This drive commences in Caguas on Highway 52 (just south of San Juan in the middle of the island). This drive gives you a taste of the mountains that run through the center of the island. Once you reach the coast, you will head west to Ponce. Ponce, the second most populous city in Puerto Rico, is rich with Spanish architecture and history. Check out the stops on the map, and spend some time walking around the Plaza.
Time:
The drive itself is about 90 minutes, but I recommend planning on a full day for this trip. You could get started with Breakfast or Brunch at Siempre Verde and finish your day with a decadent meal in Ponce.
Notes:
Traffic can be heavy near the tourist attractions on the weekends and holidays, and parking may be more difficult. This tour ends in Ponce. You can follow the map back to Highway 52 to reach San Juan or your home.
El Tunel de Guajataca is a step back into history, to a time when a railroad circled the island, moving sugar cane and passengers. Once you approach the northwest corner of the island, you will be greeted with stunning western views of the ocean. The west is known for surfing and incredible sunsets. For this reason you may want to make this an overnight trip! Rincon is located on the western most portion of the island. It is a popular destination for Americans, with a diverse selection of restaurants and bars.
Time:
If you drive straight through, plan on a 90 minutes drive. I would recommend spending a day on this trip to enjoy some of the beaches, and take in the sunset over dinner in Rincon.
Notes:
Like most scenic drives, traffic can be heavier on weekends and especially holidays. Rincon is about 2 1/2 hours from San Juan so it may be worth it to spend the night if you want to enjoy the sunset.
Dorado is home to the wealthiest Puerto Ricans and has some excellent restaurants as well as nice beaches and a lovely Plaza. Further along the drive you can experience rocky beaches and limestone cliffs. Make sure your camera is ready as the scenery is begging to be photographed. Be sure to bring hiking shoes and use care when climbing the limestone cliffs. Some areas are not for beginners or the faint of heart!
Time:
Without traffic or stops, the drive is 90 minutes to 2 hours. But I would plan on 6 hours to a full day to get the most out of this trip. I do recommend stopping at Bocata for excellent Mojitos and BBQ!
Notes:
Traffic can be very heavy on weekends & holidays. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors. The drive ends in Arecibo area where there are some wonderful restaurants to enjoy dinner. From here, you can take Highway 22 back towards San Juan or your home.
On this tour you will notice the different climate in the southwest of the island. Don’t be surprised to see cacti along with the palm trees. Tamarindo Beach in Guanica is one of my favorites, I could spend the day there, and the drive to the secluded beach is gorgeous. You can easily spend a day near the Cabo Rojo light house as well. There are several beaches as well as hikes so bring appropriate footwear! Boqueron can also be a destination to spend some time exploring. The beach front town is quaint, and the best is busy, but full of activities.
Time:
This drive, without stops, is almost 2 hours, but this is a trip that could be done in a jam-packed day or spread it over 2 days to get the most of this area.
Notes:
Guanica is where many of the earthquakes of early 2020 were centered. You can see some remnants of the damage, but maybe even feel a small shock as they continue to have small earthquakes.