Puerto Rico Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the beauty of Puerto Rico on this 4-day road trip from San Juan to San Juan. The route takes you through the towns of Fajardo, Adjuntas, Rincon and Lares, covering a distance of 549km.
The best time to take this trip is during the dry season from December to April. Along the way, you will be rewarded with stunning landscapes, pristine beaches and excellent road conditions.
This Puerto Rico Road Trip is suitable for all drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget. Make unforgettable memories while you explore the unique culture and vibrant atmosphere of this Caribbean paradise.
4
number of days
537 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
San Juan
Distance 537 km
Driving time 12.4 h
Pace: slow
123.4 kWh
Airports
SJU
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San Juan is the perfect starting point for your Puerto Rico Road Trip. This vibrant city, located on the north coast of Puerto Rico, features a rich history, stunning architecture, and a variety of attractions. One of the most popular sights is El Morro, an impressive 16th century fortress, which offers spectacular views of the city and the Caribbean Sea. Another must-see is La Fortaleza, the oldest executive mansion in the Western Hemisphere, offering a glimpse into the city's past.
In addition to the city's many historic sites, San Juan also boasts pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach day or an adrenaline-filled adventure, you'll find it in San Juan. For those looking to explore beyond the city, a variety of car rental options are available at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). From here, you can easily access the rest of the island and continue your Puerto Rico Road Trip.
1
San Juan
- Fajardo
Distance 62 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: modest
16.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip through Puerto Rico's beautiful landscapes, starting in San Juan and ending in Fajardo. This 62 km stretch of road will take you fewer than 2 hours to complete, and along the way you will have the chance to experience some of the most stunning attractions in the region.
Your first stop should be Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, where you can marvel at the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea from the El Faro lighthouse. Don't forget to explore the Bioluminescent Lagoon, where you can observe the glowing plankton in the dark.
You will then reach the town of Fajardo, home to the stunning beaches of Seven Seas and the Bioluminescent Bay, where you can take a kayak tour and enjoy the magical glow of the plankton.
This is just one of the stages of an amazing tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, don't miss the chance to explore the beauty of Puerto Rico!
Fajardo - Puerto Rico - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Fajardo
- Ponce
Distance 149 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: fast
44.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome road-trippers! This stage of your tour starts in Fajardo, Puerto Rico and ends in Ponce. This 149 km journey will take you fewer than 3 hours, so make sure to make the most of it!
Start your journey in Fajardo, where you can visit the Bioluminescent Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Here you can take a boat tour to explore the incredible underwater life of this bay. After your tour, take a stroll along the shore of Seven Seas Beach and take in the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
The next stop is Luquillo Beach, a great spot for surfing, swimming, and snorkeling. Here you can also enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many beachfront restaurants.
Continue your journey to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. Here you can explore the trails, visit the La Coca Waterfall, and take in the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Finally, your journey ends in Ponce, where you can visit the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Castillo Serrallés, a 19th-century mansion that is now a museum.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Ponce - Puerto Rico - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Ponce
- Adjuntas
Distance 25 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
6.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Ponce-Adjuntas road trip! This is one of the most exciting stages of the tour, as it takes you through some of the most interesting places in Puerto Rico. The road trip is 28 km long, and it will take you less than 1 hour to get from Ponce to Adjuntas.
In Ponce you will find the beautiful Parque de Bombas, the iconic fire station that is now a museum. You should also visit the Museo de Arte de Ponce, one of the most important art galleries in the Caribbean.
When you arrive in Adjuntas, you will find the stunning La Torre de Piedra, a natural rock formation that is the pride of the town. The Mirador de Adjuntas is a great spot for admiring the views of the mountains, and El Salto de la Torre is another must-see spot.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Adjuntas - Puerto Rico - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Adjuntas
- Rincon
Distance 124 km
Driving time 3.6 h
Pace: slow
28.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Adjuntas to Rincon? This 124 km journey will take you less than 3 hours to complete and will be full of breathtaking landscapes. You will be able to admire the lush green hills of the Sierra de Luquillo and the stunning blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Your first stop in this journey should be in the town of Adjuntas. Here you can find the beautiful San Francisco de Asis Church, built in 1872, and the nearby Parque de la Libertad, with its lovely gazebo and views of the mountains.
Continue your journey to the town of Utuado, where you can visit the Cueva Ventana, a natural window in the rocks with a spectacular view of the area.
As you drive through the towns of Jayuya and Lares, you will be able to admire the picturesque mountains and valleys that make up the region.
Finally, you will reach Rincon, a beautiful beach town with a vibrant culture and plenty of activities to enjoy. Here you can find some of the best surfing spots in Puerto Rico, as well as many restaurants, bars and shops.
The journey from Adjuntas to Rincon is an unforgettable experience that will take you through some of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful landscapes. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Rincon - Puerto Rico - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Rincon
- Lares
Distance 50 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: slow
11.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road-trip from Rincon to Lares and discover the best of Puerto Rico's countryside. Start off by exploring Rincon, a small beach town known for its stunning beaches, world-famous surfing spots, and a vibrant nightlife scene. After taking in the sights of Rincon, hop back in your car and head to Lares, a charming mountain town located just 50 km away. The drive will take less than two hours and you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the countryside.
