3-Day Family Adventure: Offbeat Puerto Rico Outdoor Activities

Puerto Rico

3 days

Juan Diego falls
El Morro castle in San Juan
Isla Verde beach
Museum de las Americas in San Juan
Colorful houses in San Juan

About Puerto Rico

Discover the enchanting island of Puerto Rico, a Caribbean gem offering a blend of tropical beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Explore the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with colorful Spanish colonial buildings. Experience the bioluminescent bays in Vieques, a natural wonder that will leave you spellbound. Indulge in the local cuisine, a flavorful fusion of Spanish, African, and Taino influences. Enjoy the pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and the majestic El Yunque National Forest. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, foodie, or beach enthusiast, Puerto Rico offers a diverse range of experiences. Don't miss the lively festivals, showcasing the island's music, dance, and traditions. Puerto Rico, where the warmth of the people is as captivating as the island itself.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Coffee Plantation and El Yunque National Forest

Morning

Start your day with a visit to a local coffee plantation. Learn about the coffee-making process, from bean to cup, and enjoy a fresh cup of Puerto Rican coffee.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Puerto Rican lunch at a local eatery. Try dishes like mofongo, a dish made from mashed plantains, and lechon, a slow-roasted pork dish.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the El Yunque National Forest. Hike through the lush rainforest, take a dip in the natural pools, and marvel at the stunning waterfalls.

Dinner

Have dinner at a seaside restaurant. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes while watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea.

Evening

End your day with a Bioluminescent Bay tour. Paddle through the glowing waters and learn about the unique organisms that create this natural phenomenon.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to a local Turtle Conservation Project. Learn about the efforts to protect these endangered creatures and maybe even see some baby turtles.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local eatery. Try dishes like arroz con gandules, a rice and pigeon peas dish, and pastelillos, a type of fried pastry.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Camuy River Cave Park. Marvel at the stunning underground caves and learn about the unique ecosystem that exists within them.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try dishes like asopao, a type of soup, and tostones, fried plantain slices.

Evening

End your day with a visit to an observatory. Learn about the stars and planets and enjoy a stunning view of the night sky.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to a local Pineapple Farm. Learn about the farming process and enjoy some fresh pineapple.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local eatery. Try dishes like bacalaitos, a type of codfish fritter, and alcapurrias, a type of fried meat pastry.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Guánica Dry Forest. Hike through the unique landscape and learn about the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit it.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try dishes like chicharron de pollo, a type of fried chicken, and flan, a caramel custard dessert.

Evening

End your day with a stroll along the beach. Enjoy the cool breeze and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

Attractions in Itinerary (7)

coffee plantation

1
coffee plantation

A tour of a coffee plantation where you can learn about the coffee-making process and taste fresh coffee.

Attractions
Tours
Food and Drink
El Yunque National Forest

2
El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest is a tropical rainforest in northeastern Puerto Rico. It's known for its biodiversity and beautiful waterfalls.

Parks
Attractions
Tours
Bioluminescent Bay

3
Bioluminescent Bay

Bioluminescent Bay is a unique natural phenomenon where the water glows in the dark due to the presence of microscopic organisms. Kayak tours are available.

Attractions
Tours
Beaches
Turtle Conservation Project

4
Turtle Conservation Project

A project dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles, offering educational tours and opportunities to participate in conservation activities.

Attractions
Tours
Camuy River Cave Park

5
Camuy River Cave Park

One of the world's largest cave networks, Camuy River Cave Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. It offers guided tours that take you through the caves where you can admire the stalactites, stalagmites and other geological formations.

Parks
Attractions
Tours
Pineapple Farm

6
Pineapple Farm

A farm offering tours where visitors can learn about the cultivation of pineapples and taste fresh produce.

Attractions
Tours
Food and Drink
Guánica Dry Forest

7
Guánica Dry Forest

A subtropical dry forest located in the southwestern part of the island. It is a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve, with a variety of hiking trails and unique wildlife.

