If you’re extraordinarily lucky, this might be the day this mountain-sized icon detects life on another planet. Turn southwest, winding up the mountain road to the Observatorio de Arecibo. Continue west and stop to watch the waves explode over the reefs at Playa Mar Chiquita, where you can picnic while enjoying the aquatic drama. Start early on day three and go west, stopping first at Dorado, where you can take in some world-class golf or hide out at the beach at Punta Salinas. Finish up with an evening among the rollicking scene of Santurce’s bars and restaurants. Spend the next day weaving through the Unesco treasures of Old San Juan and posing by the ramparts of El Morro. Touch down in San Juan and get to the beaches, exploring Isla Verde, Condado and Ocean Park. Spend the night at a mountain retreat before returning to San Juan via Luquillo, with its natural wonders, beaches and great food stands. Consider also stopping off at one of the adventure parks where you can zip-line through the trees. Driving Hwy 191, you’ll climb ever higher into the misty peaks and you can pick your breaks for waterfalls and nature hikes. Head up to the lush rainforest wonders of El Yunque. Although you can take more day-time tours, rent a car and do a little freelance exploring instead. At the very least, join one of the sailing day trips out to Culebra, where you’ll get a taste of funky island life and enjoy some sensational snorkeling. But there is plenty to see and do just outside the capital that will give you a much broader picture of Puerto Rico’s diverse pleasures.
It’s easy to get caught up in San Juan, from lazy days spent exploring the wonders of Old San Juan, to the urban beaches that include Isla Grande, and the edgy – and tasty – wonders of Santurce.