How To Spend Two Weeks In Puerto Rico (14-Day Itinerary) – 2024

Do you want to explore a beautiful island with a unique culture? Look no further than Puerto Rico! 

From the stunning beaches, lagoons, and mangrove forests to the charming cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico has something for everyone.

I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years, so whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, I can tell you all about how Puerto Rico is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation.

In this article, I will share the ultimate 14-day vacation itinerary for Puerto Rico:

Day 1: Arrive in San Juan and check in to your hotel
Day 2: Head to El Yunque National Forest 
Day 3: Visit Palomino Island
Day 4: Head to Vieques and explore the Bioluminescent Bay at night
Day 5: Take a boat trip to Culebra and relax on the beach 
Day 6: Visit Aguadilla
Day 7: Drive to Guánica 
Day 8: Visit the Bacardi Distillery Tour in Cataño
Day 9: Visit Cabo Rojo
Day 10: Head to Rincón and spend the day relaxing on the beach and exploring the nearby towns
Day 11: Visit Dorado and spend the day exploring the beaches, golf courses, and nature reserves
Day 12: Learn about coffee farming in San Lorenzo
Day 13: Visit Camuy Cave Park and explore the amazing caves and underground river 
Day 14: Spend the day in San Juan, shopping, eating, and exploring the city

 

Day 1: Arrive in San Juan and check in to your hotel

Day 1 of your Puerto Rico adventure is a great way to get acquainted with the culture and history of the island. 

Start by checking in to your hotel in San Juan and then head out to explore the city.

image of Castillo San Felipe del Morro
El Morro is a historic fortress located in Old San Juan known for its strategic location made to protect the city from invasions.

Make sure to visit El Morro and San Cristobal Forts, two of the oldest military structures in the New World.

Both forts have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites and offer stunning views of both the city and the ocean. 

image of San Juan Cathedral
The San Juan Cathedral, located in Old San Juan, is one of the oldest buildings in the city and has served as a religious and cultural center for over 500 years.

From there, make your way to the San Juan Cathedral, a 500-year-old structure in the city’s heart.

Here you can appreciate the Spanish colonial architecture and the intricate carvings on the facade. 

image of La Rogativa sculpture
The La Rogativa sculpture, located in Old San Juan, depicts a procession of religious women led by a bishop, which is said to have scared off an attack on the city.

Finally, stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and admire the La Rogativa sculpture, a tribute to the brave women who defended the city from a British invasion.

With a day like this, you’ll surely get a great taste of Puerto Rico and be inspired to explore even more.

Check out our 35 Best Things To Do In Old San Juan for more.

 

Day 2: Head to El Yunque National Forest 

Day 2 of your Puerto Rican journey is a great way to experience the island’s beauty. 

image of El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque, located in northeastern Puerto Rico, is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System, spanning over 28,000 acres and reaching an elevation of 3,533 feet at its highest peak.

Start by heading to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Here you can take in some of the most amazing views, from the lush green mountains to the crystal clear rivers and waterfalls. 

You can also take part in a variety of activities such as hiking, zip-lining, horseback riding, and more. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, El Yunque has plenty of spots to picnic and just take in the beauty of nature. 

image of La Mina Falls in El Yunque
La Mina Falls, located in El Yunque National Forest, is a picturesque waterfall that cascades down into a natural pool below, providing a refreshing and scenic spot for visitors to swim and relax.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also dip in one of the many natural swimming pools or go to the La Mina Waterfall and take a breathtaking dip in the pool underneath.

With so much to see and do, El Yunque National Forest is the perfect way to explore the beauty of Puerto Rico.

In our article 20 Best Hiking Trails In Puerto Rico, we share insights about El Yunque’s most popular trails and waterfalls.

 

Day 3: Visit Palomino Island

Day 3 of your Puerto Rican adventure is a great way to explore the waters surrounding the island. 

image of Palomino Island
Palomino Island, located off the east coast of Puerto Rico, is a private and idyllic island retreat that offers visitors a range of activities, from swimming and snorkeling to kayaking.

Start with an excursion to Palomino Island, a small island just off the coast of Fajardo. Here you can spend the day snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming with the sea creatures that call the island home.

There are also plenty of activities for the tourist in mind, such as standup paddle boarding, parasailing, and even a glass-bottom boat tour. 

Check out a video of someone visiting Palomino Island:

Even if you’re not looking for any adventure, Palomino Island is an amazing place just to relax and take in the views.

