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Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico: Boating, Snorkeling, Adventuring, and Relaxing

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Puerto Rico is known for its beautiful landscape and turquoise blue waters that bring people worldwide to its shores. This post will tell you the best things to do in Puerto Rico to help you get the most out of your vacation on this beautiful island! The best activities in Puerto Rico are sailing, snorkeling, ATVs, horseback riding, ziplining, and hiking.

TIP: Book your main activities towards the beginning of your trip just in case they reschedule due to bad weather or maintenance.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post that I receive a small commission from, but they do not add cost to your tour booking. Some links in this post send you directly to the tour company’s site that I do not get commission on when I think it is the better/easier way to book the activity.

Sail to Nearby Islands

This is my favorite activity when it comes to taking in the island life! These trips are around 5 hours and include food, music, floats, and drinks. Boat day trips are just a combination of all things great on an island- clear endless water and good vibes. Some boats require you to meet at the marina in Fajardo, which is about 1 hour from San Juan. Others offer roundtrip transportation from your hotel. These boats have plenty of floats so you can just chill in the water or swim to shore and lay on the beach.

Puerto Rico Catamarans will usually take you to 1 of 3 islands off of Puerto Rico: Palomino, Icacos, or Culebra. For the best snorkeling, Culebra is the best option, but for just a nice clear beach, Icacos and Palomino are both extremely fun for a day in the sun!

Soar Through the Treetops

Puerto Rico is a rare gem in the fact that, if you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport to see a tropical rainforest. Ziplining is an awesome way to get a bird’s eye view of this tropical wonder! There are 2 areas you can zipline at: the rainforest and the dry forest. Both are beautiful, it just depends what you want to see or where you are staying.

Enjoy Caribbean Sunset Sailing

This is a great option that departs right out of the San Juan harbor, making it easy to get to by Uber or taxi. This sailing excursions takes you around the Old San Juan historical walls, giving you a new perspective on this beautiful city. The sunset sail is from 5pm-7pm so that you can take in the entire sunset and make it back to the dock as soon as it gets dark. These sails come with snacks and drinks, and are the perfect setting for any occasion- a date night, a girls trip, or a family activity. The sunset sail is usually more calm whereas the boating day trips that I mentioned earlier can get rowdy, depending on the crowd, but both are extremely enjoyable.

Ride through the Foothills of the Rainforest

I LOVE Carabali Adventure Park, and I think you will too! They offer ATV rides and horseback rides on a large, beautiful property just below the El Yunque Rainforest National Park. I’ve ridden horses twice and loved it. Carabali also offers ATV and UTV tours. They may let you go fast on certain straight paths in the tour, but remember this is a tour, so you have a guide who sets the pace.

Be Adventurous on a Puerto Rico Rainforest Hiking Tour

If you are looking for adventure, but feel a little weary of doing it on your own, a guided tour is perfect for you! Puerto Rico tour guides cannot bring tour groups to the actual El Yunque Rainforest National Park road right now, but they will take you to great hikes, waterfalls, and natural water slides on the outskirts of the national park road, which are fun and adventurous! Be sure to wear water shoes or tennis shoes that you do not mind getting dirty as it can be extremely muddy. Guides will show you where to jump off into the water and will usually provide life jackets for safety during the tour. Honestly, locals go to these places by themselves all the time, but if you don’t have a rental car or just want to be on the safe side, I recommend a guided tour.

These are some of the best excursions in Puerto Rico with easy access from San Juan. I did not list the bioluminescent bay tour just because I have not personally been, but have been told by friends that it is best to experience during a new moon (no moon) so that you can see the water light up best. I hope this helps you when planning your next Caribbean adventure!

If you have experienced an excursion in Puerto Rico that you enjoyed, list it in the comments below!

Happy Travels,

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Culebra Island, Puerto Rico Snorkeling Day Trip

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Last week, I visited Culebra Island right off of Puerto Rico and experienced the best snorkeling so far while living in Puerto Rico! The clear waters of Flamenco Beach are truly breathtaking, and I’ve officially fallen in love with this tiny island.

