“La Isla del Encanto” — The Island of Enchantment
Buenas días…
This was my second time in Puerto Rico, and once again, it cast its spell on me. There’s something undeniable about this place — the lush tropical landscapes, the warmth of the people, the richness of culture and history, the white-sand beaches with turquoise waters, the music and dance traditions like bomba, plena, salsa, and reggaetón, the sweet serenade of coquí frogs, the vibrant colors of Old San Juan, the stillness of hidden beaches, sipping mezcal at La Factoría, and past adventures to Vieques and Rincón. Puerto Rico truly offers a little bit of everything.
On this recent trip, I stayed just in San Juan, and honestly, you don’t have to go far to be swept up in the magic. We took a day trip to El Yunque National Forest — beware of the biting midges (tiny black insects that bite the hell out of you). They’re somehow worse than mosquitoes. I highly recommend bringing insect repellent… lesson learned.
Hidden Beach Gem:
We also discovered Cueva Las Golondrinas in Tierras Nuevas Poniente — a secret beach that felt completely untouched. I could’ve stayed there all day. Find some shade under the cliffs or bring an umbrella. The seashells scattered along the shore were beautiful — tiny treasures with every step. A local beach nearby in San Juan i really enjoyed and was recommended by a lovley local was El Escambrón Beach which is protected by coral reefs, it offers calm, swimmable waters ideal for snorkeling, picnicking, and relaxing under palm trees. You’ll find a mix of locals and travelers enjoying the golden sand, shaded areas, and views of the historic fortresses nearby.
Food & Flavor:
I enjoyed all the seafood this island has to offer, along with the classic Puerto Rican green plantain dish, mofongo. I highly recommend dining at Bacoa Finca + Fogón — a stunning farm-to-table restaurant tucked into the hills of Juncos. With ingredients sourced right from the land and everything cooked over open fire, the experience feels grounded, authentic, and deliciously Puerto Rican… especially after a day of swimming and hiking in El Yunque. Another cutie cafe in the city was Kamoli Café & Boutique is a vibrant spot on Calle Loíza in Santurce, San Juan (1706 Calle Loíza).
There’s so much to explore—and so many places to get quiet in nature. Puerto Rico definitely awakened something bold and vibrant in me… it brought back my spice.
