I frequently get asked tips and advice on vacationing in Puerto Rico. Below is my summary for anyone looking for some PR travel information.
Beginner’s Puerto Rico Itinerary: San Juan & Rincón
If you're planning a trip to Puerto Rico, I highly recommend splitting your time between an Airbnb stay in the San Juan area and a visit to the west side in Rincón. This will give you the flexibility to enjoy both the popular tourist attractions and the more laid-back, scenic side of the island.
Things to Know:
- Driving in Puerto Rico
- - Speed limits are in MPH, but distances are in kilometers.
- - Gas stations require payment first at the counter. If you're filling up, you may need to leave your ID and credit card with the cashier.
- - Google Maps works better than Apple Maps for navigation.
Food & Groceries
- - Bakeries
are everywhere and are a great place to grab sandwiches, snacks,
coffee, bread, and pastries.
- - Grocery
stores, Walmart, and Walgreens carry the same food items as in the
U.S. However, bring your own bags or pay for bags at the register.
- - Fresh
fruit can be pricey, but roadside vendors often sell local fruit
like papaya and bananas.
- - Roadside
stands, especially near beaches, sell delicious fritters and many have
local drinks. They’re great when you want a quick meal as you’re headed to
your next stop.
Other Helpful Tips
- - IVU
(sales tax) is 10%, higher than in many U.S. states.
- - Most
people in tourist areas speak English. In rural and suburban areas,
younger people and employees at restaurants and businesses will typically
understand English, though some may be shy about speaking it.
Exploring San Juan & North-East Puerto Rico
San Juan is a great place to start your trip, offering
history and culture. In the North-east corner of Puerto Rico is El Yunque
National Park.
- - For
Old San Juan, park at Doña Fela (Link to> Yelp Review).
- - Old
San Juan – Wander through the colorful colonial streets, visit El
Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, and enjoy some delicious local cuisine.
- - El
Yunque National Forest – Get there early as visitor capacity is
limited. Hike through lush rainforest, swim in waterfalls, and take in
breathtaking views. Link for> More
Info
- - Carabalí
Rainforest Adventure Park – ATV rides and horseback riding through the
rainforest. Link for mor info> Carabalí
Adventure Park
- Day Trip Option: Luquillo Beach
- If you
want a beach day, head to Luquillo Beach, a beautiful sandy
stretch perfect for relaxing. Link for > More Info
Scenic Drive to Rincón
On your way to Rincón, take the northern coastal route
for some incredible stops along the way:
- - Cueva
del Indio – A beautiful and historic cave site with stunning ocean
views.
- - Beaches
along the north coast – Perfect for a quick stop to soak in the
scenery.
- - Aguadilla
– Home to a water park and Crash Boat Beach, where you can
go paddle boarding and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
Rincón – one of our favorite places
Rincón is famous for its surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, as well as its breathtaking sunsets. The town has a charming central plaza, great restaurants, and a laid-back atmosphere. Many visitors love it so much that they decide to move there—some locals jokingly call it "Gringolandia."
For accommodations, there are quite a few Airbnbs in the
area, but another great option is The Lazy Parrot, a cozy hotel with its
own pool and local owners.
Day Trips from Rincón
While in Rincón, explore some of the nearby sights:
- - Cabo
Rojo Lighthouse & Playa Sucia – A stunning coastal area with
dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
- - Lajas
& the Bioluminescent Bay – Visit during a moonless night
for the best experience. More
Info
- - Guanica
Dry Forest – Stop here on your way to Lajas for a unique ecosystem and
some small, scenic beaches. Visit
Guanica Dry Forest
Bonus Adventure: Camuy Caverns (As of February 24th,
2025 the Camuy Caverns are “temporarily” closed).
If you have 8–10 days, you'll have plenty of time to
explore without feeling rushed. One more must-visit spot is the Camuy
Caverns.
- - Arrive
by 8 AM as spots fill up quickly.
- - After
visiting the caverns, choose between:
Final Thoughts
Puerto Rico offers an incredible mix of history,
adventure, and relaxation. By splitting your time between San Juan and
Rincón, you’ll get the best of both worlds. Whether you're into history,
adventure, or just relaxing on the beach, this itinerary gives you a perfect
mix of it all.
For even more ideas, check out Discover Puerto Rico for
additional travel tips.
Have you been to Puerto Rico? Drop your favorite
recommendations in the comments! 