Curator’s statement
Scented by delicious coffee, slow-roasted pork and sea breezes, this island holds many opportunities to enjoy life with simplicity. Whether you are spending time by the beach, exploring century old landmarks, or sipping on a rum-based cocktail, Puerto Rico will teach you how to have a great time and make you feel like a local almost immediately. 3 days in Puerto Rico is never enough, but this 3-day Puerto Rico itinerary will introduce you to the highlights that this beautiful island has to offer.
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Day 1: Explore San Juan
Morning: Check into the O:Live Boutique Hotel in the trendy neighborhood of Condado. Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Caficultura, known for its artisanal coffee and Puerto Rican-inspired dishes.
Afternoon: Visit to the Barrilito Rum Factory, where you can learn about the history of rum production in Puerto Rico's oldest Rum Factory. I also recommend signing up for the mixology class afterward to learn how to properly make rum-based cocktails like the Pina Colada.
Then, explore the historic district of Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful colonial buildings. Visit El Morro, a 16th-century fortress that offers stunning views of the city and the sea (and is one of the best spots to watch the sunset). Stop by the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, one of the oldest churches in the Americas.
Evening: For dinner, head to Marmalade, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a fusion of Caribbean and international cuisine. End the night with a cocktail at La Factoría, a speakeasy-style bar that has been named one of the best bars in the world.
Day 2: Hike El Yunque National Forest (a must for any 3-day Puerto Rico itinerary!)
Early Morning: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Mercado la Carreta to fuel up for a day of adventure. Here you can enjoy of some breakfast classics like eggs benedicts or traditional Puerto Rican breakfast dishes like Bandeja Jibara.
Full Day: Take a trip to the nearby El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System. Hike one of the park's many trails and take in the breathtaking views of the lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls.
Evening: For dinner, try Raya, a Caribbean Asian restaurant that brings Asian fusion dishes to the heart of Puerto Rico. Make sure to try one of their signature Sake and Japanese whiskey-infused cocktails.
Day 3: Day Trip to Culebra
On the final day of your 3 days in Puerto Rico, it's time for some sun!
Day: Take a ferry to the nearby island of Culebra, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Spend the day relaxing on Flamenco Beach, known for its crystal clear waters and pristine white sand.
Evening: End the trip with dinner at Santaella known for some of the island’s most vibrant "cocina criolla". After dinner, head to the rooftop bar at the O:Live Boutique Hotel to enjoy a nightcap while taking in the stunning views of the city.
Need to know
For more travel tips, check out my guide to Miami: A Guide to Experience Miami Like a Local.
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Before booking 3 days in Puerto Rico, take a look at my blog for a more in-depth list of recommendations for Puerto Rico.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Puerto Rico.