cemetery.
If you ever wanted to challenge yourself and see an entire island in a weekend, I've got you covered! There will be some early mornings, but I promise they will be worth it!
DAY ONE
Toa Baja
El Canuelo (Fortín San Juan de la Cruz)
While you don't want to spend to much time here, the fort is a good start for the day ahead. It has a great view of the the San Juan Bay and Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
Manati
Mar Chiquita Beach
You can't miss out on this natural pool. The turquoise waters are absolutely stunning and if you are adventurous you can wander throughout the limestone "cliffs" for great views of the area!
Arecibo
La Estatua de Colon
While this isn't a place we stopped at along the way, it was still cool to see along the drive.
Cueva del Indio Cave
The view from the top is unbelievable, however, it's windy as hell. Make sure to leave your hat behind and wear comfortable shoes. While making you way up to the top or down into the cave, the rocks can get slippery and there are holes throughout the rock you'll need to watch out for so you do not fall in. P.S. if you have a fear of heights you might want to skip this one.
Cueva Ventana
This hour long excursion is worth every minute, the view is spectacular. However, you have to book the excursion in advance. Also, make sure you bring good shoes for slippery rocks.
Rincon
While we were here, we only had time to explore a little bit, I would highly suggest adding in an extra day to spend more time here!
Here a couple things I wanted to do, but didn't get the chance to:
Go Snorkeling and See the Shipwrecks
Go Surfing or Take a Lesson
Rincon Artwalk
Every Thursday starting around 6pm
Punta Higuera Lighthouse
Make sure to take a stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the views.Grab a drink and to sit and enjoy.
Mayaguez
Plaza Colon & Cathedral Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria
While the area is small and very easily walkable, you'll want to make sure you have some time to check out all the statutes and cathedral! There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy a drink or meal in the plaza. They even have live music and events throughout the year, so make sure to check out what is going on while you're in town!
Cabo Rojo
If you are behind schedule you might need to skip this stop along the way and finish the day in Mayaguez. The Pink Salt Flats close early at 5pm, which is the best part of this stop.
Pink Salt Flats
To get the best view of the bright pink color make sure to visit not during rainy season. The dryer it is, the less water and more salt, creating a pinker color rather than red-brown.
DAY TWO: Viejo San Juan
Ron del Barrilito and/or Casa Bacardi
If you have time, check out one or both of these distilleries. Make sure you book these experiences as far in advance as you can, they book up quick! We did not book them early enough and did not get a chance to check them out :(
Castillo San Felipe del Morro & Castillo San Cristobal
Both of thees forts are amazing, we even ended up coming back for a little bit the third day! One ticket gets you into both forts for 2 days, so why not take full advantage. However, be prepared for it to be super windy at the non-ideal times of wanting to take pictures. The wind was a savior from the heat though, we went in peak summer season.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Castillo San Cristobal
Old San Juan Cemetery
Follow the lawn down from the entrance of Castillo San Cristobal and you will find a remarkable cemetery. The views overlooking the cemetery and city are undeniable. You could bring lunch and sit on the lawn to enjoy or up on the ledge, there is plenty of space to enjoy.
Capilla del Santa Cristo de la Salud
As you make your way to the chapel be sure to stop and check out the Umbrella Street, you do not want to miss it! Once you get closer to the chapel be prepared for LOTS of birds and people feeding them but don't let that deter you from checking it out.
Explore the City
Make sure to take time and just wander around the city.There is some cool artwork throughout and many restaurants to stop and enjoy snack or local drink. There is even a skinny house that is only 5'3" in width called La Casa Estrecha.
DAY THREE: El Yunque National Forest & Fajardo
So out trip didn't go exactly as planned, but you have to go with the flow and enjoy the time you have to explore a new city! We did not get to make it on our day three activities, our night bioluminescent kayak tour was cancelled due to algae and not being able to see the glow in the water and the tickets were sold out to go into the national forest. Make sure to purchase the tickets as early as possible, they say the put out a limited about the day before at 12, but I kept checking and never saw any become available. Sometimes you just take a L, but there is always something fun you can do instead!
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