Puerto Rico
Old San Juan
Once you step into the old city, Latin music from the balconies and street vendors immediately draw you in. The Spanish blue cobblestone “adoquines” lead your curiosity into the alleyways of colorful balconies laced in florals. Tourists and locals are shopping, dining, dancing and laughing. You feel the spirit of the city around every corner.
Constructed in 1765, San Cristóbal Castle is the largest Spanish fort in the Western Hemisphere. It includes dry moats, underground tunnels, cisterns, a dungeon, 1940s bunker and 2 observation points for coastal viewing. One of the best panoramic views of Old San Juan and the Atlantic coastline. The architectural details are incredible along with the city views, but the best experience was having a wonderful local guide who shared his home and culture with us with great pride and hospitality.
El Yunque National Rainforest
Yokahú Tower is an observation tower at 1,575 feet providing spectacular mountain top views of Puerto Rico’s coastline.
La Muralla is small roadside restaurant based in the rainforest providing comfort foods such as Mofongo, rice and meat dishes, tacos, shakes and juices. Tamarind juice is what’s pictured and was delicious. Next door is a local souvenir shop with small to large handcrafted items.
La Coca Falls is a peaceful viewing stop along the main road where nature meets the traveler. Our driver and guide is showing the African Tulip most commonly found on the island’s rainforest which flourishes on the tree tops. The vibrant color some say represents power, beauty and boldness. Between two trees sits the iconic monobloc chair overlooking the beauty of Puerto Rico. In many cultures this type of chair represents multi-generational social gatherings of community, but here a place of rest to enjoy the view. While enjoying the view, drinking tamarind juice and conversing with locals, you feel the spirit and love of Puerto Ricans.
