Puerto Rico is the perfect island getaway! With flights being only hours from anywhere in the US, it is an easy travel destination. Although it is an island, Puerto Rico has a very diverse landscape. There’s much more than beaches in Puerto Rico! Can you believe there are rainforests, waterfalls, mountains, salt flats, and wetlands in Puerto Rico? Follow this ultimate 5-day Puerto Rico itinerary for the perfect trip!

How To Get Around Puerto Rico

The best way to get around Puerto Rico is by driving! I highly suggest renting a vehicle with high clearance and 4WD as the roads in Puerto Rico can sometimes be rough. There are some portions where the road is not in the best condition or the roads are very narrow so I would drive with caution. I definitely do not want to discourage you on driving because it is the best way to see the island. The scenic beauty around the island is worth the drive!

Many people only stay in San Juan when they visit Puerto Rico and they are missing out! Although San Juan is a lot of fun, I definitely recommend venturing out of the capital city and seeing all that the island has to offer. You wouldn’t have experienced the real Puerto Rico if you only stay in one place!

Puerto Rico Itinerary

Day 1: San Juan

Start your Puerto Rico trip by spending time in San Juan! If you’re flying into Puerto Rico, chances are that you’re flying into the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan. The airport is about 30 minutes from Old San Juan and you can either pick up your rental car at the airport when you land or you can use a rideshare to get to Old San Juan. I chose to use Uber to get to Old San Juan because parking could be tricky, and I picked up my rental car later when I was leaving the city.

Old San Juan is a very charming and colorful place, and it is the perfect first stop on your Puerto Rico Itinerary. There is a lot to see, but honestly you only need one day here as most of it is sightseeing. Here are some spots you shouldn’t miss in Old San Juan:

• Fortaleza Street: Street leading up to the Governor’s Mansion that often has colorful displays of either umbrellas or Puerto Rican flag
• Cuartel de Ballaja: Former military barracks that serves as multipurpose building today
• Hotel El Convento: Stay at this luxury hotel in Old San Juan or stop by for food and drinks
• El Morro: Learn about the history of a historical fort and its importance to Puerto Rico
• Calle Imperial: Great spot to take a photo with the Puerto Rican flag
• Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi: This cemetery is the final resting place of many of PR’s most prominent natives and residents. This cemetery also offers sweeping ocean views!

As you see, Old San Juan is full of fun photo opportunities! If you want to see the full list of best photo spots in Old San Juan, check out my article here.

I highly recommend dining at Barrachina. It is a very popular restaurant serving Puerto Rican specialties and it claims to have invented the pina colada! The food and pina colada (had to order one) were absolutely delicious.

Day 2 – 3: Aguadilla

Next on the Puerto Rico itinerary is Aguadilla! Leave Old San Juan early in the morning and head to Aguadilla. Pick up your rental car (if you haven’t already) and head west to the beaches of Aguadilla. It is a 2 hour drive from San Juan to Aguadilla and you’ll be on a major interstate so the ride should be smooth.

On your way to Aguadilla, visit Frutos del Guacabo which is a family-owned and operated farm located in Manatí. You can visit and tour the farm to learn about sustainable farming and what it means to be farm-to-table. They also serve a delicious organic meal!

While you’re in the Manatí, make sure to stop at Mar Chiquita Beach and Los Tubos Beach which are two of the best beaches in Puerto Rico!

There is also an amazing viewpoint at Mirador de Guajataca.

Aguadilla is known for its beautiful beaches! Here are some spots in Aguadilla that you should definitely check out:

• Survival Beach: Take a fun hike to a secret beach
• Crash Boat Beach: You can find colorful rowboats at this beach
• Las Ruinas Faro de La Ponderosa: Check out these ruins in Aguadilla!
• Avion Abandonado: Climb inside an abandoned plane

Don’t miss watching the sunset from the beaches of Aguadilla! My favorite sunset spot is Playa Pena Blanca Beach.

Day 4 – 5: San Sebastian, Cabo Rojo, and La Parguera

On Day 4, drive to San Sebastian to see some beautiful waterfalls! It is about a 30 minute drive from Aguadilla and you can find two waterfalls here. Gozalandia Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Puerto Rico! You can actually find two waterfalls here. There is an official parking lot so be sure to bring cash ($10) for parking. The hikes to the falls are short and easy. Bring your bathing suit to swim here!

