Puerto Rico Road Trip (A Local’s Ultimate Itinerary + Map)

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Planning a Puerto Rico road trip is one of the best ways to explore the archipelago’s most beautiful and diverse spots.

But, planning your route alone can result in missing out on some of the best Puerto Rico sites.

Lucky for you, I’m a local who loves road-tripping so much that I even wrote an entire ebook on Puerto Rico.

In this guide, I’ll share my favorite routes, must-see stops, and insider tips to help you experience Puerto Rico like a local.

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Where to Stay for 7 Days in Puerto Rico

For a 7-day visit to Puerto Rico, these are my top picks for where to stay: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – El Conquistador Resort
• 💵 Best Budget – Casa Blanca Hotel
• 🛏️ Best Mid-Range – La Jamaca Hotel
• 💎 Best Luxury – St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort Puerto Rico 
• 👪 Best For Families – El Conquistador Resort
• 📍 Best In San Juan – Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino
• 🇵🇷 Best Local – Parador Maunacaribe – Maunabo
• 🌊 Best with Beachfront Location – Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa
• 🏠 Apartments –  Browse rentals in Puerto Rico 

For more, check out my full guide to where to stay in Puerto Rico.

The Perfect Puerto Rico Road Trip Itinerary (in One Week)

👉 Need to rent a car in Puerto Rico? Be sure to check Discover Cars to compare the best prices:

Day 1 – El Yunque, Luquillo, and Fajardo

Start your day early and by head to El Yunque National Forest on Puerto Rico’s east coast. Full of biodiversity and extending over four different towns, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the National Forest System, and one of the best things to do in Rio Grande.

Access through PR 191 to the forest’s main attractions and stop at La Coca Falls to snap a picture. Follow the road and continue to Yokahu Tower, a 69-foot tower that allows you to see the four types of forest in El Yunque, plus the east coast.

After soaking in the view, continue driving along PR 191 until you reach the trail path to Juan Diego Falls. This is one of the most visited waterfalls in Puerto Rico, and a great way to refresh yourself before lunch. The hike from the road takes about 10 minutes.

Afternoon

For lunch, leave the rainforest and head over to Los Kioskos de Luquillo. There are dozens of Puerto Rico’s local delicacies at the kiosks in front of the beach.

Speaking of the beach, after you’re done, cross the street to Luquillo Beach and take a dip on one of Puerto Rico’s top beaches. It’s one of Luquillo’s main attractions and there are crowds, but it’s calmer if you walk west towards Punta Embarcadero.

Don’t take too long, though, and get back on the road in the early afternoon with Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo as your next destination. 

Once there, take a dip in Seven Seas Beach, one of Fajardo’s top beaches, or hike towards Playa Escondida, an excellent beach for snorkeling.

As the sunset hour approaches, make your way to Playa Colorá, and take beautiful pictures of the bright orange sand and contrasting turquoise waters.

Evening

Grab dinner at Patria Mía Puerto Rican Restaurant & Bar in Las Croabas. Then, head to Kayak Village to finish your evening kayaking in Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay, one of the bio bays in Puerto Rico. Make sure you’re visiting on a new moon night to appreciate the glow! 

You can’t visit the bay on your own, so I recommend booking a bio bay kayaking tour before your visit.

Close your day by grabbing dinner at one of the many restaurants in Las Croabas.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico ($$$$, all-inclusive luxury hotel), El Conquistador Resort – Puerto Rico ($$$, private island, waterpark)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Los Kioskos de Luquillo ($$), Patria Mía Puerto Rican Restaurant & Bar ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: La Estación ($$), Brew!!! Taller Experimental ($$)

Day 2 – Naguabo, Las Piedras, and Maunabo

Start your day trip at Naguabo and head to one of the top places to visit in Puerto Rico, Charco El Hippie. Formed by Río Blanco, this swimming hole features large boulders that locals like to dive from. Not a diver? Then relax at the boulders or hunt down the Taino petroglyphs in the area.  

The place tends to get somewhat crowded, so arrive early in the morning to have it for yourself. 

Before midday, drive down to the coast to El Malecón in Naguabo and grab lunch at El Makito. Or, choose from any of the many on-site restaurants to try the region’s famous seafood.

Afternoon

Once your belly is full, take a stroll through the beachfront promenade, also known as El Malecón de Húcares, and head to Maury La Barquillita to enjoy dessert next to Castillo Villa del Mar, a top Puerto Rico landmark.

