Hola from the Home of Bahía Bioluminiscente A Puerto Rico Travel Diary
Hello from Puerto Rico!
If you’re in the mood for incredible beaches and mouth-watering island fare, then Puerto Rico would be your best bet. This Caribbean treasure has everything you need for an unforgettable tropical getaway, whether it be soft white sands or incredible historical monuments.
The island may be known for its relaxing and peaceful atmosphere; however, it also offers a wealth of adventure for those who are looking for a more thrilling vacation. But regardless of which kind of traveler you are, Puerto Rico will definitely not disappoint!
Friday – Day One
Despite the fact that I usually prefer booking an Airbnb on my trips abroad, I decided to stay at the El Conquistador Resort instead, which was highly recommended to me by several of my friends. Despite its astronomical price, I still found myself thanking them for the suggestion, simply because of the stunning panoramic views that were right outside my window!
After checking in and exploring the resort’s many facilities, I headed off to explore the island’s history. My first stop was Old San Juan, where the massive fortresses, El Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal, are located. With their impressive cannons and ramparts, it’s absolutely unsurprising that these are among Puerto Rico’s most-visited attractions.
While at Old San Juan, I also stopped by the governor’s mansion, which is called La Fortaleza – or, “The Fortress,” in English. This sprawling military structure was a sight to behold, thanks to its beautiful color and well-kept grounds.
If you’re spending an entire day at Old San Juan (like I did), then make sure that you’re accompanied by a local guide. Hearing all about the fascinating historical events that took place on the same exact streets that I was walking on really made for an incredible experience!
Saturday – Day Two
The morning of my second day in Puerto Rico was spent at the El Yunque National Rainforest, whose beauty is unmatched by anything else that I have ever seen. I had so much fun exploring the various hiking trails found here, although my favorite part of the excursion was taking a dip in the swimming pool located at the bottom of La Mina Falls.
These cascading waterfalls are widely regarded as the most well-known spot in the rainforest – a fact corroborated by the hordes of tourists that I encountered while splashing around in the pool.
In the afternoon, I was able to try several famous Puerto Rican dishes, including a dish called Mofongo, which consisted of mashed plantains, and Bacalaítos or salted cod. I was honestly shocked at the depth of flavor that the plantains had!
I was a bit tired from my morning adventure, so I spent the rest of the day chilling on the pristine beaches of Palomino Island. Initially, I had planned on going snorkeling with a few other tourists, but I was so exhausted that I ended up falling asleep inside my cabana!
To cap off my Puerto Rico trip, I booked an excursion to Bahía Bioluminiscente – or “Bioluminescent Bay,” in English. With millions of tiny luminescent organisms floating in its waters, this breathtaking natural phenomenon should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list.
Sunday – Day Three
On my last full day in Puerto Rico, I decided to finally make good on my promise of snorkeling in its incredible waters. According to the resort’s concierge, the Caves at Shaks Beach was widely regarded as the island’s best diving spot, so I booked a three-hour excursion there.
To say that it was an amazing experience would be a huge understatement! Underneath crystal waters was an entire world made out of colorful coral reefs and more than hundreds of different fish species. It was truly a magnificent sight – one that I’m certain can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
I had some time to kill before my flight, so before returning to the resort, I took a quick detour and strolled through the Old Town. I also stopped by a diner called Caficultura, which is known throughout the island for its delicious coffee and brunch-friendly dishes.
Everything in their menu seemed promising, but I eventually went for a coconut-flavored coffee named Cafi Coco. I was also feeling a bit famished from snorkeling, so I also ordered banana-rum pancakes. They were absolutely delicious and I highly recommend them!
After I finished my lunch, it was time to head back to the resort and bid farewell to the phenomenal sights of Puerto Rico.
*****
Puerto Rico was a vacation like no other, but I do wish that I had more time to explore everything that it has to offer. However, the three incredible days that I spent on this island showed me a beauty like no other and for that, I’m grateful.