After your morning adventure at Gozalandia Falls, head south to Rojo Cabo. It is about an hour and a half from the waterfalls are there are two main attractions in this area.

First up is Salinas de Cabo Rojo! Did you know there are salt flats in Puerto Rico? They even turn pink on a sunny day. To visit these salt flats, park your car at Centro Interpretativo Las Salinas and walk along the road until you see an opening to the fence to the salt flats. It is free to visit but please do be respectful and leave no trace! Do not litter as throwing trash into the salt flats ruins the salt.

Then, drive just a little further south to Faro Los Morrillos. The views from this lighthouse are stunning! There are trails that takes you along the ocean cliffs and there are several unique rock formations you can spot from here. If you have extra time and want to go for a swim, head to Playa Sucia nearby for an isolated and picturesque beach with views of the lighthouse! At the end of the day, drive 45 minutes from Cabo Rojo to the town of La Parguera.

The town of La Parguera is small and quaint but it is the gateway to incredible nature! Did you know that it is a bioluminescent bay? The waters near La Parguera glow due to the microorganisms in the water, and many tour companies offer kayak tours or boat excursions to explore the bay’s waters! I highly suggest booking a tour since you can only see the waters glow at night.

Day 6: La Parguera, Yauco, and Ponce

Start your day off by exploring the town of La Parguera! There are several great restaurants and boutiques in town that you should check out. I also recommend taking a trip to Cayo Caracoles which is a mangrove forest near La Parguera. You can get a boat at Gina’s Johnny’s Boats in town to take you there. You can get a tour and guide as well!

Depart La Parguera for the city of Yauco and stop by Finca El Girasol on the way. Finca El Girasol is a beautiful field of sunflowers and makes a fun stop. It is only Take a quick detour here and snap some photos with the sunflowers.

Then, continue to the city of Yauco! Yauco is a super colorful city and it is a fun place to simply walk around. Yauco is also another quick stop and then you’ll leave for the city of Ponce.

Ponce is one of Puerto Rico’s largest cities and there’s plenty to do here! I suggest taking a walking tour through town and admiring the beautiful architecture around town. Some of the attractions you shouldn’t miss include:

• Museo de Arte de Ponce: One of the best art museums in Puerto Rico with an extensive collection of over 4,500 pieces, consisting of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photographs/video, and more!
• Plaza Las Delicias: The main plaza in Ponce with ornate buildings and shady trees – be sure to visit Parque de Bombas, Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the many cafes and restaurants around the square!
• Castillo Serrallés: A grand estate with sweeping views of Ponce that once belonged to owners of the Don Q rum distillery! Today, you can take a tour to see the ornate architecture, beautiful gardens, and learn about how the family lived and grew their business.
• La Guancha: Popular and picturesque seaside boardwalk lined with restaurants and kiosks selling food and beverages.
• Hacienda Buena Vista: Visit this coffee plantation to learn about how coffee was grown and processed in the 19th century

Day 7: El Yunque National Forest

Depart Ponce early in the morning for El Yunque National Forest! It is about a 2.5 hours drive, but there is a super cool spot you should stop by on the way to the rainforest. The stop is called La Curva del Arbol and it is a scenic overlook with a swing! This is a very popular photo spot in Puerto Rico and the view is absolutely worth the detour.

It is 50 minutes from Ponce to the swing and then 1.5 hours from the swing to the entrance of El Yunque National Forest.

El Yunque National Forest is actually one of the smallest rainforests in the world, but one of the most biologically diverse. Come experience the beauty of the national rainforest and do go chasing waterfalls!

Here are some of the most beautiful spots to visit in El Yunque National Forest:

• Puente Roto
• Las Pailas
• Las Tinajas Falls
• Charco El Hippie WaterfallTorre Britton
• Bano Grande
• El Yunque Peak Tower
• Juan Diego Falls
• Torre Yokahu
• Cascada La Mina

Depending on when your flight is, you can either head to the airport after visiting El Yunque National Forest or head back to San Juan and spend the night there if your flight is the next day!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my Puerto Rico itinerary! You should spend a few days on this beautiful island and see all that Puerto Rico has to offer.