Parks
Attractions

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Mofongo

Mofongo

A popular Puerto Rican dish made from fried plantains as its main ingredient. The plantains are picked green and fried then mashed with salt, garlic, broth, and olive oil in a wooden pilón, a kitchen device also known as mortar and pestle.

Lechón Asado

Lechón Asado

A traditional Puerto Rican dish, it's a whole pig roasted over charcoal for several hours. The result is a tender, flavorful pork with crispy skin, often served with rice and beans.

Arroz con Gandules

Arroz con Gandules

This is the national dish of Puerto Rico, made with pigeon peas and rice. It's a staple dish during Christmas season but also enjoyed year-round.

Pastelón

Pastelón

Often referred to as Puerto Rican lasagna, Pastelón is a sweet-and-salty dish, layered with sweet plantains, ground beef, and cheese.

Alcapurrias

Alcapurrias

These are deep-fried fritters made from a mixture of grated yautía (taro root) and green bananas, and stuffed with meat. They are a popular street food in Puerto Rico.

Pasteles

Pasteles

A traditional Puerto Rican dish typically served during the Christmas season. It's made of a masa (dough) filled with a variety of ingredients like pork, chickpeas, and olives, then wrapped in banana leaves and boiled.

Tostones

Tostones

These are twice-fried plantain slices, a popular side dish in Puerto Rico. They are salted and often paired with a garlic dip.

Coquito

Coquito

A traditional Puerto Rican drink, often called Puerto Rican eggnog. It's made with rum, coconut milk, sweet condensed milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves. It's especially popular during the Christmas season.

Pernil

Pernil

A slow-roasted marinated pork shoulder, it's a traditional Puerto Rican dish often served during holidays and special occasions.

Tembleque

Tembleque

A coconut pudding dessert from Puerto Rico. It's creamy, sweet, and topped with cinnamon.

Sorullitos de Maiz

These are fried cornmeal sticks, often served with a side of mayo-ketchup sauce. They are a popular appetizer or snack in Puerto Rico.

Piña Colada

Piña Colada

A sweet cocktail made with rum, coconut cream or coconut milk, and pineapple juice. It's served either blended or shaken with ice. The Piña Colada is known as the national drink of Puerto Rico.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Puerto Rico as a tourist is generally from mid-April to June, right after the busy winter season and just before the rainy summer. During this period, you'll find room rates are slightly reduced and the weather is at its most pleasant. However, Puerto Rico is a year-round destination due to its tropical climate, so it largely depends on your personal preferences.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

May 12

Sun

Mothers' Day

June 16

Sun

Fathers' Day

November 28

Thu

Thanksgiving Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to get around Puerto Rico. The island has a well-maintained network of highways and roads, making it easy to travel between cities and towns. Most international rental companies have offices at the airport and in major cities.

Public buses, known as 'guaguas', are a cheap way to travel around the main cities in Puerto Rico. However, they can be unreliable and routes are often limited. It's best to use buses for short trips within cities.

Taxis are readily available in Puerto Rico's major cities and tourist areas. They operate on a fixed fare system, so it's best to confirm the price before starting your journey. Taxis are a good option for short trips or if you're not comfortable driving.

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Puerto Rico, particularly in San Juan and other major cities. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group.

Ferries operate between the main island and Puerto Rico's smaller islands, such as Vieques and Culebra. This is a scenic and relaxing way to travel, but schedules can be subject to change due to weather conditions.

Private transfers can be arranged from the airport to your hotel or other destinations. This is a convenient option if you're traveling with a lot of luggage or prefer not to drive.

In some areas, particularly in San Juan, bicycles are available for rent. This is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the local area, but may not be practical for longer distances or trips outside the city.

Many of Puerto Rico's cities, including Old San Juan, are best explored on foot. This allows you to take in the sights at your own pace and discover hidden gems that you might miss when traveling by car or bus.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$ USD

Time zoneUTC-4

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone911

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage120 V

Things to know about Puerto Rico as a first time visitor

1

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel there.