However, Culebra was not love at first site for me, and I will tell you why here. This post is going to talk about:

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Flamenco Beach Culebra Puerto Rico
Flamenco Beach Culebra

Getting to Culebra Island from Puerto Rico

There are a few ways to get to Culebra Island from Puerto Rico, but the most common ways are to fly with AirFlamenco or take the Ferry in Ceiba, which is about 1 hour East from San Juan. The cheaper option of the 2 is the ferry, but tickets are released about 2 weeks out and sell out fast! AirFlemenco round trip is about $90 per person, or if you have a big group, you can charter a plane. The ferry takes 1 hour from Ceiba and flights take about 15 minutes.

I am going to elaborate on the Culebra ferry option in this post because I think it is a good option for large or small groups. We chose to ferry, so I have first-hand experience with it. When you type in the Ceiba Ferry Terminal into Google Maps, you will end up at Roosevelt Roads, which is an old Navy base. You can drop off a some of your group to wait at the ferry terminal with the bags while you park the car. Car parking is about a mile further (there are plenty of signs for directions), where you pay in cash based on the amount of days that your car will remain in the lot- $7 for 1 day, $15 for 2, and so on. A shuttle will drive you from the parking lot back to the terminal to meet back up with your group and board the ferry.

As far as facilities, there are porta potties at the parking lot, and the ferry terminal has a snack and coffee bar and restrooms.

Present your email that contains your ferry tickets to the gate guard, and you are on your way. The ferry leaves promptly, so get there about an hour prior to departure like the tickets recommend. To be honest, they did not check our additional bag tickets, so if you are a stickler for rules, go for it, but I am not convinced that the additional tickets are necessary as long as you keep it to a reasonable amount of luggage. The seas can be rough depending on weather, so take some Dramamine the night before and sit on the bottom level if you are prone to seasickness. I personally LOVED the ferry ride as it was so peaceful. Passing nearby islands and being on the open sea for $2 plus tax is a steal!

You arrive at the Culebra Ferry Terminal, and depending on what mode of transportation you choose, your driver will be there waiting for you with a sign.

Flamenco Beach Culebra Puerto Rico
Flamenco Beach Culebra

Culebra Island Transportation

For transportation around Culebra, although it is pricey for the day, I don’t know of many other options, especially during COVID closures, than to rent a golf cart or Jeep. There are 2 companies on the island, Jerry’s Jeep Rental and Carlos Jeep Rental. Jerry is the only one who will rent for 1 day and his website is more user-friendly. He will pick up only the driver from the terminal, and you can pick up the rest of your crew afterwards. I recommend having your group walk to the left, and up the hill, further out of the congested terminal area to be picked up. If they walk to the steep road that leads to Tamarindo Beach, you can pick them up and head straight to Tamarindo Beach for snorkeling with the sea turtles!

Melones Beach

Recommended Time Spent on Culebra Island

During COVID, just about everything was closed indefinitely or sporadically as far as restaurants went. There was a to-go spot to the left of Kokomo’s at the ferry terminal, a convenient store up the hill, and Moncho’s Barbecue to-go. Blac Flamenco Coffee in town is open until like 10:30AM and Zaco’s Tacos is open some evenings.

Basically, food should not be the reason you go to Culebra, and you should definitely bring a cooler with wheels to this island. Although it would be an early morning, I recommend taking the 7am ferry to Culebra and the 4pm ferry back to Ceiba, Puerto Rico. The reason I fell in love with Culebra was for the amazingly clear Flamenco Beach and the beautiful snorkeling of Tamarindo and Melones. The small, congested roads near the ferry were enough to make me wonder why anyone would live there, but the snorkeling is incomparable and is the very reason I would go back in a heartbeat!

