Just off the coast of the United States, one of my favorite tropical getaways is the U.S territory Puerto Rico. It’s warm weather, beautiful beaches (including one ranked #5 in the world!), and unique food scene make it worth a visit. This Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days covers all the best things to eat, see, and do with your time on the island. Whether you’re looking for laid-back beach days or a thrilling excursion, I’ve got you covered!
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General Tips for Puerto Rico Itinerary 5 Days
- Book excursions in advance. They fill up quick! We made the mistake of not booking our ferry to Culebra Island at least a couple of weeks in advance, which resulted in us not booking our desired time slot.
- Since Puerto Rico is a U.S territory, passports are not required for entry for U.S citizens.
- Wear plenty of bug spray and sunscreen. Puerto Rico is a tropical island, meaning there is a lot of sunshine and insects around the island. (especially at the beach, at night, and in the forest).
- Especially during the rainy season, pack a portable umbrella and a light rain jacket.
- Don’t spend your whole trip in San Juan. There is so much more to the island, including the only national rainforest in the United States and the iconic lechon highways in the mountainside.
Is Puerto Rico Safe?
For the most part, Puerto Rico is safe for tourists. During my stay and for the activities in this itinerary, I was primarily surrounded by other tourists (even at night). With any new place, be aware of your surroundings and listen to locals’ advice for where not to go and what not to do.
In the Old San Juan district of San Juan, tourists are highly advised NOT to go to the La Perla neighborhood, no matter the time of day.
Best Time for Your Puerto Rico Visit
The best time to visit Puerto Rico is from December to April, when the temperatures are lower and the humidity is not as strong. I went in mid-February and LOVED it. During my trip, the island had a comfortable temperature of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny skies. Meanwhile, the worst time to visit is June to November, which is hurricane season.
Where to Stay in Puerto Rico
Centrally located neighborhoods with plenty to do are Old San Juan, Santurce, and Condado Beach. We stayed in Condado Beach and were just a block from the beach, cafes, and restaurants. For a more laid-back vacation along the beach, many recommend staying in Isla Verde.
How to Get Around Puerto Rico
For a Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days itinerary, I HIGHLY recommend renting a car. While there is accessible public transportation and ride share services within the San Juan metropolitan area, you’ll need a car to easily get around the rest of the island. I recommend renting from a major airport rental service such as Alamo or Enterprise.
If you don’t plan to leave San Juan on your trip, using a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber is viable and makes more sense in high foot-traffic areas like Old San Juan.
Day 1 of Puerto Rico Itinerary 5 Days
Day one of your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days is to get settled into the city. Hit the beach, enjoy some Puerto Rican food, and immerse yourself in the city’s nightlife.
Bebo’s Cafe
Start your trip off with a classic Puerto Rican dish – mofongo! Bebo’s Cafe in Condado is a local favorite for classic Puerto Rican cuisine. For those who don’t know what it is, mofongo is a Puerto Rican dish made with mashed fried plantains and potatoes. We ordered the lechon (pork shoulder) and ropas viejas (shredded beef) mofongo. I would recommend both! We were also recommended by our waiter to order the chimichurri (skirt steak).
When I visited, the restaurant was packed with both locals and tourists. The bustling atmosphere and incredible, affordable food make it a must-try on any Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days.
Condado Beach
Just blocks away from Bebo’s is Condado Beach, a public beach open all day, every day. It stretches for miles, and the neighboring area has hotels, high-rise apartments, cafes, and restaurants. The currents are too strong for swimming, but it’s the perfect beach for sunbathing! I’ve also seen folks set up volleyball nets and play other beach sports.
On my recent trip to Puerto Rico, I stayed at a hotel just a block from Condado Beach. While I wasn’t a fan of the hotel (so I won’t be recommending it here), I loved the ease of access for a beach walk, especially at sunrise and sunset!
Further Reading: The Ultimate Tropical Vacation Packing List
La Placita
End your day one of the Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days by visiting La Placita in Santurce. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music echoing through the streets. Once it hits 10 PM, the streets become more and more lively with a mix of locals and tourists. Many bars are free to enter. Some of my favorite spots were Tulum and the low-key tiki-style bar with seating, Jungle Bird.
