Puerto Rico Weekend Itinerary (3 Epic Days, By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Where to Stay | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Map | Getting Around | Tips | FAQ

If you’re looking for a quick getaway to the Caribbean, then a weekend in Puerto Rico is a great choice.

I’m a Puerto Rico local here to help you plan your trip! Though you could easily spend 7 days in Puerto Rico, or even a month exploring its best sites, 3 days in Puerto Rico is enough — if you know how to do it right!

I’ve put together my best Puerto Rico weekend itinerary so that you can cover the island’s highlights in just three days.

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Where to Stay for 3 Days in Puerto Rico

For a 3 day visit to Puerto Rico, these are my top picks for where to stay in San Juan: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino
• 💵 Best Budget – Casa Blanca Hotel
• 🛏️ Best Mid-Range – Hotel Rumbao, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
• 💎 Best Luxury – Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
• 👪 Best For Families – Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino
• 📍 Best In Old San Juan – Hotel El Convento
• 📍 Best In Condado – La Concha Renaissance Resort
• 👫 Best Adult-Only – Condado Ocean Club
• 🌊 Best with Beachfront Location – Caribe Hilton
• 🏠 Apartments – Browse rentals in VRBO (San Juan) 

If you’re staying in other cities on this itinerary: 

• 💵 Budget – Coconut Palms Inn
• 🛏️ Mid-Range – Combate Beach Resort
• 💎 Luxury – St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort
• 🎡 With Extra Amenities – El Conquistador Resort
• 🏠 Apartments – Browse rentals in Puerto Rico 

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

3 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary

Day 1 – El Yunque, Luquillo and Fajardo

Morning

After checking in early at your San Juan accommodation, rent a car and drive towards the east coast of Puerto Rico until reaching Río Grande, where you’ll visit El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the National Forest System.

As tempting as it might be to explore Old San Juan right away, you’ll want to save it for the last day when you need to stick closer to the airport.

El Yunque is home to hundreds of endangered species, four types of forest, and some of the best waterfalls in Puerto Rico, including La Coca Falls and Juan Diego Falls.

👉 Pro Tip: Reservations are no longer necessary to visit El Yunque, but you might find a line to enter La Mina Recreational Area.

Afternoon

Once mid-day arrives, head down PR 191, El Yunque’s main street, and set your GPS to Los Kioskos de Luquillo, a beachfront line of food stalls that sell the best Puerto Rico dishes, including mofongo.

Following lunch, walk over to Luquillo Beach and enjoy an alcapurria while bathing in the sun and refreshing yourself in the water. 

But don’t take too long – while the sun is still up and high, get back on the road and head off to Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo.

Here, you’ll find plenty of beaches to explore. Make sure you snap great pictures in Playa Colorá, hike to Playa Escondida, and snorkel on Seven Seas Beach. 

After you’ve done enough beach hopping, visit one of the many restaurants in Las Croabas and enjoy the best of fresh seafood.

Evening

Once the evening arrives, move on to Laguna Grande in Fajardo, where you’ll kayak in one of the three bioluminescent bodies of Puerto Rico. 

Make sure to book your Laguna Grande tour ahead of time, as they book completely during the high season (holidays and summer).

Finish your night by heading back to Old San Juan for a night of good rest.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: El Conquistador Resort ($$$, kids waterpark, and private island), St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort ($$$$, luxury hotel)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Latin Burger Grill ($$), Luquillo Food Kiosks ($-$$$), Kalizo Kiosko ($$) 
• 🍺 Where to Drink: El Chinchorro de J ($), Soto Sports Bar and Restaurant ($$)

Day 2 – Cabo Rojo and Rincón

On your second day in Puerto Rico, grab an early breakfast at Café Manolín in Old San Juan and pack your things for a day trip to the west side of Puerto Rico. First, drive to the southwest tip of the island to Cabo Rojo. 

