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8 Days in San Juan: A Tropical Adventure

Brigid Meadow

Brigid Meadow

8 Jan 2024

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant streets of San Juan, where ancient marvels meet breathtaking beaches. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Trip to San Juan

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Viator

Day 1Parks, Art, and Culinary Delights
+

$183

·

$ 18

Parque Central de San Juan
Big green space with paths, a playground & facilities for tennis, racquetball, pelota & swimming.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré
Major performing arts center offering concerts, plays, ballet & events, named for local politician.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

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Directions

La Plaza del Mercado de Santurce
Outdoor plaza with daytime farmer's market & food vendors & a restaurant/music scene at night.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

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Directions

Cayo Blanco
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$84
2 - 3 min

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Directions

La Ventana al Mar
Condado oceanfront park, aka the "Window to the Sea," with shady palms & nighttime entertainment.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
26 - 32 min

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Directions

Fortín San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo)
Historic fort on an island with a walking path, palm trees & educational signage.
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
•
Free
33 - 40 min

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Directions

Ostra Cosa Restaurant
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$99
Day 2Nature, Culture, and Thrilling Bounces
+

$255

·

$ 18

Parque Luis Muñoz Marín
Public park with a river, trees, fields, playgrounds, a large water-play area & trails.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
23 - 28 min

~

Directions

Jardín Botánico y Cultural William Miranda Marín
Guided tours are available at this botanical garden on the site of a historic sugar mill.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

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Directions

Zafra del Caribe
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$96
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Altitude Trampoline Park
Sprawling enclosed park for high-energy trampoline activities, such as dodge ball & free jump.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$56
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Ojalá
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$102
Day 3Botanical Gardens, Art Museums, and Beachfront Bliss
+

$215

·

$ 14

Jardín Botánico de la UPR
Rare native plants placed in an elegant landscaped garden with waterfalls & lakes.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
Esteemed art museum specializing in Puerto Rican art, housed in 1920s neoclassical former hospital.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$38
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

El Alambique Beach Front Bar and Grill
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$84
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Isla Verde Beach West
Branch of sandy urban beach backed by palm trees, resorts & condos with water sports.
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Terraplen La Posita de Piñones
Long Atlantic beach in city suburb protected by a coral wall with clear water.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

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Directions

Kiosko El Boricua
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$93
Day 4Beaches, History, and Mouthwatering Sushi
+

$205

·

$ 14

Playita del Condado
Sheltered bayside beach with sun loungers for rent & kiosks selling light bites & cocktails.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Museo de San Juan
Museum displaying Puerto Rican art through the ages plus historic artifacts in old marketplace.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$19
8 - 11 min

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Directions

La Fortaleza
Monumental fortification incorporating residence of the island's governor, dating from 16th-century.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Nagasaki Sushi Bar
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$102
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Governor Luis A. Ferré Science Park
Park complex offering a science museum with 4D movies, military planes, a mini-zoo & paddle boats.
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Longhorn Steakhouse
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$84
Day 5Pigeon Park, Cathedrals, and Rum Tastings
+

$308

·

$ 9

Parque de las Palomas
Small outdoor area featuring park benches, scenic views & a wall offering refuge to many pigeons.
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
•
Free
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista
Landmark 1540 cathedral, second oldest in the Americas, holding tomb of city founder Ponce de León.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
6 - 9 min

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Directions

Museo de las Américas
Exhibits in an 1800s army barracks showing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$19
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Ostra Cosa Restaurant
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$99
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Enduring 16th-century Spanish fortification atop a promontory with cannons pointing seaward.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$38
33 - 40 min

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Directions

Casa BACARDÍ
Renowned rum distillery featuring historical tours, mixology classes, tastings & an outdoor patio.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
•
$56
31 - 38 min

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Directions

The Chapel Restaurant & Bar
WE ARE OPEN and offering a full, delicious and affordable menu, ice cold drinks and our amazing hospitality.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$96
Day 6Historic Sites, Gastrobar Delights, and Stunning Bay Views
+

$221

·

$ 9

San Juan National Historic Site
This 1949 historic destination features colonial fortifications, powder houses & old city walls.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$38
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Puerta de San Juan
This large, circa-1635 gate was the main entry into the walled city during its Spanish colonial era.
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Princesa Gastrobar
Visit the first Gastrobar in Old San Juan specialised in Rums of Puerto Rico and the local cuisine of the 19th century with Caribbean and International Fusions.
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
•
$84
5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Bahía de San Juan
Along with a bustling harbor, this large, scenic bay features a historical fort & other landmarks.
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
•
Free
5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Carli's Fine Bistro and Piano
Located at the plaza of the Banco Popular Building, Carli's offers a unique live musical and fine dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$99
Day 7Plazas, Fortresses, and Relaxing Beaches
+

$218

·

$ 9

Plaza Colón
Tree-lined square close to the old city, with outdoor cafes & a monument to Christopher Columbus.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Castillo San Cristóbal
Walled & heavily fortified citadel built 1765-1785 & largest of the Spanish built forts in Americas.
9:15 AM - 10:45 AM
•
$38
14 - 17 min

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Directions

Balneario El Escambrón
Picturesque public beach featuring a coral reef, palm trees, snorkeling, scuba diving & more.
11:15 AM - 1:15 PM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

El Livin San Juan
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
•
$84
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Luis Muñoz Rivera Park
Sprawling, landscaped recreation area with paved walkways & shade trees, plus a fountain & statue.
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
•
Free
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Parque Dr. José Celso Barbosa
Oceanfront park named after physician with playing fields, tennis & basketball courts.
4:45 PM - 5:45 PM
•
Free
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Bellini Beach
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$96
Day 8Island Adventures, Children's Museums, and Local Delicacies
+

$205

·

$ 9

Isla de Cabras National Historic Site
National park with a non-swimming beach, ruins of a fort & scenic views, plus a snack bar.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
38 - 46 min

~

Directions

Museo del Niño de Carolina
Children's museum with hands-on educational exhibits, plus go-karts & a colorful outdoor play area.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$19
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Restaurate Castellana
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$96
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Vistamar Bakery - Carolina
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$90

Budget breakdown: $1906 In total

Activities & Food:$1807
Transport:$99