Traveling is something I will never get tired of and in this post, I want to show you why Puerto Rico has to be your next travel destination.
I want to begin by saying that my husband is Puerto Rican, and his family has been living there for many many years.
Honestly, before meeting him I probably heard of this country, but it was only the name. I never knew about its location, culture, or language and I could never imagine that one day I would get married to Puerto Rican and travel to that beautiful island.
Last summer we had a chance to visit Puerto Rico and I have so many things to say about it that I don’t think one post is going to be enough.
We had a chance to visit some places from the list below, but some are still on our bucket list!
Let’s dive in!
1. “Las Salinas” in Cabo Rojo.
It was the first time when I saw pink lakes!
The phenomenon of pink water is caused by the salinity of salt flats. I think it’s one of the most scenic stops on the southwest side of the island where you can admire nature.
Those hypersaline lagoons were modified for the production of salt. Amazing fact is that there’s also a specific type of shrimps that help with the production of salt and they are one of the factors for the reddish color of the flats.
2. “Cueva Ventana” in Arecibo
Cueva Ventana meaning “window cave” is surely one of the most stunning caves out there with an impressive view to the valley below.
It takes about 50 minutes of hiking and climbing to get to the cave, but this is something that is worth it!
Tour guides will introduce you to the animals living there, plants, history of Tainos, who were inhabitants of the Caribbean many years ago.
3. Bioluminescent Bay
There are 5 bioluminescent bays in the whole world and 3 of them are in Puerto Rico! The other two are in Jamaica and Vietnam.
The glowing phenomenon is caused by single-celled microorganisms called dinoflagellates. These organisms glow whenever they are touched or disturbed in any way and there are billions of them in the water!
As I said, there are three bays, and all of them are beautiful, but Mosquito Bay (that’s what it’s often called) in Vieques is the largest one.
Since Vieques is a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico, it requires an overnight trip, because during the daytime you won’t see it light up. It’s the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, so it is worth it.
But if you cannot make it to Vieques, you can still go to Laguna Grande in Fajardo and La Parguera in Lajas.
4. Old San Juan
I am the luckiest because I had a chance to visit this beautiful place. It’s the most popular destination for travelers and I understand why!
Old San Juan feels more like a living gallery, it’s like stepping into a rich exhibit of colorful, elegant paintings of Spanish colonial architecture, and the best way to explore Old San Juan is by foot.
It is so charming and super romantic, and it has an incredible 500 years of history with its massive fortresses El Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal.
They are the most visited attractions on the island, because their cannons, ramparts, and layered defenses have guarded the walled city for centuries!
I will surely visit Old San Juan again, there’s so much more to explore!
5. Toro Verde Adventure Park
If you are looking for some extreme adventure on vacation, you should visit Toro Verde!
They offer different tours such as zip-lining — either regular (sitting) or laying facedown; maneuvering across suspended bridges; climbing up & rappeling down rock walls; and mountain biking!
Visiting Todo Verde is on my bucket list, specifically “The Monster” zip line.
It is officially the longest Zipline of the AMERICAS, with a 2.5km (8202 feet) cable, YES, you read right! It reached a flight speed up to 152.8km/h (94,4 mph). But the scenery seems so worth it!
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6. Beaches
Puerto Rico has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, offering you lots of activities ranging from world-class surfing, and snorkeling to admiring an amazing sunset view.
These are the beaches you should not miss when visiting Puerto Rico:
- 1.Flamenco Beach, Culebra
Flamenco Beach’s claim to fame is a #2 rating on the Discovery Channel’s list of best beaches in the world.
- 2. Playa Crash Boat
It is one of the most popular beaches around Rincón areas and is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, especially north of the pier and around its iconic bridge.
The area around Rincón on Puerto Rico’s west coast became famous for surfing after hosting the 1968 World Surfing Championships
- 3. Survival Beach
This is not an easy beach to access. You will need to climb on and off, hike along the ocean, sometimes on water, sometimes through the boulders, and sometimes on land. But the final reward to swim when no one is around at the big and beautiful beach is well worth it!
THERE ARE SO MANY AMAZING BEACHES THAT I THINK IT JUST WON’T BE ENOUGH TO TALK ABOUT ALL OF THEM IN ONE POST.
Let’s keep it on!
7. Bacardi Rum Factory
“The Casa Bacardi”, based in San Juan (the capital of Puerto Rico), is the largest rum distillery in the world!
The Bacardi family was initially based in Cuba from where they started producing rum. Later on, they moved to San Juan in 1936 and started producing the famous Bacardi Rum from there.
They provide tours, where you will have an opportunity to know more about the story behind the world’s most-awarded rum, you can even taste and mix the best types of rum!
8. Observatorio de Arecibo
Arecibo Observatory is a huge dish-style telescope in the middle of the jungle that gathers radio signals from regions of star formation, planets, distant galaxies, and the atmosphere.
It’s part of the National Astronomy and Lonosphere Center in Puerto Rico.
You can visit the museum, watch a short film about its history, and go out onto the observation deck to see the telescope. There are many interactive displays in the museum and it would be good for kids.
9. Gilligan’s Island
Another must-visit place is Gilligan’s Island!
The official name is Cayo Aurora, but people call it Gilligan’s Island.
It is a tiny island, a mile off the coast of Guanica (southwest of Puerto Rico), surrounded by mangrove trees. The view is amazing, water is warm, crystal, and beautiful.
When we went there we took everything with us, snacks, drinks, because it’s a wild island with no stores.
You will need to take a boat that will bring you right to the island in a couple of minutes. For sure it was a great experience!
10. Try Local Food
Oh, we came to my favorite part, FOOD!
It was the first time I had a chance to try Puerto Rican traditional cuisine and it was so different but very delicious.
Here’s some Puerto Rican food that you must try before you leave:
1.Mofongo
Mofongo is made of mashed plantains (I call them green bananas ), seasoned with garlic, and salt, and can be stuffed with chicken, beef, seafood, or vegetables.
It is very versatile and can be served with different sides. My favorite was Mofongo stuffed with seafood in sauce and for a side – arroz con gandules, which is another typical food there.
2. Arroz Con Gandules
So here it is, Arroz Con Gandules is made with white rice, peas, tomato sauce, capers, seasoning, and sofrito, which is a cooking base made from cilantro, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Sofrito gives the rice its unique flavor.
I think the recipe can vary from one family or restaurant to another. But it’s a very common side dish that is good with everything.
3. Tostones
Most Puerto Ricans love tostones, whether they’re still living there or have moved away. But you know what, I understand them because tostones are so good!
Tostones are made with plantains (or breadfruit), sliced, flattened, and double-fried. Various dipping sauces typically accompany an order of tostones, with the most popular being a blend of ketchup and mayonnaise called mayo ketchup.
4. Empanadillas
It is a fried meat pie, that can be stuffed with ground beef, chicken, or cheese. It is a little bit greasy but yummy. Empanadilla reminded me of a goodie that we have in my country, Kazakhstan (called Cheburek).
5. Pernil
Pernil is a roasted marinated pork. Commonly, Puerto Rican families roast an entire pig at family celebrations and parties.
A lot of people love its crunchy skin, that was a little bit too greasy for me, but the meat is so tender.
There’s much more delicious food and drinks you will find in Puerto Rico (we’ve been drinking Mojitos almost every day because they were so good and cheap!)
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Have you ever visited Puerto Rico, or are you planning to? What is your Bucket List Destination?