I booked an airbnb, and rented a Jeep for 2 days for our group, and I just don’t see a need to spend all that money when you can snorkel and beach bum it out in a day, for about $300 cheaper. If you get a larger group to go, a longer stay would make sense as you can split the cost of car and lodging. Another cheaper option is camping at the Flamenco Campgrounds for $30/day, but they were closed for construction last I’ve heard.

Flamenco Beach Culebra
Flamenco Beach

Best Snorkeling in Culebra Island & Tour Guides

For sea turtles, head to Tamarindo Beach, which has grass straight out from the beach where sea turtles love to snack! I saw a stingray in the coral more towards the left of the beach, but the sea turtles were just a few feet from the beach. For the most beautiful coral, head to Melones Beach and swim right, towards the rockier area. Colorful coral and fish both big and small will wave all around you. Wear water shoes or fins as I saw more sea urchins than ever before in this water. Also be sure to check the weather before going into any water in Culebra or Puerto Rico. Rip currents are no joke here in the winter, but we did snorkel early February, and I did not feel a huge pull at Tamarindo or at Melones. At Flamenco, I felt a stronger pull when snorkeling, and the reef near the main beach entrance is not very colorful. The reef may be better near the beached military tank on the far left. Flamenco is best for just sitting in the white sand and floating in the shallow, clear waters.

There are a couple other beaches that I did not go to that are also known for snorkeling like Playa Carlos Rosario and Culebrita, which requires a boat transfer to get to. Once you are already on-island, companies also offer snorkel kayak tours. One of the easiest day trip options if you are more concerned with the clear blue water and snorkeling rather than exploring the island is to take a boat trip from Fajardo. They will take you to a Culebra beach, a snorkel reef, and will provide all gear, drinks, and lunch. That way, you don’t have to even mess with the ferry tickets, parking, renting a car, or anything.

Catamaran Snorkel Tour Puerto Rico Icacos Island Tobias Traveler Catamaran
Catamaran Snorkel Tours

In conclusion, you won’t believe your eyes when you visit the beautiful beaches of Culebra, filled with clear waters and abundant sea creatures. However, I think that you can cover what there is to see in the span of a day, unless you are really into snorkeling and want to see all of the beaches in one trip. Although most of the restaurants are closed, I still recommend visiting because you practically have all of the beaches to yourself, and Flamenco is the most beautiful beach in Puerto Rico. I hope this helps you plan your Culebra excursion!

Check out THIS POST for all my favorite things to do while vacationing in Puerto Rico!

Happy Travels!

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Utuado, Puerto Rico: Canon Blanco

Located in Utuado, Puerto Rico is a breathtaking, extremely random landscape. At the bottom of the winding mountains, there’s a mass of white stone with a river running through it called Canon Blanco (White Canyon.) Although the drive is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from San Juan, this is a sight that is really…

by katie went there

Universal Studios Orlando During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Michelle went to Universal Studios Orlando this past month during all the COVID-19 Pandemic protocols. She returned with some great information for everyone curious about visiting Orlando theme parks at this time. Join me as we hear what she has to say:

Learn more about Universal Studios in my post linked here. If you would like me to handle booking and planning your Orlando theme park vacation, please fill out my travel questionnaire here.

Happy Travels,

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Ziplining in Puerto Rico at Toro Verde

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Tucked away in the mountains of Orocovis, Puerto Rico sits the longest zipline in the Americas and the 2nd longest zipline in the world. This activity is one for the books, and it is also about the closest you’ll ever get to actually flying. The Monster line is not like other ziplining experiences, as you lay down in a thick canvas and face the ground below. As you zoom through the trees, you’ll experience the beauty of Puerto Rico from a whole new perspective.

I was fearful of a tourist trap, but Toro Verde was far from such a thing. You can enjoy the whole day here easily with the all-day pass from 8am-5pm and an onsite restaurant that you can at least enjoy for lunch if not dinner as well. When you finish each course, there is a truck with bench seats in the back that takes you all the way back up to the beginning for more fun. Even the truck ride is beautiful as you sit in the open-air with mountain views every way you look.

