Did you know that Puerto Rico is an archipelago? The Caribbean island consists of a main island with four small islands. Puerto Rico also has hundreds of cays and islets. The people of Puerto Rico are inviting and joyous! They have a sense of pride in their culture and heritage which is a combination of Taino, Spanish, and African traditions.

Looking for an energetic vibe and exquisite food – Puerto Rico is the place to go!

Getting There

My trip began with a flight from Miami to San Juan. Then, from there it was about a two hour drive before we reached the Solarea Beach Resort.

Getting Around

When we arrived, we rented a car from the Palmas del Mar as they provided hotel pick up. The cost of a rental car was around $55 per day. All of the cars that are provided were reliable.

Where to Stay 

There is an array of resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals to stay while in Puerto Rico. I stayed at the Solarea Beach Resort which is the most exclusive resort community in Palmas del Mar. It is located off of Punta Candelero in the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico. This beautiful resort is the perfect environment for relaxation and disconnecting from the daily grind. A nice little recharge while being surrounded by tropical beauty.

What to Do in Puerto Rico 

Visit El Yunque National Forest

This is the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest Service. The name is derived from the Yuke which is what the indigenous Taino people defined as “white lands.” There is so much to do here! You can go hiking on the La Coca Trail, where you can find yourself cooling off in one of the several ponds along the trail, or the El Angelito Trail, to hop on the rope swing and travel up the 4km hike towards its’ lagoon. The plant and wildlife is so fruitful! If you want to get an immaculate view, go to the Yokahú Observation Tower.

Old San Juan

This historical city consists of 400 restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th- century. The bright pastel and candy colored buildings just make you feel happy!  Old San Juan is the second oldest city in established in the New World. You will experience an enchanting and romantic aura from this city. As well as, breathtaking views of the Atlantic and San Juan Bay. There is so much to do: historic attractions, museums, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

La Parguera 

This bioluminescent bay is located in Lajas which is at the southwestern corner of Puerto Rico.  If you would like to gaze at the bioluminescent organisms, take a glass-bottom boat ride and spend the night. We took a boat ride out to the bioluminescent bay In fact, this is the only bay where motorboats can come in and out. If you would like to take a dive after dark, there are guided tours.

Day Trip to Cayo Santiago 

I had the opportunity to visit the pristine island Cayo Santiago, also known as, the “Monkey Island” is home to over 2,000 rhesus macaque monkeys. Essentially, it is an untouched beach where people can travel to and hang out.

Eating in Puerto Rico

There is so much wonderful food to try on the island. While experiencing the magical city of Old San Juan, I was able to try the Pina Colada at Barrachina Restaurant. They have a plaque outside of the restaurant proclaiming that Ramon Portas Mingot created the popular cocktail in 1963. I can still imagine the aroma and taste of mofongo, arroz con ganders, and empanadas. All of these dishes are so delicious. Try them when you touch down in Puerto Rico!  Here is a list of a few more authentic Puerto Rican foods to try:

• Tostones and amarillos: Absolutely, delicious way to eat plantain. Tostones are made from green plantain whereas amarillos are made from ripe plantains.
• Lechon Asado: To prepare this delicacy, first, a whole pig (lechón) is marinated in adobo (a mix of garlic, oregano, black pepper, vinegar, and water) and then slowly roasted over coals for several hours until the meat is juicy and the skin crispy.
• Pasteles: A true local specialty, pasteles resemble tamales and are traditionally made with green banana masa stuffed with stewed pork meat. Occassionally, yuca or other root vegetables are added. They can be stuffed with chicken or bacalao (salted cod). Most recently, vegan versions have been introduced.
• Besitos de Coco: The name of these golden treats means, coconut kisses. So delightful! Sometimes they come in spheres, squares, or rich mounds of sweetness. They are crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside with subtle coconut flavor throughout.
• Quesitos: Puerto Rico’s most popular treat and can be found almost everywhere – from bakeries to coffee shops and even supermarkets. Imagine a cigar-shaped, melt-in-your-mouth flaky crust filled with luscious sweet cream cheese (usually whipped with eggs, vanilla, and sugar) drizzled with light honey or caramelized sugar glaze, sometimes combined with guava or chocolate.