Puerto Rico, "Isla del encanto" as it is known, has a large number of historical sites, legacies of its past as a Spanish colony. This typical Latin Caribbean culture is mixed with its present as a U.S. territory, giving a very interesting fusion.
So what can you expect from this 3 days in Puerto Rico Travel itinerary? Detailed below, I cover the best things to do in Puerto Rico throughout your 3 days, where to eat, the best ways to get around Puerto Rico, and all the travel tips you will want to know for planning your Puerto Rico vacation.
Puerto Rico Itinerary Day 1: Explore the Old San Juan
Walk through Old San Juan
The tourist area par excellence in the capital of Puerto Rico is Old San Juan, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Walking around this great city is easy despite its size, having most of the tourist monuments accessible to visit them on foot.
Founded in 1509 by the Spanish, San Juan was born as a walled city protected by several forts from the attacks of other imperial armies, such as the British and Dutch.
It was only in 1898 when it succumbed to the arrival of U.S. troops, in one of the battles of the Spanish-American War.
Much of its Spanish colonial architecture and defensive walls still remain, such as La Alcaldía (from 1602), La Fortaleza (residence of the governor of Puerto Rico and oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Americas), the Puerta de San Juan (original entrance to the city) and the churches San José (1532) and San Juan (1540), making a stroll through Old San Juan one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico.
Old San Juan Squares
This neighborhood stands out for its streets and squares full of life, through which you should definitely stroll to soak up the magical culture of this city.
Above all you have to visit its most popular squares, some of them meeting points for the inhabitants of San Juan. The most popular of them all, known as the Plaza de Armas, the Plaza de San José or the Plaza de Colón, stand out.
The whole of this neighborhood has been declared a World Heritage Site for its unparalleled beauty.
Pro Puerto Rico Itinerary Travel Tip: You will want to take a Uber into Old San Juan because parking is almost nonexistent and Old San Juan is extremely walkable! |
San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal Castles
Within the Old San Juan area, the most imposing place is El Morro, an ancient citadel and defensive fort located at the tip of the peninsula with beautiful views of the sea.
Also declared a World Heritage Site, it was begun in the 16th century to guard the entrance to San Juan Bay, protecting this strategic location from maritime attacks.
The entrance to El Morro also includes a visit to Castillo San Cristobal, which was the largest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in their American colonies. Unlike the other one, this one had the mission of protecting the terrestrial attacks.
The opening hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the entrance fee is $10.00. If you have the anual pass for the National Parks, the entry is free.
Address: 501 Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Paseo del Morro
This walk runs along the entire beach area from the Fortaleza del Morro to Old San Juan.
It is ideal for walking with its views of the coast, you can also enjoy several monuments and places of interest in the city.
Paseo de la princesa
This great street, with its promenade and gardens was built in 1854.
It is a place full of life, with numerous activities organized on weekends and numerous stores with typical food and sweets of the city, drinks and local crafts.
It is an ideal place to walk around and immerse yourself in the culture and atmosphere of the city and its people. An essential walk to get to know the real San Juan, thus ending in a great way this trip through the city.
Chapel of Christ
Its name and location are due to a peculiar story that began with an accident during the horse races held in honor of the apostle Santiago in 1753.
One of the riders could not stop his horse and fell into the cliff, so to avoid such accidents in this area this chapel was built in honor of the Christ of Health.
In spite of its small size it is an essential visit when traveling to San Juan.
Cathedral San Juan Bautista
Built in 1521 it was destroyed by a storm and rebuilt in 1529 located on Calle del Cristo.
This cathedral was named a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI.
It contains the remains of the conquistador Juan Ponce de León, numerous relics of the vestments and vestments worn by Pope John Paul II when he visited Puerto Rico in 1984.
The entrance to its interior is free.
La Perla de San Juan
This neighborhood is one of the most humble in Old San Juan, with brightly colored streets.
It is located right on the border of the old city wall, its inhabitants have fought for their right to keep their humble homes there despite efforts to transform it into something much more touristy.
Here was recorded the song Despacito, the video clip of the most played song of the time, because here the rhythm is in the veins.
*I wouldn't recommend going to this area unless you are with a local guide. We went during las Fiestas de San Sebastian (at midday) and there were a lot of tourists.
