Puerto Rico: Secrets Only The Locals Can Tell You

The local secrets behind the ceaseless resilience of the tropical Caribbean island do not fail to entice visitors and leave them in awe! I seek to share a glimpse of the island's unbounded vibrance from its seaside fortresses to unparalleled landscapes.

The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, a territory under the United States, possesses the beguiling combination of unparalleled natural beauty and inexhaustible energy. The tropical island is surrounded by sparkling hues of blue sitting between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic, as the soaring palm trees touch the sky, and the strips of Old Town streets are lined with vibrant beach bars, hotels, restaurants, and casinos.

Whether you prefer a 'trendy postcard backdrop for Insta' kind of vaca or a thorough historical tour of the transatlantic; Puerto Rico is a must-visit destination!

Attached is a fusion of my seven-day itinerary and highlights of the region, from popular tourist attractions to must-do activities to continued evening brilliance and nightlife. Discover secrets only the locals can tell you during your visit to beautiful Puerto Rico!

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Day 1: Arrival to San Juan

Following our arrival to San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, we rented a car, drove around the city, and then headed to check-in to at the Hyatt Hotel & Tropical Casino, located in Bayamon. The streets of the capital outside Old San Juan reveal the island's rich colonial, nevertheless cosmopolitan attributes. We spent the evening exploring the hotel's casino.

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Day 2: Cueva del Indio

We spent our second day in Puerto Rico at Cueva del Indio. Although we travelled to the island during September, the heat was scorching. Regardless, the must-see destination was exceptional to visit! The prehistoric rock, located in Las Piedras, dates circa the Late Ceramic Period and is now serves as a popular tourist landmark and national public park.

The long road to Cueva del Indio, adjacent to the narrow sea consists of insta-worthy locations, friendly locals, and exceptional roadside eateries worth frequent stops!

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Day 3: Old San Juan

During our third day, we strolled around Old San Juan. This was a chill-day as the day prior cost us much energy. The 16th Century colonial city sits on the Atlantic coast buzzing with colourful Spanish architecture and cobblestoned landmarks! Famous bayside historical fortresses and promenades include Castillo San Felipe del Morro, La Fortaleza, and Paseo de la Princesa.

Stroll through 500 years of colonial history....

The streets of Old San Juan are unfathomably safe, comfortable, and warm. The crowds are buzzing with a fusion of friendly locals and diverse visitors. There is music around every corner as smells of local restaurants, cafes, and street food pervade the air. Most of the buildings are also historic landmarks, so you can just walk right in whilst exploring! A worthwhile trip!

Daytime Vibes...

Evening Vibes...

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Day 4: Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Old San Juan, & Bioluminescent Bay, Fajardo

We spent the morning of our fourth day revisiting Old San Juan, but this time exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro. To travel through time and comprehend the significance of Puerto Rico's role in history, El Morro is a pivotal site to visit. The 500-year old fortification served as Spain's chief military marvel during the transatlantic's colonial period, and later a major military outpost to the United States during both World Wars.

Learn about Puerto Rico's colonial past and the island's strategic location in expanding reach in the New World.

In the evening of our fourth day, we went night-kayaking in Bioluminescent Bay located in Fajardo. Bioluminescence refers to microscopic organisms that make the water glow in the night. Hence, night-kayaking. These organisms are found in rare parts of the world; Bio Bay being one of them! After the long kayak, the sparkling waters reflecting the starry night sky above was one hell of an experience. Unfortunately, it was one of those experiences that my camera failed to capture.

"Bioluminescence is one of planet Earth's best-kept secrets."

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Day 5: El Yunque National Forest

On our fifth day, we met some friends and visited El Yunque National Forest. Thankfully the weather was of some justice, although we were entrapped in an enchanted rainforest and on a LONG humidity-exhaustive trail. I actually wouldn't recommend El Yunque to people who are not fond of hiking, especially if you have enough experience visiting forests and waterfalls. However, to those who enjoy immersing themselves in nature, El Yunque is a natural treasure to visit; possessing scenic trails and a diverse ecosystem. The dip under the waterfall was extremely refreshing.

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Day 6: Museo de Vida Silvestre

On our sixth day in Puerto Rico, there was a reported tropical cyclone alert coercing us to cancel our outdoor planned activities. Thus, instead of sitting in the hotel all day, we ventured out to Museo de Vida Silvestre to wear out the storm. The museum is full of diverse animal species preserved through taxidermy. Some of the animals still contain the original bones. Sounds excruciatingly creepy to be locked in with, but proved to be quite fun with the right company! The storm eventually wore off and we enjoyed street food and coconuts with some cats.

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Day 7: Icacos Island & Return

Our trip ended with a reviving half-day trip to Icacos Island on the day of our return. This was a major highlight of Puerto Rico! We took a private boat to the island, learned about the picturesque Cordillera Nature Reserve, and swam with a school of Dory fish or Pacific Blue Tangs in close proximity to the Bermuda Triangle! Moreover, the marina consists of unfathomably crystal clear blue waters and hosts diverse underwater marine life making the island a popular snorkelling destination!

Sail off the coast and immerse in the unspoiled beaches of Icacos...