Back

6 Days in San Juan: A Tropical Adventure

J. O.

22 Dec 2023

0

Join me on a thrilling 6-day journey through the vibrant streets of San Juan. Discover ancient cathedrals, explore historic fortresses, sip on Bacardi cocktails, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Puerto Rico. Get ready for a tropical adventure like no other!

Trip to San Juan

Get Your Guide

Viator

Day 1Cathedrals, Fortresses, and Bacardi Bliss

+

$63

·

$ 6

Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista

Landmark 1540 cathedral, second oldest in the Americas, holding tomb of city founder Ponce de León.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Enduring 16th-century Spanish fortification atop a promontory with cannons pointing seaward.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$25

33 - 40 min

~

Directions

Casa BACARDÍ

Renowned rum distillery featuring historical tours, mixology classes, tastings & an outdoor patio.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

$38

20 - 24 min

~

Directions

Governor Luis A. Ferré Science Park

Park complex offering a science museum with 4D movies, military planes, a mini-zoo & paddle boats.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Sun, Parks, and the Charm of Old San Juan

+

$13

·

$ 3

Balneario El Escambrón

Picturesque public beach featuring a coral reef, palm trees, snorkeling, scuba diving & more.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Luis Muñoz Rivera Park

Sprawling, landscaped recreation area with paved walkways & shade trees, plus a fountain & statue.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Plaza Colón

Tree-lined square close to the old city, with outdoor cafes & a monument to Christopher Columbus.

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Parque de las Palomas

Small outdoor area featuring park benches, scenic views & a wall offering refuge to many pigeons.

1:15 PM - 1:45 PM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Puerta de San Juan

This large, circa-1635 gate was the main entry into the walled city during its Spanish colonial era.

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Museo de las Américas

Exhibits in an 1800s army barracks showing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas.

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

•

$13

Day 3Unveiling the Secrets of San Juan's History

+

$50

·

$ 3

San Juan National Historic Site

This 1949 historic destination features colonial fortifications, powder houses & old city walls.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$25

8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Castillo San Cristóbal

Walled & heavily fortified citadel built 1765-1785 & largest of the Spanish built forts in Americas.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$25

Day 4From Historic Sites to Artistic Delights

+

$38

·

$ 3

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

25 - 30 min

~

Directions

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico

Museum showcasing regional/Latin American contemporary art in 1918 white-columned middle school.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

8 - 11 min

~

Directions

La Plaza del Mercado de Santurce

Outdoor plaza with daytime farmer's market & food vendors & a restaurant/music scene at night.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

Esteemed art museum specializing in Puerto Rican art, housed in 1920s neoclassical former hospital.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$25

Day 5Beaches, Parks, and Family Fun

+

$13

·

$ 9

La Ventana al Mar

Condado oceanfront park, aka the "Window to the Sea," with shady palms & nighttime entertainment.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Parque Dr. José Celso Barbosa

Oceanfront park named after physician with playing fields, tennis & basketball courts.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Isla Verde Beach West

Branch of sandy urban beach backed by palm trees, resorts & condos with water sports.

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Museo del Niño de Carolina

Children's museum with hands-on educational exhibits, plus go-karts & a colorful outdoor play area.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$13

Day 6Bouncing, Botanical Gardens, and Natural Beauty

+

$38

·

$ 9

Altitude Trampoline Park

Sprawling enclosed park for high-energy trampoline activities, such as dodge ball & free jump.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$38

11 - 14 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

27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Jardín Botánico de la UPR

Rare native plants placed in an elegant landscaped garden with waterfalls & lakes.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Parque Luis Muñoz Marín

Public park with a river, trees, fields, playgrounds, a large water-play area & trails.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $246 In total

Activities & Food:$213

Transport:$33