Tucked away on the outskirts of El Yunque, El Pequeno became our home-base for our Puerto Rico adventure. Just a scenic 35-minute drive from San Juan, this mountainside retreat is both conveniently secluded and romantically remote. The spectacular views, nightly serenades of frogs, and the option to sleep with windows open, breathing in the natural ambiance without the hum of air conditioning, made for a truly memorable experience.
Joaco, the vibrant host, and his friendly dog, Pepe, not only ensured a warm welcome but also added unique character to our stay. The lush gardens really allow you to lose yourself in nature, and Joaco's passion for his gardens and orchid collection was inspiring - I certainly returned with new goals for our orchid collection at home! Joaco was a wonderful host, full of knowledge of Puerto Rico and great suggestions for things to do as well as places to eat.
El Pequeno isn't just a place to stay; it's an authentic Puerto Rico experience immersed in nature. The location, with its proximity to El Yunque and Fajardo, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a perfect balance between adventure and seclusion.
Puerto Rico has its own species of coqui frogs, and these tiny creatures are a symbol of the island and the source of the distinctive and melodic call, which sounds like "co-qui," giving it its name.
A last minute addition to our trip turned into our most exhilarating adventure in El Sistema de Cuevas Arenales. This Cave Adventure Tour began with our knowledgeable guides leading us through a seldom-used hidden path, setting the tone for an exploration like no other. The path led us to three awe-inspiring caves, complete with photo-worthy waterfalls that added an extra layer of excitement. Recent rains enhanced the experience, turning the narrow cave entrance into a rushing cascade that demanded confidence and skill. If you find yourself there during the rainy season, be prepared for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
The challenges, though, were rewards in disguise. The first two caves left us breathless, prompting a well-deserved snack break before venturing into a calmer cave. Here, surrounded by history and wildlife, our guide shared captivating stories, adding depth to the experience. This adventure is not just about caves; it's a journey into the heart of Puerto Rico's untamed beauty. If you're seeking excitement, natural wonders, and a touch of history, be sure to include this tour in your itinerary! We had a great experience with Abdiel and Liana, owners of GeoAventuras PR and can't wait to embark on another exciting adventure with them on our next visit.
When it comes to magical and unique experiences in Puerto Rico, the bioluminescent bays are not to be missed. Puerto Rico is home to three renowned bioluminescent bays: Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Laguna Grande in Fajardo, and La Parguera in Lajas. These natural wonders are a testament to the island's rich biodiversity.
What makes these bays light up is the presence of microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates. These tiny organisms emit a radiant blue-green light when agitated, creating a stunning display that transforms the water into a glittering, ethereal spectacle.
Our choice was Laguna Grande in Fajardo, and it didn't disappoint. As night fell, we embarked on a mesmerizing journey into the bay, where the waters came alive with bioluminescent brilliance. Our knowledgeable guides not only navigate the waters but also provide insights into the delicate ecosystem and the science behind this luminous phenomenon.
Don't miss the chance to witness this bioluminescent magic, a truly enchanting chapter in your Puerto Rican adventure, and view a tour you can trust here.
Be sure to check the moon phase, tide chart, and sunset to book your bioluminescent kayak excursion at a prime time for the most spectacular experience
A guided trek through El Yunque is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. Our guide, Enrique, expertly timed our Saturday trek with an early start, which is crucial to avoid the crowds. We learned to really embrace the rainforest, and the mud, with a moderately challenging hike and refreshing river crossings. The trail led to a natural swimming pool with an exhilarating natural rock waterslide and rope swing for the adventurous.
Enrique's knowledge was not limited to just the trail; he served as an engaging source of information, educating us about the rainforest's intricate ecosystem and diverse flora as we traversed through the breathtaking landscape.
For anyone planning a visit, don't forget to equip yourself with water shoes and a waterproof case for your phone – essentials that enhanced our experience and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural wonders of El Yunque. Interested in embarking on this journey yourself? Check out our tour with Casa Venturas here!
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds as we dive into the vibrant world of Puerto Rican cuisine. From the irresistible allure of mofongo's savory embrace to the crispy perfection of tostones and the velvety sweetness of flan, every meal on our journey was a celebration of authentic flavors. Puerto Rico's culinary scene didn't disappoint, and here are just a few of the delightful restaurants where we savored the island's delectable offerings.
Not just the best mofongo but our agreed-upon favorite meal, which I am glad Blake shared! The teriyaki skirt steak mofongo at Zimple, a small restaurant in a little town on the way to El Pequeno, was so incredibly flavorful I don't even know how to put it into words. Definitely give this type of mofongo if you try, or even better check out Zimple for the full experience!
After our busy day hiking El Yunque and kayaking the bay we stopped at Don Pepe's for a well earned and delicious spicy margarita with an inexplicable but tasty smokiness to it. This margarita was just the start to a fulfilling meal followed by an incredible flan, my first ever. Blake agreed it was an impressively baked desert and my first flan might very well remain my best ever for years to come.
For a truly delicious breakfast and enjoyable casual outdoor meal overlooking La Ventana al Mar and Condado Beach, be sure to check out Waffler Avenue! This unique restaurant offers a variety of waffle-inspired dishes, included me recommendation of a "waffler" where they pour the waffle batter, stuff it with your choice of meat, eggs and cheese, then top it with the batter and waffle it up all together in the waffle maker. It's a great combination of sweet and savory, and I recommend dipping in it any of their waffle glazes.
Joaco heard the word on the street was that the recently opened El Oceano En Tu Mesa in Rio Grande was well worth a visit, so of course we checked it out and reported back to add it to his list of recommendations for all future guests! This small outdoor restaurant is full of fresh seafood options and we each had incredible dishes full of fresh tuna and octopus - this spot is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Rio Grande!
It's not a trip to Puerto Rico without trying some street food as well! While we missed out on San Juan food carts and trucks, we stumbled upon a great beach and strip of restaurants and shops on our way back from El Yunque, and immediately pulled off to check it out. Located between Playa Fortuna and Playa De Luquillo this strip was full of both sit down restaurants and restaurants with great Puerto Rican finger food staples such as the fried shrimp roll we tried out, along with a delicious strawberry mojito followed by a stroll down the beach. Definitely worth a stop if you have a car and an afternoon free!