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Planning an unforgettable getaway to Puerto Rico? Let me guide you through what to see, eat, and do in this 4 day Puerto Rico itinerary, focusing on the captivating sights and experiences of the island's southwestern region!
Of all my visits to Puerto Rico before, it’s surprising that I hadn’t explored the southwestern area until now.
Over the past five years, I’ve made it a tradition to visit almost every year - sailing to Culebra’s pristine beaches, hiking through the lush trails of El Yunque National Forest, exploring the colorful streets of Old San Juan, and, of course, grabbing a piña colada or two.
With each visit, Puerto Rico continues to captivate me, and this recent exploration was no exception.
Puerto Rico offers the allure of the Caribbean with the convenience of domestic travel - no passport is required for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Just bring along a valid ID (driver's license or state ID) and you're all set!
While we’ve visited Puerto Rico many times before, our most recent trip this year offered a fresh perspective as we finally ventured to the southwestern region for the first time.
Here’s a glimpse of how we spent 4 days in Puerto Rico:
Day 1: Arrival, Brunch, Fuerte Caprón, Gilligan’s Island, Puerto Parguera Dinner
Day 2: Caribbean Chiliboats, Wakey Monkey, Finca el Girasol, Yaucromatic, Isla Cueva, Bioluminescent Bay
Day 3: Brujula Breakfast, Cabo Rojo Salt Flats, Playa Sucia, Buena Vibra, Buye Beach, Restaurante El Karacol
Day 4: Aquamarina Restaurant, Salto Curet, Manglillo Chiquito, Departure
Keep reading for all the details you need to know to plan your perfect Puerto Rico itinerary and find the best of the southwestern region of this island!
Touching down at Mercedita International Airport in Ponce marks the beginning of your Puerto Rican adventure. For us, it was the perfect starting point.
We snagged roundtrip flights from JFK to Ponce for $257.96 USD per person, making it a budget-friendly option for us.
Keep in mind, that prices can vary between airports, airlines and seasons.
Conveniently located only 50 minutes away from our destination in La Parguera, the Ponce airport offers easy access to the southwestern region of Puerto Rico.
Comparatively, Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in San Juan is about 2 hours away.
Consider your priorities - saving time or money (or both!) - when choosing your arrival airport.
Renting a car from Thrifty Car Rentals, conveniently located at the airport, sets the tone for a smooth journey.
Our four-day car rental cost $144 USD, and the friendly service made our 4 a.m. arrival a breeze.
In just under an hour, we made it to our Airbnb: Mangle Azul Vacation Rentals - El Turromote.
As soon as we completed our self-check-in, we were greeted with views of the picturesque waters, adorned with mangroves.
Every detail in the accommodation contributes to a sense of home, and its central location in La Parguera puts you within walking distance of numerous dining options and exciting excursions.
While parking directly at Mangle Azul Vacation Rentals isn't available, we easily found free parking just two blocks away.
Where to Stay in La Parguera
- Mangle Azul Vacation Homes: Experience the heart of La Parguera where comfort meets coastal charm. Check for availability and prices.
- Parguera Plaza Hotel: Discover tranquility at this newly built adults-only hotel. Elevate your stay with serene vibes and outstanding service. Check for availability and prices.
- Villa Parguera: Indulge in waterfront luxury or enjoy day passes to their refreshing pool. Check for availability and prices.
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Brunch: Pargomar Bakery and Deli
After settling in, we walked over to Pargomar Bakery and Deli, a local spot open daily from 7 am to 4 pm.
I enjoyed a caramel latte with almond milk that paired perfectly with my scrambled eggs and peppers.
Meanwhile, my husband treated himself to the iconic Parguera Sandwich—a local favorite bursting with flavors of pork, turkey, salami, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
The unique mustard dressing added an extra zest to the sandwich, making it truly memorable.
With a reasonable bill totaling $20.17 USD for the both of us, it's an affordable and satisfying way to kickstart your day.
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Guanica Dry Forest (Bosque Seco de Guánica)
Having explored El Yunque National Forest on previous visits to Puerto Rico, we were intrigued to venture into the Guanica State Forest this time around.
Just a smooth 30-minute drive from La Parguera, we found ourselves warmly welcomed at the forest's information center.
Google Maps led us to the center, where two friendly workers helped us navigate to our main destination - Fuerte Caprón.
