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If you’ve ever dreamed of a vacation filled with tropical beaches, lush waterfalls, vibrant culture, and endless laughter, Puerto Rico is your place. After falling in love with the island on our first visit, we couldn’t wait to come back, but this time bringing another family along for an unforgettable 5-day Puerto Rico adventure.

Traveling with friends and kids meant double the fun, double the memories, and yes, sometimes double the chaos. But that’s what made this trip so special. From hidden waterfalls to historic forts, here’s our day-by-day itinerary packed with Puerto Rico travel tips for families and friends.

Day 1: Arrival in Arecibo – Let the Adventure Begin

Our journey kicked off with a late-evening arrival in San Juan. After collecting our luggage, we picked up our Puerto Rico rental car (a must for exploring beyond the city) and drove to our home base in Arecibo. Even though we were tired, the island breeze and starry skies had us excited for what was ahead.

Day 2: Gozalandia Falls & Poolside Relaxation

We started our first full day with a refreshing dip in our private pool before heading to one of our all-time favorite spots: Gozalandia Waterfalls in San Sebastián.

The kids loved swimming in the clear pools, and the braver adults (yes, that included us!) took turns cliff-jumping into the cool water below. After hours of splashing and exploring, we returned to Arecibo for a sunset on the balcony followed by a cozy family movie night.

Travel Tip: Wear water shoes for better grip on the slippery rocks around the falls.

Day 3: Treehouse Park, Beach Bliss & Tunel Guajataca

Our morning began at Aguadilla’s Treehouse Park, a whimsical playground where the kids climbed, swung, and imagined their way through the jungle-themed structures.

Lunch was an adventure too. Our oldest tried octopus for the first time after asking about it for weeks (and loved it!). The afternoon brought beach time, sandcastle building, and wave jumping before we set off to explore Tunel Guajataca, a historic railway tunnel framed by dramatic coastal views.

A surprise rain shower made the tunnel even more atmospheric, and we ended the day with, you guessed it, another movie night.

Day 4: Hidden Waterfalls & Coastal Wonders

We braved some bumpy, narrow roads to reach Cascada La Planta Eléctrica, a tucked-away waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The journey was a little “adventurous” (hello, chickens on the road!), but completely worth it.

From there, we navigated another challenging route to Casa Blanca, a serene river spot that felt like a hidden paradise. The journey itself was an adventure: potholes, road construction, and large trucks navigating narrow paths made for a white-knuckle drive.

Back in Arecibo, we recharged with lunch at Arrecife 681, famous for its fresh seafood, before heading to La Poza Del Obispo Beach to watch massive waves crash against the rocks, a mesmerizing end to the day.

Day 5: Exploring Old San Juan Before Goodbye

Our final day was spent in Old San Juan, wandering through cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings. The highlight was exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a massive 16th-century fortress with panoramic ocean views.

After a leisurely lunch in the city, we reluctantly made our way to the airport, already planning our next Puerto Rico family adventure.

Why Puerto Rico is Perfect for Multi-Family Travel

Traveling with friends means shared responsibilities, built-in playmates for the kids, and endless laughter. Puerto Rico’s mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and family-friendly attractions makes it an ideal destination.

From waterfalls to historic forts, from quiet beaches to quirky roadside finds, this island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, and when shared with people you love, those moments become priceless.

Puerto Rico Travel Tips for Families & Friends

Rent a car for maximum freedom to explore hidden gems.
Pack light rain gear as weather can change quickly.
Plan downtime for pool days or movie nights to recharge.
Let the kids try new foods (you might be surprised what they love!)

Ready to plan your Puerto Rico getaway? This 5-day itinerary proves that with the right mix of planning and spontaneity, traveling with friends can be an incredible, memory-filled adventure.

5 Days in Puerto Rico with Friends: The Ultimate Multi-Family Adventure Guide