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.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Sun): find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area and then take in the waterfront at Malecon. On the 2nd (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take a leisurely stroll along Mosquito Pier, kick back and relax at Navio Beach, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Media Luna Beach.

For ratings, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Isla de Vieques trip builder website.

Tampa, USA to Isla de Vieques is an approximately 8-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is usually a 1 hour difference. In August, daily temperatures in Isla de Vieques can reach 88°F, while at night they dip to 79°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Mon) so you can travel to San Juan.

Founded by the Spanish in 1521, San Juan is the oldest city under U.S.

On the 3rd (Tue), glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, then get to know the fascinating history of Sitio Histórico de San Juan, and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Old San Juan.

To see photos and tourist information, refer to the San Juan travel itinerary planner.

You can fly from Isla de Vieques to San Juan in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and shuttle. In September, daily temperatures in San Juan can reach 90°F, while at night they dip to 78°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) early enough to go by car to Ponce.

Ponce is both a city and a municipality in the southern part of Puerto Rico. On the 4th (Wed), relax in the rural setting at Hacienda Buena Vista, explore the world behind art at Museo de Arte de Ponce, then see the interesting displays at Parque de Bombas, and finally admire the striking features of Casa Wiechers-Villaronga.

To see ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Ponce trip planner.

Traveling by car from San Juan to Ponce takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle. Traveling from San Juan in September, expect nights in Ponce to be about the same, around 76°F, while days are slightly colder, around 85°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Wed) early enough to 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.

Step out of the city life by going to Crashboat Beach and Tres Palmas Marine Reserve. Visit Buye Beach and Domes Beach for some beach relaxation. Change things up with a short trip to Los Morrillos Lighthouse in Cabo Rojo (about 1h 25 min away). There's still lots to do: visit a coastal fixture at El Faro Lighthouse, tour the pleasant surroundings at Sandy Beach, take a memorable tour with Tours, and explore the world behind art at Museo de Arte de Aguadilla y del Caribe.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Rincon trip planner.

Traveling by car from Ponce to Rincon takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle, flight, and car. In September, plan for daily highs up to 90°F, and evening lows to 80°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.