No Fomo, Just Mofongo: Your Puerto Rico Adventure

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Advisor - Matthew Alexander
Curated By

Matthew Alexander

  • Puerto Rico

  • Beaches

  • Tropical Vacations

  • Active Travel

  • Greatest Hits

Advisor - No Fomo, Just Mofongo: Your Puerto Rico Adventure
Curator’s statement

Let me tell you, out of all the incredible places I was lucky enough to visit as a kid, Puerto Rico consistently ranks as one of my absolute favorite vacations. That’s why I jump at any chance to recommend it, because this island truly has it all! Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for your next thrill, someone who dreams of nothing but lazy days on a beautiful beach, or a passionate food lover eager to savor new flavors, Puerto Rico delivers. If tropical destinations are your jam, trust me, this is the place for you!

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Where to stay in Puerto Rico

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Things to do in Puerto Rico

El Yunque Rainforest, waterslides & beach tour with transport

Hey there! Looking for an awesome way to experience both the rainforest and the beach in one fell swoop? This full-day group tour is just the ticket! You’ll kick off your adventure in El Yunque National Forest, where you can take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery. Get ready to cool off with a swim in some super clear rivers and even try out the natural waterslides at Las Paylas—how cool is that?!

After all that rainforest fun, you’ll head over to Luquillo. Here, you’ll have some fantastic beach time, perfect for soaking up the sun and relaxing by the ocean. Plus, you can check out the local shops and grab some delicious food (at your own expense) at the famous Los Kioskos. Talk about a perfect combo! The best part? You get to see the beach and the rainforest all in one day, right from San Juan. You’ll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, and you even get to sleep in a bit since there are later departure times in the morning or afternoon. And don’t worry about getting there and back—round-trip transfers from select areas of San Juan are all taken care of!

LED kayak night glow tour in Condado Lagoon

Light up the night on a clear kayak adventure! Ever wanted to see Puerto Rico sparkle in a whole new way? Get ready for an unforgettable night kayaking experience on the Condado Lagoon! Imagine this: You’re paddling along in a clear-bottomed kayak, and as the sun dips below the horizon, you flick on the LED lights built right into your boat. Pretty cool, right? But here’s where it gets even more fun: You can totally get into the glow-in-the-dark spirit by painting your face and body with special paint. So, as the city lights of Puerto Rico begin to twinkle, you’ll be glowing right along with them! Don’t worry about a thing before you head out—you’ll get a quick safety briefing to make sure you’re all set. The sunset tour kicks off at 6 pm, and you’ll gradually see the sky transform as it gets dark around 7 pm. If you’re more of an early bird, no problem—you can opt for an afternoon trip instead. And while you’re busy paddling and glowing, we’ve got your back. You can stash all your gear safely in a complimentary locker.

ATV single-rider adventure near San Juan—Hacienda Campo Rico

Ready for an adventure? How about ditching the city buzz of San Juan for a super-fun ATV tour in the Puerto Rican countryside? You’ll head over to Hacienda Campo Rico in Carolina, hop on your own single-rider ATV, and then zoom off! Your guide will lead you through some awesome, rough trails, where you’ll see everything from majestic mountains to lush mangroves and sparkling lagoons. Keep an eye out for local plants and animals, too! Don’t worry about a thing, all your safety gear and instructions are provided. It’s the perfect way to spend a day getting away from it all, and there are even different tour times so you can find one that fits your schedule. Sounds like a blast, right?

Rainforest zipline in the foothills of the national rainforest

You know, if you’re looking for an absolute blast in Puerto Rico, you have to check out Rainforest Zipline Park in Rio Grande. Seriously, it’s my favorite thing to do there!

Imagine soaring through the lush rainforest canopy on eight exhilarating zip lines. They start you off easy, perfect for beginners, and then gradually build up the excitement until you’re on one of the longest and highest zip lines in the entire Eastern region! The views from up there are just incredible.

You’ll be in great hands, too. The guides are fantastic—they’re all about making sure you’re safe and having an absolute blast. Plus, they provide all the gear you need, like helmets and safety harnesses, so all you have to do is show up with your sense of adventure. It’s totally family-friendly, and they offer tours multiple times throughout the day, so it’s super easy to fit into your plans.

Mixology class at Casa BACARDÍ in Puerto Rico

Shake up some fun at Casa Bacardí! Ready for a taste of the Caribbean? Head over to Casa Bacardí in Puerto Rico, the official home of Bacardí rum, for an unforgettable cocktail-making masterclass!