Get back in your car and make your way to Parque Ceremonial La Cueva del Indio, an important Taíno archeological site in Las Piedras, featuring dozens of petroglyphs.

Entrance is free but a reservation is required, so make sure to call ahead!

As an alternative, visit Hacienda Muñoz, one of the most visited Puerto Rico coffee farms, located in the nearby town of San Lorenzo.

Before 5 pm, continue driving to the nearby town of Maunabo. Stop at Playa Los Bohios, one of the few black sand beaches in Puerto Rico and enjoy the landscape with Punta Tuna Lighthouse as a background.

Evening

Once the sun sets, get back in your car and follow PR-170 until reaching Villa Pesquera, Maunabo’s port. Finish your day with dinner at El Muelle Restaurant Bar & Grill with a view of the Caribbean Sea.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Parador Maunacaribe – Maunabo ($$, outdoor infinity pool)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: El Makito ($$), El Muelle Restaurant Bar & Grill ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Ruta 183 Bar & Grill ($$), Agua Viva Restaurant & Bar ($$)

Day 3 – Salinas, Cayey, Patillas, and Aibonito

Begin the morning driving from Maunabo to Sweet Cake’s Bakery in Salinas, one of Puerto Rico’s best towns to slow down and escape the crowds of the metropolitan region.

Continue to Polita’s Beach in Salinas and take a short boat tour to Cayo Matías in La Paseadora, located at the piers of Villa Pesquera next to Politas Beach. Make sure to call ahead to confirm their operating hours!

After your boat trip, hit the road again and go up the mountain until you find La Curva del Árbol, a picturesque stop in PR-1 with a breathtaking view of Cayey of Salinas, the coast, and the highway. Snap a picture in the swing while there!

For lunch, continue through PR-1, also known as Ruta Panorámica, one of Puerto Rico’s best things to do in a road trip, and cross over to Cayey. Take the exit to PR-184 to reach The Pork Highway. 

This gastronomic route between Cidra and Cayey is known for its lechoneras, restaurants specialized in roasted pork. But you’ll find all kinds of amazing Puerto Rican food to try. Lechonera El Rancho Original is definitely one of the best in the area.

Afternoon

Once you’re done eating, head over to Carite State Forest, where you’ll hike towards Charco Azul, a bright turquoise natural swimming hole ideal to escape the heat. 

After unwinding at this river, get back to driving and continue navigating through the Puerto Rico mountains until reaching Aibonito. Prepare for lots of curves and narrow roads! Bring some medication if you get motion sickness easily.

If you happen to be there in late June and early July, you can enjoy one of the top Puerto Rico festivals, Airbonito’s Flower Festival.

If not, you can still visit one of Aibonito’s multiple gardens, like Meyer Nurseries, Jardín El Cerro, Jardín Emanuelli, and Jardín de Jeanny, where you’ll find Puerto Rico’s largest flower clock.

Evening

Grab dinner at El Balconcíto Criollo and later, drive to Escapadas View Aibonito, to spend the night camping with the best views of Puerto Rico.

As an alternative to the mountains, stick to the coastal towns of Arroyo, Guayama, and Santa Isabel, where you’ll find museums, reserves, beaches, and historical landmarks.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Aibonito Hotel ($$, central location, restaurants nearby), Tio Pepe’s Guest House (central location in the mountains, $$$)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Sweet Cake’s Bakery ($$), Lechonera El Rancho Original ($$), El Balconcíto Criollo Aibonito ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: La Barkita ($$),  Aibonito Beer and Garden Restaurant ($$)

Day 4 – Ponce, Guánica, and Lajas

After admiring the view from the mountain, pack your things and go south until you arrive at Ponce.

Spend the morning exploring the historical town center, pretty similar to San Juan.

Make stops at Plaza Las Delicias, the Ponce Cathedral, and Parque de Bombas, an iconic red and black building recognized as the oldest firehouse station in Puerto Rico. 

For lunch, head over to La Guancha, a beachfront neighborhood with food kiosks that serve all kinds of Puerto Rico treats. If you’re having any kind of fritters, you can take them to go and have them at La Guancha Beach.

Afternoon

After eating, make your way to the neighboring city of Guánica. Stop at Guánica’s Dry Forest and explore some of the best hiking trails in Puerto Rico.