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Puerto Rico is an insanely beautiful place! With the flight being only a few short hours from anywhere in the US, it is the perfect place for a getaway. Even though Puerto Rico is an island, it is more than just sandy white beaches. When I visited, I was honestly surprised at the diversity of the landscape in Puerto Rico! There are so many beautiful spots around the island and the best way to see it all is by renting a car and driving around. Find out which spots to visit and the best places to take pictures in Puerto Rico!

Map of the Best Places to Take Pictures in Puerto Rico

The Best Places to Take Pictures in Puerto Rico

Photo Spots in San Juan

San Juan is the most visited city in Puerto Rico and has several great photo spots! If you fly into San Juan, then you also won’t need a car to visit these spots as these are all within walking distance from each other.

1. Fortaleza Street

I had to start off my list of the best places to take pictures in Puerto Rico with Calle Fortaleza! It is the most photographed place in Old San Juan and you can probably guess why! This street leading up to Puerto Rico’s Governor Mansion (La Fortaleza) is blocked off so you can snap a photo without any cars on the street. The display changes from time to time and sometimes there are colorful umbrellas while the Puerto Rican flag was flying when I visited.

I recommend visiting here early in the morning as this is a very popular photo spot!

2. Castillo San Felipe del Morro El Morro Fort

The El Morro Fort is a great place to visit not just for photography, but because it is a place of historical significance for Puerto Rico! Come and learn about the history of the outpost and its importance to Spain and the US.

3. Calle Imperial

You’ll find the vibrant and colorful mural of the Puerto Rican flag on Calle Imperial! I can’t think of a better place to take a photo that screams “I’m in Puerto Rico!”

4. 51 Calle San Jose (Puerto Rican Flag Door)

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Yes, there’s another mural with the Puerto Rican flag just minutes away from each other! You’re in luck if you didn’t like the colors of the previous photo spot.

5. Calle Norzagaray

Sometimes the best photo spots are the ones we don’t expect! I was walking down Calle Norzagaray when I was inspired to take several pictures of the colorful streets and doors.

6. Hotel El Convento

Hotel El Convento is a luxury hotel in Old San Juan, but it is also one of the best places to take pictures in Puerto Rico! Even if you’re not a guest at this hotel, you can stop by for food and drinks. I thought the street right next to the hotel was even more photo-worthy though! Both the left and right photos above were captured in the street right next to the hotel.

7. Cuartel de Ballaja

Built-in 1854, Cuartel de Ballaja used to be a military barrack but serves many different functions today. Now, it houses a dance school, a music school, the Museo de las Américas, the Puerto Rico Academy of the Spanish Language, and the State Office of Historic Conservation! I love the beautiful colors and symmetry of the building itself.

8. Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi

I don’t typically visit cemeteries when I travel, but I had to pay this one a visit. Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi is significant to Puerto Rico is the final resting place of many of PR’s most prominent natives and residents. This cemetery also offers sweeping ocean views!

9. Barrachina

Barrachina is a very popular restaurant serving Puerto Rican specialties. The restaurant claims to have invented the pina colada! I highly recommend dining here as the food was delicious and I got the pina colada, of course. The atmosphere is very fun and you’ll find a colorful courtyard with a beautiful fountain on the inside.

Photo Spots Outside of San Juan

To visit these photography spots, you’ll need to rent a car to travel around Puerto Rico. I highly suggest one with high clearance and 4WD as the roads can be rough in some areas.

10. Cero Mime

Cerro Mime is located in the middle of Puerto Rico, and this short, steep hike leads to sweeping mountain views. The climb to the top of Cerro Mime doesn’t take long but it is a quick ascent in elevation.

I have to be honest that the drive here was rough and there was not an actual designated parking spot to start this hike when I visited. I recommend going with someone that knows the area/trail because finding the trailhead was very difficult.

However, based on recent comments for this trail on AllTrails, it seems like now there is a local by the name of Ramon that allows you to park your car at his property (see map below) and points you to the trail but do check before you visit if anything changes.

11. Gozalandia Falls

Gozalandia Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Puerto Rico! You can actually find two waterfalls at Cascada Gozalandia. There is an official parking lot so be sure to bring cash ($10) for parking. However, there is no other admission fee. There is also a restaurant and bar on the property.

