at Monte Cristo Cigar Lounge.

Here, the staff are knowledgeable and happy to give you a little tour of their cigar room.

If one day in San Juan isn’t enough for you, here is a 2 day guide to San Juan Puerto Rico, including all the sites in Old San Juan and beyond.

Day 2: El Yunque National Forest

Your second day of your 4 day itinerary in Puerto Rico will take you to the only tropical rainforest in the U.S.

El Yunque National Rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse forests in the U.S national forest system. While only 28,000 acres in total area, making it one of the smallest of the national forests, it packs a lot to see and do into a small area.

Getting to El Yunque

You have one of two options: either join a guided tour with provided transfer, or drive your own rental car to El Yunque Forest. The one that is best for you will depend on your preferences.

If you’d like someone else to take care of all the logistics such as reserving a spot in El Yunque (more on that later), and taking you from one hotspot to the next, a tour is a good idea.

El Yunque by Tour

Some good tour companies into El Yunque Rainforest are El Yunque Tours and Island Journeys. Both provide pick up in San Juan and will take care of booking a reservation into the park itself. You’ll also have a knoweldgeable guide to give background information during your visit, plus take you to all the best spots.

El Yunque Without a Guide

You technically do not need a guide to visit El Yunque. You may also appreciate the idea of exploring the rainforest on your own terms, or just want to save a bit of cash, in which case you may come by renting a car.

It’s doable to self-drive yourself to El Yunque, and through the park itself. The only thing you need to consider, is that you’ll be responsible for getting your own tickets into El Yunque, which can be a hassle in and of itself.

Getting Tickets to El Yunque Rainforest

If you won’t book a tour with a guide, you’ll need to get your tickets to El Yunque Rainforest prior to your visit.

In order to ensure your entry into El Yunque on your desired date, I’d recommend booking ahead of your trip. You can reserve and purchase an entry ticket up to one month before your visit on the recreation.gov website or by clicking here.

You’ll need to buy just one ticket per vehicle, and the person who’s name is on the ticket must be present in the vehicle upon entering the park.

A the time of writing, a ticket is $8 USD per vehicle.

Last Minute Tickets to El Yunque Rainforest

For those who want to be more spontaneous or just forgot to book ahead of time, you can try your luck at grabbing last minute tickets the day before your visit.

A few tickets are released every day at 8 am and 11 am local time, for entry the following day. You have a good enough chance at grabbing a ticket, especially outside of peak season and if you set an alarm a couple minutes ahead to ensure you login on time.

However, with only a 4 day itinerary in Puerto Rico, I wouldn’t leave anything up to chance. Book ahead of time if you can, to avoid any disappointment.

Things to Do in El Yunque

Although El Yunque is one of the smallest forests in the national forest system, it packs in a vast array of diverse landscapes, vegetation and wildlife into a small area. Plan to start early and spend most of the day here to make the most of your visit.

Pro-tip: Do NOT forget the mosquito spray. Doing so may just result in swollen, baseball sized bug bites!

La Mina Falls

La Mina Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the El Yunque Rainforest. The waterfall itself is a 35 foot tall free flowing wall of water, that flows into a pool popular for swimming. It’s one of the most visited spots in the park, so prepare for crowds!

Juan Diego Falls

Juan Diego Falls is actually a set of waterfalls, that is quite a bit less visited than Mina Falls. The lower falls are relatively easy to get to from the road, while the upper falls requires a bit more effort to reach by hiking. The reward for reaching the upper falls is a 40 foot, relatively unvisited waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.

Spot the Wildlife

This would definitely be easier with a guided tour, but given the abundance of life in El Yunque rainforest, you just may get lucky even on your own.

El Yunque is home to a wide range of exotic species of reptiles, amphibians, and birds. With persistence, you may spot some coqui hopping around, an indigenous Puerto Rican frog species. If you’re lucky you may also spot some boas, the colorful Puerto Rican parrot, or some unique reptiles.

Go Hiking

There are many hiking trails to choose from for enjoying the scenic beauty in El Yunque. The easiest trail is the Caimitillo Trail, which is only a little over half a mile long and mostly flat. Although short, it still gives you a good taste of the natural beauty of this region. It’s also a great trail for birdwatching.

Another easy trail is the El Angelito Trail. This hike also takes just over 20 minutes one way, and ends in a great swimming area along the Mameyes River.

For those seeking a view from above, try out the Mount Britton Trail. This trail will take you up into the cloud forest and onto the mountain, eventually leading up to the El Yunque Peak. From up here, you have one of the best views of the entire El Yunque rainforest and even the ocean from afar.

Day 3: Culebra Island & Puerto Rico’s Best Beach

For day 3 of your 4 day itinerary in Puerto Rico, you’ll be heading to Culebra Island to visit Puerto Rico’s top rated beach.

You can either reach Culebra by booking a tour that departs from San Juan, or by driving to the ferry terminal in Cieba and taking the ferry. For those that want to drive and have a car, you may actually head towards the ferry port straight after El Yunque Rainforest the day before.

