Puerto Rico: Island of Enchantment

Enchanted by Puerto Rico

Home to the only tropical rainforest in the U.S.

16th century forts.

Bioluminescent bays.

Gorgeous beaches. Warm people. Salsa. Coquito. Plantain EVERYTHING.

I could go on and on.

These are just some of the things that make Puerto Rico the ‘Island of Enchantment’.

I stayed in Condado the first time I visited.  Like Boca Grande in Colombia, Condado is known as the “mini South Beach”.

Hotel: The Condado Plaza Hilton

This hotel is a sprawling beauty in the middle of the Condado area.

One side has standard size rooms. The other has suites.

I was upgraded to a junior suite when the room type I booked wasn’t available.

The hotel has 4 pools and a Denny’s on-site.

It averages in the mid $200’s per night.

If you catch a sale (like I did on Expedia), you can find it for much less.

Places to Eat in Condado:

Orozco’s Restaurant: If you’re looking for quick and affordable breakfast lunch or dinner, this is a great spot. They have a few tables outside to people watch.

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Pinky’s: This is a sandwich and shakes spot within walking distance of the Hilton (across from La Concha). It’s a small but popular spot. Early arrival is recommended.

Ben and Jerry’s: I was surprised how crowded it was here! My cravings made me wait despite the long line.

La Perla: Sadly La Perla has closed. It was a pearl-shaped restaurant connected to La Concha Hotel. It was a place to have an elegant dinner on the water.

Beaches frame Condado, so you don’t have to leave the area. I used them mostly as a photo opp.

Catano Ferry to Bacardi Visitor Center

The ferry ($0.50 per person) is one way to get to Bacardi if you’re not driving. Once you get off, Bacardi is a short Uber ride away.

Bacardi has three tour options (Historical Tour, Rum Tasting, and Mixology Tour). I did the first one at $15 plus tax and it includes a souvenir drink of your choice at the bar.

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Puerto Rico Café: This café was recommended through Trip Advisor. It’s a small dine-in. My favorite part was the drinks served in mason jars.

Old San Juan

My 1^st trip to Old San Juan was met with rain. Before it came down, I was able to do some strolling and came across a Haitian Arts and Crafts Store.

My second visit was a brutally hot day that made me want to avoid the sun.

I had planned on seeing both forts. By the time my solo photo shoot was over, I was drained.

I ended up only doing El Morro.

TIP: Get to the forts as early as possible due to the heat.

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The driver I had arranged with the Airbnb took me around to various photo spots in La Perla.

He ended up overcharging me for his “services”. That was my fault for accepting his vague response instead of an exact rate.

To think I considered paying for his food when we stopped to eat at Los Pinos Cafe. I ordered a creamy chicken breast, beans and rice, and plantains.

I enjoyed the 3fongo with mashed plantains (pictured below) and can’t recall the other starches.

The Airbnb

I was just looking for somewhere safe, clean and comfortable to lay my head for the night. I figured $50 wasn’t a bad deal either.

TIP: I always like to travel at least a day early to ensure I don’t miss my cruise.

The place had decent reviews. You get what you pay for and I wasn’t impressed.

This was my first time not having the “entire place for myself”.

It was a “not so private” room with its own bathroom. I didn’t like the fact of being able to hear people washing clothes outside my door or coming/going.

This taught me that I’m not ready for “that hostel life”.

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Calle Fortaleza

Barrachina Restaurant is the birthplace of the pina colada. Though I love pineapples, I’m usually not a fan of the drink.

My curiosity got the better of me and I ordered one.

I’m glad I did. It was sweet, pretty, and refreshing!

Barrachina is also the spot where you can store luggage. They don’t charge a fee, you just leave a tip.

La Fortaleza or the governor’s mansion is on the same street. This is where the popular umbrellas once hung.

After all of the political unrest in Puerto Rico, they have been replaced with the Puerto Rican Flag. All over town, the graffiti from the protests could still be seen on buildings.

Some showed their displeasure with the Puerto Rico’s flag being changed to a black and white version.

I had booked two tours through Airbnb Experiences. They had a BOGO offer that I was too excited to take advantage of!

At the last minute, one of the tours got canceled. I missed the second one due to traffic. Both were walking tours in San Juan.

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Carnival Fascination

I have easy access to the Port of Miami and Port Everglades. They both have Southern Caribbean itineraries.

I was so focused on Puerto Rico’s route that I didn’t do my due diligence with the ship and timing of my cruise. I was also excited about taking my first solo trip in the month of December.

The cruise fell on the first week and little did I know, it seemed like every family in Puerto Rico had the same idea. My cruise was filled with children, wheelchairs, canes, long lines, and language barriers.

I won’t bore you with the details but I doubt that I will be cruising out of Puerto Rico anytime soon, especially around the holidays.

Do you have a least favorite port or cruise experience?

**Click here for the latest Puerto Rico travel advisory.

Poof..Bee Gone

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