Once you arrive in Lares, be sure to visit the San Sebastian Church, a beautiful 18th century structure, and the Plaza de la Revolucion, a historical site where the Grito de Lares was declared in 1868. Take a stroll around the town, and don't forget to try some of the local delicacies, like the famous "pasteles" and "empanadillas".
After a day of sightseeing, you can rest your head in one of the many accommodation options available in Lares. For even more attractions, restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the journey!
Lares - Puerto Rico - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Lares
- Arecibo
Distance 29 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: modest
7.5 kWh
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If you are looking for a beautiful and exciting road trip, the Lares-Arecibo stage is just for you! This stage is part of a larger tour, but it can also be taken as a single journey. This route is only 29 km long, so you can drive it in less than an hour.
The starting point is Lares, a beautiful city surrounded by lush vegetation. Here you can visit the Lares Municipal Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of the area. You can also take a tour of the historic Lares Cathedral, a beautiful building with an interesting architecture.
The final destination is Arecibo, a city known for its beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Here you can visit the Arecibo Observatory, a world-renowned astronomical research facility. You can also take a tour of the Arecibo Lighthouse, one of the most iconic landmarks in Puerto Rico.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Arecibo - Puerto Rico - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Arecibo
- San Juan
Distance 99 km
Driving time 2.6 h
Pace: slow
22.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready to explore the beautiful island of Puerto Rico? Then get ready for an amazing road trip from Arecibo to San Juan! This 107 km drive will take you less than 4 hours, and you'll get to see some of the most stunning attractions in the area.
In Arecibo, make sure to visit the Arecibo Observatory, the world's largest single-dish radio telescope, and the Arecibo Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Puerto Rico.
On your way to San Juan, you'll pass through the charming towns of Camuy and Hatillo. Camuy is home to the Camuy River Cave Park, a unique park full of underground caves, and Hatillo is famous for its beautiful beaches.
Once in San Juan, you won't want to miss the San Cristóbal Castle, one of the oldest fortifications in the Americas, and the San Juan Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
San Juan - Puerto Rico - Middle America - Road Trip
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San Juan
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Puerto Rico Road Trip ends in the beautiful city of San Juan. San Juan is a vibrant city located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico. Here, you will find a great variety of attractions to explore.
If you're a beach lover, you'll be pleased to know that San Juan has some of the most stunning beaches in the world. The best beaches are the Isla Verde Beach, Condado Beach, and Ocean Park Beach. All of these beaches offer beautiful views and a variety of activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
If you’re looking for a bit of history, San Juan has a lot to offer. The San Juan National Historic Site is a must-see and includes the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century fort overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The site also includes the San Juan Gate, which is the oldest military structure in the city.
San Juan is also home to a number of museums, including the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and the Museo de las Americas. These are great places to learn about the culture and history of the island.
Finally, San Juan is a great place to enjoy some local cuisine. There are a lot of restaurants in the area that serve traditional Puerto Rican dishes.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport to San Juan is Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU).
San Juan is the perfect place to end your Puerto Rico Road Trip. Experience the beauty of the beaches, explore the historic sites, and enjoy some delicious local cuisine.
Puerto Rico Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
San Juan
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End:
San Juan
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Distance:
537 km
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Stay:
4 days
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Getting there:
Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Set off on an enchanting 4-day Road Trip around Puerto Rico, an island brimming with natural splendor and rich cultural heritage. Your adventure begins and concludes in the bustling capital city of San Juan, spanning approximately 549 kilometers (341 miles). Along the way, you'll immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and traditions that make each town unique, from the coastal beauty of Fajardo to the historic streets of Lares.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Fajardo: This eastern coastal town is a gateway to the offshore islands of Culebra and Vieques. Don't miss kayaking in the glowing waters of the bioluminescent Laguna Grande or exploring the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve.
- Adjuntas: Nestled in the Central Mountain Range, Adjuntas offers a refreshing escape with its cooler temperatures and lush surroundings. It's a haven for coffee lovers, with tours available at local coffee plantations that provide insight into Puerto Rico's renowned coffee industry.
- Rincon: On the western coast, Rincon is a paradise for surfers, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe to its legendary waves. The Punta Higuero Lighthouse offers panoramic ocean views and is a prime spot for whale watching during the winter months.
- Lares: Steeped in history, Lares was the site of the 1868 rebellion against Spanish rule, known as the Grito de Lares. Delight in the town's famous heladería, where you can sample unconventional ice cream flavors, including rice and beans.
Best Time to Go:
To fully enjoy your Puerto Rican Road Trip, plan your journey during the dry season from December to April. This period typically features sunny skies and a reduced chance of rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Potential Risks:
As you drive, stay vigilant for sudden weather shifts, especially when traversing through mountainous areas. Landslides can occur during heavy rains, so it's important to monitor local weather reports.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, that allowing U.S. citizens to travel without a passport, and the currency used is the U.S. dollar.
- Traffic rules will feel familiar to American drivers as vehicles operate on the right side, but it's important to note that Road signs are predominantly in Spanish.
- In rural and mountainous regions, cell service can be unreliable. To stay on course, consider carrying a detailed Road map or downloading maps for offline use.
A good choice for:
Your journey through Puerto Rico will be more than just a Scenic Drive; it's an opportunity to explore the heart and soul of the island. From the vibrancy of its cities to the serene beauty of its natural landscapes, this Road Trip promises to be an unforgettable chapter in your travel stories.
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