The Drive

You need to rent a car to get to Toro Verde. It is a mountainous ride that takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes (with tolls) from San Juan. On your way home, I recommend eating at Papos Guacaros Place or La Playita. Papos Guacaros Place is my favorite food, and is about 45 minutes further back towards San Juan, but La Playita has a cooler view and is only a few minutes from Toro Verde. Both are great representations of Puerto Rico’s famous Chinchorreos.

This tour also offers transportation to Toro Verde if you do not rent a car during your trip, but if you want to adventure around the island, I recommend renting a car if you can. Be sure to check out THIS POST my favorite things to do in Puerto Rico for more help in planning your perfect vacation!

Happy Travels,

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Best Hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico

*This post is pre-covid. To plan your Puerto Rico vacation with me, keeping up with new regulations and up-to-date information, visit my travel planning page. This year, my husband and I moved from Georgia to Puerto Rico, and we spent the first couple months living in hotels. In this post, I’ll cover some of the…

by katie went there

Southwest Puerto Rico: Things to do in La Parguera

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About 2 hours southwest of San Juan lies a town called La Parguera. It’s known for fishing, diving, and snorkeling. La Parguera is also famous for it’s great parties and atmosphere not only in the city, but just off the shore at the nearby islands of Mata La Gata and Caracoles Cay. People rent or bring their own boats of all sizes, anchoring on a platform just off the beach, and chill all day.

Photo by: @Alvaritonv
Photo by: @Alvaritonv

The Drive

If you take the route from San Juan that goes through Ponce, you’ll be blown away by the beauty you see just from the drive. It’s an easy journey, but mountain views are all around.

Skip the Ponce Bypass and head 7 minutes into the Ponce town square. Just have your GPS set to Parque de Bombas and you will get where you need to go. I wouldn’t say Ponce is worth vacationing in, but it is definitely something you should take advantage of along the way. Find street parking at the square, which is free on the weekends, and take a look around. You’ll be delighted at the beautiful architecture, a fountain, a large cathedral, and cute souvenir and coffee shops.

The two main attractions you have to see are right in the town square. The open-air fire-station museum, Parque de Bombas, is a beautiful preservation of Puerto Rico’s first fire station. Next, you have to take a look inside The Fox Hotel Ponce or even stop for a delicious lunch and latte. This is a pop-culture themed hotel that looks like you’ve just stepped into Hollywood Studios or Universal Orlando. The design of this entire hotel is enough to take your breath away, but try the food and I think you’ll be even more delighted!

La Parguera

La Parguera has a little strip of waterfront restaurants that are almost on top of each other. It’s lively and fun with souvenir shops and tasty treats. On this street, there are several boat rental companies that rent John boats, like Gina’s, and kayaks to explore the beautiful water around you. La Parguera is known for its mangroves, where tiny crabs walk all along the winding branches. The Paradise Scuba and Snorkeling Center that is right across from the boat rentals offers several excursions and tours. Although I mentioned these two companies, there are several kayaking and tour options listed here. Many of these companies also have social media pages that make it easy to see their deals and tour schedules.

Where to Stay

We stayed at 2 different hotels only about 8 minutes apart because we wanted to check them both out and share them here with you. Both locations were incredible. We first arrived at the Parador Villa Parguera, which is in the middle of the restaurant hub and right on the water. The rooms are simple and clean, and the grounds are beautifully maintained. Each room has a waterfront view and a patio to enjoy it from. The main beauty of this fairly small hotel is how abundant the seating areas are. There is seating by the beautiful pool, on the dock, on the lawn, and even on the second level of the deck, which has a gorgeous view of the sunset. There is no coffee maker or fridge in the room, but parking is free and abundant.

The Parador has two special rates going on right now. A Puerto Rico Resident rate of $117/ night and an all-inclusive (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with soda and waters) for 2 nights for $350. From experience, the ribs dinner does not disappoint!