Getting from San Juan to Cabo Rojo takes 2.5 hours, but the town is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico (including a few personal favorites!) and mesmerizing reserves. I’ve gone there and back in a day, so it’s not impossible!

Morning

Once there, start your day at Los Morillos Lighthouse in the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge to enjoy stunning views of the west coast, where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

Later, follow the trails in the refuge until you find the stone bridge. If you’re in good shape, you can go down the natural rock ladder on the right side down to the beach to dip your feet.

Continue driving inside the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge and reach the hidden Playuela Beach, where you can relax and bathe under the sun.

Although it’s difficult to drive along the bumpy road, locals love this beach, so you will still find crowds.

Afternoon

For lunch, drive to the Boquerón neighborhood where you can enjoy lunch at any of the local restaurants.

If you’re not in the mood to dine in, buy a local fritter and sit down at Boquerón Beach, where you can witness Puerto Rico’s lively culture on Saturdays.

Following lunch, continue driving north for about one hour until reaching the popular town of Rincón.

Make Playa Escalera your first stop for some great snorkeling (during the low tide season) or just a relaxing beach walk with lots of scenery. Try reaching the concrete steps on the shore that give the beach its name.

A short car ride away you’ll find the town center, where you can shop and grab a quick snack. 

Continue navigating further north to Punta Higüera Lighthouse, one of Puerto Rico’s historical lighthouses and a popular spot for whale-watching between January and March.

From the lighthouse park, you can also see Desecheo Island and Domes Beach, which you shouldn’t miss if you’re a surfing enthusiast. 

Evening

For dinner, head over to the Beach House, where you can finish your day watching a breathtaking sunset and spend the rest of the night listening to live music and eating great food.

But don’t stay out too late! The trip back to San Juan is 2.5 hours.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Combate Beach Resort ($$, beachfront location), Coconut Palms Inn ($$, budget-friendly)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Buena Vibra ($$), Pelican’s Boqueron ($$), The Beach House ($$), 
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Tattoo’s Bar & Restaurant ($$), Rincón Beer Company ($$) 

Day 3 – Old San Juan, Condado, and Piñones

Your third day will take place in and near the capital city, so you don’t have to worry about making it to the airport on time. 

If you would rather not checkout in the morning, make sure to leave everything packed and ready so you don’t have to rush when you come back for checkout.

Depending on your luggage, and where you stay in San Juan, you might want to pack early and bring everything with you at once (although I don’t particularly recommend dragging your luggage across San Juan.

Start day three of your Puerto Rico weekend itinerary by walking through Cuartel de Ballajá, one of the most iconic buildings in Old San Juan, and stop for breakfast at Don Ruiz.

Morning

After you’re done, cross the street to El Morro – with over 400 years of history, this is one of two forts of Old San Juan and one of Puerto Rico’s famous landmarks.

By mid-morning, walk to Castillo San Cristóbal, another amazing Old San Juan attraction. Although much younger than El Morro, this fortress is the largest built by the Spaniards on the American continent. Besides its historical value, it has one of the best San Juan views.

Stop at La Vergüenza to enjoy a local lunch or a refreshing drink and head back to your hotel for checkout (if you have not done so yet).

Afternoon

After you’re done, stop by Fortaleza street where you’ll find decorations, shops, restaurants, and the governor’s mansion known as La Fortaleza.

If you’re into shopping and good food, then continue exploring Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets like Calle del Sol, Calle San Sebastián, Calle del Cristo, and Calle San Francisco until you reach Paseo de la Princesa. 

Once you snap your best picture of the San Juan Bay next to the Raíces Fountain, continue along Paseo de la Princesa until reaching San Juan’s Gate, the only remaining gate of the multiple that once protected the old city.

After a day of walking, get your car rental and drive to Condado, where you can spend an hour or two bathing in Playita del Condado or kayaking in the Condado Lagoon.  