Travel Tip: La Placita of San Juan is most lively between Thursday to Sunday, with many establishments closed on Monday to Wednesday.
La Alcapurria Quema
End your night out eating some of the city’s best late-night street food. The corner restaurant La Alcapurria Quema is conveniently located in the middle of La Placita’s square. Two items that the menu specializes in are pastelitos and alcapurrias. Their pastelitos are crispy puff pastries with different fillings (we got ground beef and cheese, which was EXCELLENT). Alcapurrias are a Puerto Rican fritter made with green banana and yautia dough and different fillings inside. For drinks, you must try the passion fruit mojito!
Day 2 of Puerto Rico Itinerary 5 Days
Day 2 of your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days is to see Old San Juan. With over 500 years of history, the pastel-colored colonial architectures make it a beautiful yet historically important neighborhood. I would budget half a day to see the neighborhood before another excursion.
Breakfast at Cafeteria Mallorca San Juan
Start day 2 of your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days at one of the best breakfast spots in San Juan. Cafeteria Mallorca specializes in the Mallorca, sweet and fluffy bread rolls with powdered sugar, and often accompanied by a cup of coffee.
Wander the Streets of Old San Juan
Old San Juan is characterized by cobblestone streets and a mix of old pastel-colored buildings and new ones. I recommend just wandering the streets and popping into whichever stores, bars, and restaurants that catch your eye. Or, you can take a guided walking tour. This is a more touristy part of the city, so there are plenty of gift shops to get your souvenir shopping done!
El Paseo de la Princesa (Princess Pathway)
This area of old San Juan is a must-stop destination on any Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days. Lined with streetlights, local street vendors, and beautiful views of the San Juan Bay, it’s an interesting area to walk through. The local street vendors sell everything from food and drinks to homemade goods like jewelry, handbags, and trinkets. One of my FAVORITE stalls along the promenade is the lemonade stand – we got a very refreshing and sweet limeade.
On the day we went, there was an outdoor karaoke session, with locals singing and dancing. The area was such a fun vibe and my favorite place in San Juan on this Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days.
Limbers de San Juan
As you make your way up to the hill from La Paseo de la Princesa, stop at the unassuming Limbers de San Juan for an ice treat. The unassuming hole-in-the-wall serves limbers, Puerto Rico ice pop snacks. You walk up, ring the bell, and the woman working there serves you from her kitchen window. Each pop is only $2 and comes in a variety of fruit flavors like strawberry, guava, lemon, and (my favorite), passionfruit. We loved enjoying our ice pops while overlooking the water below!
Castillo San Felipe Del Morro (El Morro)
Built in 1533 by the Spanish in the Americas, Castillo San Felipe Del Morro was once used to protect Puerto Rico from military attacks. It now serves as the governor’s mansion and a popular tourist destination. The inside of the gates includes re-creations of the barracks, other facilities that can be viewed that were once used by soldiers, and a large green space to walk around. It’s a must-have activity on your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days, especially if you’re into history.
Once you reach the gates, there is an entrance fee of $10 for adults and free for children under 15. There are free days for all visitors throughout the year, including Martin Luther King’s Day, April’s National Park Week, and November’s Veterans’ Day.
Castillo San Cristobal
Another fortress in Old San Juan is Castillo San Cristobal, once used to protect Old San Juan from land-based attacks. Once you pay for the entrance to either San Cristobal or El Morro, you can access the other with the same ticket.
Pina Colada at Barrachina
Did you know that the pina colada drink was invented in San Juan? It’s even the National Drink of Puerto Rico. Pina Coladas are made with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and white rum over ice for the ultimate tropical cocktail. Barrachina is a restaurant in Old San Juan, most known for being the first place to serve this. They also have a non-alcoholic option.
Snap a Picture at the I <3 SJ Sign
Located in the town square in Plaza Colon is a fun “I <3 SJ” plaque and great photo opportunity. It’s also a nice area to sit on a bench and take a break from sightseeing in the afternoon.