If you choose to take the ferry, you may opt to take the last ferry onto Culebra Island at the end of day 2, and spend the night on the island. This way, you’ll have the beach to yourself in the morning before the day trippers roll through.

Be warned that the ferry has a track record of being not fully reliable, and that for the most part, ferries won’t allow you to bring your car. You should plan to leave your rental car behind, and parking is available at the port for $5.

Taking the Ferry to Culebra Island

The ferry to Culebra departs from the ferry terminal in Ceiba, in the western part of the main island. The ferry schedule will vary depending on time of year, so check here for the schedule.

Typically, the last ferry to Culebra leaves some time in the late afternoon, and starts as early as 6 am in the morning. The ferry only takes 45 minutes to reach Culebra.

You can book tickets ahead of time online, but it’s also possible to book a ticket on the spot.

Taking a Tour to Culebra Island

In many ways, joining a tour to get to Culebra Island makes the most sense. It’s convenient, and they often bundle in activities that you may otherwise pay for separately anyway, such as kayaking and snorkeling excursions.

With only 4 days in Puerto Rico, I might even say this is the better option, just to save yourself any hassle and time.

About Flamenco Beach

The main draw of visiting Culebra is to spend a day at the world-famous Flamenco Beach.

Flamenco Beach hasn’t just been rated the best beach in Puerto Rico, but often pops up in the ranks among the best beaches in the world.

Historically, this beach was occupied by the U.S Navy for bomb testing and target practice. One of the most photographed aspects of the beach are the tanks that still sit arrested in decay on the beach itself.

This beach is ideal for truly all types of beach goers. The sand is ultra-soft and pure, while the waters are the most strikingly clear blue color, with virtually no waves.

Things to do at Flamenco Beach

Go Snorkeling

Flamenco Beach is also home to some of the best snorkeling locations in Puerto Rico. If you don’t have your own gear, opt to join a snorkeling tour. Many of these will take you to the best snorkeling spots in and around Flamenco Beach by boat and provide gear.

See the Beach Tanks

The American Navy officially un-occupied Culebra in 1975, but in their haste, left behind a lot of equipment. As a result, there are a handful of American tanks that still litter Flamenco beach, disturbing its otherwise paradisiac appearance.

Today, the tanks make cool subjects for photography, where they sit rusted and covered in graffiti.

Boat Tour to Isla Culebrita

Boating is a popular activity at Flamenco Beach and Culebra Island as a whole. You can take a boat tour or public water taxi and head to the uninhabited island of Culebrita. This tiny island is home to some quiet, yet beautiful beaches of it’s own, plus a ton of unspoiled, raw nature.

Go Kayaking

Kayaking is another activity on offer for those who don’t fancy sunbathing as a beach activity. You can rent a kayak at Tamarindo Beach and kayak to and from Flamenco Beach. Another option is to book a tour with Aquafari, which will take you on a half-day kayaking and snorkeling excursion in and around Flamenco Beach.

Visit the Mangrove Forest

These are located a bit further, on the other side of Culebra, on the southeastern shores. But i you’re keen to explore something different, you can definitely squeeze in a visit to the newly restored Puerto de Manglar Red Mangrove Forests. Here you can see how this unique ecosystems thrives and provides a home to some endangered animals.

Enjoy a Beautiful Sunset

Sunsets on Culebra are known to be a colorful event. While you can get a decent sunset on Flamenco Beach, you may opt to head to Tamarindo beach on the western shores for the absolute best sunset views.

Where to Stay on Culebra Island

Whether or not you stay on Culebra island is up to you. If you booked your visit to and from Culebra as a tour from San Juan, you will likely only visit as a day trip since the catamaran leaves in the afternoon to take you back to San Juan.

But if you came by car, there is definitely value in staying on the island over night, even if just to have it to yourself once the day-trippers leave. If you would like to spend the night in Culebra, here are some good options:

Aleli Cottages: Homely apartment stay on the western shores of Culebra. Most cottages offer beach westward facing views from the terrace, meaning perfect sunset views. Includes kitchen and an onsite garden, ideal for families.

Oceania Villas: These villas offer stunning views ofPlaya de Cascajo and Datiles Beach from the spacious wrap around balcony. It’s ideal for group travelers, with access to onsite barbecue facilities, a pool and garden.

Day 4: Mosquito Bay for Bioluminescent Beach

For day 4 of your 4 days in Puerto Rico, you’ll head to possibly the most unique destination of the trip.

On your last day, you’ll want to travel to Vieques, another small island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. You can reach Vieques one of two ways: by ferry or by flying in from San Juan.

If you’ve already taken the ferry to Culebra from Cieba on day 3, then taking the ferry to Vieques will make more sense since the ferry departs from Ceiba as well.

If you are based in San Juan, you should opt to fly.

Visiting Mosquito Bay

Bioluminescent beaches are a rarity to come by in the world, so Puerto Rico is unique in the fact that it is spoiled by a total of 3 bioluminescent bays.

