Embarking on a journey to the enchanting island of Puerto Rico, we set out (with two of our adult daughters) to discover its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the warmth of its people. From the beaches of Western Puerto Rico to the historic cobblestones of Old San Juan, our adventure promised a blend of relaxation, exploration, and thrilling escapades.
Each day was meticulously planned to immerse ourselves in the island’s rich heritage, from savoring traditional Puerto Rican cuisine to reconnecting with family and marveling at the natural wonders of Cabo Rojo. As we ventured from serene beaches to the exhilarating heights of skydiving in Arecibo, Puerto Rico unfolded before us as a tapestry of unforgettable experiences, deepening our connection to this vibrant Caribbean paradise.
Friday: Hop, Skip and a Jump from home
Our week escapade began with a nighttime drive to Orlando, where the excitement of our upcoming journey added a buzz to the air. Staying downtown, we were wrapped in the city’s vibrant nightlife, but our anticipation for the next day’s journey to Puerto Rico was the true highlight. We were so exhausted from a day at work followed by an evening of driving, all we could think of was a good night of rest.
Saturday: Welcome to Puerto Rico
Midday Saturday, we set off from Orlando, the plane lifting us towards new adventures. By afternoon, we were descending into the warm embrace of San Juan, Puerto Rico, landing around 4:00 pm with the tropical air greeting us like an old friend.
The journey from the airport was filled with the buzz of arrival, leading us to our first stop: Pico Rico in Levittown. This local eatery, famed for its rotisserie chicken and a plethora of traditional Puerto Rican sides, was our introduction to the island’s culinary delights. The rice and beans, arroz con gandules, tostones, amarillos, patata, yuca, and more, offered a tantalizing array of flavors. My husband and I, adhering to our vegan lifestyle, indulged in the variety of sides, savoring each bite amidst the company of family at his aunt’s house. Our daughters’ had been craving the chicken though, so they were able to indulge in every flavor they have known since they were children.
Our visit to Old San Juan that evening was nothing short of magical. Witnessing El Morro lit up at night is not just a visual delight; it’s an evocative experience, stirring the soul with the weight of history and the timeless allure of Puerto Rico’s most iconic landmark.
The town, illuminated under the night sky, wore its history and culture proudly. Wandering through the cobblestone streets, we were captivated by the vibrant colors, historic architecture, and the lively atmosphere that only Old San Juan can offer. It was a perfect introduction to the island’s rich heritage and a beautiful start to our Puerto Rican adventure.
Sunday: Caguas & Family Reunions
The following day promised a different kind of exploration—a reunion and celebration of family. We headed to Caguas, where a cousin had graciously opened their home for a day of connection and a shared meal. It was heartwarming to see how they had gone out of their way to accommodate our vegan preferences, ensuring a delightful spread that everyone could enjoy. The variety of vegan options was impressive, highlighting the inclusivity and warmth of Puerto Rican hospitality. Spending the day in laughter, reminiscing, and making new memories, we felt deeply connected not just to each other but to the rich cultural tapestry that is Puerto Rico.
Monday: Cabo Rojo Arrival and First Impressions
Our journey took a scenic turn as we set off for Cabo Rojo early on Monday, excited for our stay at Luichy’s Seaside Hotel on Combate Beach. The drive through Ponce was eye-opening, as we stopped at a local market hoping to enjoy the vibrant array of fruit stands we remembered. Instead, we found a dwindling number, a testament to the impact of large grocery chains on local vendors—a poignant reminder of the changes affecting traditional markets.
Despite this, our spirits lifted upon reaching Luichy’s Beachside Hotel, even though our room wasn’t ready. We didn’t let this hiccup deter our excitement; instead, we started with drinks and snacks at Bar Marea at Luichy’s and then walked across the street to Combate beach and dove into the Caribbean Ocean for a refreshing swim and a leisurely beach walk.
Our day concluded with a dinner at Annie’s Place, indulging in the flavors of Puerto Rico, watching the sun set and setting the tone for our stay.
Tuesday: Culinary Adventures and Playa Sucia
The next day began with an unexpected lesson in patience at Panaderia Ritamar, where we experienced a long wait for breakfast. This minor inconvenience aside, the rest of the day was blissfully spent at Playa Sucia. Here, we embraced the sun, the sea, and the sight of beautiful sea turtles, a reminder of nature’s wonders. My husband and I hiked around the beach around the cliffs edges to get in some exercise while we were there too.
A serendipitous encounter with a cheerful yellow bird added a touch of whimsy to our adventure as we were leaving.
Dinner at Costa Brava in Joyuda offered stunning views and satisfying vegan options. We detoured to round off the day with a picturesque sunset in Boquerón. We were so close to Mayagüez so we went to a few of our favorite spots, Rex Cream and Ricomini Panaderia for ice cream, bread, and pastries. It is tradition for us to get our ice cream or sorbet and walk through the town square while we are eating it.
Wednesday: Beach Leisure and Jet Skiing Thrills
The day greeted us with the promise of relaxation, prompting us to linger around the serene Combate Beach. By 9:00 am, we found ourselves stepping onto the sandy shore, where a man was busily arranging tents and chairs, offering them for a donation at day’s end. Our curiosity about jet skiing led us to inquire with him, setting the stage for later adventures. Starting the day with a refreshing 2.5-mile stroll along the beach’s edge, my husband and I then indulged in the cool embrace of the ocean.
