Puerto Rico 4 Day Itinerary for the Adventure Seeker

Cerro Mime Hike: Set off early in the morning to your first memorable adventure in the mountains of Puerto Rico. Arriving in the town of Orocovis is an adventure in itself, as you drive up the steep, winding roads into the center of the island. The beginning of the trail is a narrow road that quickly becomes a trail on free-range cattle land. Animal lovers will appreciate the horses and cows on the loose around the trail. The hike to the top is steep but short (about 30 minutes). There are three peaks at the top where you will be rewarded with views of the surrounding mountains and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance on a clear day. Arrive at the top for sunrise to make these epic views even more special and to ensure that you have the mountain all to yourself!

In the same town of Orocovis, you will find Toro Verde Adventure Park. Toro Verde Adventure Park The park has several adrenaline-pumping activities, mostly related to heights and ziplining. The park includes the longest zipline in America!

For a bite to eat, consider stopping at La Sombra Y Longanizas Doña María (La Sombra Restauran y Longanizas Doña María). This restaurant features authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and their specialty is their longanizas (sausages).

For the afternoon, come down from the mountains and make a stop in Manatí to relax at Mar Chiquita Beach. (Mar Chiquita Beach) This small, unique beach is a cove in which the ocean squeezes between jagged rocks, creating somewhat of a pool where you can swim and snorkel. The beach is lined by trees, so there is plenty of shade if you’d like to escape from the sun, and there are even food trucks and vendors at the beach frequently in case you’d like a snack.

Head to dinner at Salitre Mesón Costero (Salitre Mesón Costero) in Arecibo. This beach-side restaurant offers fresh seafood and a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for a romantic or laid-back dinner.

After a light breakfast, make the trek to Cascada Gozalandia in San Sebastian. Make sure to get there as early as you can to enjoy the two waterfalls without the crowds. The first waterfall is more impressive, as it is 50 feet tall, and it’s better for swimming. You are able to carefully climb some of the rocks on the side of the waterfall and jump off of them into the pool below. There is even a hidden underwater cave to the right of the waterfall that you can swim into. It is only about a five-minute walk down a path with stairs to the first waterfall, and about a 10-minute walk to the second waterfall. The second waterfall is smaller but still worth seeing. For the more adventurous traveler, there’s a rope swing to the side of the waterfall that you can use to plunge into the pool below. Spend as much time here as you’d like relaxing, swimming, and people-watching.

Spend the rest of the day in Rincón, the surfing hub of Puerto Rico. There are multiple beaches in Rincón where you can catch a wave. Domes Beach hosts an annual international surfing competition, and if you are a beginner, you can take a surf lesson at Domes Beach as well.

In the morning, make your way back past San Juan to El Yunque National Forest, the only rainforest in the U.S.’s national forest system. There are many hiking trails in El Yunque, as well as several waterfalls. For a refreshing, fun-filled morning, pay a visit to El Yunque’s natural rock water slides (Las Paylas). Arrive earlier in the morning for fewer crowds, or later in the morning to ask locals the best way to go down the slides. The rock slides have been formed by the rushing water over many years. The area is beautiful, with lush vegetation surrounding the river, and a perfect place to cool off and relax.

In the evening, explore San Juan’s vibrant nightlife. La Factoría is a cocktail bar with a cool atmosphere. The bar is made up of several different rooms/bar areas, each with its own vibe. The labyrinth of rooms will transport you from a chill cocktail bar, night club, salsa bar, and back. If you are looking for a good night out, this is your spot!

If you are looking for a more rowdy, party-like atmosphere, head over to La Placita de Santurce (La Placita de Santurce). A market square full of colorful stalls and restaurants that becomes a full-on party when the sun sets. Grab cocktails from one of the many bars and dance the night away. On busy nights, the entire square is filled with people dancing in the street.

For dinner on a Friday or Saturday, indulge in some high-quality Puerto Rican comfort food at La Casita Blanca (La Casita Blanca). It closes in the early afternoon hours the rest of the week, and it gets busy, but for good reason. This is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Start your day off by taking an easy stroll through Old San Juan. The famous colorful buildings and cobblestone streets of the old city are a must-see if it is your first time in Puerto Rico. For a great lunch or dinner, consider Restaurante Raíces (Restaurante Raíces). The restaurant offers good quality, authentic Puerto Rican dishes. Rest and refuel as the adventure-filled four days are coming to an end, but not before one last experience!

Fajardo is a must-visit town in Puerto Rico, as it is the meeting point for many popular tours and, of course, surrounded by some incredible beaches. This is where you will be spending your evening, as Fajardo is home to one of five bioluminescent bays in the world. Puerto Rico is home to three of them. Take a kayak tour at night to a coastal lagoon (Laguna Grande) where you will experience the bio bay for yourself. Microscopic plankton in the water light up around you as your paddle runs through the water. Witness the magic of the water glowing at the touch of your hand! (Bio Bay Kayak Tour)

Finally, for dinner, head over to La Estación in Fajardo. (La Estación) A gas station converted into a restaurant that specializes in barbecue. Barbecue like you’ve never had it before, as they mix traditional American methods with Caribbean spices and flavors.