Whether you have a single day or multiple days in the beautiful town of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, this incredible destination is a must-add to your Puerto Rico itinerary. Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Fajardo for a 3 to 4-day itinerary!
Where Is Fajardo, Puerto Rico?
Fajardo is located on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. It is situated approximately 31 miles east of San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico.
Its coastal location provides access to a plethora of awe-inspiring Fajardo beaches, including Seven Seas Beach, Playa Escondida, and Playa Colora, and the nearby islands of Culebra and Vieques. It’s also home to several of the best hidden gems in Puerto Rico, such as Las Tinajas Waterfall, the invigorating Angelito Trail and Pool, and the thrilling Las Paylas natural waterslide and waterfall.
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How Long Should You Stay in Fajardo?
To experience the best things to do in Fajardo, a 3-day stay is ideal. If your schedule permits, 4 or 5 days allow you to really immerse yourself into everything this eastern coastal gem has the offer.
Many visitors incorporate Fajardo in their Puerto Rico tour, often en route to places like Ponce or Cabo Rojo. Given that most vacations span a week or two, setting aside at least three days to tick off the best things to do in Fajardo is a good plan.
For context, during our 3-week Puerto Rico trip, we based ourselves in Fajardo for 5 days. During this time, we hit all the hotspots, ventured to nearby attractions and took a day trip to Vieques island.
Is 3 Days in Fajardo Enough?
Absolutely! 3 days is an ideal amount of time to experience some of the best things to do in Fajardo. While you can fill an itinerary for 5 days or even a week, 3 days is enough time to get your teeth into some of the area’s beautiful attractions.
Best Things To Do in Fajardo: 3 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Fajardo Beach Hopping, Las Paylas Natural Water Slide & Bioluminescent Bay Kayaking
Day 1 – Morning
After checking in at your Fajardo accommodation, you might be wondering about all the things to do in Fajardo. Well, grab your beach essentials as we’re starting with a day of Fajardo beach hopping.
Head to Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo. Here, you’ll find several different beaches to explore. Parking at Seven Seas is $5 USD and you can camp for $10 a night.
Beach no 1: Seven Seas Beach
First up, Seven Seas Beach. Enveloped by lush greenery and swaying palm trees, Seven Seas Beach is popular with locals and tourists looking to enjoy its calm waters, sunbathing, beach barbeques and snorkelling.
Spend a couple of hours here soaking up everything Seven Seas has to offer, you’ll easily see why it’s one of the top things to do in Fajardo. You can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks and paddleboards, and the bright red drinks kiosk on the beach sells tasty, Instagram-able cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
💦 Read our Seven Seas Beach Guide – Everything You Need to Know for Your Visit.
🎒 If you want to get off the beaten path, this (private and customisable) tour takes you to Fajardo, as well as Las Croabas (hike through the rainforest to a hidden gem), Las Paylas (natural waterslide and waterfall), Luquillo Beach and Kiosks (one of our favourite beaches in Puerto Rico), Loiza (one of the oldest communities in Puerto Rico) and Pinones (coastal drive).
Beach no 2: Playa Colora
Time to walk to Playa Colora, one of the best hidden gems in Puerto Rico. From Seven Seas, follow the easily discernible trail behind the beach. After 10 minutes, the trail diverges, offering a choice between turning right or continuing straight ahead. Turn right to reach Playa Colora.
Playa Colora beach is amongst rugged cliffs and rocks, and the colour of the sand is reminiscent of a desert landscape. Sometimes, there is a strong current, so check the tide before swimming here.
Take a moment to capture some breathtaking photos and marvel at the crashing waves before retracing your steps along the trail.
💦 Read our Playa Colora Guide – Everything You Need to Know for Your Visit. We were so happy we stumbled across this beauty – it’s up there in our top 3 things to do in Fajardo.
Beach no 3: Playa Escondida
Resuming your path along the trail, follow the route you would have taken if you had continued straight ahead (instead of turning right towards Playa Colora).
