Puerto Rico 4 Day Itinerary – East and West Coast Options
All of Puerto Rico is beautiful and each place is unique to the next. With only four days I would concentrate on either the east coast where San Juan International Airport is or on the west coast where Aguadilla International Airport is located. This will cut down on driving time.
Both sides of Puerto Rico are amazing and offer completely different experiences. The east coast itinerary offers more history and a tropical rainforest while the west coast is more off the beaten path. Keep reading to find out which stops are on my East and West coast Puerto Rico itineraries.
You might be asking – is 4 Days in Puerto Rico enough time?
Absolutely! Especially if you are coming from the east coast of the United States, Puerto Rico is a quick flight to Caribbean paradise. Four days is plenty of time to unwind and relax on the tropical shores of Puerto Rico or get to it and explore all the sights.
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West Coast Puerto Rico 4 Day Itinerary
I am biased because my husband Brent and I spend a few months on the west coast of Puerto Rico in the municipality of Rincon each winter. If you are looking for a more laid back atmosphere, stunning beaches, great surf and more off the beaten path then you should consider your four days in Puerto Rico spent on the west coast.
The four day itinerary below is for those who want to see the most of the west coast of Puerto Rico in four days before heading back home. If staying in one place is more your thing I would recommend spending all four days in Rincón. I even have a whole guide and long weekend itinerary to Rincón!
Pro Tip: this Puerto Rico 4 day itinerary requires a rental car!
Closest Airport: Rafael Hernandez International Airport (BQN)
Day 1: Aguadilla
Most flights land early in the morning at Rafael Hernandez International airport in Aguadilla so why not start your day (or morning) in Aguadilla!
My favorite beach in Aguadilla is Playa Crashboat. The beach is a white sand beach with clear turquoise water. Because of its positioning in Aguadilla Bay the water is usually extremely calm. There is also an old dock that is super fun to jump off of if you’re feeling brave. (although it’s really not that high!)
Crashboat is popular with locals and tourists. There are pincho stands (kebobs) right on the beach for a snack but I also love the restaurant in the parking area called Cocoloba Beach Bar. They serve a great Puerto Rican lunch.
After you’ve spent the day at Playa Crashboat I would make your way south to the surf town of Rincón where you can catch the sunset or happy hour and spend the night before exploring this area the next day.
Some of my favorite dinner restaurant in Rincón include: Casa Isleña or Copa Llena for a nicer dinner and Gylro (Greek food!) or La Cambija (Puerto Rican) for a more casual dinner.
Where to Stay in Rincon:
Must Read: Best Places to stay in Rincón
Day 2: Rincón
Rincón is my all time favorite place in Puerto Rico. There are so many beaches to choose from and each one a little bit different from the next.
I would first grab a coffee, smoothie or acai bowl from Cafe 2 Go. Next decide if you want to relax on one of Rincón’s many beaches, snorkel at Steps or learn to surf at Maria’s.
Catch the sunset and a happy hour drink at Ola Sunset Cafe located at the Rincon Lighthouse. The views are great and the mojitos are big!
After sunset have dinner at Casa Isleña or Copa Llena for a nicer dinner and Gylro or La Cambija for a more casual dinner.
Must Read:
Best Beaches in Rincon
Fun things to do in Rincon
Guide to Surfing in Rincon
Best Places to watch the Sunset
Where to Stay in Rincon
Best restaurants in Rincon
Day 3: La Parguera
For day three I would drive an hour and half south of Rincón to La Parguera to do one of the boat tours around the mangrove islands! You can even rent your own boat and drive around the mangroves. The water is exceptionally clear and blue and there are great places to anchor up and swim as well as great snorkeling in and around the mangroves.
Must Read: Guide to La Parguera & why it’s a must do experience in Puerto Rico
La Parguera Tours!
Once you arrive back at La Parguera town in the afternoon there are restaurants where the boats dock if you want to grab a bite to eat and some drinks.
Pro Tip: at night there is a bioluminescent Bay! Book your tour here.
You can choose to stay in La Parguera for the night or head back west to the town of Boqueron. See my recommendations for places to stay below.
Where to Stay in Cabo Rojo:
- Paguera Plaza Hotel – La Paguera
- Boho Beach Club – Boqueron
- Turtle Bay Inn – Lajas
- Combate Beach Resort – Combate
If you stay in the village of Boqueron, you can walk around the small village and El Poblado (area is lined with restaurants, bars, and local stores) and watch the sunset before getting dinner at Pelican’s. Another highly recommended restaurant in the area is Annie’s right on Combate Beach.
Day 4: Cabo Rojo
Ok it is day four! Head to the most southern point on Puerto Rico’s south west coast. After grabbing a ham, egg and cheese from a local Puerto Rican bakery (they’re so much better than our egg sandwiches in the US – trust me!) drive to the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse. (Bonus points if you can make it here for sunrise!)
After driving down a bumpy dirt road you’ll come to a parking lot. Park here and the walk up to the lighthouse is only ten minutes and well worth the views from the top!
The lighthouse is no longer in use but the views of the raw cliffs and sea are unbelievable! Just be mindful of the edge of the cliff and it gets pretty windy up here! Once up at the lighthouse continue on the path to the right and you’ll get to see the Puente de Piedra.