The walk to the waterfalls is easy. To access the lower falls, you’ll walk down a series of stairs to a cascading waterfall (pictured on right). To access the upper falls, continue the trail and it is a short walk (pictured on left). You can swim at both waterfalls and there’s even a rope swing at the upper one!

12. Survival Beach

Aguadilla is known for its beautiful beaches and Survival Beach is one of them! If you’re looking for a fun hike to a secluded beach then this beach is for you! You’ll pass by epic rock formations along the 20-minute hike to this beach. This beach is still much of a secret for visitors so you probably won’t pass by anyone on this trail.

Start at the Surfer’s Beach parking lot and look for signs for the trail to Survival Beach (the sign should be obvious). Cross a bridge at the parking lot and head into the woods as part of the trail. The trail itself winds through the woods and over roots and rocks so wear closed-toe shoes. It takes you through the trees and onto Tabletop Beach. Then, depending on the water levels, you can either walk on the beach to Survival Beach or go back through the trees. I highly recommend bringing a backpack with water, sunscreen, and snacks as you could be out in the hot sun for a while!

13. Crash Boat Beach

Crash Boat Beach, which is another Aguadilla beach, is the perfect place to catch the sunset! There are colorful rowboats lined up on the shoreline hence the name. There is also a designated parking lot here! If you can’t tell already, having designated parking spaces for attractions is a luxury. During my road trip, we had lots of issues finding marked parking spaces for places we wanted to visit.

14. Las Ruinas Faro de La Ponderosa

You have to check out these ruins while you’re in Aguadilla! These ruins are near Punta Borinquen Beach and the views from these ruins are epic! You’ll get sweeping ocean views with palm trees swaying in the wind. It is a great place to relax and picnic!

15. Avion Abandonado

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Aguadilla is full of so many gems from beautiful beaches and ruins to…an abandoned plane! You should make a stop to check out this abandoned plane and snap photos of this colorful spot. The story behind the plane is that a pilot was moving the plane at the Aguadilla airport in 1992 when an issue arose and he lost control of the plane and crashed it into another parked plane.

Today, it sits in a field on Route 107 next to a Puma gas station. It is located on private property and the owner asks for a small donation to visit as he takes care of the lot. There are stairs leading into the plane so you can climb into the inside as well!

16. Salinas de Cabo Rojo

Did you know there are salt flats in Puerto Rico?! Not only that but these salt flats turn pink on a sunny day! To visit these salt flats, park your car at Centro Interpretativo Las Salinas and walk along the road until you see an opening to the fence to the salt flats. It is free to visit but please do be respectful and leave no trace! Do not litter as throwing trash into the salt flats ruins the salt.

17. Faro Los Morrillos

If you drive past the pink salt flats, you’ll find yourself at a beautiful park called “Cabo Rojo”. The views here are absolutely gorgeous! Head first to Faro Los Morrillos which is an iconic lighthouse atop cliffs! There is a nice trail here that takes you alongside the cliffs. Be sure to stop at Puente de Piedra, a unique rock formation that makes a bridge, to take some photos!

18. Cayo Caracoles

Cayo Caracoles is a mangrove forest off the shore from La Parguera and it is great for snorkeling, kayaking, boating, and swimming! I swam in the clearest waters there and I highly recommend visiting. You can get a boat at Gina’s Johnny’s Boats in La Parguera to take you there. You can get a tour and guide as well!

19. Finca El Girasol

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Did you know there is a sunflower field in Puerto Rico? I certainly didn’t! I actually only found this spot when I was looking on Google Maps and the app suggested it to me. It is a fun stop on your Puerto Rico road trip and you can even buy sunflowers to take with you!

20. Puente de Hamaca del Lago Garzas

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This bridge is such a cool spot for a photo opportunity! Cross if you dare

21. La Curva del Arbol

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How fun is this swing! Did you know that this was just an overgrown area on the side of the road until some people decided to clean it up? They saw the potential here and added a swing and flags…and a Puerto Rico photo spot was created!

22. Escaleras de Colores Pasteles

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You can find these colorful stairs in Utuado! It is right begind the city hall of Utado. I am a sucker for colorful spots so I had to include these stairs in my article.

