Puerto Rico
Feb. 25 - March 3, 2021 (7D6N): Given the new COVID-19 testing requirement when traveling abroad, I decided to re-visit Puerto Rico as U.S. territories are excluded from the testing requirement. While this is my 3rd time visiting Puerto Rico, I feel like there is still so much more to see after spending almost a week there. The itinerary below includes some R&R on the beach as well as exploring sites outside of San Juan. Driving is easy, and you can get by without knowing much Spanish.
Day 1
Afternoon flight to SJU from JFK (via Delta)
Uber to Airbnb in Condado del Mar (~$22; 20 mins)
Dinner @ Paulina Escanes-Gourmandize & Pico Rico BBQ
Day 2
Uber to Old San Juan (~7; 12 mins)
San Juan National Historic Site (9:30 am-4:30 pm; $10 pp):
Try the rose vanilla flavor iced coffee @ Cafe Don Ruiz*
Visit the garden @ Casa Blanca Museum (free)
Pina Colada @ Barrachina (pina colada was invented here)
Lookup for beautiful decoration @ Fortaleza Street and take a picture of La Fortaleza (Governor’s Manor) at the end of the street (closed at the time of this post)
Shop @ COACH Outlet
Picture of the steps @ Caleta de las Monjas
Dinner @ Restaurante Raices (try the Kan Kan and mofongo)
SuperMax
Day 3
Pick-up rental car @ Enterprise (Hilton Condado)
The Taina Route:
Cueva del Indio (Cave of the Indian) of Arecibo (admission $5 pp; parking included; suggested duration 2-3 hrs)
San Sebastian Waterfalls ($10/car, 2 pools to enjoy)
Mayaguez (45 mins drive):
Dinner @ Gonzalez Seafood*
Ponce (1 hr drive):
Day 4
Lunch @ The House of Pastelillos (park your car here and grab some delicious fish tacos/mojitos before heading to the beach)
Sunset @ Vacia Talega Beach
Drinks @ Drift (skip, overpriced)
Dinner @ El Nuevo Acuario*
Day 5
El Yunque National Forest (reserve time entry for $2/car):
Mt. Britton Lookout Tower (hike Mt. Britton trail for ~ 20 mins each way; amazing view)
Bano Grande (short walk)
La Mina Falls (closed at the time of this post)
Juan Diego Falls (hike to the upper falls; suggested duration 30 - 45 mins)
Yokahu Lookout Tower (right by the parking lot, can’t climb up during the time of this post)
La Coca Falls (right by the side of the road, pic only)
Las Pailas (waterfall)
Dinner @ Mi Casita Seafood
Check-in @ Condado Ocean Club
Return rental at Enterprise (allows for after-hour returns)
Day 6
Hang out by the hotel pool/beach
Lunch @ Wicked Lily* (fish tacos & lobster guac)
H&R Food & Liquor Market
Dinner @ La Verguenza* in Condado (cheap food & drinks; right next to Red Mango Cafe)
Day 7
Hang out @ the hotel pool
Lunch @ Ropa Vieja* (delicious food but terrible service)
Evening flight to JFK
Other points of interest/food:
Puerto Rico
Río Camuy Cave Park
Aventura Cueva Ventana (advance tour booking required)
Eat @ La Casita Blanca
Get some alcapurrias @ El Sazón de Sylvia
Culebra
Snorkel @ Tamarindo Beach & Melones Beach (stay to the right)
Swim @ Flamenco Beach/Zoni Beach
Eat @ Krusty Krub; Zacco’s Tacos; Vibra Verde
Tips:
Amex Centurion Lounge opened up in October 2020 - take advantage of it and visit the speakeasy (1850) if you fly out of JFK T4.
As this is a U.S. territory, no passport is needed.
The ferry to Culebra is very weather-dependent (our ferry was canceled due to high wind). Please have a backup plan if you do plan to visit Culebra.
Bring water shoes/ponchos if you plan to visit the Rainforest.
Get your rental car outside of the airport to save you on fees. We went with the Enterprise in Condado as it offered the best price ($34/day for a full-sized vehicle).
Uber is easy and convenient - it is the best way to get from the airport to your lodging in the Condado area.
