San Juan, Puerto Rico travel guide
San Juan mixes the colourful 500-year-old streets and fortresses of Old San Juan with beaches in Condado and Isla Verde, and rainforest and glowing bays within a day trip.
Best time to visit San Juan
December to April is the driest, most popular season.
Hurricane season runs June to November, peaking in August to October; travel insurance and flexible plans help.
Getting to San Juan
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) has direct flights from many US mainland cities and is about 15 to 20 minutes from Condado and Old San Juan. Puerto Rico is a US territory, so US citizens need no passport.
Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found recently. Tap a route to see that trip and today's price on Aviasales.
Getting around
Ride-hailing and taxis
Uber operates in the San Juan area; tourist taxis have set zone fares from the airport.
Rental car
A car is the easiest way to reach El Yunque and the rest of the island.
Top things to do in San Juan
1. Old San Juan and El Morro
Pastel streets, blue cobblestones and the Castillo San Felipe del Morro fortress, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
See tours & prices ›2. El Yunque National Forest
The only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, with waterfalls and trails. Some areas need advance reservations.
See tours & prices ›3. Bioluminescent bay
Night kayak trips to bays that glow with microorganisms, such as Laguna Grande in Fajardo.
See tours & prices ›4. Culebra or Vieques
Islands with some of the Caribbean's best beaches, including Flamenco Beach, reached by ferry or small plane.
See tours & prices ›Practical tips
- US citizens do not need a passport; a government ID is enough for flights.
- Bioluminescence is best on dark nights around the new moon.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen.
San Juan travel FAQ
Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?
Not if you are a US citizen; Puerto Rico is a US territory.
When is the best time to visit San Juan?
December to April, the dry season and outside hurricane season.
How many days do you need in San Juan?
Four to five days covers Old San Juan, El Yunque, a bio bay and a beach day.