We recently traveled back to San Juan, Puerto Rico to celebrate my brother’s birthday. Our first trip was during the coronavirus pandemic, and I published this post that shares highlights and recommendations from the trip broken down by protocols, lessons and experiences. Most of what I said in that post is still true, with the exception of COVID protocols, but I am sharing some updates here.
Although our time was spent in San Juan, on both trips, it was a completely different experience. During the first trip we engaged with the culture and did a lot of exploring. This time around, we filled our schedule with excursions and visited places that were closed during the pandemic like the El Yunque Rainforest and CASA Bacardi.
When I travel, I like to participate in activities that are unique to the place I’m visiting and that are inaccessible in places I’ve lived or southern California, where I currently reside.
ISLAND ADVENTURES
I was excited to visit the El Yunque Rainforest, because it is the only tropical rainforest in the US national park system. I enjoyed learning about different plants and creatures that call the forest their home. It was also a really cool experience to zip line across the forest in a series of five routes and descending a peak through rappelling. I felt like I was in an action film.
In addition to the rain forest and zip lining, we spent several hours in the pool at our beachfront Airbnb and on a private boat. We also explored the “great outdoors” of Puerto Rico on ATVs. Those experiences were cool and great bonding opportunities.
Photo courtesy of @YunqueZiplining
Sharing meals is one of my favorite ways to spend quality time together. We enjoyed food prepared by my cousin Daja and a private chef at our Airbnb. We also indulged in the tastes of Puerto Rico at restaurants and other eateries. We didn’t visit any of the same places from the first visit as a group, but my sister, Jaslyn (Lyn), and I stayed a day later and returned to some places from our 2020 trip. Here are food and beverage options I recommend.
FOOD & BEVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
From the aesthetic floral entrance and decor to the affordable menu options, Christianson is a great stop to add to your list. My sister and I tried each flavor of their $4 empanadas, and while they were all good and flavorful, the beef was our favorite. We shared two orders. The other menu items looked amazing as well.
Whether you’re a big fan of pina coladas or not, Barrachina is a must-visit stop for Old San Juan visitors. It’s the home of the original pina colada. We didn’t go as a group, but Lyn and I couldn’t leave without going back.
Located right next to the beach, Donde Olga was a great stop where we enjoyed fresh seafood and mofongo on our first trip.
We had a late dinner here on our first night of the trip and enjoyed a great waterfront meal to kick off our stay.
Dinner and drinks with a view at Eter was a great way to bring in Trent’s birthday. The rooftop views and ambiance was my favorite elements of the evening beyond more quality time with the crew.
CASA Bacardi
Although the menu was limited, the beef turnovers (empanadas) were very tasty and perfect to end the tour and rum tasting.
I loved our visit and learning about the history of the brand and rum production process. There are three options currently $200 VIP, $75 rum tasting or mixology and $35 legacy tour. We chose for the rum tasting option because we wanted historical insights and an experience.
I took notes but don’t want to “spoil” the visit for those who want to visit. Let me know if you’d like me to share more. If you’re like me and enjoy history beyond books, I’d recommend the tour. If not, it may not be worth your time and money.
I’m pretty sure each tour includes a gift shop visit. Even if you don’t want to buy rum or merch, there’s a great photo wall at the exit that makes the visit worthwhile.
Although Puerto Rico is home of CASA Bacardi, natives claim Don Q as true Puerto Rican rum. I have to admit it’s very smooth. I recently learned that its original flavors are also sold here on the mainland.
NIGHT LIFE
La Placita was a hot spot recommended for nightlife. We started Trent’s birthday with a reserved section and bottle at Tulum.
Although the streets were lively and crowded, the crowd seemed to consist of primarily late teens to mid-twenty-somethings. We didn’t spend too much time in n La Placita, but enjoyed the few hours we were there. Because our adventures started at 7:30 a.m., we were all too tired for bar hopping. It’s possible that the late 20- mid 30 crowd were at places we missed, but we had a good time before heading back to the Airbnb.
As I mentioned earlier my two trips in San Juan were unique and enjoyable experiences. While I ado think I got a good sense of the island and culture and would return again, there many other places on the mainland and beyond I’d like to visit first.
Have you ever been to Puerto Rico? What were your favorite experiences or recommendations I shared above that you’d like to explore on a future visit? Share in the comments below or connect with me on social media @jasmineCtate.
Hugs & Handshakes,
Jasmine