If you’re short on time, pick one of the shorter routes, like the El Vigia trail, which ends at the highest point of the dry forest. 

If you’re more in the mood for swimming, you’ll find beautiful beaches along Guánica’s coast, including Playa Tamarindo, Playa Jaboncillo, Caña Gorda, and Playa Ballena. 

Evening

Before nightfall, cross over to the town of Lajas, and take a guided tour to La Parguera bioluminescent bay. It’s the only one of the three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico where you can swim.

Keep in mind you’ll need a tour to visit, so make sure to book a La Parguera Bio Bay tour ahead of your visit.

Grab a late dinner at Brújula, located right in La Parguera.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa ($$$, beachfront location), La Jamaca Hotel ($$, close to bio bay)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: La Boya Ponce ($$), Brújula ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Trankilandia Bar & Cuisine ($$), El Refugio ($$)

Day 5 – San Germán and Cabo Rojo

Go north from Lajas and stroll through the historical town square of San Germán. Make sure to visit the iconic Porta Coeli Church, one of the oldest churches in Puerto Rico.

Snap a picture of Casa Morales right across the church and follow Ruiz Belvis Street to Parroquia San Germán de Auxerre, an impressive historical church from the 17th century. Nearby, you’ll find San Germán’s History Museum, a great starting point to learn everything about the west coast’s origin and formation.

Afternoon

Grab brunch at Confía and continue driving to the west coast to Boquerón State Forest in the town of Cabo Rojo. 

This reserve spans several thousand acres, but its most visited site is the peninsula, also known as Cabo Rojo. The peninsula offers some of the best activities in town, including the Los Morrillos Lighthouse. This 19th-century landmark guided ships through the Mona Passage.

While the lighthouse itself might not be too impressive, the surrounding cliff views are considered some of the best in Puerto Rico.

After visiting the lighthouse, hike downhill to Playuela Beach, considered one of the top beaches in Cabo Rojo and Puerto Rico.

Head over to Poblado de Boquerón and enjoy dinner at any of the local food kiosks.

Grab a drink and finish your day at Boquerón Beach while enjoying one of the best sunsets in Puerto Rico.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Combate Beach Resort ($$, beachfront location), Hacienda Tres Casitas ($$$, hot tub on property)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Confía ($$), Bamboleio ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Tattoo’s Bar & Restaurant ($$), Cactus Bar & Grill ($$)

Day 6 – San Sebastián, Isabela, Camuy, and Arecibo

After grabbing breakfast at Migas, take PR-2 out of Cabo Rojo and head toward Gozalandia in San Sebastián. 

Known as one of the most accessible waterfalls in Puerto Rico, Gozalandia offers the perfect early-morning boost, a quick and refreshing dip to energize yourself before continuing north to the town of Isabela.

Once in the coastal town, head to Playa Jobos to catch some waves, go snorkeling, or simply soak up the sun. Alternatively, take a short hike to Pozo de Jacinto, a natural blowhole near the beach surrounded by local legend. If you follow the boardwalk from Pozo de Jacinto, you’ll eventually reach Montones Beach.

Grab lunch at KAI or any of the beachfront restaurants in the area.

Afternoon

Continue driving east until you reach Cueva del Indio in Arecibo, one of Puerto Rico’s top free attractions. This seaside Puerto Rico cave is famous for its well-preserved Taíno petroglyphs, carved into the rock walls and forming what feels like a natural open-air gallery.

If you don’t have mobility issues, access the site from Poza de los Matos, the free (and legal!) entrance, to take in panoramic cliffside views and snap some of the best photographs of your trip. 

From here, you can also admire the Seven Arches, arched sandy rock formations scattered along Arecibo’s coast.

End your afternoon at La Poza del Obispo, a protected cove beach perfect for cooling off and watching the sunset. The historic Arecibo Lighthouse, sitting on top of a promontory, provides a stunning backdrop.

Finish your day with a late dinner at La Güira Cocina Puertorriqueña. 

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Royal Isabela ($$$, spa, and 2 swimming pools), Parador El Buen Cafe ($$, budget-friendly hotel)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Migas ($$), KAI ($$), La Güira Cocina Puertorriqueña ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Jobos Mojito Beach Bar & Restaurant ($$),  First Stop Grill and More ($$)

Day 7 – Manatí and Old San Juan

Wake up at dawn to make the most of your final day on this Puerto Rico island road trip, and head toward Mar Chiquita in Manatí.