If you rather be closer to the airport, then visit Piñones instead, an extremely popular partying spot and a great destination to try Puerto Rican food like fried plantains, mofongo, and piña colada.

Carolina Public BeachNot far from Piñones, you’ll find Carolina Public Beach, where you can watch the sunset and enjoy the last swim before heading back to the airport.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Hotel Rumbao, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel ($$$, centrally located), Hotel El Convento ($$$$, luxury hotel), Casa Blanca Hotel ($$, budget-friendly)    
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Deaverdura ($), Marmalade ($$$$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: La Factoría ($$), La Vergüenza ($$)

Puerto Rico Weekend Itinerary Map

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

How to Get Around in Puerto Rico

The main transportation methods in Puerto Rico include renting a car, taking the bus, or catching a train.

Buses and trains run around the metropolitan region (San Juan, Bayamón, Guaynabo, and Carolina), but they do not reach the entire island. 

Plus, they are time-consuming and unreliable, something you can’t risk if you’re staying only a weekend in Puerto Rico. If you’re short on time, opt for renting a car. See my guide to renting for tips or just use Discover Cars to find the cheapest deals.

So in short, to explore cities in the east, west, or south regions of Puerto Rico, you’ll need a rental car.

If you have more than a weekend in Puerto Rico, consider checking out my Puerto Rico road trip guide for how to spend a week exploring the island by car.

Tips for Planning a Weekend in Puerto Rico

Tip #1 – Stay in San Juan

Trying to explore Puerto Rico in just three days can be a challenge and you can easily get exhausted by trying to fit too much in.

If you’d rather avoid driving around and stressing about itineraries, then spend your weekend in San Juan. By staying in Old San Juan, you can skip the rental car, as the entire neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly.

With so many attractions in the capital city, including beaches, bars, museums, and historical buildings, you won’t feel like you’re missing out. Scooters allow you to easily move between Old San Juan and other neighborhoods like Condado and Santurce.

But, even if you’re exploring outside San Juan, settling in the capital city and taking day trips from San Juan is a great option to avoid dealing with multiple check-ins and check-outs during the weekend.

Tip #2 – Rent a Car

If you’re planning a quick weekend getaway to Puerto Rico but don’t want to spend the entire time in San Juan, renting a car is a must.

Not only does it give you flexibility with your schedule, but it also lets you explore destinations beyond the metro area at your own pace. 

Puerto Rico doesn’t have a public transportation system that covers the entire island, so reaching spots outside San Juan will prove to be difficult without your own vehicle. 

Alternatively, you’ll likely face expensive taxi fares or limited ride-share availability. See my full guide to how to rent a car in Puerto Rico.

Tip #3 – Or Take Tours

Driving in a foreign country isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay confined to Old San Juan. If you’re willing to splurge a bit, tours and excursions are a fantastic way to explore Puerto Rico’s top attractions, without the stress of navigating the roads yourself.

If you’re short on time, I recommend multi-destination guided tours, which let you experience multiple highlights in just one day.

But, you can also look for single-attraction tours with pick-up and drop-off in San Juan. Check out Viator’s Puerto Rico tour page to find the tours that fit your itinerary and your taste the best.

You can also see my guide to the best Puerto Rico excursions and tours for more.

Tip #4 – Arrive in Puerto Rico A Day Early (if You Can)

If you’re planning a weekend trip to Puerto Rico, try to turn it into a long weekend. That extra day gives you the chance to either slow down your pace or add more destinations to your Puerto Rico itinerary.

For shorter trips, arrive on Thursday night to start exploring early on Friday and make the most of your time on the island.

Tip #5 – Avoid Peak Traffic Hours

Puerto Rico’s traffic is no joke, and getting stuck in it can easily consume a lot of your precious vacation time.

While the traffic is lighter during the weekends, you’ll find more locals in popular places like beaches, bars, and restaurants.

