Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, with its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and rich history, had been on our travel bucket list for a while. When Natasa and I finally planned a four-day trip, we knew we wanted to soak in as much as possible. Our journey took us through the colorful streets of Old San Juan and the lush trails of El Yunque National Forest, creating memories we'll cherish forever.
Day 1: Exploring Old San Juan
We landed in San Juan and headed straight to CasaBlanca Hotel, our charming base in the heart of Old San Juan. The location couldn’t have been more perfect—it felt like we were living in the middle of a postcard. The narrow cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and vibrant energy of the city welcomed us with open arms.
Our first stop was Castillo San Cristobal, a sprawling fortress with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Walking through its historic walls, we marveled at the incredible architecture and the stories it holds from Puerto Rico’s past.
Lunch was at Café Caleta, a cozy spot where we indulged in mofongo, a Puerto Rican classic, paired with refreshing local drinks. Afterward, we wandered into Galleria Botello, a hidden gem showcasing local art and sculptures. It was inspiring to see the talent and creativity of Puerto Rican artists.
The afternoon was all about snacking our way through Old San Juan. We stopped at Cochina Al Fondo for small bites that packed big flavors and sampled treats from a few food trucks along the way. The fusion of traditional and modern Puerto Rican flavors kept our taste buds entertained all day long.
Day 2: El Yunque National Forest
The next day, we rented a car to venture beyond the city. Our destination? The lush and enchanting El Yunque National Forest.
El Yunque National Forest is a tropical wonderland, the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and one of Puerto Rico's most treasured natural gems. Spanning nearly 29,000 acres, El Yunque is home to diverse ecosystems, offering a mix of breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife, and vibrant plant life that create an unforgettable outdoor experience.
From cascading waterfalls to mist-covered peaks, every corner of El Yunque feels like stepping into another world. The forest is famous for its towering trees, thick with vines and moss, and over 240 species of plants, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. It’s also a haven for wildlife, including the iconic Puerto Rican parrot, tree frogs called coquí, and other fascinating creatures that thrive in its tropical climate.
Though some trails were closed due to recent rainfall, we didn’t let that dampen our spirits. We started our adventure with a stop at Yokahu Tower, where panoramic views of the forest stretched as far as the eye could see. The verdant expanse was a sight to behold, with mist rolling over the treetops.
Next, we found a natural swimming pool where we cooled off in crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering greenery. It was a magical moment, feeling so connected to nature.
Our most challenging (and rewarding) part of the day came when we tackled the longer hike from the Palo Colorado Information Center to El Yunque Peak. The trail was steep and muddy in places, but the summit made it all worthwhile. Standing at the peak, surrounded by clouds, we felt like we were on top of the world. The sense of accomplishment, paired with the breathtaking views, made it one of the trip's highlights.
After the lush, green adventure of El Yunque National Forest, it was time to trade the forest for the coast and head west to Aguadilla. This surf town, known for its laid-back vibe and gorgeous beaches, promised a mix of adventure, relaxation, and a bit of quirky exploration.
Day 3: Aguadilla
Our first full day in Aguadilla began with high hopes and surfboards in hand. At Jobos Beach, we stopped by Moku Surf Shop to rent boards and give surfing a try. How hard could it be, right? Well, let’s just say that snowboarding didn’t prepare us for the relentless waves or the infamous "board rash." Catching waves was tougher than it looked, and after about an hour of valiant (but mostly failed) attempts, we were wiped. Surfing is no joke, folks.
Thankfully, the day was far from over. We grabbed a quick bite from a nearby surf shack, enjoying the salty breeze and casual beach vibes. Feeling recharged, we headed to Surfer’s Beach. While we sat on the sand, soaking up the sun, we were treated to a masterclass by actual surfers who made it look effortless.
The real highlight? A short walk from Surfer’s Beach led us to Survival Beach. There was no one there but us, the sound of crashing waves, and a golden sunset painting the sky. It was pure bliss.
As the light faded, we capped off the day at Las Ruinas de Aguadilla Base, an abandoned military base turned graffiti haven. The colorful tags against the crumbling structure made for an artsy, eerie vibe — the perfect place to let your imagination run wild.
For dinner, we stumbled upon Desecheo Mofongo, a cozy spot where we tried mofongo for the first time. This Puerto Rican classic, made from mashed plantains, was hearty, flavorful, and a must-try for anyone visiting the island.
Day 4: Surfing and Ponce
Bright and early, we found ourselves back at Jobos Beach, determined to conquer the waves. But the ocean had other plans. Despite our best efforts, we were still more wipeout warriors than surfers. Exhausted but laughing at ourselves, we returned our boards and decided it was time to hit the road.
On our way to Ponce, we couldn’t resist stopping at a few abandoned buildings we spotted off the highway. Puerto Rico has a way of blending beauty with decay, and these hidden spots added a sense of mystery to our journey.
When we finally arrived in Ponce, the lively town square was buzzing with music, dancing, and people enjoying the sunny afternoon. The energy was contagious, and we soaked it all in before exploring the surrounding streets. Just outside the lively center, we noticed an eerie contrast — many buildings sat abandoned, their history etched into the peeling paint and crumbling facades.
Lunch was at La Casa Del Chef, recommended by a local. The food? Solid but not mind-blowing — think of it as that dependable friend who’s always good company. Would I return? Sure, but I wouldn’t rave about it.
With a few hours to spare before our flight, we made our way to Santa Isabel. Parking along the waterfront, we watched pelicans dive gracefully into the water, scooping up fish with enviable precision. The scene was serene and the perfect way to end our whirlwind Puerto Rico adventure.
