10-day Road Trip Around Puerto Rico

As soon as you land, hit the road and head to Los Dos Pinos, a cozy beachside hut at Piñones Beach. Enjoy delicious alcapurrias (fried fritters) and bacalaitos (fried codfish and crab snacks) while you take in the waves rolling in.

Next, make your way to El Yunque for a hike through the trails near Las Tinajas Falls, Charco El Hippi, or enjoy the stunning views from Torre Britton. Afterward, stop by La Fonda Gourmet for an amazing jibarito (Puerto Rican sandwich). Or if you are ready for dinner, La parrilla for a whole fried red snapper

Pack bug spray!

Download your maps before starting your hike.

Bring cash for the $5 parking fee at some of the water holes.

Get some snacks at the grocery store.

Catch a quick 45-minute ferry from Ceiba to Vieques for just $25 round trip. Non-residents can’t bring their cars, but you can park for $7 a day in Ceiba.

Stay at Melecon House in the charming town of Esperanza. For lunch, head to Rancho Choli (closed on Mondays and Fridays). Spend your evening kayaking in the bay while listening to pirate stories.

The next morning, grab breakfast at Kristy’s before heading to Mosquito Pier for a morning dive with sea turtles. Afterward, visit Crab Island Rum Distillery for a tasting and lunch, then head back to Esperanza to enjoy the stunning Black Sand Beach on horseback as the sun sets.

Book your ferry tickets at least a week in advance, and arrive at the terminal at least an hour early. There’s a small convenience store with seasickness meds and snacks, but don’t expect much more.

Time your trip around a new moon to get the best view of the bioluminescence!

Rent a car to access more remote locations on the island.

Spend the day winding through the mountains on your way to Highway 184, Puerto Rico’s “Pork Highway,” where you can indulge in pernil — a delicious slow-roasted pork dish.

After lunch, visit a local coffee farm, like Hacienda San Pedro or Hacienda Buena Vista, to learn about the island's rich coffee culture.

Finish the day by spending the night near Lake Carite, where you can sip on fresh coffee and take in the tranquil lakeside views.

Restaurant hours on Google aren’t always reliable, so it’s good to have a backup plan!

The roads are narrow, winding and sometimes rough, so take it slow and enjoy the journey.

Start your adventure by heading toward Cabo Rojo, with a stop in La Parguera. Take a dip in the crystal-clear mangroves or charter a boat to find a secluded sandbar where you can snorkel and watch dolphins play around you. On weekends, head to Cayo Caracoles for a lively beach party. This area is also perfect for experiencing the bioluminescence at night. Spend the evening soaking in the sunset at Playa Buye or Puente de Piedra.

Next, drive up the west coast to Rincón, where you can take a surf lesson or try your hand at spearfishing. If you’re lucky, you might catch your dinner and enjoy it with a bottle of local wine. A little further up the road, spend some time at Crash Boat Beach, where you can jump off the pier into the clearest, bluest water you’ve ever seen.

If you’re heading to Puente de Piedra, bring sturdy shoes since the terrain is rocky and the roads have lots of potholes.

Don’t forget a hammock — perfect for tying between two palm trees and relaxing by the beach.

Buy a coconut and when you are done, have the person cut it in half with a machete to eat the coconut inside. They make you a spoon from the bark!

On your way to Old San Juan, make a stop at Cueva Ventana, a stunning cave with a giant "window" offering panoramic views of Puerto Rico’s mountains. You can even book a cave rappelling excursion! If you're not ready to leave the beach, head over to La Poza del Oropizo for a peaceful swim. Finish your day with a meal at La Parrilla in Luquillo, where you can enjoy a deep-fried whole red snapper and a Piña Colada — Puerto Rico’s iconic drink!

Once you arrive in Old San Juan, take a salsa lesson with Giovanni Holiday, a talented teacher who learned salsa while helping Cuban refugees. He’s hands down one of the best instructors you’ll find!

Put your new moves to the test at La Placita in Santurce - Taberna Los Vazques, a vibrant plaza with live music and dancing spilling out into the streets. If salsa isn’t your thing, head to La Factoria in Old San Juan for an unforgettable night out. After dancing, grab a bite at El Platanal, a 24-hour spot serving Puerto Rican comfort food.

The next day, explore the colorful murals in Santurce and grab brunch at Café Mallorca in Old San Juan. Wander the streets, admiring the pastel-colored houses and charming shops. Visit Don Collins Cigars, a family-owned business that offers hand-rolled cigars and features a beautiful mural in the back.

If time allows, visit the Bacardi Factory for a mixology class where you’ll learn about rum’s history in Puerto Rico. End your trip with a sunset at El Morro, a historic fort built by the Spanish in 1539 and completed in 1790.

Stay at a hotel to avoid parking hassles.

Wear comfortable shoes for all the walking!

Check for festivals. Especially avoid Old San Juan during La Fiesta de la Calle in mid-January — it gets extremely crowded!