Itineraries for Your Trip to San Juan
2 Days in San Juan for First Timers
On my many visits to this stunning island, I have found the people of Puerto Rico to be extremely welcoming and interested in sharing their culture and cuisine with me. I like starting my visits with a food or walking tour of colorful Old San Juan to get the lay of the land and see if anything new has popped up since my last visit.
When you have two days in San Juan, you'll have time to enjoy a piña colada with some mofongo, visit historical landmarks like the San Juan Cathedral, and even visit Condado Beach for kayaking in the lagoon or beach lounging. If you have extra time to explore, visit El Yunque for something special.
If you only have time for one thing, visit El Junque National Forest.
San Juan's tropical marine climate is typically hot and sunny, with a rainy season lasting from April through November.
When visiting any new city, starting your trip with a walking tour can be helpful. On a San Juan walking tour, your guide points out locations of historical importance, like Fort San Cristobal, Plaza de Armas, and the city gates. You might get some tips for where to eat and what to do during the remainder of your visit.
Whether you book a sunset sail, a snorkeling trip, or an afternoon kayak adventure, an essential way to see San Juan is to get out on the water. Look out for sea turtles, tropical fish, and other marine wildlife.
An especially fun water activity in Puerto Rico is a bioluminescent tour, where you head out on a boat and see the bioluminescent creatures light up the water below you. If you can't make your way to one of the country's bioluminescent bays, try a night kayak tour near San Juan that lets you see the city lights from the water.
If you have yet to try Puerto Rican foods like arroz con gandules and tostones, you need to taste your way the island's cuisine on a food tour. You'll have a local guide explaining what you are eating, and you'll learn some of the history of the dishes while enjoying the sights and sounds of Old San Juan along the way.
If you can visit El Yunque National Forest during your San Juan visit, take advantage of the opportunity. Head to the only tropical rainforest in the US on a group tour that provides transport from San Juan. Or book an adrenaline-fueled adventure and soar above the rainforest on a zipline.
If you want to learn about one of Puerto Rico's most important products, rum, a visit to Casa Bacardi should be on your itinerary. On the tour, you'll learn about the distilling process and how Bacardi became a large-scale rum producer. Your visit includes tasting rum beverages; you can buy some to bring home.