After a day spent at the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse and Comabate beach, we checked into our second hotel of the weekend named La Jamaca, which is a little further from the ocean. You will love this place. The room was small, but plenty, and designed beautifully. This lodging is more of a modern feel, compared to Parador Villa which is more classic. Obviously, surrounded by many hammocks, there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy a good meal or just a good view. The staff is incredible, providing everything you need. Do bring bug spray and apply it immediately upon arrival as the jungle feel of this hotel brings in many pesky mosquitoes, that can be remedied instantly by bug repellant. The hotel also has some available, but I would bring your own as well just to have it conveniently near you. There is a fridge in the room, but no coffee maker.

La Jamaca has a few deals going on as well to include a romantic room decoration and wine as well as a rate that includes breakfast and a few dinners. Check out their Instagram to see these special offers. If you would like help in planning your next adventure, I’d love to help you along the exciting journey! Check out my Travel Planning page!

Happy Travels,

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Universal Studios Orlando Military & DoD Civilian Discount

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If you love military Florida theme park deals like me, this is the place for you! I’ll discuss the ticket discount, where to stay, how to plan your theme park days, and I have a fun Universal Video Recap of our trip as well if you would like to get a feel for the park and location of our hotel. Let’s get started!

The Tickets

Universal Studios offers U.S. military and DoD civilians a significant discount on their tickets. You can purchase them at your Travel and Leisure office on base, but the cool thing about these tickets is that the sponsor does not have to be with you at the park entrance like they do at Disney World. The tickets you buy at the military base are already activated and ready to use. You can instantly load them into the Universal App and start seeing wait times and park maps.

harry potter world butter beer

The tickets are about $180 for a 4-day, 2- park voucher. That is the price you would pay for a 1-day, 2-park ticket at regular price! These tickets expire at the end of whatever year you buy them. We bought ours in April 2019, so they expired December 2019. You can choose your 2 parks out of these three: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. If Harry Potter is a big deal to you, you’ll want both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. The Hogwarts Train ride takes you from Islands of Adventure to the Universal Studios to reach Diagon Alley, so they check your tickets when you get off the train. If beating the heat with water rides is priority, you’ll want to choose Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.

harry potter world diagon alley

Lodging

I called the Universal Resort trip advising center first, just to check their pricing for military discounted tickets and resort lodging. It doesn’t come close to buying accommodations on your own. The price they gave me made the resort stay about $300 per night. Your best bet, if your priority is price, is to buy your Universal tickets at your nearest military base and book a hotel on Universal Blvd with a bus shuttle.

universal studios dining

We stayed at Residence Inn Universal Blvd and loved it! You can use the government discount code to book at a discounted rate. This hotel has a full, complimentary breakfast and a kitchen in each room so we were able to eat dinner in the hotel some nights instead of at the park. In this area, there is also a DoubleTree, Extended Stay, Hyatt Place, Best Western Plus, Holiday Inn, and Fairfield Inn. These hotels range from $80-$200 per night.

islands of adventure spiderman ride

If you don’t mind a short drive, and parking in the Universal parking deck, AFVclub.com is the way to go for both a clean, nice stay and cost efficiency. AFVclub offers week-long vacation stays all over the world, with the bulk of lodging located around Florida theme parks. For an entire week, Club Wyndham Cypress Palms costs $350 on Armed Forces Vacation Club, which is available to active and retired military and DoD civilians. This club has a large pool, gym, full, condo style rooms, and is 15 minutes from Disney.

club wyndham cypress palms orlando

Growing up, Universal was our annual summer vacation, and we stayed in AFVclubs all over Orlando and Kissimmee. I loved them all, just make sure the TripAdvisor reviews are positive, and you should be good to go! Most of these stays are offered only by booking a full week, but many of them are only the cost of a 2-night hotel stay. We went to Universal last minute, so AFVclub was booked, but it is always my first choice in Florida.

club wyndham cypress palms orlando

Transportation to the Park

Since several hotels use the same shuttle bus, getting a seat can be tricky. You sign up the day before for the time you want to leave, and they check for your name before allowing you to board the bus. Signing up the day you arrive can be a little tricky if you arrive later than the shuttle desk stays open. Also, the shuttle has very few stops that take you from the park back to your hotel in the evening. So if you don’t make the cut for the time you are waiting for, you may be stuck waiting an hour and half for the next bus home.

