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Puerto Rico: Island of Enchantment

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.

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.

PUERTO RICO: ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT

Catano Ferry to Bacardi Visitor Center

PUERTO RICO: ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT

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.

PUERTO RICO: ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT
Cuba Libre, Mojito, Daiquiri

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.

PUERTO RICO: ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT
PUERTO RICO: ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT
PUERTO RICO: ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT

Old San Juan

My 1st 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.

PUERTO RICO: ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT

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.

PUERTO RICO: ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT
Typical Puerto Rican meal

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”.

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.

PUERTO RICO: ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT
PUERTO RICO: ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT
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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30 Comments

  • Reply
    Pyotr
    March 22, 2020 at 8:30 am

    Some interesting and different insights. I wrote a guide too so appreciate this 👌

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      March 22, 2020 at 10:44 am

      Hi there, thank you so much!!! 🙂

      • Reply
        Carista
        June 29, 2020 at 2:50 pm

        My boyfriend is Puerto Rican, so I was immediately drawn to this post! It looks like a beautiful place with AMAZING food!

        • Reply
          poofbeegone
          July 1, 2020 at 3:49 pm

          Hi Carista, you’re absolutely correct!!! You should visit someday! 😉

  • Reply
    Mike
    March 27, 2020 at 11:06 am

    I really want to visit Puerto Rico. When all this blows over I will have to go and follow your advice. Thanks.

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      March 30, 2020 at 6:41 am

      Hi Mike! IKR! We’re all waiting on that “Go” Date! Bee Well! 🙂

  • Reply
    Rabab Mahir
    March 28, 2020 at 9:38 am

    I also solo travel! Puerto Rico is so beautiful ❤️ Take care x

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      March 30, 2020 at 6:26 am

      Hi Rabab, great taste! Thanks! 🙂

  • Reply
    Debbie
    April 10, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    Aw, that was so sweet! I’m from Puerto Rico so it warmed my heart to read your post. Thank you for your great post about my little island!

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      April 13, 2020 at 3:35 pm

      Hi Debbie! Thank you! I love PR!!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Jenny
    June 9, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    Puerta Rico is our favorite island. We were planning on July, but not sure that’s gonna happen. Of all the times we have been, I have not tried the Piña Colada from Barrachina. I promise to check it out next time.

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      June 17, 2020 at 12:00 pm

      Hi Jenny, hope you get the all clear soon and make it to Barrachina! Fingers crossed for all of our travel dreams!

  • Reply
    Mary Antonette
    June 29, 2020 at 9:38 am

    Would love to visit here! Great insights and pictures! 🙂

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      July 1, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      Hi Mary, thanks….hope you get to soon! 🙂

  • Reply
    Beth
    June 29, 2020 at 11:26 am

    Wow, such a great write-up! I’ll plead ignorance here, and say that I honestly only thought of Puerto Rico as the island mentioned in West Side Story (don’t get me wrong – I knew it was a real place, just that I never really gave much thought to it. I never realised just how beautiful the island was. Would you say the island is safe for tourists? I’d be very interested to learn more with the hope of visiting in the future.

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      July 1, 2020 at 3:47 pm

      Hi Beth..thanks for your honesty…this is a judgment-free zone! I would say to take normal precautions but I’ve always felt safe visiting. 🙂

  • Reply
    The Traveller's Wife
    June 29, 2020 at 11:42 am

    Love those pics! Looks like you had a great time!

  • Reply
    Under flowery sky
    June 29, 2020 at 12:36 pm

    Sounds so amazing, only to hear about the forts and salsa.
    The crafts are also something unique to see.

  • Reply
    Anuradha
    June 29, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    I do solo travel sometimes, but have never been to the other side of the world! Would love to visit Puerto Rico one day!

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      July 1, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      Hi there, PR awaits you when travel is clear!!! 🙂

  • Reply
    ally
    June 29, 2020 at 10:39 pm

    Sounds amazing—I cannot wait to check out Puerto Rico

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      July 1, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      Hi Ally, thanks…great idea!!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Thomas
    July 13, 2020 at 10:01 am

    That’s pretty awesome. I always wanted to go to Puerto Rico. I see you made this post back in March when Covid quarantine first began. Did that affect your trip in anyway?

    Also, do you know any good spots out there for Coquitos? It’s my drink of choice lol

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      July 18, 2020 at 6:48 am

      Hi Thomas, I posted the blog in March but traveled that previous December. Unfortunately, I don’t know any coquito spots! Hope you get to visit and find one! 😉

  • Reply
    LaRena Fry
    July 14, 2020 at 8:57 pm

    So envious. Looks like you had a great time. Love all the photos and all the information. I have always wanted to go to Puerto Rico.

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      July 18, 2020 at 6:49 am

      Hi LaRena, thanks! It was an awesome time! 🙂

  • Reply
    Cherryl
    November 27, 2020 at 2:45 pm

    Great trip – that drink in the jar looks really good!!

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