First, you’ll get to peek behind the scenes on a distillery tour and uncover the secrets of this world-famous rum. You’ll even get a complimentary welcome cocktail to kick things off! Then, it’s time to unleash your inner mixologist! An expert will show you how to craft some of Bacardí’s most iconic cocktails. You’ll learn the art of making these classic drinks and discover some amazing tips and tricks. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the history and flavors of Bacardí rum!

Places to eat & drink in Puerto Rico

Marmalade: You know, when you think of marmalade, your mind probably jumps to fancy British toast and tea. But let me tell you, marmalade has a sweet and tangy secret life in Puerto Rico! We’re talking about more than just oranges here. With the abundance of tropical fruits, you’ll find incredible marmalades made from guava, passion fruit, tamarind, and even starfruit. It’s not just for breakfast either—these vibrant preserves find their way into pastries, glazes for roasted meats, and even cocktails. So next time you’re on the island, keep an eye out for these delicious, sunshine-in-a-jar treats. They’re a true taste of Puerto Rican ingenuity!

Vianda: So, picture this: you’re in San Juan, and you’re looking for a dining experience that’s both deeply rooted in the island’s flavors and incredibly innovative. That’s where Vianda comes in.

It’s not just any restaurant—it’s a true gem, helmed by the talented Chef Francis Guzmán and his wife, Amelia Dill. They’ve created a place where the menu is a constantly evolving love letter to Puerto Rico’s local and seasonal ingredients. Think farm-to-table with a global flair, where traditional Boricua flavors are elevated with modern techniques. Chef Guzmán is seriously acclaimed, a multiple James Beard Award semifinalist, which tells you just how special his cooking is. They’re all about showcasing the best of what Puerto Rico’s agriculture has to offer, and you can taste that commitment in every dish.

While their menu changes frequently, past highlights include things like a delicious pumpkin lasagna or creative takes on local seafood and meats, always with vegetables as a shining star. The vibe at Vianda is casual yet refined, making it perfect for a special night out. It’s a place where you can truly experience Puerto Rico’s culinary renaissance—a vibrant, passionate, and always evolving expression of the island’s soul, served up on a plate. Definitely make a reservation if you’re planning to go, it’s a popular spot!

El Caney Restaurant: If you’re ever in Puerto Rico and looking for a real taste of local flavor, you absolutely have to check out El Caney Restaurant! It’s one of those spots where you immediately feel at home, and the food? Oh man, the food is incredible. They’ve got all the classics you crave, from mofongo to lechón, cooked just right. It’s not fancy, just genuinely delicious, authentic Puerto Rican cooking in a super relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You’ll leave with a full belly and a happy heart, trust me!

Cocina al Fondo: If you’re looking for a hidden culinary gem in Puerto Rico, you absolutely have to check out Cocina al Fondo. It’s not your typical tourist spot, which is part of its charm. Tucked away (hence the ‘al Fondo’ – “in the back”), this place offers an incredibly authentic and intimate dining experience. The chefs are all about using fresh, local ingredients to create modern takes on classic Puerto Rican dishes. Think elevated comfort food with a serious gourmet twist. The vibe is super welcoming and cozy, almost like you’re eating at a friend’s really cool house. Seriously, if you’re a food lover visiting the island, make sure you seek out Cocina al Fondo—your taste buds will thank you!

Nectar Restaurant: So, you’re looking for a dining experience that’s a little bit magical in Puerto Rico? You HAVE to check out Nectar. It’s tucked away in the beautiful Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and it’s just one of those places that wows you from the moment you walk in. Chef José Andrés is behind the menu, so you know you’re in for a treat—think incredible, fresh ingredients transformed into dishes that are both innovative and delicious. The ambiance is super chic but still feels really welcoming, and the views? Absolutely stunning, especially if you catch a sunset. It’s definitely a splurge, but for a special occasion or just to treat yourself to something truly unforgettable, Nectar is absolutely worth it.

Need to know

Alright, so there you have it, our whirlwind tour of Puerto Rico! From the moment you taste that first incredible mofongo to the rhythm of the salsa echoing through the streets, we hope you’re feeling as excited as we are about your upcoming adventure.

Now, a quick heads-up on getting around: While the idea of cruising along the coast sounds tempting, we highly recommend sticking to car services or your hotel’s shuttle for getting from point A to point B. Navigating the roads here can be a bit… unpredictable for tourists, and honestly, you’ll want to focus on soaking in all the beauty, not the traffic.

But please, please don’t let that small detail deter you! Puerto Rico is an absolute gem, brimming with warmth, flavor, and unforgettable experiences. So go ahead, book that trip, pack your bags, and get ready for an island escape that’s all about Mofongo and absolutely No Fomo!

Advisor - Matthew Alexander

Travel Advisor

Matthew Alexander

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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Puerto Rico page.