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Puerto Rico, US, United States · Trip plan

5 days in Puerto Rico

Old San Juan's colours, a rainforest and a glowing bioluminescent bay.

Best time
Dec – Apr
Ideal length
5 days
A day, mid-range
$230 per person
Trip for two
about $2,300

Planning a 5-day trip to Puerto Rico? Here's a day-by-day Puerto Rico itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

December to April is the dry season, and for Americans it's a Caribbean escape with no passport needed.

Puerto Rico is a US territory in the Caribbean with Spanish colonial history, rainforest, beaches and a big music scene.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec: a good time to go

December to April: 25–29°C.

Create my Puerto Rico trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Puerto Rico

  • 01

    Old San Juan

    Colourful colonial streets and forts.

  • 02

    El Yunque

    The only tropical rainforest in the US forest system.

  • 03

    Bioluminescent bay

    Kayak through glowing water.

  • 04

    Culebra

    Flamenco Beach, one of the Caribbean's best.

Day by day

Puerto Rico itinerary for 5 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Old San Juan

    Morning
    Explore Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century Spanish fortress guarding the bay.
    Afternoon
    Wander Old San Juan's blue cobblestone streets past pastel houses, and stop at La Fortaleza, the governor's mansion.
    Evening
    Mofongo for dinner, then salsa dancing at a local bar.

    The cobbles are slippery; wear good shoes.

  2. D2

    Day 2: El Yunque and a glowing bay

    Morning
    Hike in El Yunque National Forest to waterfalls and a lookout tower.
    Afternoon
    Lunch at the Luquillo kiosks, a strip of beachside food stands.
    Evening
    Kayak through Laguna Grande in Fajardo, where microorganisms glow blue around your paddle.

    Reserve El Yunque road access online; bio bays are best on moonless nights.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Culebra

    Morning
    Take the early ferry or a short flight to Culebra.
    Afternoon
    Swim at Flamenco Beach, regularly rated one of the best beaches in the world.
    Evening
    Back to San Juan.

    Ferries sell out; flying is quicker if tickets run short.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Beach day

    Morning
    Relax on the beach at Condado or Ocean Park.
    Afternoon
    Lunch and a piña colada at Barrachina, which claims to have invented it.
    Evening
    Evening at La Placita, the market square that turns into a street party on Thursdays.

    Thursday and Friday nights at La Placita are liveliest.

  5. D5

    Day 5: Home

    Morning
    Morning swim.
    Afternoon
    Lunch.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    US citizens don't need a passport for Puerto Rico.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Puerto Rico in 4, 5 or 7 days

4 days in Puerto Rico

Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

7 days in Puerto Rico

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Key West & the Florida Keys.

What it costs

Puerto Rico trip budget

StylePer person, a day5 days for two
Budget$110$1,100
Mid-range$230$2,300
Luxury$550+$5,500

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Puerto Rico is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Puerto Rico for every budget

  • Budget

    Guesthouses in Old San Juan

    Old San Juan

    Walk everywhere.

    from $100 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotels in Condado

    Condado

    Beachfront.

    from $250 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Condado Vanderbilt

    Condado

    A restored 1919 landmark.

    from $500 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Puerto Rico

  • Mofongo

    Mashed plantains with garlic.

  • Lechón

    Roast pork.

  • Piña colada

    Born in San Juan.

Getting there

How to reach Puerto Rico

Travel
San Juan airport (SJU) has direct flights across the US.
Getting around
Rent a car outside San Juan; Uber in the city.
  • No passport needed for US citizens.
  • Book bio bay kayak tours on new-moon nights.

Before you go

What to pack for Puerto Rico

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and flip-flops
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Puerto Rico trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Puerto Rico?

5 days are enough to see the highlights: Old San Juan, El Yunque, Bioluminescent bay. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 5-day Puerto Rico trip cost?

Roughly $110 a day per person on a budget, $230 mid-range and $550+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,300 for 5 days.

What is the best time to visit Puerto Rico?

Dec – Apr. December to April is the dry season, and for Americans it's a Caribbean escape with no passport needed.

Where should I stay in Puerto Rico?

Budget: Guesthouses in Old San Juan (Old San Juan), from about $100 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Condado (Condado), from about $250 a night. Luxury: Condado Vanderbilt (Condado), from about $500 a night.

How do I reach Puerto Rico?

San Juan airport (SJU) has direct flights across the US.

Is 4 days enough for Puerto Rico?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Puerto Rico?

December to April: 25–29°C.

What food should I try in Puerto Rico?

Mofongo: Mashed plantains with garlic. Lechón: Roast pork. Piña colada: Born in San Juan.

How do I get around Puerto Rico?

Rent a car outside San Juan; Uber in the city.

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