St. Mary Magdalene of Pazzi Cemetery
This marine cemetery of great style and antiquity, is very close to the Morro Fort, sometimes goes unnoticed for being located so close to the tourist jewel of the city but certainly must be visited.
Located on the edge of the sea and the grassy field that precedes the fort, a place of amazing attraction.
Sculptures of angels where marble is the protagonist. Politicians, artists, famous writers and painters find their rest here. Even a Spaniard, the Spanish poet of the Generation of '27, Pedro Salinas, chose this place.
Capitol
This building represents the legislative power, it is one of the largest structures on the island.
This three-story building is built in concrete and steel, with marble-covered facades, an imposing and majestic building without a doubt.
Among its vaults, you can find mosaics allegorical to historical events of Puerto Rico, such as the discovery, colonization or the abolition of slavery.
Puerto Rico Itinerary Day 2: Experience El Yunque National Forest
Located on the eastern side of the island, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest that is part of the U.S. National Forest System. Home to more than 240 types of trees, unique birds, native species such as the coqui frog and beautiful landscapes, the forest encompasses 28,000 acres of land that includes 25 waterfalls, several rivers and ancient petroglyphs of Taino deities.
Note:
- You must reserve your visit in advance through Recreation.gov.
- Forest Entrance Gate closes at 5PM
If you only have one day in El Yunque I would recommend stopping in the following trails:
Km 8.1 - La Coca Falls: A waterfall next to the highway
YokahúTower: You can directly park in front of the tower. You'll find some stairs that will lead you to the top of the Tower. The views are amazing from up there!
KM 10 Juan Diego Creek: Five minute trail to a natural pool. Once you get there continue the trail uphill and you'll find another amazing natural pool.
Punto de Observación Baño Grande: Less than a minute walk from the road it's a fantastic stop to see a great historical pool! If you're in the forest make sure to check it out.
Trail Torre Mt.Britton: We had to park our car at Palo Colorado because the road was not open to cars so we had to start the trail from down there, which added more distance and by the time you got to the start of the trail you were already tired. However, highly recommended! -> For us the trail was 2 hrs in total.
Puerto Rico Itinerary Day 3: Kioskos de Luquillo & Placita de Santurce
Kioskos de Luquillo
This is a strip of about 60 restaurants and stores ranging from open-air "chinchorros" to quieter places serving traditional Puerto Rican food (especially fresh local seafood), Peruvian, Colombian or Argentinean cuisine, hamburgers, pizza or cocktails. Many of the kiosks overlook the beach and on weekends there is often live Latin music. Right next door is one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico, Balneario La Monserrate.
La Placita de Santurce
La Placita de Santuce is a great place to get that real cultural vibe of how Puerto Ricans like to live on the weekends! It offers tradition, live music, culture and authentic local food, all in one vibrant stop. Farmers sell their fresh produce during the day, including fruits, vegetables, flowers and local dishes, and a block party-style celebration is held on weekend evenings.
Restaurants recommendation Raíces | They serve the local cuisine and I really enjoyed the setting of the restaurant! The murals, paintings and decor were a homage to Puerto Rican heritage. Address: 315 C. Recinto Sur, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico Café Manolín Old San Juan | This is a great spot for authentic Puerto Rican food. It's usually full of locals during lunch hour and can be very busy, so aim for the off hours. If you want a more casual experience. Address: 251 C. de San Justo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico T•tuan Old San Juan | Nice place to watch the sunset with some cocktails & tapas. Address: 101 C. Tetuán, San Juan, 00902, Puerto Rico Kioskos de Luquillo: Terruño | The menu has various options that can satisfy the palate of adults and children. The dishes were delicious and just the right amount to stock up. The service was excellent and the wait time reasonable. If you are in the area of the Luquillo kiosks, it is a very good option. Address: 97J7+48V, Luquillo 00773, Puerto Rico |
In conclusion, the capital of Puerto Rico is an ideal destination, to get involved in the culture of its people, with spectacular landscapes and stories, once you visit San Juan a little piece of your heart will stay in this part of the island, being the most cosmopolitan city. A Caribbean gem! We will come back soon to explore the rest of the island.
