Puerto Rico – Not to Miss!

So, After years since I wrote the first Puerto Rico post, back in 2016 by Hello965 friends I finally made it to Puerto Rico and now, the time came where I change it to my own post now, in December 2019! 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

After Colombia (A business trip, to coffee farms around Colombia) I wanted to see more of places I haven’t seen before. A friend of mine and I decided to continue to Island hop in the Caribbean, so since there was two of us, we wanted something friends-friendly and places where there are things to do so we don’t get stuck with all romance and couples and us two haha. Puerto Rico was a great option to start off with! That said, what I liked the most about this island is that there is an option for whatever you’re looking for. Just ask around/research.

So, Finally I made it to Puerto Rico!

I started off with San Juan and decided to stay in Condado Area.

Tha area of Condado is an hour walk from old town, but we used Uber all the time! I recommend you tour of Old San Juan. One of the oldest cities in America with two historic forts, lots of galleries, museum, shopping, restaurants (including Chocobar restaurant yum). Think of Old Havana, smaller, but more picturesque and better maintained. One of the points of the Bermuda Triangle is precisely infront of the San Felipe Fort. I visited El Morro fort, which was the fort built to protect Puerto Rico.

From San Juan, checkout the Tour of El Yunque: The rainforest, also happens to be the one with the highest elevation in the world. It is very pretty but can get crowded with tourist so try to go on a weekday and see if you can find a specialized private tour that can give you access to more secluded trails.

I’ve done a Food Tour with Spoons company, it was really cool and it included a history and food both combined, which was pretty cool and I enjoyed it.

Walked in Paseo De La Princessa, took pictures in. Fortaleza Street (Umbrellas street, really cool!), and check out El Morro Fort.

Before I jump into other things to do in Puerto Rico, here are some hotels that you might wanna checkout or consider depending on your budget ofcourse.

• The Vanderbilt (Fancy, in Condado Area)
• The St. Regis
• Olive (Modern – in Condado area, BEAUTIFUL rooftop)
• Olive Boutique Hotel (A smaller one, boutique, cosier)

Restaurants/Cafes to checkout in San Juan:

• Mermalade Restaurant & Winebar
• STK (stakehouse, super yummy!)
• Santaella
• Chocobar Cortes ofcourse! For lunch ideally and FEAST!
• Cuatro Sombras (Coffee/Cafe)
• La Factoria (A nightlife area after dinner)
• Jose Enrique
• Musa
• The restaurant at Olive Boutique Hotel, Sage
• Ropa Vieja, casual but heard great things!

Other things to do in Puerto Rico, other than San Juan:

1.Visit Vieques island, an island municipality 8 miles off the coast. This place is filled with virgen beaches with easy access, top of the line restaurants, boutique hotels (there´s a W hotel) and the bioluminescent bay i told you about (should be visited when there is no moon because it shines much brighter). You should spend atleast 2 nights here

2. Kayaking the Parguera mangroves: Imagine waist deep crystal clear water among bushes that grow on the water on a natural reserve. You can rent houses that stand on the water

3. Visit Culebra Island: Another island like Vieques and very near to it as well. It is much smaller and less developed. It´s more for locals because a lot of the better beaches are only accessible by boat but they are probably the best in all of Puerto Rico. Flamenco beach is here which is accessible by car and is always among the top beaches in the world

4. Stay in Rincón: Surfers paradise on the northwest point of the island. Lazy town famous for surfers where you can take classes for surfing

5.  Stay at one of the 6 star hotels (yes 6 as opposed to 5): These are the St. Regis at Bahia Beach and The Ritz Reserve in Dorado. Its the ultimate in luxury and relaxation with some of the best golf and private extensive beaches. It is also super expensive but if you have the cash it truly is a real treat. I personally like Ritz Reserve at Dorado more because the beach is nicer but at the St. Regis you have the rain forest right behind you

6. Tour of Camuy Caves: One of the largest underwater rivers are here and some of the most breathtaking caves in the world

7. Eco Adventures in Utuado: Maybe the best preserved part of the island. Like the rainforest without the crowds. Also happens to be one of the finest coffee growing regions in the world. There are a multitude of different tours you can do from ziplining to tube tours on the river

8. Visit the traditional food shacks in Cayey in the center of the island. The main attraction is the roasted pork which i know you´re not fond of but when in Rome do as the Romans!

Finally, a BIG THANK YOU to my friend Ignacio Cortes for this amazing list! Recommendations while I was there and for ChocoBar Cortes!!

Hope to see you soon, Nacho!

Hello965