Start your day trips early in the morning to avoid traffic and crowds. See my guide to driving in Puerto Rico for more tips.

Tip #6 – Customize Your Itinerary

There are all kinds of places you can visit in Puerto Rico, but if you’re short on time, then make sure your itinerary includes your top attractions.

As much as El Yunque National Forest is a famous landmark, if you’re not into nature, exteriors, and muddy hiking trails, then you should drop it from the must-visit list. 

Make sure your Puerto Rico itinerary is filled with things to do and places to see that interest you.

Tip #7 – Arrive at the Right Airport

If you already stayed a weekend in San Juan and you want to explore other areas in Puerto Rico, you can choose to arrive at any other airport on the island.

Puerto Rico’s international airports include the Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla and Mercedita International Airport in Ponce.

Even better, you don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico, so you can just book your ticket whenever and wherever is more convenient for you.

Tip #8 – Add a Day to Your Trip

Vieques and Culebra are Puerto Rico municipality islands with beautiful beaches and pristine nature.

Visiting them during a three-day short trip to Puerto Rico is almost impossible unless you prioritize them over other attractions on the island. Still, a visit to both islands would take at least two days. 

Adding one extra day to your itinerary or visiting during a long weekend will give you the chance to explore Vieques or Culebra.

Tip #9 – Make Arrangements With Your Hotel

Check-ins and check-outs in hotels in Puerto Rico are done during specific hours.

After you book your hotel or apartment rental, make sure to look at the check-in and check-out hours.

If they don’t meet your schedule, a great Puerto Rico travel tip is to make the arrangements ahead of time to do early check-in and late check-out if necessary. 

Not all hotels allow their guests to do a late check-out, but you could ask if it’s possible to store your luggage until you leave for the airport. 

Tip #10 – Avoid the Hurricane Season

Puerto Rico has a hurricane season from June to November, but this doesn’t mean that hurricanes affect the island directly every year.

The last hurricane to affect Puerto Rico directly was Hurricane Fiona in 2022.

Still, visiting during the Puerto Rico hurricane season involves a higher risk of facing hazardous weather.

Since you only have a few days on the island, it’s best practice to travel outside the hurricane season (especially its peak in September) as the effects of a storm can ruin your short vacation.

Tip #11 – Travel During Low Season

While the hurricane season could affect your trip negatively, it’s also the low season in Puerto Rico.

If you want to spend less time waiting in line in La Placita on a Saturday night, or find parking on a popular beach, then traveling during Puerto Rico’s low season is your best option. 

World-famous beaches in destinations like Culebra and waterfalls in El Yunque are usually empty during this season.

It’s the perfect way to see these amazing things without the crowds and to save time exploring.

Tip #12 – Travel With Carry-On

There is nothing that can ruin your Puerto Rico weekend trip more than having to drag heavy suitcases through the Old San Juan streets.

If you only have three days in Puerto Rico, your Puerto Rico packing list will be light, so it’s best to travel with a carry-on bag.

Check out my guide to what to wear in Puerto Rico to know exactly what to bring for your next rip.

FAQs

How many days is enough for Puerto Rico? 

A weekend is enough to explore the highlights of Puerto Rico. Three days are enough to explore Old San Juan, El Yunque, and one of the bio bays.

How can I plan a 7 day itinerary for Puerto Rico?

A 7 day itinerary in Puerto Rico should include stops in Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forests, Ponce, Arecibo, and one of the bio bays. Visiting one of the offshore islands, Vieques and Culebra is also a must. Check out our Puerto Rico 7 day itinerary for more.

What is the best area to stay in Puerto Rico during a short weekend trip?

Travelers visiting Puerto Rico during a short weekend trip should stay in San Juan. If they’ve been to the capital city before, Ponce and Aguadilla are great alternative cities to stay at.

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Thanks for reading my guide to a Puerto Rico 3 day itinerary! I hope you enjoy exploring the top things to do in Puerto Rico. Safe travels!