Your first visit to Borínquen should be all about discovering fresh sights, distinct tastes, exciting adventures, and the vibrant island culture. From urban lifestyle to mountain retreats, the beach and walks in the rainforest. Get ready to be captivated by the tropical paradise for the next seven days, and to discover what the soul and heart of the Caribbean offers.
First Day: San Juan History and Culture
A full-day exploration of Old San Juan, a once walled city, founded in 1521, that´s a must-see for any first-time visitor (and the majority of those returning, as well).
Explore the 487-year-old Castillo San Felipe del Morro and the Casa Blanca Museum, a manse built in 1521 as the residence of Juan Ponce de León, the island´s first Spanish governor. For great photo opportunities, make sure to stop at landmarks such as the Gate of San Juan (through the old city walls) and the nearby sculpture La Rogativa (commemorating the locals´ defense against a British attack in 1797).
With guided tours or on your own, discover more about the Island's past and the Spanish conquistadors at important spots such as El Cuartel de Ballaja, built in the 1860s and whose second floor is now home to the Museo de Las Américas as well as the gourmet specialty café Don Ruiz. Also take some time to explore the smaller shops and galleries lining the cobblestone streets. People-watch on squares like the Plaza de Armas, Plaza Colón, and Plaza de Hostos, and cool down with a piragua (snow cone) or fun, tasty popsicle from a Señor Paleta street cart.
Second Day: San Juan Metro Region
Get an authentic taste of the Caribbean by a quick trip into the Piñones district of the nearby town of Loíza. This charming two-mile strip of beachfront eateries, kiosks, plus a coastal boardwalk through mangroves and lagoons. is just 15 minutes´ drive from the city (and just five minutes away from the airport); the town is also known for its Afro-Latino culture and vejigantes, colorful costumes and papier-mâché masks worn at winter Carnaval festivities. At restaurants such as Drift, Donde Olga, or El Nuevo Acuario, indulge in fresh local seafood platters with the likes of fresh-fried red snapper, a whole, shrimp-stuffed mofongo (green plantains mashed, then fried), and mahi mahi with garlic, accompanied by a cold beer or fresh fruit frappé. Also be sure to try the piononos, fried sweet plantains stuffed with seasoned ground beef picadillo). And bring your swimsuit to enjoy one of the local beaches such as the quiet La Posita, framed by rocks which create a tide pool. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the water, lying on the sand and eating fritters and enjoying the sea breeze before heading to your lodging.
Third and Fourth Days: The West Coast
Up for a little road trip? After breakfast at your hotel or an artisan bakery (pan sobao, slightly sweet white bread, from Los Cidrines in Condado or Las Canarias in Isla Verde are sure to please) Get your things organised and set your GPS for Rincón, the westernmost point on the island. Along the north coast it´s a drive of two hours and 20 minute, but along the way, do make a stop at Río Camuy Cave Park, a famous limestone system of more than 200 caverns, some with 200-foot-high ceilings and the world´s third largest underground river (you can even go tubing on it!). Guided tours cover flora, fauna (like the bats who inhabit some of the caves), and history of the Taínos, the island´s pre-Columbian people, who explored these caves centuries ago.
Then continue on to Rincón, the surfing as well as sunset capital of Puerto Rico. Local highlights include Domes (above) and María’s beaches for surfing, Sandy Beach for sunbathing and beachside dining, and Steps Beach in Tres Palmas Marine Reserve for snorkeling among coral reefs and tropical fish. And don't miss the historic, 134-year-old Punta Higüera Lighthouse, a prime spot for sunset views and seasonal whale watching, or the town's colorful Thursday evening art walk, featuring local crafts, music, and plenty of tasty local food.
The morning after you arrive, begin your day with Barefoot Yoga and Ayurveda, an open-air studio that offers an easy yoga class, with natural beauty (there´s no need to reserve a spot, but it's highly suggested if you'd like to take an individual class that´s tailored to your specific requirements). For breakfast, head towards the top of the hill to The English Rose, definitely the most sought-after breakfast spot in town (you should make a reservation ahead of time). The menu is British-inspired, and the Rose is also a five-room guesthouse which makes a lovely place to stay.
Fifth Day: Ponce
Next it's time to visit the south coast. Along the way, make a stop in the picturesque town of San Germán, the island´s second oldest town, founded in 1573. Its most outstanding landmark is the Porta Coeli Church, which is also home to a religious art museum that was the first of its kind in Puerto Rico.
Just over an hour´s drive from Rincón and 45 minutes from San Germán, Ponce is the island´s second largest city (pop. 138,000), founded in 1692 and dubbed "the Pearl of the South." Much of the historic downtown is an atmospheric mix of neoclassical and Art Nouveau, with highlights including the Plaza Las Delicias with its iconic Fuente de los Leones (Lions Fountain), and also the location of a number of the city´s most prominent landmarks, including the neoclassical Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, built in 1695
the 162-year-old La Perla Theater, and the mayor's residence. And by the way, while you´re here, make sure to sample the famous helado (ice cream) at King's Cream.
From here, it´s an hour-and-a-half drive back to San Juan, after an itinerary that has taken you to many of Borínquen´s "greatest hits."
Find cheap rates on flights from New York to San Juan here.
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