Manoeuvre past a few low-hanging branches until you reach Playa Escondida, which very accurately translates to Hidden Beach. Here, you’ll find a picturesque, secluded beachfront adorned with glistening, crystal-clear waters and orange sand.
As Seven Seas Beach tends to attract big crowds, especially during weekends, the walk to Playa Colora and Playa Escondida is absolutely worth it if you’re looking for the best things to in Fajardo off the tourist trail.
💦 Read our Playa Escondida Guide – Everything You Need to Know for Your Visit.
Day 1 – Afternoon
Prepare for a fun-filled afternoon at Las Paylas natural waterslide and waterfall. Located 15 minutes from Fajardo, this is another hidden gem and one of the best things to do in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The unique formation of the rock at Las Paylas has created an incredible natural water slide within the waterfall.
To go down the slide, climb up the rocks on the right-hand side (if you’re looking up at the waterfall). Stay as far right as possible to avoid slipping.
If plunging down the water slide isn’t for you, Las Paylas is a beautiful oasis to visit just to relax, admire the waterfall, and take a dip in the several natural pools.
To get here, if you’ve rented a car, follow the directions to ‘Las Paylas’ on your GPS. There are around 6 parking spaces on private land, and parking costs $5 per car. The trail to the waterfall is well-marked and easily accessible, taking only 5-10 minutes from the car park.
🎒 On this 6-8 hour tour, start with a fresh smoothie or Puerto Rican cuisine before visiting the main waterslide, as well as a hidden waterfall and slide, a natural pool, and cave at Las Paylas, before heading to Luquillo Beach (one of our favourites) and Luquillo Kiosks.
Day 1 – Evening
On your first evening in Fajardo, head to the bioluminescent kayaking at Laguna Grande. This is often ranked one of the best things to do in Fajardo, and for good reason. A bioluminescent bay emits a glowing light when the microorganisms that live there are disturbed. It’s a truly breathtaking experience to swim in glowing water!
💭 Did you know? There are only 5 bioluminescent bays in the world, and 3 of them are in Puerto Rico! They are:
1. Laguna Grande (the closest to San Juan)
2. La Parguera in Lajas
3. Mosquito Bay in Vieques
Most companies offer both early evening and later tours. While the early evening tours like this one, starting at 5:30 pm, allow you to enjoy the sunset and the mangrove forests, we recommend a later tour like this one that starts at 7:30 pm, as the glow of the microorganisms is more magical in the darker conditions.
🎒 This bioluminescent kayaking at Laguna Grande starts at 7:30 pm, allowing you to see the glowing bay at the ideal time – in darker conditions.
Where To Eat on Day 1 in Fajardo
- Breakfast: Dulce Aroma, 100 Calle Unión, Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico (7:30 am – 1:30 pm Monday to Friday, 7:30 am – 2 pm on Saturday, closed on Sundays)
- Lunch: La Estación, Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico (varying opening times, closed Tuesday – Thursday)
- Dinner: Sal & Pimienta by the sea, Road 987 Km 2.7, Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico (varying opening times, closed on Mondays)
Day 2: Las Tinajas Waterfall and Angelito Trail & Natural Pool
🤚 Important: At 8 am sharp, reserve tickets here for El Yunque National Forest (details on Day 3).
Day 2 – Morning
Post breakfast, head to Las Tinajas Falls, one of the most exciting things to do in Fajardo and just 15 minutes by car. This multi-tiered waterfall is famous for its ‘rock pools’, offering perfect spots for rope swinging, cliff-jumping and swimming. To maximise your experience, get here early since it’s a favourite among both tourists and locals.
For parking, follow your GPS to ‘Las Tinajas Falls’ and drive to the very end of the road, where you’ll encounter a gated car park. This is privately owned land and parking costs $10 USD per car and $2 per person entry. The gate is closed on Saturdays! The trail from this car park is the most straightforward route to the falls, but it’s often muddy, so anticipate some mess.
💦 Read our complete guide to Las Tinajas Falls.
