My Love for the Breathtaking Beauty of Puerto Rico

Boqueron, Puerto Rico

Grouper ceviche mofongo, lechón asado.
Vibrant, bold street art.
La Piratas out of coconuts!
Pristine white sands. Turquoise waters.
Lush rainforests. Historic charm.

Do I need to say more about why I love Puerto Rico?! (I had you at ceviche, right? Obvi. ??)  

Puerto Rico is one of my favorite places to create inspiring itineraries for clients to explore the island's history, culture, cuisine, and natural wonders. Let me tell you why!

From Viejo San Juan to El Yunque rainforest to beach time in Rincón, every single stop is electrifying, chock full of stuff to do, things to eat, beaches to swim, and people to meet! The historic charm of Viejo San Juan, from the impressive forts of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal to the picturesque Calle de la Fortaleza (where it really is mandatory to stop in for a piña colada at Barrachina (which claims to be the birthplace of the Piña Colada!) and a walk down the iconic Paseo de la Princesa. The Govenor’s mansion. Incredible street art on Calle Cerra in Santurce that blew me away. 

All of Puerto Rico’s rich history and vibrant culture on display. 

And the food. Seriously, don’t get me started. Clara de huevo al vapor rellena de queso de cabra y pesto sobre prosciutto (steamed egg white stuffed with goat cheese and pesto on prosciutto) all (wait for it) on…a…waffle! (You read that right. Mind. Blown.) Get the seats outside. The aforementioned Grouper ceviche, Red Snapper (with crazy fried sweet potato strings!), chocolate brownie Baileys & dark chocolate ganache! Yes, I was totally that guy who posted food pics from my Christmas dinner at Oceano. (I dare you not to share your incredible meal!) 

Stay a couple of nights in Dorado. With nothing but blue Caribbean water & beach for miles, Dorado is like the cool, laid-back cousin of San Juan. The vibe is chill beach days, sunshine, sipping on a coconut drink. I found a quiet spot to unwind and then hit up some cool spots for delicious local eats. It's basically a little slice of paradise where time slows down, and you're in vacation mode 24/7. A break from the hustle of the touristy parts of San Juan.

I love to drive along the coast on my way to Rincón. And on the way, stop at Playa Jobos, Isabela, (in my opinion) one of the prettiest beaches in the world! Palm trees and surfing! 

Then, Rincón, which is ah-may-zing! This is where drinking those previously described La Piratas out of coconuts comes into play. On the beach, with a coconut drink, at Tres Palmas. It doesn’t get better than this!

Take a short drive up in the mountains to Red Flamboyan Guesthouse & Restaurant, where I had an amazing meal. A whole grilled fish (Red Snapper here) brought me back to how my mom cooked fresh fish from the market when we lived in Izmir, Turkey. Delicious & simple. – look it up – the drive up in the mountains.  

There’s so much more to do and see (and eat!) in this magical place in the Caribbean.

But now you see it’s obvious that each place in Puerto Rico, from the bustling streets of San Juan to the tranquil beaches of Rincon, holds a special place in my heart. And when we plan your trip, I guarantee it will be just as magical to you. 

Check out my travel story for pics (La Pirata, Ceviche, Beach!), and then reach out to me. Let’s plan a trip to Puerto Rico you’ll never forget!