Universal Studios Orlando Hotel Shuttle

We took the shuttle the first day, but then decided it was well worth the effort to just walk the 15 minute, sidewalk stroll into Universal. We were able to get to the park earlier this way, arriving ahead of the crowd. The walk from the hotels that I mentioned earlier do cross a major road, but there is a crosswalk and it is no effort at all. I would only suggest carrying your little ones or making sure they are strapped into their strollers.

universal studios orlando fast and furious ride

When to go?

Obviously, when kids are in school is always the best time to visit theme parks for lower wait times. However, we visited last Easter weekend when many kids were out of school, and Universal nor Islands of Adventure were really that crowded. We rode everything we wanted to in two days, then just re-rode our favorites on the third day. You can definitely get through both of the main parks in 2 days. We ended up just not using the 4th day that was on our ticket.

islands of adventure theme park orlando

I hope this helps with your Universal Orlando vacation planning! Writing about our trip makes me want to go as soon as it opens back up! Here’s a quick video of our trip to Universal and Islands of Adventure Orlando:

Universal Orlando with Katie

For information about Disney World planning for military and DoD civilians, check out this post: Walt Disney World Military Salute Discount Detailed Guide

Click here to see some of my favorite items to use while traveling and it will help keep this blog going as I am affiliated with Amazon!

Happy Travels,

Katie

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Tybee Island Weekend Getaway & Free Itinerary

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Tybee Island Pier

Hey you guys! I suspect you are feeling a little restless for a getaway, but aren’t ready to fly yet. Well, I’ve got you covered with my video that will inspire you to take a coastal Georgia road trip. I also have a free itinerary that I’d love to share with you.

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Tybee Vacation Home

Also, here’s a detailed video of the Airbnb we stayed in for our Tybee Getaway! If you decide to stay here, let the host know Katie sent you!

I hope this gives you some ideas of how to have fun this summer while staying close to home. I love coastal Georgia and I know you will too!

For more Georgia road trip ideas, check out my Georgia blog posts!

If you want assistance in planning your next trip, whether a road trip or flying, I’d love to help you! Check out my Trip Planning Consultations.

Happy travels,

Katie

VRBO

Best Winery in Maine: Pairings, Tastings, and Tours

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cellardoor winery in lincolnville, Maine

Just above Camden, in Lincolnville, Maine, thrives a winery with the most beautiful vineyard and venue that offers the best tasting, pairing, and tour experiences. Every Sunday during the summer months, Cellardoor Winery offers a free wine tasting and cuisine pairing experience that is simply delightful. Through collaboration with Fiore, a local artisan olive oil and vinegar company, these two businesses create a culinary experience that is both delicious and entertaining.

cellardoor winery wine tasting in lincolnville, Maine

After indulging in this delectable tasting, the most spry and fashionable lady will take you on a tour of the property to include the history of this winery as well as its expansion over the years. She is full of energy and whit that keeps you entertained the entire time. You will end the tour in the cellar where she explains the importance of winemaking techniques and how they affect the taste of each bottle.

cellardoor winery wine tasting in lincolnville, Maine

Once you give your thanks to this kind lady, browse their shop then stroll through the vineyard at the base of the hill. You could also enjoy a glass of pinot noir on the back patio with a gorgeous view of the green rolling hills and wildflowers that Maine is so well known for during the summer season.

wine tasting in a green vineyard

I stumbled upon this winery while searching for things to do near Camden, Maine. Never did I suspect that this experience would become one of the highlights of my coastal Maine road trip, but it surely did, and I highly encourage you to visit.

Happy Travels,

Katie

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Utuado, Puerto Rico: Canon Blanco

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Located in Utuado, Puerto Rico is a breathtaking, extremely random landscape. At the bottom of the winding mountains, there’s a mass of white stone with a river running through it called Canon Blanco (White Canyon.) Although the drive is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from San Juan, this is a sight that is really cool to witness.