The tranquility of the water soon gave way to a thirst for excitement, leading us back to our earlier interest in jet skiing. The very man from the morning, now doubling as our guide, embarked us on an exhilarating coastal journey. Spanning from Combate Beach to the picturesque Playa Sucia, along the Boqueron coast, and Buye, the 1-hour and 20-minute escapade, at $200 per jet ski, was an adventure like no other.
I was thrown from the Jetski and came back bruised up, but most of my adventure stories end with some story and a bruise. However, a word of caution for those with back or neck sensitivities — the tour’s roughness took its toll on me, a reminder of nature’s untamed force. In hindsight, the tranquility of calmer waters might have been preferable. You can rent Jetski’s by the half hour and stay in calmer waters; so this might be a better option if you desire a more relaxed option.
After jet skiing we had a sumptuous lunch at Annie’s, followed by showers and a serene dinner at ValMar in Joyuda, where the vegan meal and the sunset view were unparalleled. Once again, we were close to Mayagüez, so we had to go back to Rex and Ricomini; because how many opportunities do we have to make it there? We could not pass it up!
Thursday: Skydiving Anticipation and Unexpected Turns
Thursday brought anticipation for skydiving, quickly tempered by weather concerns and a lengthy wait due to other groups ahead of us. Choosing to postpone our skydiving adventure, we diverted to Plaza Las Americas for an impromptu day of shopping and exploring, a delightful pivot from our original plans. The day concluded with a taste of vegan paella from A La Paella in Levittown, a comforting end to an unexpectedly free day.
Friday: Leaping into the Sky: Our Skydiving Experience in Puerto Rico
Our Puerto Rican adventure took a thrilling turn on Friday morning as we set off for Arecibo, determined to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush: skydiving. Arriving early at Skydive Puerto Rico, the anticipation was palpable. With bug spray in hand—a necessity we quickly learned—we joined the queue, the wait interspersed with bouts of nervous excitement as several flights were slated before ours.
As the morning progressed, our turn approached. Strapped securely in our harnesses, we made our way to the aircraft. The camaraderie among us skydivers and instructors was evident, with fist bumps and encouraging smiles exchanged, a shared acknowledgment of the leap of faith we were about to take.
The ascent to 10,000 feet was a journey in itself, filled with mixed emotions. As the aircraft door swung open, a brisk gust of wind swept through, momentarily filling me with doubt — “No way can I do this,” I thought. My instructor quickly conferred with the crew, momentarily closing the door to discuss the wind’s capricious nature and necessary adjustments. Once the door reopened, skydivers began to leap into the blue, each tandem pair following in swift succession. Positioned last because I had been the first to board, there was not a moment to hesitate.
In a fluid motion, we slid from the bench to the aircraft’s edge and then, into the open air. The experience was utterly surreal, a moment of pure, unbridled reality where time seemed to stand still. Despite initial hesitations, the seamless transition from the plane to the open sky was nothing short of surreal. Free falling through the sky, the feeling was indescribable—fear was absent, replaced by a profound sense of freedom and vitality.
The tranquility of the free fall was abruptly transitioned to discomfort as the parachute deployed, causing unexpected pain. Yet, even as I navigated this discomfort, the breathtaking views from above offered a distraction. Trusting my instructor’s adjustments for comfort, I focused on the beauty enveloping us, steering the parachute briefly before our descent to the ground.
Landing back at the facility, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. With our feet firmly on the ground, we left Skydive Puerto Rico filled with unforgettable memories, the exhilaration of the jump lingering as we headed back for some much-needed rest at our aunt’s house.
Our afternoon was spent leisurely as we headed to Cataño to catch the ferry to Old San Juan, embracing the historic charm of the city. Exploring the colorful streets, cooling down with a piragua, indulging in local cuisine at El Jibarito, and purchasing souvenirs became the perfect way to wind down our adventurous day.
Saturday: A long journey home
As our Puerto Rican journey neared its end on Saturday, we prepared for departure. A final meal at El Meson in San Juan airport reminded us of the island’s costly airport fare, a stark contrast to the rich experiences and warm hospitality we encountered throughout our stay.
Our trip back to Orlando and ultimately Georgia was bittersweet, marked by reflections on the adventures we had and the memories made. From the thrilling descent from the sky to the serene beauty of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico offered us a tapestry of experiences, each thread woven into the fabric of our journey, leaving us with stories to cherish and share.
As our Puerto Rican odyssey came to a close, we carried with us a mosaic of memories that transcended the beauty of the island’s landscapes and the thrill of our adventures. From the heartfelt warmth of family reunions in Caguas to the serene moments on the beaches of Cabo Rojo and the exhilarating leap from the sky in Arecibo, each experience wove into the fabric of our journey a deeper appreciation for Puerto Rico’s rich culture and spirited heart.
This voyage was more than a mere escape; it was a vivid chapter in our lives, filled with stories of discovery, connection, and the kind of joy that only comes from exploring new horizons. Puerto Rico, with its captivating beauty and vibrant soul, left an indelible mark on us, a reminder of the island’s timeless allure and the adventures that await those who seek to uncover its treasures. Another hidden gem in Puerto Rico that we visited on a previous trip is Mar Chiquita Beach: it is a must visit! If you need a resort on the southwestern coast, check out Copamarina Resort.
-S&E