Looking for an affordable Caribbean vacation where most of the locals speak English, you don’t have to exchange your money, and you don’t even need a passport? Look no further than the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico! Featuring historic architecture, tropical vegetation, and beautiful white sand beaches, this oft-overlooked Caribbean island gives you plenty of cultural and coastal bang for your buck. Unlike some other tropical escapes, Puerto Rican vacation rentals are budget-friendly.
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Whether you want to stay near the beach where you can fish, boat, swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or surf, or would prefer somewhere more off-the-beaten-path, there’s a perfect vacation rental in Puerto Rico for you. From the west side of the island where the sun sets over the ocean, our list of Puerto Rico vacation rentals moves clockwise towards the capital of San Juan, inland near the waterfalls of the El Yunque National Forest, then around to Luquillo and Fajardo, where you can kayak Bioluminescent Bay. We also included a
Before you start sipping piña coladas and strolling the blue brick roads of the old city, you’ll need to book a place to stay on the Isla del Encanto. Here are our top picks for vacation homes in Puerto Rico!
El Yunque Studio$171/nightly avg
In the foothills of El Yunque National Forest, this vacation rental is inland between Fajardo and Old San Juan but far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Breathtaking mountain and ocean views in this quiet rural neighborhood make for a tranquil, picture-perfect setting. This private estate overlooks lush tropical grounds. Stay in the studio by the pool and eat fresh fruit from the garden.
A quarter of a mile down the road, you’ll find access to the Río Grande river and its fresh pools and waterfalls. Swim at the beach in nearby Luquillo.
Bonus: Vieques Hilltop Villa
Located in Barrio Destino, one of the most desirable neighborhoods on the island of Vieques, this hilltop villa is surrounded by bucolic meadows, trees, and tropical gardens. It offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, as well as views of Vieques Island and mainland Puerto Rico. The studio is one of three private units that all share a pool. There’s plenty of parking. The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, which provides access to some of the most beautiful, peaceful, and pristine beaches in the Caribbean is minutes away.
Fajardo Apartment
Adjacent to Seven Seas Beach, this ground-floor beach villa is part of the gated Palma Vista community. The spacious three-bedroom apartment has a private patio, but the pool is shared. Beach chairs, towels, a cart, and a cooler are provided as are two designated parking spaces.
Nearby, explore secluded beaches, the Laguna Grande bioluminescent bay, and El Conquistador Resort’s par-72 golf course, views, and dining.
With a large variety of restaurants that feature fresh seafood from local fishermen’s markets, Fajardo is known for its local cuisine. There are a couple of restaurants within walking distance of this Vrbo. For those with kiddos in tow, there’s also a children’s park with mini-golf, go-karts, and more.
Luquillo House With Pool
Located in a nice neighborhood in Luquillo, this 1,500-square foot house might not have ocean views, but it does have its own pool. The two-bedroom vacation rental also has tall fences for privacy and a veranda to hang out on.
Balneario La Monserrate, the beach, is just a few minutes away, while the airport is half an hour and the rainforest is only 15 minutes by car. Supermarkets and fast food can be found nearby as well.
Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club Villa
Nestled within the foothills of El Yunque National Rain Forest, this one-bedroom villa can be found in the gated Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club on Puerto Rico’s idyllic northeastern coast. This vacation rental lies just a couple hundred yards away from the Bahia’s 2-mile stretch of secluded beach. Also located on the property, the five-diamond St. Regis Bahia Beach boasts a golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., as well as superb dining and spa options.
Amenities include access to concierge services, a pool and beach club, tennis courts, and a wellness center. Complimentary kayaks, mountain bikes, paddle boards, fishing, and nature tours are all available at the boat house. Learn about the 240 species of flora and fauna, exotic birds, and leatherback turtles at the nature center. Hike and explore nearly four miles of nature trails. Vrbo’s nightly rate includes the resort fee and daily golf cart rental.
Piñones Beachfront Villa
This five-bedroom beachfront vacation rental is situated in the Piñones neighborhood of Loíza, which is known as the “The Capital of Traditions.” Here, Puerto Rican heritage is kept alive through bomba and plena music. The area is also famous for the finger food and local restaurants along PR-187. Help yourself to mofongo, pinchos, alcapurrias, bacalaitos, seafood, and more.
Divided into four apartments, the gated property can accommodate up to 13 guests. Not only is there a pool and ocean view, but there is also direct access to the beach and four parking spots in the garage. The terrace, balconies, and beach deck offer plenty of fun in the sun.