With so much to do and see, Palomino Island is the perfect spot for a day of fun in the sun.

Learn more in the Ultimate Guide To Puerto Rico’s Islands.

 

Day 4: Head to Vieques and explore the Bioluminescent Bay at night

Day 4 of your Puerto Rican adventure is a great way to experience the island’s natural beauty. 

Start by heading to Vieques, a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico. Here you can explore the Bioluminescent Bay at night, a one-of-a-kind experience.

image of Bioluminescent Bay
A couple kayaking in a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico.

The bay is home to millions of tiny glowing organisms called dinoflagellates, creating an eerie glow in the water. 

Check out this video of the bio bay in Vieques:

It’s a sight you won’t soon forget.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, stroll along the beach and take in the stunning views.

image of a beach
Vieques is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the Caribbean, with white sands, clear waters, and diverse marine life.

There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops offering souvenirs.

With so much to do and see, Vieques is the perfect place to explore the natural beauty of Puerto Rico.

Check out our guide on Where To Stay In Vieques to help plan your trip.

 

Day 5: Take a boat trip to Culebra and relax on the beach 

Day 5 of your Puerto Rican adventure is the perfect way to get away from it all and relax. 

Start by taking a boat trip to Culebra, an island off the coast of Puerto Rico. Here, you can lounge on the beach and take in the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

image of a military tank of Flamenco beach
The famous army tank that sits on Flamenco Beach is a historic reminder of the naval occupation of the island years ago.

The beaches are perfect for sunbathing or swimming, and the crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and kayaking. Check out our article on Flamenco Beach to learn more about this award-winning beach in Culebra! 

If you’re looking for something more active, Culebra offers plenty of activities, such as fishing, windsurfing, and parasailing. You can also explore the island’s unique wildlife, from exotic birds to colorful iguanas. 

When you’re done relaxing, plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops offer souvenirs. 

With its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals, Culebra is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Check out our guide about Where To Stay In Culebra to help plan your trip.

 

Day 6: Visit Aguadilla

Day 6 of your Puerto Rican adventure is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the island. 

image of Crash Boat Beach
Crash Boat Beach, located in Aguadilla on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico, is a popular and picturesque beach destination with calm turquoise waters, a long pier, and colorful fishing boats dotting the shore.

Start by driving to Aguadilla and take in the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Here you can explore the beaches, lagoons, and mangrove forests that make up the area.

Check out our Crash Boat Beach article to learn why it’s considered one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a kayak tour through the mangroves, snorkel in the crystal clear waters, or even take a boat tour of the area and explore the nearby islands. 

Here’s a video of someone snorkeling at Crash Boat Beach:

For those who prefer to stay dry, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as horseback riding, eating local cuisine at the nearby restaurants, walking down the town square, etc. 

When you’re done exploring, there are plenty of shops offering souvenirs.

With its stunning scenery, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals, Aguadilla is the perfect place to explore the beauty of Puerto Rico.

Crash Boat made it on our list of the 30 Best Beaches Of Puerto Rico.

 

Day 7: Drive to Guánica 

Explore the natural splendor of the island on Day 7 of your Puerto Rican adventure.

Start by driving to Guánica and exploring the beaches, lagoons, and mangrove forests that make up the area.

image of manglillo beach in Guánica
Located on the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico, Manglillo Beach is a diverse and important ecological site that includes extensive mangrove forests, which serve as a crucial habitat for a variety of marine life and bird species.

Here you can hike through the mangroves, take a kayak tour through the lagoons, or go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. 

image of a beach in Guanica
Guanica is home to several beautiful and secluded beaches, including Playa Santa and Playa Tamarindo, that offer pristine white sands, clear waters, and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go bird watching in the nearby forests or take a boat tour of the nearby islands. 

When you’re done exploring, plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops offer souvenirs.

With its stunning scenery, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals, Guánica is the perfect place to explore the beauty of Puerto Rico.

Read more in our guide to Guánica – All You Need To Know.

 

Day 8: Visit the Bacardi Distillery Tour in Cataño

Day 8 of your Puerto Rican adventure is the perfect way to explore the culture and history of the island. 

image of Casa Bacardí
Casa Bacardi is the historical distillery and visitor center of Bacardi rum, located in Cataño, San Juan.