This is where we learned there were two ways to reach the fort - a lengthy 3-hour hike or a shorter 30-minute one.
The information center staff provided clear directions to the starting point of the shorter trail, a brief 12-minute drive away.
Simply type in “Vereda Hacia Fuerte Caprón” into Google Maps and it’ll take you right to it.
En route, we spotted cars parked and people exploring, so we did the same.
We stumbled upon stunning crystal-clear blue waters and a quiet beach among the rocks.
After a few moments of admiration, we continued to the starting point for Fuerte Caprón.
We were able to park right in front of the Fuerte Caprón sign and started our hike up to the fort.
This wasn’t a difficult hike. There is a gradual incline as you walk, but if you go at your own pace, it is not hard to manage.
The biggest thing that took my breath away was all the views.
You’re mainly walking through trees, but sometimes you’ll get a glimpse at the water that is so many shades of blue and seems so still and calm.
The ground is pretty rocky, so watch your step as you go up.
I wore my Nike sandals that have good grip, and even though I was just fine hiking in them, it would be a better idea to wear close-toed shoes because there are so many rocks.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with clear signs along the way.
After a brief stop for a break, we continued along the trail and reached Fuerte Caprón in just 30 minutes total.
Exploring the fort was an incredible experience. Walking through its base, we admired the graffiti-covered walls and the windows overlooking the water.
Climbing the stairs to the top of the fort offered panoramic views of Guanica that left us speechless.
We spent about 25 minutes soaking in the scenery and capturing photos before retracing our steps back down the trail.
✨ Chew Tip: Don’t forget to wear a bucket hat, sunscreen, and bring plenty of water for your hike!
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Gilligan’s Island (Cayo Aurora)
Exploring the mangroves along the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico was a definite highlight of our trip, and we were excited to set foot on Gilligan’s Island, also known as Cayo Aurora.
Located just a short 7-minute drive from Fuerte Caprón, Copamarina Beach Resort served as our gateway to the island.
There used to be a ferry that takes you to Gilligan’s Island, but that’s no longer available - that didn’t stop us!
The Copamarina Resort offers kids kayaks, single kayaks, double kayaks, and paddle boards.
We opted for the double kayak which cost $40 USD for 1 hour, $55 USD for two hours, or $70 USD for three hours.
They let us know the easiest route to Gilligan’s Island, gave us life jackets, and set us up on our kayaks, and we were on our way!
The approximately one-mile kayak trip took us about 35 minutes going at a comfortable pace.
However, the crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery made it all worthwhile.
Once we arrived, we were amazed by the mangroves, and we spotted an iguana swimming in the clear waters.
When I say clear waters - I mean the most crystal clear water you can imagine.
The water was so transparent that at first glance, you wouldn’t even realize I was standing in it!
With its depth ranging from about 3 to 7 feet, the waters were full of tiny schools of fish.
While my husband explored the mangroves with his snorkel, I relaxed in the shallows, enjoying the tranquility of this secluded paradise.
For about 30 minutes, we had the entire island to ourselves.
Thanks to its secluded sections, exploring Cayo Aurora felt like discovering our very own beautiful little private island.
After about 45 minutes of completely enjoying Cayo Aurora, we started kayaking back to Copamarina Resort, which took us about 30 minutes.
The views of the water, mountains, and palm trees never get old.
The trip to Gilligan's Island is an experience we highly recommend to any adventure-seeker exploring the area.
It's undeniably worth it!
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Dinner: Puerto Parguera
After all that adventure, you're bound to work up an appetite.
When we're in Puerto Rico, our go-to cravings are mofongo and piña coladas, so we didn't hesitate to find a spot to satisfy our hunger once we returned to downtown Parguera.
We stumbled upon Puerto Parguera where we enjoyed some delicious local food.
I decided on the shrimp mofongo with creole sauce, while my husband chose the chicken mofongo with garlic sauce.
And, of course, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to sip on some refreshing piña coladas as well.
When the bill arrived, it totaled $61 USD.
With satisfied appetites, we made our way back to our accommodation, conveniently located just a block away, ready to unwind and get some well-deserved rest.
Day 2: Chiliboats, Wakey Monkey, Sunflower Field, Yaucromatic, Isla Cueva, Bioluminescent Bay
Caribbean Chiliboats
We woke up bright and early to start our day with chili-boating. It was a first for us, and little did I know it would soon become my favorite watersport!