23. Bandera PR Utado

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How fun is this flag mural! Also located in Utado, you can find this mural at the corner of Calle Washington and Calle Antonio R. Barcelo. If you didn’t get enough photos with the Puerto Rican flag in San Juan than this is another photo opportunity!

24. Yaucromatic

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I couldn’t believe how colorful Yauco is! To get a photo of this spot, start at the bottom of the hill to capture this scene.

25. El Yunque National Forest

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If you visit Puerto Rico, you have to visit El Yunque National Forest! It is actually one of the smallest rainforests in the world, but one of the most biologically diverse. Come experience the beauty of the national rainforest and do go chasing waterfalls!

Here are some of the most beautiful spots to visit in El Yunque National Forest:

• Torre Britton
• Bano Grande
• El Yunque Peak Tower
• Juan Diego Falls
• Torre Yokahu
• Cascada La Mina
• Puente Roto
• Las Pailas
• Las Tinajas Falls
• Charco El Hippie Waterfall

It is certainly one of the best places to take pictures in Puerto Rico!

26. Cueva Ventana

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Cueva Ventana is a large cave that overlooks the Río Grande de Arecibo valley! You can take a guided hike through this cave for an epic view!

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If you love colorful places, then you need to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico! It is an easy flight from the US and a great destination getaway. Old San Juan is full of charm and the most colorful buildings. Stroll on cobblestone-lined streets as you admire the Spanish colonial architecture of the town. I loved just walking around Old San Juan and getting lost in the winding streets. Check out the best Instagram spots in San Juan!

Map of the Most Instagrammable Spots in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Best Instagram Spots in Old San Juan

1. Fortaleza Street

I had to start off my list of San Juan Instagram Spots with Calle Fortaleza! It is the most photographed place in Old San Juan and you can probably guess why! This street leading up to Puerto Rico’s Governor Mansion (La Fortaleza) is blocked off so you can snap a photo without any cars on the street. The display changes from time to time. Typically, there are colorful umbrellas on this street but the Puerto Rican flag was flying when I visited.

I recommend visiting here early in the morning as this is a very popular photo spot! Definitely avoid the afternoons as the cruise dock here then.

2. Castillo San Felipe del Morro El Morro Fort

The El Morro Fort is a great place to visit not just for photography, but because it is a place of historical significance for Puerto Rico! Come and learn about the history of the outpost and its importance to Spain and the US.

3. Calle Imperial

I can’t think of a better place to take a photo that screams “I’m in Puerto Rico!” You’ll find the vibrant and colorful mural of the Puerto Rican flag on Calle Imperial!

4. Puerto Rican Flag Door

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Yes, there’s another mural with the Puerto Rican flag just minutes away from each other! You’re in luck if you didn’t like the colors of the previous photo spot.

5. Calle Norzagaray

Sometimes the best photo spots are the ones we don’t expect! I was walking down Calle Norzagaray when I was inspired to take several pictures of the colorful streets and doors.

6. Hotel El Convento

Hotel El Convento is a luxury hotel in Old San Juan, but it is also one of the best places to take pictures in Puerto Rico! Even if you’re not a guest at this hotel, you can stop by for food and drinks.

7. Street Next to Hotel El Convento

I thought the street right next to Hotel El Convento was also beautiful! It is a super charming and colorful photo spot.

8. Cuartel de Ballaja

Built-in 1854, Cuartel de Ballaja used to be a military barrack but serves many different functions today. Now, it houses a dance school, a music school, the Museo de las Américas, the Puerto Rico Academy of the Spanish Language, and the State Office of Historic Conservation! I love the beautiful colors and symmetry of the building itself.

9. Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi

I don’t typically visit cemeteries when I travel, but I had to pay this one a visit. Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi is significant to Puerto Rico is the final resting place of many of PR’s most prominent natives and residents. This cemetery also offers sweeping ocean views!

10. Barrachina

Barrachina is a very popular restaurant serving Puerto Rican specialties. The restaurant claims to have invented the pina colada! I highly recommend dining here as the food was delicious and I got the pina colada, of course. The atmosphere is very fun and you’ll find a colorful courtyard with a beautiful fountain on the inside.

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