Puerto Rican sunshine and smiles; an adventure for the adventurer
Have you always thought about heading over to Puerto Rico, but like many, thinking you need a passport?
Well, I am here to share with you that you do not need a passport or foreign currency to take a few days away. It’s really easy to head to the glimmers and glistens of pristine beach waters in Puerto Rico or colorful rainbow painted buildings along old town San Juan. Add in the smiles and friendliness of the locals, you are in for a treat.
One thing though that I must warn you of, is if renting a car, driving around San Juan and the 100 mile long Island is not for the faint of heart.
Potholes the size of craters, streets that need some work, one way lanes meant for one car, but two cars will happily pass by each other, without running each other off the road. That excitement and extravagance is what you will experience when visiting ‘La Isla verde,’ the green island.
My trip began on the east coast after touching down in San Juan. I grabbed a rental car and got on the road to find something for lunch. I was told by the guy at the rental car place that I would have to try the best mofongo in San Juan. I did try mofongo for the first time and it was truly lovely, but after having it another time elsewhere on the islanl I was officially convinced that first spot was not ‘the best mofongo,’ on the island.
Yes, Puerto Rico is an island and is also a part of the United States, but when you arrive, you will quickly agree, or maybe disagree that it doesn’t feel like a U.S. colony.
I did actually like the Manati area as I felt a bit off the beaten path. I was able to check the area out to include some beaches I wouldn’t have otherwise seen. As seen below you can see the gorgeous views of Mar Chiquita beach. This beach was not one you would want to swim in if you are not a strong swimmer, but the cool aspect is the rock adventures you could have and also there are little wading pools that are super calm for adults and children alike. I loved laying on the beach and listening to the waves crash, along with watching the dare devils who did want to brave the waters. I chose to avoid the waves and go into the wading pools for fear of rip currents in the area where the waves were.
After about six hours exploring San Juan it was getting dark so I headed to my hotel (on points), the Hyatt Manati. Manati was about a two hour drive from Old San Juan, but due to last minute planning and available points this is where I ended up.
From Manati I headed to the west side of the island and explored a few more beaches. I spent time in Cabo Rojo and Buyé beach and on my last day I drove up the coast to Rincón. I definitely enjoyed Rincón, but only had a few hours to spend, so I would definitely go back and spend time in Rincón.
A Restaurant that you must visit if visiting the west coast of Puerto Rico is Bamboleio. A friend of mine is long time friends with the founders. The food and service is delightful all for a fair price overlooking the water. I truly enjoyed the mofongo here, if you fancy that, as it is fresh and tasty and will keep your appetite satiated. Also, their ginger lemonade is so refreshing that I recommend that if you are looking for something to tantalize your tastebuds. It was so delightful I grabbed one to go, to have after a day at the beach.
Lastly, I will say I wish I had more time on the east side of the island, but due to the fact my trip happened in the midst of spring break I didn’t get to do a few of the things I wanted to do. I do hope to go back to Puerto Rico someday and vist the National forest, El Yunque along with spend some time on the island of Culebra and Vieques.
Either way, the locals are all super friendly and always up for a great time. You cannot go wrong, however you choose to spend your time in Puerto Rico.
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