A brief 10-minute walk from our Airbnb led us to Caribbean Chiliboats, situated in a parking lot reserved for boats.
Since we couldn't park there, walking was the easiest option.
Our guide, Waldi, greeted us warmly.
He mainly spoke Spanish and also communicated well in English, ensuring we had an incredible experience.
Waldi made sure we felt comfortable and secure on our chiliboats, adjusting our seats to accommodate our heights—I'm 5'9" and my husband is 6'1".
With my husband in control of steering at the front and me pedaling behind, we set off on our double chiliboat adventure.
The pedaling felt effortless, and we glided smoothly through the glistening, clear blue waters.
As we pedaled through the mangroves, Waldi pointed out various islands and cayes.
After about 30 minutes, we got off our chili boats and into an inviting area with waist-deep water.
Chew Tip: Opt for an earlier chili boat tour to avoid the intense midday sun and heat.
Our guide treated us to fruit cups and water—a welcome refreshment after our morning adventure.
After soaking in the beauty of our surroundings for 45 minutes, it was time to pedal back to our starting point.
If you've never experienced chili-boating before, this is your sign!
I highly recommend it for a unique perspective of the mangroves—it's even easier than kayaking, in my opinion.
The entire tour lasted just under 2.5 hours, and every minute of it was thoroughly enjoyable.
This is one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico for $65 USD per person!
Breakfast: Wakey Monkey
We definitely worked up an appetite after our chiliboat tour, so we headed straight to Wakey Monkey.
The friendly waitress greeted us with a bright smile and positive energy.
As she practiced her English, I practiced my Spanish, and we exchanged words, learning from each other.
With so many enticing options, I finally settled on the pancake breakfast, featuring fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and peppers, accompanied by fruit.
I also ordered a latte with almond milk.
Meanwhile, my husband opted for the French toast breakfast, complete with fried eggs and ham.
Since I'm not much of a meat eater, I let him enjoy the bacon that came with my meal.
Altogether, our breakfast bill came to $36.25 USD.
If you're seeking a friendly atmosphere and delicious breakfast options, make sure to include Wakey Monkey in your Puerto Rico travel itinerary.
Just remember, they're only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Finca el Girasol
Next stop, to the sunflower fields!
Finca el Girasol in Guanica is just a short 30-minute drive from La Parguera.
Upon arrival, head straight to the store to pay the entrance fee, which is $2 USD per person.
Once you're in, it's time to wander through the rows of sunflowers.
The prime time to visit is during the summer months of June, July, and August when the fields are in full bloom.
We visited in February, so there were fewer sunflowers, but it was still a worthwhile experience.
Don't forget to purchase a souvenir sunflower before you leave; they're available for $3 USD each.
Yaucromatic
Located in Yauco, Yaucromatic is the largest outdoor art gallery in Puerto Rico.
Walking through its vibrant streets feels like stepping into a colorful storybook.
The area is adorned with over 60 murals, each depicting messages created by local Puerto Ricans.
One must-see mural is the Brisa Tropical or Tropical Breeze.
It’s incredible to stroll through the streets along Brisa Tropical, but go at your own pace, as it’ll take you on a journey through a very steep street.
Don't forget to support the locals by trying the coffee and local treats sold near the main plaza.
Additionally, there's an interactive map available at the main plaza that you can scan to guide you through the entire town so you don’t miss a thing!
Lunch: Isla Cueva
Now it’s time to head back to La Parguera, just a half-hour drive from Yaucromatic.
We arrived just in time for lunch at Isla Cueva, open from 11 am to 11 pm most days, and until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
This spot offers a great selection of hamburgers with a sports bar vibe, catering to every taste, including vegan options.
I opted for the Mangle Negro, a black bean burger with cassava croutons, fresh avocado, vegan feta cheese, arugula, tomato, and delicious mayo pesto, served with sweet potato fries on the side.
Meanwhile, my husband enjoyed the Burger Caracoles, featuring bacon, sweet plantain, fried onion, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo ketchup sauce.
Our bill totaled $43.41 USD for a satisfying meal.
With plenty of options, including vegan choices, Isla Cueva offers something for everyone.
Whether you're craving a classic burger or something more unique, it's worth a visit.
La Parguera Nightlife
When it comes to nightlife, you've got options here, especially on the weekends.