After exploring the Cabo Rojo lighthouse, you can either head down to the beach at Playa Sucia or Playuela. However, my personal favorite beach in Cabo Rojo is Playa Buyé.
Playa Buyé has bathrooms and a restuarnt on the beach. Once you get down to the beach turn right and keep walking past the little point. On the other side is a small cove and every time we’ve gone we’ve had the place mostly to ourselves.
Enjoy the day at the beach sunbathing in the warm sun and swimming in the clear blue waters before heading back to Aguadilla airport to catch your flight home.
Must Read: All you need to know about visiting Playa Buye
East Coast Puerto Rico 4 Day Itinerary
This four day Puerto Rico itinerary will explore the east coast of the island. Expect historic sites, vibrant streets, beautiful beaches and a tropical rainforest to top it off.
Closest Airport: Luis Munoz San Juan International Airport (SJU)
Day 1: Explore Old San Juan
After touching down at San Juan Airport waste no time and head to Old San Juan after dropping your bags with your hotel or rental. There are so many things to do in Old San Juan you could actually spend multiple days here.
Take a walk through the colorful streets and walk on the 500 year old cobble stones. Pass by Calle Fortaleza and take a photo on this pretty street usually decorated! Next, grab lunch at el Jibarito a traditional Puerto Rican restaurant or an early breakfast at Cafeteria Mallorca a Puerto Rican diner.
After lunch take the beautiful Paseo del Morro walkway to visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro a historic fort and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Spanish in the 16th century to protect the city from invaders. The views alone are worth the visit! Plus the history is pretty cool too.
If staying in Old San Juan, I would recommend getting dinner at Santisimo located in Hotel El Convento which is an old convent from the late 17th century. The restaurant Santisimo is on a terrace overlooking the courtyard and the drinks and food are phenomenal.
If you’ve still got some energy after dinner, bar hopping around Old San Juan is so much fun! There are a cluster of fun bars around Calle San Sebastian but my favorites are La Cubanita and Birra y Empanadas.
Must Read: 7 Best Bars in Old San Juan
Where to Stay in Old San Juan?
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Where to Stay in San Juan?
- Condado Vanderbilt *favorite
- Condado Ocean Club
- Fairmont El San Juan
- Ritz Carlton San Juan – coming 2025!
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Day 2: El Yunque Rainforest and Luquillo Beach
Day two is loaded with adventure! First you will explore El Yunque Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States and end your day at beautiful Luquillo beach. I highly recommend a tour that combines both activities especially if you haven’t rented a car.
An El Yunque tour will take you for a hike through the tropical rainforest where you’ll spot tropical birds and exotic fauna and cascading waterfalls. There is also an opportunity to swim in a river and go down a natural water slide!
After a morning of hiking you’ll head to Luquillo beach a pristine tropical paradise. If you like spending time at the beach you won’t want to miss visiting Luquillo! The waters are calm and the palm trees plentiful.
The beach has picnic areas and bathrooms as well as ample amounts of shade under palm trees. The cresent shaped beach has white powdery sand and the water is super calm and that pretty Caribbean blue you dream about!
For lunch and drinks there is a section of 50 plus local restaurants along the road called Kioskos de Luquillo. Each restuarant serving up local Puerto Rican food and rum drinks.
Day 3: Catamaran Day trip to Cayo Icacos and Bio Bay Tour in Fajardo
Cayo Icacos or Icacos Island is a small uninhibited island located 15 minutes by boat from Fajardo. Cayo Icacaos has a beautiful beach and crystal clear waters making it a really popular day trip for tourists and locals alike. If you like to snorkel or dive you’ll love Cayo Icacos.
All tours offered take you sailing on a catamaran sailboat to Cayo Icacos and include lunch and snorkeling! See below for my most recommend Cayo Icacos day tours.
After a day in the sun you may choose to stick around Fajardo and wait to see the Bioluminescent Bay at Laguna Grande. (The Bio Bay on Vieques Island (an island off the coast of Puerto Rico) was named one of the best in the world by Guiness Book of World Records in 2019)
Microscopic plankton in Laguna Grande cause the water to glow when moved which can be seen only at night. On the Bio Bay tour you will kayak through the mangrove forest to learn about this natural phenomenon and witness it with your own eyes! I have seen it before and it is pretty cool.
Day 4: Isla Verde/Condado Beach and Food Tour
It’s day 4 of your Puerto Rico vacation. What better way to end your adventure packed trip than relaxing at Isla Verde or Condado Beach in San Juan. If you’re feeling up to it after a few hours relaxing in the sun head back to Old San Juan for a walking food tour of the historic city.
Traveling in Puerto Rico FAQ
What language do they speak in Puerto Rico?
Spanish is spoken in Puerto Rico but English is also spoken by many locals and especially in the tourist areas.
What currency do they use in Puerto Rico?
The US dollar is the official currency and the only currency used in Puerto Rico.
Do I need a passport for Puerto Rico?
If you are a US citizen you do not need a passport to visit Puerto Rico as it is part of the United States. If you are not a US Citizen you will need a passport to enter into the United States which includes Puerto Rico.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Rico?
December to April are the coolest months with the least amount of rain. However, Puerto Rico is a great destination year round. I would avoid the months of August to October when Puerto Rico receives the most rain fall and is hurricane season.