Start by taking a tour of the Bacardi Distillery in Cataño to learn about the history of rum making in Puerto Rico and sample some of the many flavors of the Caribbean.

image of the Caribbean Sea
Traveling by ferry to Cataño from Old San Juan offers a scenic and unique perspective of the island’s coastline.

From there, take a scenic road trip along the north coastline and take in the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. 

Enjoy stops at some of the many beaches, lagoons, and mangrove forests that make up the area. 

When you’re done exploring, plenty of restaurants and shops offer souvenirs.

With its stunning views, fascinating history, and friendly locals, a Bacardi Distillery tour and a road trip along the north coastline is the perfect way to explore the culture and history of Puerto Rico.

Read more about this tour in our article 12 Best Tours In San Juan.

 

Day 9: Visit Cabo Rojo

Day 9 of your Puerto Rican adventure is the perfect way to explore the island’s beauty.

image of Cabo Rojo lighthouse
The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, also known as Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo, is a historic lighthouse located on the southwestern tip of Puerto Rico that offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and surrounding cliffs.

Start by driving to Cabo Rojo and take in the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Here you can explore the beaches, lighthouses, and wildlife refuge that make up the area.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a kayak tour through the mangroves, snorkel in the crystal clear waters, or even take a boat tour of the area and explore the nearby islands. 

For those who prefer to stay dry, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as horseback riding, touring the lighthouse, and visiting the pink salt lake!

image of the Pink Salt Lake
The Cabo Rojo Salt Flats, also known as Salinas de Cabo Rojo, are a natural wonder in Puerto Rico that boasts unique pink-colored salt ponds and attracts a variety of bird species.

When you’re done exploring, plenty of restaurants and shops offer souvenirs.

With its stunning scenery, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals, Cabo Rojo is the perfect place to explore the beauty of Puerto Rico.

More activities to do in Cabo Rojo can be found in our 23 Best Things to Do in Cabo Rojo article.

 

Day 10: Head to Rincón and spend the day relaxing on the beach and exploring the nearby towns

Day 10 of your Puerto Rican adventure is the perfect way to relax and take in the beauty of the island.

Start by heading to Rincón and enjoying the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

image of beach on Rincón, Puerto Rico
Rincon is renowned for its world-class surfing beaches such as Domes Beach and Sandy Beach, as well as its serene and secluded beaches like Steps Beach and Rincon Beach.

Here you can lounge on the beach, dip in the crystal clear waters, or even go snorkeling and explore the nearby coral reefs. 

For those looking for something more active, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as horseback riding, surfing, and enjoying the sunset.

image of Rincón sunset
The sunsets on the west coast of Puerto Rico, particularly in towns like Rincon and Aguadilla, are breathtaking and offer a stunning display of vibrant colors over the Caribbean Sea.

When you’re done relaxing, take a stroll through the nearby town and explore the local shops, restaurants, and bars.

With its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals, Rincón is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Check out our guide to the 22 Best Things To Do In Rincón for more.

 

Day 11: Visit Dorado and spend the day exploring the beaches, golf courses, and nature reserves

Dorado is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Puerto Rico.

image of Dorado Beach East Golf Club
Golfing at Dorado Beach East Golf Club offers breathtaking views of the ocean and lush green landscapes, making it a top destination for golf enthusiasts.

Here you can stroll along the beaches, explore the nearby golf courses, or hike through the nature reserves.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go snorkeling in the crystal clear waters or take a boat tour of the area and explore the nearby islands.

image of Dorado Beach
The beaches in Dorado are more secluded than those you will find in San Juan, making it a perfect spot to get away from the crowds.

When you’re done exploring, there are plenty of restaurants and shops offering souvenirs.

With its stunning scenery, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals, Dorado is the perfect place to explore the beauty of Puerto Rico.

If golf is your thing, read our guide to the 12 Best Golf Courses In Puerto Rico.

 

Day 12: Learn about coffee farming in San Lorenzo

On Day 12, visiting a coffee farm in the central mountains is essential to exploring Puerto Rico’s coffee culture. 

image of Hacienda Muñoz
Hacienda Muñoz Coffee Tour in Puerto Rico offers an immersive experience into the world of coffee, from learning about its history to touring the farm and tasting its exquisite coffee blends.

The coffee farm is usually set amidst the lush and green hills, making it an excellent destination for a day of exploration.

image of coffee grain
The coffee beans at Hacienda Muñoz are carefully grown and harvested using sustainable farming practices, resulting in high-quality, flavorful beans that are roasted on-site for a truly authentic taste.