If you're in the mood for a party, you won't have to go far.
The nightlife scene is just footsteps away from your accommodation, whether you're staying where we did or at one of the other two places we mentioned.
With vibrant lights, live music, and plenty of dancing, you'll find the downtown area bursting with energy.
If you’re interested in dining on a rooftop, La Parguera Rooftop offers dinner amidst the vibrant atmosphere.
If you're up for an evening adventure, consider exploring the Bioluminescent Bay.
Out of just five bioluminescent bays worldwide, three are found in Puerto Rico, and this particular one stands out as the only one you can swim in.
However, keep in mind that it's best experienced during the new moon phase.
We visited during the full moon, which made it too bright to fully appreciate the bioluminescence.
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Day 3: Cabo Rojo
Breakfast: Brujula
Located within Plaza Parguera, Brujula offers an open-air dining experience with a relaxed atmosphere, situated in an adults-only hotel.
They serve breakfast from 8 am to 11 am, and dinner is available from 3 pm to 11 pm daily.
I tried the avocado toast, featuring a smooth, whipped avocado with some zest.
I also ordered the oatmeal topped with fruits, cinnamon, and nuts.
My husband opted for the creamy chicken mac and cheese, topped with a perfectly cooked egg.
For beverages, he chose a grapefruit juice, while I opted for a latte with almond milk.
In total, our bill came to $54.43 USD.
Cabo Rojo Salt Flats
About a 30-minute drive from La Parguera, you can discover the stunning Cabo Rojo Salt Flats, also known as Las Salinas de Cabo Rojo, where you'll encounter several salt flats, some with a distinct pink hue resembling a pink lake.
The pink color is most pronounced on sunny days.
As you drive to the salt flats, you'll navigate dirt roads.
Exercise caution while driving, though the rough roads are manageable.
It's not uncommon to spot cyclists enjoying the scenic route alongside the flats.
Designated parking areas are available across from the salt flats for convenience.
Playa Sucia
Despite its name translating to "dirty beach" in Spanish, Playa Sucia is a stunning beach that happens to have some sargassum seaweed.
Located less than 10 minutes away from the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats, it's convenient to visit both attractions on the same day.
Take a short hike up the cliffs for about five minutes to enjoy breathtaking views.
Be mindful of the rocky terrain and avoid getting too close to the edge.
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Lunch: Buena Vibra
Head 40 minutes deeper into Cabo Rojo, and you’ll find Buena Vibra, an open-air restaurant offering a variety of creatively crafted dishes that literally burst with flavor.
I ordered the plantain basket stuffed with shrimp, served with rice and beans, along with a refreshing piña colada.
Meanwhile, my husband ordered the volcan guayaba, featuring coconut-crusted grouper fillet stuffed with skirt steak in a delightful guava sauce, accompanied by a side of tostones.
He was talking about this meal for days!
Our total bill came to $73.12 USD.
Playa Buye
Every time we mentioned our plans to visit Cabo Rojo, locals couldn't stop raving about Playa Buye or Buye Beach, and now we understand why.
Located just a 15-minute drive from Buena Vibra, Playa Buye offers a sweet escape.
While a nearby parking lot charges ~$10 USD per car for the day, we opted for free street parking nearby, which was easy to find.
The waters are incredibly calm for swimming in Playa Buye.
Although the beach was quite crowded when we arrived, we discovered a secluded spot as we walked further along the shore.
Here, we had the opportunity to admire the multiple shades of blue in the crystal-clear waters and truly relax.
But if you want to do more than relax, you have the option of watersports here.
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Dinner: Restaurante El Karacol
Back in La Parguera, don't miss out on a visit to Restaurante El Karacol, an incredible spot right in the heart of downtown known for its authentic Puerto Rican food.
They've got so many mofongo options to choose from, and let me tell you, you can’t go wrong.
I went with the lobster mofongo and an award-winning watermelon mojito, perfect for cooling off after a long hot day.
Meanwhile, my husband went for the filete de chillo, and he was definitely not disappointed.
The bill came out to $74.06 USD.
Overall, it was an impressive dining experience, soaking in the lively vibes of El Karacol in La Parguera.
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Day 4: Aquamarina Restaurant,Salto Curet, Manglillo Chiquito, Departure
Breakfast: Aquamarina Restaurant
For our last breakfast in La Parguera, we decided to try out Aquamarina Restaurant, situated inside Villa Parguera.
