8 days in Puerto Rico Itinerary

For sixty years until 2003, most of the Isla de Vieques was closed off to the public, with the US Navy using the island's beaches and surrounding waters for drills and testing of new military machinery, such as bombs.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Wed): glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area and then take in the waterfront at Malecon. On your second day here, take an in-depth tour of Museo El Fortin de Conde Mirasol, kick back and relax at Playa Media Luna, and then kick back and relax at Playa Navio.

For reviews, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Isla de Vieques tour itinerary app.

New Orleans, USA to Isla de Vieques is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time to Atlantic Standard Time is 2 hours. When traveling from New Orleans in July, plan for somewhat warmer days in Isla de Vieques, with highs around 88°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 79°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Thu) so you can travel to Luquillo.

Luquillo is a municipality of Puerto Rico (U.S.) located in the northeast coast, northwest of Fajardo; and east of Rio Grande. Kick off your visit on the 19th (Fri): kick back and relax at Balneario Luquillo, then stroll through Monserrate Beach, and then get outside with Outdoor Activities.

For ratings, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Luquillo road trip tool.

Traveling by combination of ferry and car from Isla de Vieques to Luquillo takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. In July in Luquillo, expect temperatures between 88°F during the day and 79°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Ponce.

Ponce is both a city and a municipality in the southern part of Puerto Rico. Start off your visit on the 20th (Sat): examine the collection at Parque de Bombas, browse the exhibits of Museo Castillo Serralles, then get engrossed in the history at Museo de Arte de Ponce, and finally admire the striking features of Cathedral of our Lady of Guadaloupe.

To find more things to do, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Ponce day trip planning website.

You can drive from Luquillo to Ponce in 2 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a shuttle. Expect a daytime high around 86°F in July, and nighttime lows around 76°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sat) so you can drive to Rincon.

A seaside playground in the Caribbean, Rincon was a small agricultural and fishing town until it hosted the 1968 World Surfing Championship.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Punta Higuera Light House and Sandy Beach. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Faro Los Morrillos and Faro de Punta Higuera. When in Rincon, make a side trip to see Playa Buye in Cabo Rojo, approximately Cabo Rojo away. There's still lots to do: kick back and relax at Domes Beach, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and stroll through Tres Palmas Marine Reserve.

To find reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Rincon holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Ponce to Rincon takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle, flight, and taxi. In July, daytime highs in Rincon are 90°F, while nighttime lows are 80°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Tue) so you can catch the flight back home.