🎒 If you prefer to have a guide to hike to the falls and learn about various species you’ll encounter, this 5 star (private) tour is a great option. Meet your guide for the hike before spending a few hours enjoying all it has to offer. This tour also includes lunch at a beach front restaurant on Luquillo Beach.
Day 2 – Afternoon
After your morning of adventure, for a more relaxing afternoon, head 45 minutes north to Angelito Trail and natural pool.
Angelito Trail is a must-visit spot in El Yunque National Forest, and considering its proximity, it’s also a staple among the best things to do in Fajardo. Although you need to pre-book to enter El Yunque, Angelito Trail doesn’t require a reservation, and it is free to enter.
Park your vehicle on the side of the road and follow the well-marked trail, which is easy to spot. After approximately 15 minutes, you’ll reach the beautiful natural pool. The area is unspoiled and surrounded by tropical fauna – the perfect place to spend the afternoon and why it’s one of the best nature-based things to do in Fajardo.
Top Tip: The best condition to witness the turquoise blue, crystal clear water of Angelito is when it’s sunny. Rain can make the river water murky. If it’s rained within the past 24 hours, consider rescheduling this activity and adjusting your itinerary accordingly.
🎒 This half-day tour is the perfect option if you want to tick off El Yunque National Forest and Angelito Trail. Entrance fees and taxes are included as well as transportation and pick up and drop off.
Day 2 – Evening
As the evening approaches, grab some dinner and relax. Deciding where to eat is another one of those enjoyable things to do in Fajardo, and you can find our recommendation below.
Where To Eat on Day 2 in Fajardo
- Breakfast: BorinCrepa, Cll Marginal, Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico (9 am – 6 pm, closed Sundays and Mondays)
- Lunch: Pack a picnic to enjoy at the Las Tinajas or Angelito Trail.
- Dinner: BUTAQUE Tex-Mex-Food Fajardo, R35 Av. El Conquistador, Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico (11am – 9/10pm, closed on Mondays)
Day 3: El Yunque National Forest and Luquillo Beach
💭 Did you know? El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the United States Forest System. It’s located about 30 minutes from Fajardo. This lush rainforest is home to four types of forest, incredible hiking opportunities, hundreds of species of plants and animals, and some of the best waterfalls in Puerto Rico.
Day 3 – Morning
Yesterday, you should have made a reservation for El Yunque National Forest. Here’s why. It is not possible to visit El Yunque along road PR-191 without booking. You can reserve a ticket up to one month in advance, but if you haven’t done this, the park releases several tickets for the following day 24 hours in advance (at 8 am). As El Yunque is one of the most highly-rated things to do in Fajardo, tickets are limited and usually sell out within a few minutes, so get yours the second they are released.
Top Tip: Create an account on recreation.gov and log in before 8 am. Otherwise, you have to create an account during the booking process and may lose your tickets at this time. Tickets are free, but there is a $2 booking service fee.
🎒 If you’d prefer not to have the hassle of making a reservation in advance and getting to El Yunque, this 5-star (with thousands of reviews) El Yunque tour takes you to all the best spots in El Yunque and includes transportation and pick up and drop off, as well as hiking, swimming, waterfalls, cliff jumping and a stop at a Puerto Rican local restaurant for lunch.
Arriving and Things to Do in El Yunque:
Once you have shown your reservation confirmation on arrival (try to arrive early to avoid the crowds), spend the morning driving between the various waterfalls, towers and trails, starting at La Coca Falls, which is viewable from the road. Note: A couple of the attractions, including La Mina Falls, are still closed following Hurricane Maria.
Top Tip: Take some beautiful photos at this hidden gem spot at La Coca Falls.
There are several different hikes at El Yunque, ranging in difficulty levels. The Mount Britton Tower hike (1 hour, 2.6 km, moderate) is known as the easiest, through to El Yunque Trail (8.7 km, 3.5 hours, strenuous), one of the most challenging. We were short on time so we did the Mount Britton Tower hike and loved it. There are no scrambling or slippery sections and the rewarding view of the forest and valley from the top of the tower is incredible!