A 14-mile boardwalk between the beach and mangrove is perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling. Kayaks, bikes, and jet-skis can all be rented nearby — or you can take a fishing tour. Bomba dancing lessons are also available within walking distance! The airport, popular beach spots, grocery stores, car rentals, restaurants, and nightlife can all be found within five miles.
Mercado Mansion
Nestled in the heart of Old San Juan, this mansion was built for one of San Juan’s earliest rum barons. Two centuries later, it remains one of the most beautiful properties in the old city. A gigantic Roman spa, 18-foot ceilings, marble floors, Moroccan tiles, and a private courtyard can all be yours, if only for a couple of nights!
Old San Juan Suite
Located on one of the quieter streets of Old San Juan, this one-bedroom apartment is steps away from history, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Walk anywhere within Old San Juan, including El Morro Fort and the iconic Calle San Sebastian nightlife. Parking is not included; however, there are parking lots conveniently located nearby — and you really don’t need a car if you’re staying in the old city.
Condado Oceanfront Apartment
Located in the heart of Condado, this one-bedroom apartment is on the first floor, offering direct access to the Condado Lagoon. Kayak, paddle board, lounge in the sun and enjoy the magnificent view. The beach is just a few steps away and restaurants, shops, and casinos, are all within walking distance.
San Juan Oceanfront Apartment
Located in San Juan’s trendy Condado neighborhood, this beachfront apartment is fewer than 5 miles from the airport and Old San Juan. Featuring a Pac-Man arcade machine, the vacation rental’s 500 square feet are tastefully decorated.
Take advantage of luxury amenities, including private beach access, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, and free garage parking. There’s also a gym, tennis court, library, game room, coin-operated laundry, and a convenience store.
San Juan Compound With Pool
Traveling with a crowd? With three separate spaces, this compound offers plenty of space for everyone. Parking for five vehicles is included on the premises. Plus it has a private pool! Ocean Park Beach (a local favorite), major hotels and casinos, restaurants, pubs, gyms, and shopping can all be found within walking distance.
Aguadilla House
Choose from an abundance of pristine beaches within walking distance of this Aguadilla vacation rental. Its crowning glory is the rooftop terrace, where you can watch the sun go down over the ocean.
Located on a great boardwalk that has vendors on the weekend, this house is near anything you could need. Crashboat Beach is just a couple of miles away.
Aguada Beach House
Escape to this quiet oceanfront property to experience beachfront living — coastal breezes, waves lapping against the shore, and stunning sunset views. This ground-level apartment offers easy beach access. A small boat ramp on the property is great for paddle boarding, kayaking, and other water sports.
Surrounded by numerous restaurants, bars, and stores, Rincón’s town plaza is just 10 minutes away. One of the island’s most visited, the town square gets taken over by artisans selling their beautifully made crafts on Thursday nights. Check out Crash Boat Beach (20 minutes away) and Jobos Beach (35 minutes away).
Going with a large group? Let the host know. They have a sister property in the area to accommodate up to 28 guests.
Puntas Penthouse
Located in the heart of Puntas in Rincón, this penthouse condo is just steps from Sandy Beach — one of the most popular beaches and hangout spots in town. Both stories boast breathtaking views of the Caribbean. Enjoy sunset cocktails, dinner, or a game of cornhole on the huge private rooftop terrace. Sip your coffee on the front porch and take in views of the ocean and the pool below. Bars and restaurants are within walking distance, and two parking spots are included.
Oceanview Villa With Pool
Tucked away on a secluded beach on the southeast corner of the island, this oceanview villa has its own pool, outdoor shower, and ping pong table.
Luquillo Apartment
Featuring unbeatable ocean views, this affordable oceanfront apartment is on La Pared Beach. Also known as “The Wall,” this beach is popular as a turtle nesting site and for its surf-worthy waves.
Security guards let guests in and out of the gated property. Plenty of neighborhood restaurants can be found by foot.
Oceanview Condo Near Old San Juan
Overlooking endless Caribbean blue water, this condo has ocean views from every room. Unlike some other vacation rentals in the area, it has been updated with modern decor. Walk to beaches, Old San Juan, Condado (San Juan’s most luxurious district), and eateries.
Lakeview Mountain Home
Surrounded by tropical landscape, this mountain home boasts beautiful views of the valley and lake below. Great for large groups, this spacious seven-bedroom vacation rental can accommodate 32 guests! Need more room? Ask the host about renting the “Glampground.”
Its inland location is easily reached from San Juan or Ponce on Puerto Rico’s southern coast. Camuy River Cave Park, coffee plantations, rivers, and waterfalls are just minutes away!