Puerto Rico- 2024

Hola Mi Gente! Exploring Puerto Rico as First-Timers

Puerto Rico will always have a special place in my heart. Growing up, I traveled there often with my family since we have extended relatives in Bayamón. But after all these years, I never returned as an adult ….until the summer of 2024, when my husband and I decided to experience the island together. This trip was extra special because, while I had childhood memories of PR, it was my husband’s first time ever!

Visiting family is one thing, but exploring Puerto Rico as a tourist is a whole new adventure. We intentionally hit up many tourist attractions, local hotspots, and even some tourist traps to fully immerse ourselves. Here’s a look at our unforgettable itinerary!

Staying in Old San Juan

We stayed in Old San Juan, surrounded by colorful buildings, historic forts, cobblestone streets, and stunning ocean views. It’s a must-visit for first-timers, filled with history, culture, and delicious food at every corner.

Sweet Welcome at Mr. Kukis

One of our first stops was Mr. Kukis, Puerto Rico’s version of Crumbl, offering exotic, oversized cookies. I tried the churro cookie, and let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious! Right outside the shop was the iconic black-and-white Puerto Rican flag mural, a famous photo spot symbolizing resilience and protest. While on that street, stop in to the local souvenir shops for some AC breaks and shopping. You might even find a cute little chair to sit on for a breather!…

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Touring Castillo San Felipe del Morro

A visit to El Morro is like stepping back in time. This massive 16th-century fortress was built by the Spanish to defend San Juan from attacks. Walking through its tunnels, towering walls, and breathtaking ocean views was an incredible experience. Right outside, we cooled off with an ice-cold piragua (Puerto Rican shaved ice) before continuing our adventure.

©️victoriaam

Strolling Through the Bird Sanctuary Park

As we walked through Old San Juan, we came across a small park filled with colorful parrots! Though we skipped the tourist traps of holding birds for photos, we enjoyed watching them interact while dining at La Danza, a great spot to relax and take in the sights.

UTV Adventure in El Yunque Rainforest

One of the highlights of our trip was an UTV ride through El Yunque Rainforest with Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park. We rode up the lush trails, stopping to enjoy authentic roadside food stands and even took a refreshing dip in the river. The park also offers horseback riding and go-karts for those looking for more adventure! On the tour itself you stop at the top of the mountain for views of the rainforest. There’s a small cafe, bathroom stop and river to swim.

©️victoriaam

Casa Bacardí - A Must-Do Tour

If you love rum, Casa Bacardí is a must! This tour was one of my favorites - we got to taste different rums, learn the history of Bacardí, dance to live music, and even customize our own bottle! My husband and I bought one to save for our 10th wedding anniversary, making this experience extra special.

©️victoriaam

10/10 Dining at Bebo’s Café

Bebo’s Café was recommended by my uncle and some locals - it did not disappoint. The pork was out of this world, and the casual, no-frills atmosphere made it feel truly authentic. I think what was even better then the food was the portion sizes!!! Oh man were we stuffed after or what! Right outside, there was a huge mural, another must-see photo spot! I didn’t get to take a clear photo of it but Google “La Calle Loiza es Arte”. You have probably seen it before. There is also a “bookstore” of bins located on the same street as a mural.

Wrapping Up With Breakfast & Shopping

On our last day, we enjoyed breakfast at Los Pinos (highly recommend!) before heading to Plaza Las Americas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean. We picked up souvenirs and mango smoothies to savor the island flavors one last time.

©️victoriaam

Final Stop: Districto T-Mobile

Before heading to the airport, we stopped at Districto T-Mobile, a modern entertainment hub featuring outdoor stores, massive LED screens, and even life-sized Troll sculptures! It was surreal seeing this place in person after watching it on TV during New Year’s Eve ball drops. A perfect way to end our Puerto Rican adventure!

An Unforgettable Experience

This trip was everything I hoped for and more! Seeing Puerto Rico through both nostalgic childhood memories and fresh adult eyes was an incredible feeling. But what made it even more special was experiencing it with my husband for the first time.

If you’re thinking about visiting PR, DO IT! Whether you’re into history, nature, adventure, or just amazing food, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island. Until next time, Puerto Rico!