Visitors are taken on a guided tour of the coffee farm and learn about the different types of coffee beans, the different stages of coffee production, and the various methods of roasting and grinding.

The tour also provides the opportunity to learn about the history of coffee in Puerto Rico and its impact on the local economy. 

Visitors can sample the fresh coffee beans and get a firsthand experience of the unique flavors of the island’s finest coffee.

image of freshly brewed coffees
Coffee tasting at Hacienda Muñoz allows visitors to indulge in a variety of specialty coffee blends, each with its own unique flavor profile, while learning about the intricate process of coffee roasting and brewing.

In addition to learning about the coffee culture, visitors can also take part in activities such as picking coffee beans, drinking freshly brewed coffee, and even taking part in a traditional coffee ceremony. 

Last but not least, visitors can also take part in a traditional Puerto Rican coffee tasting, which is an experience that should be noticed.

Check out this video of someone touring Hacienda Muñoz in San Lorenzo:

At the end of the visit, visitors can take home a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans as a souvenir and a reminder of their unique experience exploring Puerto Rico’s coffee culture.

Read more in our guide to the 5 Best Coffee Tours & Farms In Puerto Rico.

 

Day 13: Visit Camuy Cave Park and explore the amazing caves and underground river 

On Day 13, visitors can explore the underground wonders of the Camuy Caves, located in the northwest region of Puerto Rico. 

image of Camuy Cave
The Camuy Caves are a series of caves, caverns, and underground rivers that were formed by centuries of erosion from the Camuy River.

Visitors to the Camuy Caves will be able to witness a variety of spectacular rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique geological features.

image of Camuy Cave
The Camuy Caves are also a great place to explore the area’s fascinating history and its inhabitants.

The caves are also home to various wildlife, including bats and several species of frogs.

The cave park was closed for a while, but was reopened recently in 2021! 

Visitors can learn about the native Taíno culture and the Spanish colonization of Puerto Rico. They can also explore the various artifacts discovered in the caves, such as pottery and other objects.

The Camuy Caves are an excellent destination for a day of exploration and discovery. 

Check out the video below of someone checking out the cave park:

Visitors can explore the underground wonders of the caves and learn about the history of the area while they are at it. It is an experience that should be noticed.

Learn more about the subterranean world on the island in our guide to the 12 Best Caves In Puerto Rico.

 

Day 14: Spend the day in San Juan, shopping, eating, and exploring the city

On Day 14, visitors can spend their last day in Puerto Rico relaxing in San Juan and reflecting on their adventure.

image of an Aerial view of San Juan
San Juan is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, offering visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and modern attractions.

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and is a great place to explore and experience the culture and history of the island. 

Visitors can wander the streets of Old San Juan, take in the colonial-era architecture, and explore the local markets to pick up souvenirs.

image of the colorful street in Old San Juan
The colorful streets of Old San Juan is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs on your last day.

Visitors can also try their luck at the casinos, explore the beaches, swim, or spend some time visiting the museums and galleries. 

San Juan also has many great restaurants so visitors can sample local cuisines. 

Visitors can take a stroll on the port and take in the sights and sounds of San Juan as they reflect on their Puerto Rican adventure.

It is a great way to end an unforgettable trip, and visitors will be sure to have lots of memories to take home with them.

Read up on the 12 Best Beaches In San Juan to help plan your day.

 

FAQ section

How many days are ideal for Puerto Rico?

Ideally, a trip to Puerto Rico should last for at least two weeks to experience all the island fully offers.

Is a 14-day trip sufficient to see all of Puerto Rico?

No, a 14-day trip is not sufficient to see all of Puerto Rico; you'll need about 20 days to be able to explore all of Puerto Rico.

 

Final thoughts

After spending two weeks exploring the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, it is easy to understand why so many people come back again and again. 

From the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea to the fascinating culture and history of the island, there is something for everyone in Puerto Rico. 

Whether visitors are looking for adventure or relaxation, Puerto Rico has something for everyone.

If you are planning for a shorter trip, check out our Ultimate Puerto Rico Road Trip Guide for 7 days of adventure! 

How To Spend Two Weeks In Puerto Rico (14-Day Itinerary) – 2024
Article by

Miguel Concepcion

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years and have experienced every inch of this stunning island. Growing up in Puerto Rico has helped me truly learn about the rich culture and extensive history this island has to offer. I share my local knowledge in all of the articles that I write. 

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