This hotel offers a waterfront experience right along the Caribbean Sea.
I ordered a scrambled egg wrap accompanied by coffee and pancakes, while my husband went for a hearty breakfast including pancakes, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and sausage.
With a bill totaling $47.99 USD, we savored our final morning in La Parguera before starting our last day of our Puerto Rico itinerary.
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Salto Curet
Now is the time for a scenic route into the mountains of Maricao for an unforgettable waterfall experience.
It takes about an hour and 15 minutes to drive here from La Parguera.
The roads to get to Maricao are very windy but well-paved and offer impressive views of the island.
As we drove through the mountains, our GPS directed us towards PR-315, prompting us to then make a left down a road that no longer existed.
After retracing our path, we opted to drive in the opposite direction heading towards Maricao.
Chew Tip: When you’re on PR-304 the next thing you should do is turn left onto PR-116 to stay on course to PR-122. Avoid turning right towards PR-315.
The roads, though narrow, are well-maintained, with minimal traffic allowing for easy navigation.
As we ascended, we noticed diligent workers making sure the roads remained safe and pothole-free.
We kept driving until we reached a gate signaling the end of the road, we parked our rental car and continued on foot.
This is the exact parking location to start the hike to Salto Curet.
A gentle descent down a dirt hill revealed a shallow water crossing—a mere puddle to step through.
From there, the path led us through varied terrain, with occasional steep inclines but overall manageable terrain if you go at your own pace.
We’d just recommend you wear water shoes that have a good grip.
Once you reach the Salto Curet Airbnb, you’ll know it from all the turkeys around the property and the dog.
Continue walking straight past the sign and you’ll be met with a river.
Turn left and continue up the river.
The water is very cold but refreshing and is full of rocks of all sizes.
We walked through the river for about ten minutes before we reached a pool of water that led to Salto Curet.
We were glad to have found this waterfall all to ourselves.
There were so many fish swimming in the water.
Once my husband started flying his drone, we discovered that there was a second waterfall on top of the waterfall we were looking at!
Truly incredible.
We swam around in Salto Curet for about an hour and had it to ourselves the entire time.
The hike, while not difficult, was entirely worthwhile for the discovery of this hidden gem.
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Manglillo Chiquito
Explore one last mangrove before you leave!
You can drive right up to the mangroves at Manglillo Chiquito.
Just park on the street, and pass through the front gates first.
The sight of the reflective water on the white sand beach among the mangroves is truly breathtaking.
It's a beautiful and almost surreal experience.
Just remember to bring bug spray because mosquitoes love it here too.
Situated about an hour and fifteen minutes from Salto Curet, in the direction of Ponce Airport, Manglillo Chiquito provides a serene conclusion to your mangrove exploration.
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Departure: Ponce Airport
After soaking in the natural wonders of Puerto Rico one last time, it's time to return your rental car and catch your flight back home.
The airport is just 50 minutes away from Manglillo Chiquito.
While you may be departing for now, Puerto Rico's charm will surely draw you back for more adventures and memories soon.
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FAQs
- No, if you're a U.S. citizen, you don't need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico. A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, is sufficient.
- The official languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English. While Spanish is more widely spoken, especially in local communities, English is commonly used in tourist areas and by many locals.
- Some must-try local dishes in Puerto Rico include mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic or creole sauce, and meat or seafood), tostones (fried plantains), and arroz y habichuelas (rice and beans).
- Pack lightweight and breathable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle.
- Having a car can provide flexibility and convenience, especially for exploring more remote areas or traveling outside of major cities.
- While four days can provide a taste of Puerto Rico's culture, history, and natural beauty, it's ideal to spend more time if possible to fully explore the island's diverse attractions and experiences.
- The cost of a trip to Puerto Rico for four days can vary. However, we spent 4 days in Puerto Rico for ~$2200 USD including flights, accommodation, transportation, food, and activities for the two of us.
Final Thoughts on 4 Days Puerto Rico Itinerary
After four days of exploration, you might find yourself wanting to extend your stay in this captivating region, and we completely understand why.
This 4-day Puerto Rico itinerary provided us with a well-rounded glimpse into what southwestern Puerto Rico has to offer, but we're already planning our return trip because there's still so much more to discover.
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