Top Tip: The gate in and out of El Yunque closes at 5:30 p.m, so keep track of time so you don’t get stuck in El Yunque.
Day 3 – Afternoon
Plan to spend most of the day enjoying all El Yunque has to offer.
Once the late afternoon arrives, head up PR 191, El Yunque’s main street, towards the coast to Los Kioskos de Luquillo. This beachfront line of food stalls and restaurants offers some of the most delicious Puerto Rico dishes, including Mofongo and Stuffed Avocado. Trying Puerto Rican cuisine needs to be on your list of things to do in Fajardo, and this is the perfect place to grab some much-needed dinner and enjoy the beach.
Following dinner, walk over to Luquillo Beach to watch the sunset and enjoy a relaxing and refreshing dip after a day of exploring.
🎒 Tick off Luquillo Beach and Kiosks on this (private and customisable) tour that also takes you to Fajardo, Las Croabas (hike through the rainforest to a hidden gem), Las Paylas (natural waterslide and waterfall), Loiza (one of the oldest communities in Puerto Rico) and Pinones (coastal drive).
Day 3 – Evening
Wrap up your beach afternoon and 3 days of adventuring through the top things to do in Fajardo with drinks at any one of the Luquillo Kiosks bars. Relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere and good music.
Where To Eat on Day 3 in Fajardo
- Breakfast: Picadillo Bistro & Cafe, F-14 C. 5-5, Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico (8 am – 3 pm every day, open until 9 pm on Fridays)
- Lunch: La Mirella, located along the El Yunque road, for Puerto Rican street food
- Dinner: Try Puerto Rican dishes Mofongo and Stuffed Avocado at Edelweiss Bar & Grill, C. Marginal, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico (11 am – 10pm every day)
4-Day Itinerary – Day 4: Vieques or Culebra
If you’re in need of an itinerary for 4 days in Fajardo, follow our 3-day itinerary of the best things to do in Fajardo above, then spend your last full day on Culebra or Vieques island for a fun-filled day swimming, beach combing and sunbathing in an island paradise.
Which is better: Vieques or Culebra?
To help you decide which of the two islands to visit, here’s a comparison of Vieques and Culebra:
| Feature | Vieques | Culebra |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 8 miles east of Puerto Rico | 17 miles east of Puerto Rico |
| Size | About 52 square miles | About 11 square miles |
| Main Attractions | Bioluminescent Bay (Mosquito Bay), Sun Bay Beach, Playa Negra (black sand beach), free-roaming horses, old Military Bunkers, the town of Esperanza, Mosquito Bay bioluminescent lagoon | Pristine beaches, Flamenco Beach, Culebrita Island, snorkelling at Tamarindo Beach, swimming with turtles |
| Accessibility | Ferry from Fajardo or organised boat trip | Ferry from Fajardo or organised boat trip |
| Lodging | Various boutique hotels | Fewer hotels, more campgrounds |
| Vibe | More developed tourist areas | More relaxed, less commercial |
| Activities | Horseback riding, Beach hopping, sight-seeing | Snorkelling at Tamarindo Beach, Hiking to Culebrita Lighthouse, Beach hopping |
| Wildlife | Wild horses | Sea turtles at Zoni Beach |
Day 4 – Morning & Afternoon
Start your day bright and early by catching the first ferry to either Vieques or Culebra from Fajardo’s Ferry Terminal or embarking on a catamaran cruise like this one. Note: For the ferry, it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance as these ferries can get busy, especially during the high tourist season. Also, the ferry terminal is located in Ceiba (not Fajardo), so consider your transport options.
If you choose Vieques:
Here are some must-visit places and things to do in Vieques:
- Visit and snorkel at Sun Bay Beach, which is a very picturesque beach with shimmering waters, palm trees, and soft sands.
- Spot wild horses roaming freely on the island.
- Head to Playa Negra, Puerto Rico’s only black sand beach that gets its colour from volcanic minerals.