Getting There

The road to Canon Blanco winds around mountains and can be narrow at times. I do not recall terrible potholes like other areas of Puerto Rico are known for, just a few steep climbs. Although Google maps took us most of the way there, we missed the entrance at first and had to turn around. You take a sharp turn to the left down a steep hill that has a sign for Canon Blanco camp grounds.

If you keep going past the camping area and over a cement bridge, you are headed the right way. The path is only wide enough for one car at a time. To see the best of the canyon, park on the side of the road by the sign labeled “El Sofa” and walk the path in the grass that leads to the river. It doesn’t look like much at first, but keep walking to the right, and you will see the massive white stones with gushing waters that lead to a beautiful green mountain. We climbed the canyon, but the water rushes fiercely so be sure not to fall in.

Since you are already there, driving a little further and parking in an even larger dirt area will bring you to a picturesque scene that is worth experiencing. Here you will find a few houses, a duck pond, wildflowers, chickens, and even goats on the mountain if you look up. We tried to get to the canyon from this area at first, but it was too steep for us. Be sure not to go past the duck pond by car. It just gets steeper and leads to private houses. Our curious habits made us go back down the steep path backwards, so just don’t do it.

The View

Other places you could visit when headed to Arecibo are Cueva del Indio, Cueva Ventana, the Coffee Museum and the Jayuya Aerostatic Balloon.

Happy Travels,

Katie

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The Best Restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico that You Will Love!

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Everyone knows that good food is key to a good vacation. I lived in San Juan for 2 years, and recently went back to visit. My favorite restaurants have changed over time, and I’m going to share some hidden gems with you that are worth a visit!

Pinky’s

This fun little spot is worth a visit for great breakfast! Now located in Ocean Park, Condado, and Santurce, Pinky’s is popular with tourists and locals alike! Frothy lattes and fresh fruit smoothies also make Pinky’s a great place to catch up with friends. Because space is limited and waiting for seating can take a while, you can always choose to take your bagel or breakfast sandwich to-go and head to the beach! Their newest location at La Marqueta in Condado will allow you to enjoy breakfast with a view of the Ocean if you go after 11am.

La Marqueta

A fun atmosphere, oceanview, and great music make this food court in Condado worth checking out. The food is a little overpriced for the quantity in my opinion, but the atmosphere makes it worth trying at least once.

Bistro Cafe

Famous for some of the most incredible coffees and massive portions, this café in Isla Verde is one of a kind. Except, actually they just opened a second location in Miami, but for good reason. From glitter lattes to mocha frappes with waffles on top, Bistro’s coffees are mind-blowing! Many people love the brunch here, so go early, sit at the coffee bar, or make a reservation. The menu is so big that it is easier just to find a picture you like on their Instagram or Google page and show it to your server.

Areyto

We celebrated my birthday dinner here last-minute, and I was so glad we did! This small restaurant offers delicious Puerto Rican cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. I got the stuffed chicken, and it was incredible. The menu varies from chicken to steak and seafood to satisfy any preferences in your party.

@areytomoderncuisine

Denko Asian Eatery

If you are looking for a fun way to spend an evening, head over to Distrito T Mobil on a weekend for tasty food, bright lights, and live music. Denko was undoubtedly the best Asian cuisine I found on the island. Most dishes can be split by ordering 2 meats and one side like noodles or rice, but they also offer single dishes as well.

Bocca Osteria Romana

Although on the pricier side, this restaurant is where you will find delicious homemade pasta and Italian dishes. I ordered the roast veal, and am still thinking about it to this day! They offer the traditional 5-course Italian menu, but you are welcome to order a la carte however you wish.

@boccasanturce

I hope this helps you find some delicious food while visiting Puerto Rico.

Click HERE for my favorite things to do while vacationing in Puerto Rico!

Happy Travels,

Katie

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