Miss HappyFeet: Top 5 things to do in Puerto Rico

Monday, October 31, 2016

Top 5 things to do in Puerto Rico

Hailing from Malaysia, never in my wildest imagination I have ever thought of stepping foot into the Caribbean region and my dream came true this summer to explore this wonderful island for a 3-days visit. It wasn’t too long but it’s worth it to have experienced the Caribbean adventure!

So now, let me bring the top 5 things to do if you are planning your visit here in the near future.

1) Visiting the San Juan Old Town

We explored the Old Town both in the day and in the night and they had provided us altogether different experiences. The old city has much to offer especially with its special architectures that still remain intact to date. From the fountain called “Raices” which symbolizes Puerto Rican’s cultural roots to the majestic Castillo El Morro, old city is so vibrant with its rich history and cultures that take more than a post to be shared. One has to take time to explore the place and I promise, the experience is very rewardable to catch the glimpse of the unique San Juan.

San Juan Cemetry

Castillo El Morro

La Rogativa Plaza

“Racies” Fountain

2) Food

One must not leave this island without trying the authentic Puerto Rican traditional food in any San Juan cafes or restaurants. We went La Casita Blanca, which is like grandma’s home, for a sumptuous lunch and I ordered a dish with mofongo (plaintains mashed with salt, garlic and oil) served with beef stew. Mofongo, or plaintains in English, is the staple food among Puerto Ricans with taste resembles tapioca. We were served with a complimentary drink of coconut rum, garnished by a coffee bean and the concoction of the coconut fragrance and aroma of the coffee bean blended perfectly to tantalize our taste buds.

3) El-Yunque National Park

Yunque, which means white lands, irony to the green lushes, is the only tropical rain forest registered in the national forest system in USA (as Puerto Rica is actually part of USA). There are many hidden gems and pit stops as you explore around this national park with designated paths, like the waterfall and Yokahu observation tower as shown in pictures below, in which one can also alight the tower and view the rainforest from atop. Come and get drenched in sweats as you are hiking and also when you dip yourself in the fresh cool water of the waterfall in El-Yunque National Park!!!

4) Pozo de Jacinto

It is a pit cave located at Jobos Beach in the northwest region of the island which takes around 2-3 hours to reach from the capital, San Juan. It was good that we have actually rented a car, and so we could explore the island at its best!!! It’s the best place to see the power of the waves growling against the cave and cliff in this beautiful coast, especially jumping on top of the natural opening (continuous erosion by wind and waves) which was called Jobos Well, or “El Pozo de Jobos” in Puerto Rican.

5) Beach

Puerto Rico is an island located in the Caribbean Sea bestowed with various hotspots of wonderful beaches. With turquoise blue to crystal clear water, soft white sand beach and swaying palm or coconut trees by the beaches, it’s hard to answer the question of which is the best beach in Puerto Rico as each of them is equally appealing and nice! Flamenco Beach, Steps Beach and La Pocita Beach, just to name a few!