Puerto Rico, United States

El Yunque National Forest

10 days in Puerto Rico. It was truly a special time. My first time here and I can’t wait to go back. I spent time in San Juan, went to El Yunque National Forest, and chilled out in the surfer town of Rincon.

I suggest booking Airbnb’s for San Juan and Rincon. Also, rent a car if you plan on exploring the Island.

San Juan

  • Hang out on the grass fields near Castillo San Felipe del Morro. People like to fly kites in this area. I took a nap on the grass. It was nice.

  • Viejo San Juan - Although touristy, it is worth seeing. The colorful buildings and old town has such a charm to it. I enjoyed walking around. Wear comfy shoes as the ground is all cobblestone. A lot of good food and drinks around here.

  • El Morro - a beautiful castle with views

  • Calle De La Fortaleza  - definitely a street to go to for pictures. There are a lot of restaurants and bars on this strip too! People love to come here for the colorful umbrellas.

  • La Placita de Santurce- If you’re in the mood to go dancing, I suggest you hit up this area. Club Vibra, Orale, Garabatos are a few.

  • El Yunque National Forest- This is a given. You must go here. I loved every moment spent inside this beautiful forest. From the waterfalls to the hikes to the insane views, it’s so worth it. We did the El Yunque Trail. Challenging but worth it.

Food:

  • El Jibarito - Real authentic Puerto Rican food. Cheap prices and great drinks.

  • Cafe Berlin - I liked this place for brunch.

  • Marmalade

  • Cayo Caribe

  • 1919

  • SUR Barra Nikkei

  • Sazón Cocina Criolla 

  • Chocobar Cortés

Rincon/West Side of the Island

Buyé Beach

  • Crash Boat Beach - Not exactly Rincon, but nearby. Only a 30 min drive from the airbnb we stayed at. It’s located in Aguadilla. A beautiful beach that I highly suggest visiting! Waters were very calm to swim in and they had food trucks on the beach as well. Parking can be tricky so I suggest coming early!

  • After the beach we got food at Sal De Mar - DELICIOUS. 10/10. We sat outdoors and the rooftop had amazing views.

  • Survival Beach - Beautiful white sand. I had to hike about 10-20 minutes to get here but the view was stunning. I didn’t swim. Just laid out for a bit. Definitely worth it!

  • Gozalandia Falls - Nearby Rincon, you can drive out to this waterfall destination and cool off in nature. I really enjoyed this. A beautiful waterfall with some bathing ponds in a forest setting. Nothing like being in nature.

  • Cabo Rojo - We drove down to Buyé Beach for the day and it was definitely a family friendly beach. Something to keep in mind but the sand and water was incredible and it’s worth visiting.

  • Night life in Poblado de Boquerón - It was really fun to drink passion fruit mojitos and dance the night away. Definitely a lively area for going out.

Food:

  • Red Flamboyán - We ate outside and it felt like we were eating in a treehouse. Truly the views AND the food were incredible. The hot sauce was out of this world and I ordered the Mofongo. 20/10.

  • Jake’s Java - Breakfast

  • Cafe Puya - Breakfast

  • Harbor Restaurant - Puerto Rican cuisine

Gozalandia Falls

Danielle Giordano