2

The official languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English, but Spanish is more widely spoken.

3

The currency used in Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar.

4

Puerto Rico operates on Atlantic Standard Time, which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

5

The island has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius).

6

Hurricane season in Puerto Rico runs from June to November.

7

Tipping in Puerto Rico is customary and similar to the U.S., with 15-20% being standard for restaurants.

8

Public transportation in Puerto Rico is limited, so renting a car can be a good option for getting around.

9

Driving in Puerto Rico can be challenging due to aggressive local driving habits and poorly maintained roads.

10

The legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18.

11

Tap water in Puerto Rico is safe to drink.

12

Puerto Rico uses the same electrical outlets as the U.S., so no adapter is needed for U.S. visitors.

13

Cell phone service in Puerto Rico is generally good, especially in urban areas.

14

Healthcare facilities in Puerto Rico are of a high standard, but it's recommended to have travel insurance.

15

Puerto Rico has a high sales tax rate of 11.5%.

16

The island is known for its vibrant nightlife, especially in San Juan.

17

Puerto Rican cuisine is a blend of Spanish, African, and Taino influences.

18

Casual beachwear is acceptable in most places, but some restaurants and clubs may require more formal attire.

19

Puerto Rico has a high crime rate, so it's important to take precautions such as not displaying expensive items and avoiding certain areas at night.

20

It's customary to greet people with a handshake, and close friends and family often greet with a kiss on the cheek.

Basic Spanish and English to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hola

oh-la

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Adiós

ah-dee-ohs

Leaving or saying goodbye to someone

Please

Por favor

por fa-vor

Making a request

Thank you

Gracias

gra-see-as

Expressing gratitude

Yes

see

Agreeing or confirming

No

No

no

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Perdón

per-don

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Lo siento

lo see-en-to

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

¿Hablas inglés?

ah-blas in-gles

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

No entiendo

no en-tee-en-do

Expressing confusion or misunderstanding

Where is the bathroom?

¿Dónde está el baño?

don-de es-ta el ban-yo

Asking for directions

How much does it cost?

¿Cuánto cuesta?

quan-to cues-ta

Asking the price of something

I would like...

Me gustaría...

me gus-ta-ree-a

Expressing a desire or preference

Help!

¡Ayuda!

a-yu-da

In an emergency or needing assistance

Can I have the menu, please?

¿Puedo tener el menú, por favor?

pwe-do te-ner el me-nu, por fa-vor

At a restaurant

Water

Agua

a-gua

Ordering a drink or asking for water

Beer

Cerveza

ser-ve-za

Ordering a drink

Cheers!

¡Salud!

sa-lud

Making a toast

Taxi

Taxi

taxi

Transportation

Hotel

Hotel

o-tel

Accommodation

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Swimwear

  • Beach cover-up

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Sleepwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sandals or flip-flops

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Sunglasses

  • Light rain jacket or umbrella

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Aftersun lotion or aloe vera

  • Insect repellent

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Prescription medications

  • First-aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport or ID

  • Airline tickets

  • Hotel reservation confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Guidebook or map

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Power bank

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Headphones or earbuds

  • Travel adapter

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Books or e-reader for the flight

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Beach bag

  • Beach towel

  • Snorkeling gear

Weather Conditions

Puerto Rico enjoys a tropical marine climate with an average year-round temperature of 80°F (27°C). However, the weather can vary depending on the region and the time of year. The island experiences two main seasons: the dry season, which runs from December to April, and the rainy season, which runs from May to November. If you're planning to visit during the dry season, you can expect warm, sunny days with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). This is the best time for outdoor activities like hiking, beach hopping, and exploring the historic sites. During the rainy season, the island receives most of its annual rainfall. While the temperatures remain relatively warm, ranging from 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C), the frequent showers can disrupt outdoor activities. However, the rain usually comes in short, intense bursts, followed by sunshine. It's a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella if you're visiting during this season. Regardless of when you visit, it's important to remember that Puerto Rico is located in the hurricane belt. The hurricane season officially runs from June to November, with the peak period being from August to October. While the chances of a hurricane hitting during your visit are relatively low, it's always a good idea to check the forecast and be prepared. In terms of what to wear, light, breathable clothing is recommended year-round due to the island's humid climate. Don't forget to pack a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Caribbean sun. Lastly, if you're planning to explore the El Yunque National Forest or other high-altitude areas, keep in mind that temperatures can be significantly cooler, with averages between 60°F and 75°F (16°C to 24°C). A light sweater or jacket may be necessary for these excursions. Remember, the weather can change quickly in Puerto Rico, so it's always a good idea to check the local forecast before heading out for the day.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