While each of them are amazing in their own way, Mosquito Bay is the one regarded as the world’s absolute best bioluminescent bay. It’s also the hardest one to reach of the three in Puerto Rico, but it’s a bucket-list experience not to be missed.

Sure, you’d be able to see bioluminescent algae at any of the 3 bioluminescent bays, but they are dramatically more dense at Mosquito Bay. It really is a once in a lifetime experience to witness the beach twinkling brighter than the night sky itself!

Kayaking Tours of Mosquito Bay

Most people will opt to join a kayaking tour of Mosquito Bay. Tours generally meet up in the late afternoon, and allow you to kayak in the bay when darkness falls.

There are many different tour operators offering kayaking tours of Mosquito Bay, I’d advise booking ahead if possible.

Other Things to do in Vieques

Seeing the bioluminescent algae in real life makes the trip to Vieques entirely worthwhile, but if you have more time in Vieques you can check out some of the following places.

Playa Negra

Vieques is home to many unspoiled, beautiful beaches that are less frequented by tourists. One of the most memorable would be Playa Negra which translates to “Black Beach”. Here you can walk on black volcanic sand, that is often times mixed in with golden sand, creating interesting contrast and designs in the surf.

Scuba Diving

For certified divers, Vieques makes an excellent place to venture off into the undersea world. The visibility around Vieques is amongst the best, making it ideal for exploring the colorful reef and abundant marine life here. It’s not uncommon to spot eagle rays, sea turtles, manatees and even barracudas here.

Hiking Trails in Vieques

Vieques is a somewhat more rugged island in Puerto Rico, and you’ll often do some hiking to reach the best beaches. Playa Grande Sugar Mill Ruins is another great hiking trail that leads you to the ruins of the historic mills, while offering stunning views of the sea along the way.

Alternative 4 Days in Puerto Rico Itinerary Ideas

With the destinations mentioned, you are bound for an action packed 4 day itinerary in Puerto Rico. However, if you find yourself with some free time, or want additional ideas for places to visit, below are some worthy mentions.

Camuy Caves

The Camuy Caves are the third largest cave system in the world. They are located on the northwestern side of the island, about an hour and a half away from San Juan.

The Camuy Caves can be visited as a half day trip, perhaps before you fly to Vieques on day 4 of this itinerary. While the entire cave itself is very impressive, and surrounded by beautiful nature, I would not recommend it for those who are afraid of spiders.

This cave is where I saw the biggest (I didn’t really see it, I had my eyes closed the whole time) spider of my life right next to my face, in a narrow passageway deep inside the cave, with no way out. If you are crazy, google Puerto Rican Scorpian Spider to get an idea of what I mean.

Laguna Grande

This is the second best of the 3 bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico. It’s the most popular amongst tourists because it is far easier to reach than Mosquito Bay.

The bioluminescent algae here is not nearly as dense nor as bright as in Mosquito Bay, therefore not as visually impressive. But if you want a faster option to have more time for sipping mojitos, this makes a good second option since you can easily drive there from San Juan.

You can reach Laguna Grande by driving to Fajardo, from which you can join a kayaking tour to see the bioluminescent algae.

San Juan Area

With only a 4 day itinerary in Puerto Rico, you may not have that much extra time to allocate in San Juan. But if you have some free time (maybe before your departure), there is a lot more to discover outside of Old San Juan.

For example, try heading to La Placita Market in the afternoons to try some food, and stay for the evenings when it becomes a nightlife hotspot. Here, you’ll find an abundance of bars, restaurants and even clubs, where you can let loose and maybe mingle with some locals.

See more: A Guide to How to Spending 2 Days in San Juan

Safety in Puerto Rico

For the typical traveler, Puerto Rico is a largely safe destination. If you are basing yourself in Old San Juan, you can rest easy knowing this is one of the safest areas in the city, and country, and there is a ton of police present to reassure you of that.

Travelers who will join guided tours, visit the touristic sites during the day, while taking normal precautions, will probably be fine.

If you will rent a car and do a self-guided trip, you’ll also be fine. Certain precautions should be made such as remembering to leave no valuables or visible items in your car. And of course, always make sure you have GPS to avoid getting lost, especially at night.

There are some areas that are known to be rougher than others, but those aren’t typically where tourists go. If in doubt, ask your hotel receptionist the day before about where you plan to go.

If traveling alone, try to avoid walking around alone late at night, a precaution that is advisable in almost any destination.

Solo Travel in Puerto Rico

I spend the tail end of my 4 days in Puerto Rico alone, and I can report a good experience in Puerto Rico for solo travelers.

If you make the effort, it is easy to meet locals, as I found Puerto Rican people to be very open and friendly. It also helps that many people in the city speak English.

San Juan is great for solo travelers, even first time solo travelers. For visiting further destinations in Puerto Rico, it may be slightly more enjoyable to go with someone, since most of us don’t consider going to the beach or hiking to be a solo activity.

However, if you are comfortable being alone and are experienced traveling solo, then there is no reason why Puerto Rico can’t be a great solo travel destination.

Puerto Rico Travel Tips