Oh Puerto Rico, this US territory that has been on our must-visit list forever! We are grateful the opportunity arose over the Thanksgiving holiday, and now we want to share our unbeatable 1 week itinerary in Puerto Rico with you. The inspiration for this voyage was visiting our friend in the jungle of Maricao who has been working hard on his retreat center for a couple of years. Outside of the jungle, we spent time in San Juan and Rincon.
So let’s map out an exciting week-long adventure through the enchanting landscapes of this picturesque island. Begin your adventure in the historic streets of San Juan, where the vibrant energy, local cuisine and Spanish style architecture create a captivating atmosphere. Transition to the tranquility of Maricao, nestled amidst verdant rainforests, offering a serene escape with nature hikes, waterfalls and dare we say a possible digital detox. Cap off your journey in Rincon, the Caribbean’s surfing haven, where legendary waves, beachside culinary delights, and breathtaking sunsets await.
This diverse blend of San Juan, Maricao, and Rincon ensures an unbeatable week long exploration, capturing the cultural richness of Puerto Rico. You will find many of our recs are in Rincon as this is where we did most of our exploring. Here is our at at-a-glace Travel Guide for this trip. Remember, if it’s mentioned in our guides, it’s great and worth your time!
1 Week Itinerary in Puerto Rico
Getting There
• Fly into San Juan (SJU) located in the capital. We took an Uber from the airport to our AirBnB in Old Town San Juan which cost about $25 USD.
• Rent a car at Charlies in San Juan or Wavy Car Rental in Rincon. We found it safe and easy to drive in Puerto Rico. Make sure to drive the speed limit as speeding fines are hefty. If you are spending a few days in Old Town San Juan, you cannot park in this historic area, so wait to rent your car when you depart for the other cities.
Where to Stay / Where to Go
San Juan
• Renting an AirBnb in Old San Juan puts you directly in the charm of the old buildings and cobblestone streets. Plus you will be within walking distance of many restaurants, bars, and the old fortresses we mention below. 1-2 days in San Juan is plenty of time to soak it in.
Maricao
• Maricao is a jungle nested in the hilly terrain of the western mountains. It was the last home of Puerto Rico’s indigenous, the Taínos. Known for vast hiking trails, rainforests, camping, wildlife and coffee. This is a wonderful place to decompress in nature, work on creative projects and take a digital break. We can’t recommend this beautiful town enough, 3 nights and your nervous system will reset. Drive time is 2.5 hours from SJ. Grab an AirBnb that lends to the jungle views. Queue the ‘falling asleep to frogs’ soundtrack.
Rincon
• Located on the western coast of Puerto Rico, Rach and I have coined Rincon as ‘Latin Hawaii’. From the legendary surf, laid-back lifestyle, delicious eats and aquatic sports there is something for everyone in this pristine beach town. For accommodation Rincon Beach Resort is loved among guests. Rincon of the Seas is a family friendly stay with a pool, swim up bar and direct private beach access (we stayed here). If this is a surf trip with friends we would grab a cool AirBnB walking distance to surf.
Eats
San Juan
• La Madre – modern Mexican food with fresh produce and a cozy inviting atmosphere. We were on a cleanse in San Juan so their lovely chef whipped us up something special off the menu, too kind!
• Fela’s Vegetarian Restaurant – sometimes you just need a big inexpensive tasty plate of veggies while on the road. Hello Fela’s 👋🏾
Maricao
• We cooked all our meals in Maicao. There is a city center with provisions, if you find some gems let us know! Note the town is pretty sleepy until Wednesday or Thursday, so stocking up on essentials on your way to this jungle is a good idea.
• Panaderia de Erickson – this panaderia in the city center bakes fresh ‘pan de agua’, a famous Puerto Rican style bread. I see avo toast and sandies for the waterfall hikes in your future.
Rincon
• Spires Market – your go to fast casual gem for healthy colorful eats. We took our food to go and ate across the street on the beach.
• Hubs – a local laidback eatery across from Rincon of the Seas.
