Puerto Rico is a paradise for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.

My recent journey to this Caribbean gem took me, accompanied by my husband and other family members, through luxurious resorts, charming coastal towns, tropical beaches, and historical sites. From the opulent El Conquistador Resort to the hidden treasures of Rincón and beyond, every stop offered a unique experience that made this trip unforgettable.  

Tropically Rustic Isle de Vieques

Our Puerto Rico adventure began with a visit Isle de Vieques an island just off the eastern coast. Known for its unspoiled beaches, wild horses, and the world-famous Mosquito Bay, home to one of the brightest bioluminescent bays on the planet, Vieques was an incredible first stop. We spent our time in the town of Esperanza, exploring the beaches, and enjoying a nighttime tour of Mosquito Bay.

A Luxurious Escape to El Conquistador Resort

Perched atop a cliff on the northeast side of Puerto Rico, the El Conquistador Resort provided the perfect introduction to Puerto Rico’s beauty and hospitality. This grand resort boasts stunning ocean views, multiple pools, a small water park, a private beach on an exclusive island, as well as on-site bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops.

The resort is so expansive it takes about 20 minutes to navigate your way from the entrance on top of the cliff down to the lower level.  Highlights of the walk include a panoramic glass elevator and a ride on a funicular hillside transport.

The Laid-Back Charm of Rincón

Known for its laid-back vibe and world-class surf, the town of Rincón was on the top of my list of places to visit while in Puerto Rico, and it did not disappoint.   The local culture is a blend of Puerto Rican and expatriate influences, creating a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Downtown Rincon is very charming, with restaurants and bars running around the outside of a central square. On the Thursday evening when I was there, the square was energized with an artisan market, live music, and dancing. Rincón felt like the perfect place to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of island life.

We stayed in a VRBO house rental. The neighborhood was just to the south of downtown. The house was clean and had a great beach vibe; we felt very safe in the neighborhood.

Exploring the Beaches North of Rincón

In the days we spent in Rincón, the beaches to the north beckoned. Here is a list of beaches we heard about from locals. Unfortunately, we were not able to visit them all, but happily we have more to explore on our next visit.

We visited these two beaches

  • Crash Boat Beach is wonderful for snorkeling, jumping of the pier, or renting the jetski. The beach has a fun local rustic vibe.
  • Playa Jobos felt more developed with a bar, public bathrooms, and vendor kiosks. We took surf lessons from Fonts Adventures 787-508-1887, we had a great experience.

Other beaches to explore

  • Dome’s Beach
  • Playuela
  • Shacks Beach
  • Survival Beach
  • Surfer’s Beach

Exploring San Sebastián and Chasing Waterfalls at Gozalandia

On our way back to San Juan we explored the San Sebastián area. First we stopped by the farmers market called Plaza de Comerciantes en San Sebastián. It is a very large winding market and a fun place to explore.  Next, we visited the Gozalandia Lower Waterfall for a refreshing change of scenery. The beautiful falls cascaded into a clean jade green pool it was perfect for swimming in.

There are two ways to get to the falls:

The Timeless Allure of Old San Juan

No trip to Puerto Rico would be complete without visiting Old San Juan. Walking through its blue-brick streets felt like stepping back in time. The pastel-colored colonial buildings, historic forts, and vibrant plazas were a feast for the senses. We rented a second-story VRBO apartment with a balcony. We were surprised by the 20-foot ceilings, thoroughly enjoyed the view from the balcony, and enjoyed the easy access to the streets Old San Juan. My only regret is that we couldn’t stay longer to eat at more restaurants.

Puerto Rico has a lot to offer visitors

Puerto Rico is an island of contrasts, with pockets of incredible beauty alongside areas still showing the effects of past hurricanes. While some parts may feel a bit worn, there are a number of stunning locations waiting to be explored. Whether you seek luxury, surf, natural wonders, or history, the island has something to offer every traveler.