Tour the Casa Bacardi Distillery
Just about 20 minutes away from Old San Juan is Casa Bacardi in Catano, Puerto Rico, home to the well-known rum brand. The facility has several different tours and experiences. This includes a guided distillery tour, a rum tasting tour with free rum at about $80, and even an interactive mixology class. It’s a great way to spend a few hours on your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days.
Optional: Easy Beach Day at Escambron
If you’re like me and NEED to utilize as much beach time as you can on a tropical vacation, Escambron is a beach just a ten-minute drive away from Old San Juan. The family-friendly beach has clean sand, palm trees, and clear waters. Parking is only $5 and the beach has amenities including restrooms, an outdoor shower, and lifeguards.
While at Escambron, there are sessions for scuba diving and snorkeling with the sea turtles, which are unique and fun activities to add to your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days.
Dinner at Deaverdura
Once you return from your excursion, enjoy a meal in Old San Juan at this local favorite for Puerto Rican food! Deaverdura was one of my favorite restaurants during my recent trip, and I highly recommend adding it to your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days. The colorful corner restaurant serves classic Puerto Rican cuisine with a menu that occasionally changes.
I absolutely LOVE their churrasco! The skirt steak plate has a delicious chimichurri sauce and is perfectly cooked. The regular skirt steak is also fantastic. To try a variety of foods, get the Puerto Rican Sampler. The plate is great for sharing and includes tostones (fried flattened plantain snack), pernil (roasted pork shoulder), and rice with pigeon peas.
Note: Deaverdura is an extremely popular spot that doesn’t take reservations. Be prepared to wait — I waited about an hour in line on a Sunday night!
La Factoria
End your second night of your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days at La Factoria in Old San Juan! It’s a low-lit cocktail bar with a fun ambiance and salsa dancing. They make their drinks with fresh ingredients, and each room has a completely different vibe.
Note: La Factoria is a 23+ establishment and requires an ID card.
Day 3 of Puerto Rico Itinerary 5 Days
Day 3 of this Puerto Rico itinerary starts with hiking the only rainforest recognized in the U.S. National Forest System, El Yunque, before resting at the beach nearby.
El Yunque National Forest
Hiking the rainforest was easily one of the highlights of my Puerto Rico trip. I’d highly recommend spending a half day to a full day of your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days here. The rainforest extends 28,000 acres, making it one of the smallest in the States while also the most diverse. Deciding on which hike to take depends on your fitness level and interests. Two popular hikes are the El Yunque Trail for a view of the island from 3,500 feet above and La Mina Falls for waterfall views.
The El Yunque Trail Hike
For a moderately easy hike with excellent views of the island, the El Yunque trail extends 2.6 miles each way. It ends at the top of a viewpoint where you can see the beaches at the edges of the island. We were able to finish the hike within 3 hours, and the views at the peak were breathtaking.
Optional: Las Pailas Natural Water Slides
Have you heard of a natural waterslide? The Las Pailas water slides, just outside El Yunque, have smooth rocks that make it perfect for sliding down! It’s a fun and unique activity to add to your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days. There are also water pools to swim in nearby. I recommend taking a guided tour of the water slides. A popular one is GetYourGuide’s “From San Juan: El Yunque Rainforest & Waterslide Tour.”
Tips for El Yunque
There are some tips about El Yunque that I wish I had known before I visited the rainforest.
- Bring PLENTY of sunscreen and bug spray, and apply them liberally.
- There are a few bathrooms throughout El Yunque. You can pay $8 to enter the El Yunque Visitor’s Center and use their bathroom. Or, use the free porta-potties at picnic areas along the road, like Sierra Palm and the Yokahu Tower.
- Wear hiking shoes! While the El Yunque Trail Hike was safe to walk with regular sneakers on a sunny day, I completely ruined mine by accidentally stepping into mud that looked like solid ground on the surface. When it rains, the routes get slippery, so having shoes with support and grip is essential.