- Eat or bar hop on El Malecon, the main drag in Esperanza where you’ll find several restaurants, shops and beach bars.
🎒 This full day catamaran beach tour leaves from Fajardo and takes you to any one of the beaches in Vieques for you to spend the day swimming, snorkelling and enjoying this island paradise. Lunch is included as well as soft and alcoholic drinks.
🎒 Alternatively, this half day snorkelling tour takes you to a beautiful beach in Vieques where you can snorkel and swim with turtles. Lunch, drinks and snorkelling gear is included.
If you choose Culebra:
Here are some must-visit places and things to do in Culebra:
- Your first stop should undoubtedly be Flamenco Beach, ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches. Known for its white sandy shores, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, it’s a snorkeler’s paradise.
- Swim at Playa Carlos Rosario, another beautiful white sand beach.
- Grab lunch at Dinghy Dock Restaurant.
🎒 This full day catamaran cruise departs from Fajardo and takes you to Culebra’s coral reefs, white sand beaches and swimming spots. A buffet lunch, rum punch, piña colada’s and snorkelling gear is included.
Day 4 – Evening
Where To Eat on Day 4 (Fajardo & the Islands)
- Breakfast: Panadería y Repostería Viequense, Calle Antonio G. Mellado, Vieques, 00765, Puerto Rico (5:30am – 3pm, daily)
- Lunch on Vieques: Rising Roost, Vieques (8:30 am – 12:30 pm, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
- Lunch on Culebra: Dinghy Dock, Puerto Rico (11 am – 9 pm, closed on Sundays and Mondays)
- Dinner in Fajardo: Pasion por el Fogon (varying opening times, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Tips for Getting the Ferry to Vieques and Culebra
- Ferries to Vieques and Culebra depart daily from Ceiba, a 15 minute drive from Fajardo, so consider your transport.
- Tickets can be booked online or by visiting the ferry terminal.
- The ferries are super popular, especially on weekends, so arrive early. We’ve heard stories of people who have been ‘bumped’ due to capacity and have had to get on the next ferry, which completely ruins your day trip.
- To avoid the above, you may prefer to book a pre-organised boat trip like this one to guarantee your day trip to Vieques or Culebra.
Best Places to Stay in Fajardo Puerto Rico
When contemplating where to base yourself to explore all the best things to do in Fajardo, here are some of the best areas to consider:
- Fajardo Town – Central location, convenient for exploring the attractions.
- Seven Seas Beach – A beachfront area popular for its beautiful shoreline and water activities.
- Las Croabas – Easy access to attractions like the bioluminescent bay Laguna Grande and popular for its seafood restaurants.
- Avenida Marina View – Views of the marina and easy access to waterfront restaurants.
- Las Gaviotas – A quieter atmosphere with charming streets and a local community feel.
- El Conquistador – A resort area with luxurious accommodations, restaurants, a golf course, a water park, and ocean views.
🏡 Find the best places to stay in Fajardo:
How to Get to Fajardo from San Juan
Landing at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, you have a few options to reach Fajardo:
- Car Rental: The most efficient way is renting a car. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. As Fajardo’s attractions are widespread, a car is handy for exploring. Here’s our detailed guide on renting a car in Puerto Rico.
🚗 Find: Cheap Car Rental in Puerto Rico
- Taxi and Transfers: Taxis are available but negotiate the price beforehand, especially considering return fares.
🚐 This private, door to door (including the airport) transfer from San Juan to Fajardo is a good option to ensure a guaranteed fixed price.
- Bus: There’s a single bus route from San Juan to Fajardo. Personally, we haven’t taken this route as seats are on a first-come, first-served basis with no fixed timetable, which we didn’t like (especially with heavy luggage!).
Final Thoughts on Things To Do in Fajardo
The best things to do in Fajardo, Puerto Rico can be ticked off your bucket list whether you have 3, 4 or 5 days in this gorgeous region. Hopefully, this perfect 3 or 4-day Fajardo itinerary is going to help you make some unforgettable memories in this special place.
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