• La Sirena Sushi and Tiki Bar – we parked near this adorable restaurant on our way to coffee, it was closed during Thanksgiving, but it is on our list for next time. It has great reviews and mermaid tails painted on the doors so we are sold. 😉
Drinks
Rincon
• We did not go out for drinks on this trip but Caddy’s Calypso and Big Kahuna Bar + Restaurant were recommended for surfers by surfers.
Cafes
San Juan
• Caficultura – a cornerside staple right by our AirBnB which was always packed, people swear by their coffee.
• Don Ruiz Coffee – a newer artisanal coffee shop serving single-origin coffee, grab a latte here on your way to El Morro (one of the fortresses mentioned below).
Rincon
• Friends Cafe – a cutie coffee shop in the heart of downtown.
• Cafe 2 Go – a coffee shack off the side of the road on your way to Domes (surf spot). Pick up a smoothie next door at Groovy Smoothies.
• Stoked Rincon Coffee – located at Domes this gem has delicious coffee, fast casual breakfast and lunch items + a surf shop.
• Karibe Kombucha – this cafe has fresh house-made kombucha, snacks and gifts. Karibe distributes canned kombucha throughout Puerto Rico so look out for it around the island, it is delicious!
Grocery Shopping
Rincon
• Fam Coop & Supermercado Econo are the two bigger grocery stores off the main road in Rincon. These markets aren’t exactly Whole Foods, but you will likely find the groceries you are looking for.
• Rincon Bakery – a sandwich and bakery shop with plenty of snack and drink options too.
• Tinto Wine Shop – these guys offer a good variety of wines and tastings as well!
Cool Finds
Rincon
• Saluna – a charming gift, clothing and apothecary boutique. If you are in the shopping mood, you will find something here.
• Desecheo Surf Shop – a cute local shop complete with all the surf gear and nice branded shirts + tanks. You can also rent surf and snorkel gear here.
Outdoors
San Juan
• Castillo San Cristobal – a historic fortress known for its impressive military architecture and role in protecting the city from naval attacks during the Spanish colonial period. It is the largest of the Spanish-built forts in America, don’t miss walking the dark tunnels throughout. When we visited it was $10 per person to enter. Save your receipt as it will grant you access to El Morro another fortress up the street.
Maricao
• Salto Curet – a gorgeous hike to a lagoon and waterfall that is not to be missed while in Maricao. You can take snacks and wade in and out of the water all afternoon. One thing to mention is the last part of the hike is walking knee-deep through a stream, so plan your attire and footwear accordingly. I hiked in sandals with my backpack on and it did not get wet. We promise this trek is worth it!
• Ruta Nativa – they are a wonderful local adventure tourism company that can help guide you on incredible secluded waterfall, river and cave tours. Check out their website as they offer other adventure sports too!
Rincon
• Live that Aqualife – if you are a water enthusiast take your pick between boating, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, foiling or surfing.
• Surf – some breaks to check out are Domes, Sandy Beach, Rivermouth, Dogmans, and Maria’s. If you want to take the rental car for a spin to discover the waves outside of Rincon head to Aguadilla (13 miles away) or Isabela (25 miles away).
Puerto Rico is a People Pleaser
As you can see, Puerto Rico is a people-pleaser and truly an island paradise with something for everyone. Receiving smiles from friendly locals was a real treat as well, we never take this for granted! From exploring old Spanish streets and fortresses in San Juan to decompressing in the jungle and chasing waterfalls in Maricao, to living your Blue Crush dreams in Rincon. An honorable mention we did not have time to check out is Aguas Thermal de Coamo. If you make it to this spa and hot spring oasis please let us know how you enjoyed it!
As we bid farewell for now, we hope this unbeatable one-week itinerary in Puerto Rico inspires you to begin planning that overdue trip to this island. With its warm hospitality and varied wonders, it is a destination that leaves lasting memories.
Until then, happy travel dreaming!
xoxo, Bekah
PS ~ As Miami is so close why not add this iconic city to your trip and check out two of our favorite restaurants there?