- If you plan on swimming, bring waterproof shoes and a dry bag for wet clothes.
- Take pictures of the outdoor trail maps before your hike in case you get lost.
- GO EARLY! As the day progresses, the parking lot fills up, and many people have to park on the side of the road nearby.
- Don’t get into any water if it is raining, or even a day or two after heavy rain. Flash floods are common – always prioritize your safety.
- Hiking is a strenuous sport – remember to bring snacks and/or pack a picnic lunch.
Grab Authentic Puerto Rican Food at La Frutera Flores
After a day hiking, fuel up at the nearby La Frutera Flores, a popular roadside food stand. The convenience store sells reasonably priced local Puerto Rican food, fruits, and made-to-order smoothies. Excellent options include their pastelitos, alcapurrias, and beef stews. Their strawberry and banana smoothie is also very refreshing!
Luquillo Kiosks
Personally, I think that spending time at the beach is the perfect way to unwind after a long day hiking. The Luquillo Kiosks are about 60 family-run beachside kiosks that sell Puerto Rican street foods, seafood, drinks, and even souvenirs. I recommend walking the entire strip to see all options before deciding where to eat. Unfortunately, in my experience, we tried 3 kiosks and they were all just okay, but I recommend using your best judgment on which to try.
Luquillo Beach
Luquillo Beach is a beautiful, clean beach with crystal clear waters and shady coconut trees. It stretches over a mile and has convenient amenities like a parking lot, lifeguards, and bathrooms. Its calm waters are great for swimming, making it perfect for families.
Day 4 of Puerto Rico Itinerary 5 Days
Day 4 of this Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days is to take a day trip to Culebra Island. It’s home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico (and #5 of the top beaches in the world!), Flamenco Beach.
Ferry to Culebra Island
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Culebra from the main island of Puerto Rico is by ferry. The whole ride takes only 45 minutes and costs $2 each way. I HIGHLY recommend booking your tickets FAR in advance – only about 20% of ticket sales are online. Otherwise, your only choices are to go to the physical ticket counter in the Ceiba port days before (about an hour drive from San Juan) or hire someone to stand in line for you. Alternatively, you can take a flight from San Juan to the island.
Flamenco Beach (a MUST on your Puerto Rico Itinerary 5 Days!)
Now on the Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days – enjoy the beautiful Flamenco Beach! The beach is famous for its bright turquoise waters and clean white sand. Spend the day here bumming it, relaxing on the beach, and taking a dip in the water. Playa Tamarindo is another less crowded beach option.
Snorkeling
Given its clear waters, Culebra island is a popular destination for snorkeling. It boasts plenty of marine life that you can view up close. A popular tour is the From Fajardo: Full Day Culebra Islands Catamaran Tour. This option also conveniently has a hotel pick-up and drop-off!
Day 5 of Puerto Rico Itinerary 5 Days
The last day of your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days is to check out the lechon (pork) highways and another outdoor activity.
Check out the Lechon Highway
A unique culinary activity to add to your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days is to check out the lechon (pork) highways in the mountainous region of Guavate. Lechon is a whole pig that is slow-roasted over the spit. When done right, their skin is crispy and salty, while the meat is tender. These highways are famous for having lechoneras throughout. I visited the popular El Rancho Original on Route 184, enjoying their sausage, yucca, rice and pigeon peas, and, of course, lechon!
Outdoor Activity
Listed are some popular outdoor activities to cap off your Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days:
- Carabali Rainforest Park: Rainforest Horseback Riding Tour
- From Fajardo: Full Day Culebra Islands Catamaran Tour
- From Fajardo: Cayo Icacos Snorkeling Cruise with Slide & Lunch
- Snorkel with Manatees and Turtles with Free Rum
Wrapping Up: Puerto Rico Itinerary 5 Days
That concludes my all-inclusive guide to the best Puerto Rico itinerary 5 days in 2025! This guide outlines both ends of the spectrum, from relaxing beach days to horseback riding. Once you make your way through Puerto Rico, check out my other United States travel guides:
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