29° / 21°

January is a pleasant month to visit Puerto Rico, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 29°C. It's a great time for beach activities and exploring the island.

February

29° / 21°

February is similar to January, with temperatures between 21°C and 29°C. It's a perfect time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

March

30° / 22°

March sees a slight increase in temperature, ranging from 22°C to 30°C. It's an ideal time for water sports and hiking.

April

31° / 23°

April is a warm month with temperatures between 23°C and 31°C. It's a great time to visit the beaches and enjoy the local festivals.

May

32° / 24°

May marks the beginning of the rainy season, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. However, it's still a good time for indoor activities and exploring the local culture.

June

33° / 25°

June is a hot month, with temperatures between 25°C and 33°C. Despite the heat, it's a good time for water activities and enjoying the nightlife.

July

33° / 25°

July is similar to June, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 33°C. It's a perfect time for beach activities and exploring the rainforest.

August

33° / 25°

August is a hot and humid month, with temperatures between 25°C and 33°C. Despite the humidity, it's a good time for water sports and indoor activities.

September

33° / 25°

September is the peak of the hurricane season, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 33°C. It's advisable to check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities.

October

32° / 24°

October is a rainy month, with temperatures between 24°C and 32°C. However, it's a good time for indoor activities and exploring the local cuisine.

November

31° / 23°

November sees a decrease in temperature, ranging from 23°C to 31°C. It's an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring the local culture.

December

30° / 22°

December is a pleasant month to visit Puerto Rico, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C. It's a great time for beach activities and celebrating the festive season.

Did you know?

Did you know that Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning its citizens are U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote in presidential elections?

1 of 10

Places near by Puerto Rico

Vieques

Vieques

A beautiful island off the east coast of Puerto Rico known for its stunning beaches and the world's brightest bioluminescent bay.

1.5h
11.3 km / 7.0 mi
How to get there
Culebra

Culebra

An island municipality of Puerto Rico, known for its wildlife refuge and beautiful beaches like Flamenco Beach.

1.5h
27.4 km / 17.0 mi
How to get there
St. Thomas

St. Thomas

Part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, known for its beaches and snorkeling spots.

2h
110 km / 68.4 mi
How to get there
St. John

St. John

Smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, but it's famous for its well-preserved natural beauty.

3h
130 km / 80.8 mi
How to get there
St. Croix

St. Croix

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, known for its sugar plantations and rum distilleries.

3h
215 km / 133.6 mi
How to get there
British Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands

A British overseas territory, known for its reef-lined beaches and as a yachting destination.

3.5h
130 km / 80.8 mi
How to get there
Anguilla

Anguilla

A British overseas territory in the Caribbean, known for its coral reefs and white sandy beaches.

3h
300 km / 186.4 mi
How to get there
Antigua

Antigua

Known for its many sandy beaches, including Half Moon Bay and Jolly Beach.

3h
500 km / 310.7 mi
How to get there
Barbuda

Barbuda

Known for its secluded pink and white sandy beaches, and its frigate bird sanctuary.

4h
550 km / 341.8 mi
How to get there
St. Martin

St. Martin

An island split between French and Dutch control, known for its vibrant nightlife, beaches, jewelry, drinks made with native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and casinos on the Dutch side.

3h
300 km / 186.4 mi
How to get there