While it lacks amenities, Mar Chiquita is a local favorite. This natural cove with turquoise waters is ideal for beginner snorkelers and beloved by nature photographers for its dramatic rock formations and light.

After a quick swim and some beach time, get back on the road with Old San Juan as your final destination. Once in the capital, grab lunch at Deaverdura on Calle Sol, known for its traditional Puerto Rican cooking.

Afternoon

Afterward, walk over to Castillo San Cristóbal in Calle Norzagaray, the largest Spanish fortification in the Americas, offering impressive views of San Juan.

Continue on Calle Norzagaray and stop at the San Juan Museum, one of the best museums in San Juan for exploring Puerto Rican history, culture, and art.

Pass Plaza del Quinto Centenario, a San Juan landmark that celebrates the 500 years of the city, and reach Cuartel Ballajá. 

This 19th-century building served as both a barracks and a hospital. Its impressive neoclassical architecture now houses the Museo de Las Américas.

Cross the street to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, one of San Juan’s top attractions. Also known as El Morro, this centuries-old fortress played a crucial role in protecting the island from invasions. 

Finish the afternoon watching the sunset from El Morro.

Evening

Stroll down Calle del Cristo to visit the historic San Juan Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in the Americas and the resting place of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León. 

Then, take Caleta de San Juan down to the San Juan Gate, one of the original entrances to the walled city. From there, continue along Paseo de La Princesa, where you’ll enjoy views of San Juan Bay and watch cruise ships navigate the water.End your Puerto Rico vacation with dinner at Princesa Cocina Cultura, a restaurant right on the historical promenade, before heading back to the airport in Isla Verde.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: El Convento ($$$$, historical hotel), CasaBlanca Hotel ($$,  central location)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Deaverdura ($), Marmalade ($$$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: La Factoria ($$), The Red Monkey ($$)

Puerto Rico Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here is a Google Map with all the stop, attractions, and hotels mentioned in this post.

How to Get Around in Puerto Rico

To fully complete your Puerto Rico itinerary, I recommend renting a car. You can use Discover Cars to compare fares and prices and find the model that fits your needs the best.

Public transportation runs only through a few cities in the north region of Puerto Rico, and it isn’t the most time-efficient or practical way to explore towns and cities outside San Juan. The routes are also limited, and the hours tend to be irregular. 

Keep in mind, however, that driving in Puerto Rico‘s mountains is challenging, especially if you’ve never navigated similar areas before. Roads are curvy, narrow, and steep, and even I, as a local, have a difficult time navigating them.

If you get car sick easily or are not a confident driver, stick to the recommendations in coastal towns in this Puerto Rico road trip guide.

Shuttles, taxis, and Puerto Rico tours are driving alternatives to get around in Puerto Rico. But, they lack flexibility and are more expensive, which is why, ultimately, renting a car is your best option. Check my guide on how to rent a car in Puerto Rico to learn how to do it.

FAQs About a Puerto Rico Road Trip

Can you drive Puerto Rico in a day?

In theory, travelers could drive around Puerto Rico in a day, but they wouldn’t be able to make any stops on the way. To explore the main island in its totality, it’s best to make a Puerto Rico itinerary of seven days or more.

How long is a road trip around Puerto Rico?

A Puerto Rico road trip can take between one and three weeks depending on how many cities and towns travelers decide to visit. Most travelers take the route around the coast, stopping in 5-6 cities.

Can you drive around the entire island of Puerto Rico?

Visitors can drive around the entire main island of Puerto Rico. But, to get to Vieques and Culebra, visitors have to take an airplane from San Juan Airport or a 30-minute ferry that departs from the town of Ceiba. Visiting other Puerto Rico islands and cays is only possible through boat tours.

Is it difficult to drive in Puerto Rico?

Driving in Puerto Rico is overall easy for visitors coming from the United States, as it is a similar traffic system. But driving in Puerto Rico’s mountains is challenging for most drivers as roads are narrow and curvy. Beginner drivers shouldn’t drive in the mountainous region.

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Thanks for reading my guide to road-tripping Puerto Rico! For more tips, check out all my Puerto Rico travel guides.

Have fun on your Puerto Rico road trip!