Planning a trip? No need to get your passport ready because here in Puerto Rico passports are not required for US citizens. When spending time on this lush tropical island it’s important to immerse yourself in the local culture, seek new places, taste unique foods and explore the natural beauty – and not forget about the local rum, Bacardí.

Seeped in history and tradition, Bacardi is the most famous rum in Puerto Rico. When the Bacardi family discovered fruit bats living in the rafters of their first distillery they decided to feature the bat on the label of their award-winning spirit. For the family, it was a sign of good luck, but for the rest of us, it’s the sign of a fabulous tasting rum.

Bacardí Rum: Where to Try it in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico takes the title “Cathedral of Rum” seriously which is why I recommend visiting Casa Bacardí in Cataño. Participate in a mixology class, indulge in a rum tasting, or embark on a fascinating historical tour.

Since 1862 the Bacardí family, led by Don Facundo Bacardí Masso, made their own unique blends in Cuba with a revolutionary rum-making process using charcoal filtration. The result? It changed the historically harsh unrefined grog into a smooth, light bodied spirit. After the move from Cuba to Puerto Rico in 1936, Don Facundo’s talent for refining the quality of the family’s rum set the standard, catapulting Bacardí toward achieving over 550 awards and making Bacardí the number one rum in the world.

The Casa Bacardí Welcome Center

The Bacardí oceanfront pavilion is in the shape of the wings of a bat.

The Casa Bacardí tours and classes all have a fun vibe, there’s space to hang out, opportunities to try different rums, and relax. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon. Whether you attend a historical tour, a rum tasting or a mixology class, you’re greeted at the oceanfront pavilion with a welcome cocktail in a commemorative Bacardí cup.

Guests receive a refreshing welcome cocktail with every tour or class. This mojito is a combination of white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint. The combination of sweetness, citrus, and mint flavors complement the rum.

Bacardí Mixology Class

We were given everything needed to make three fantastic cocktails; Cuba Libre, daiquiri, and mojito!

As a rum lover, I wanted to be sure I returned home with the skills needed to make the perfect Cuba Libre, daiquiri, and mojito for my friends and family. I attended the mixology class, which didn’t let me down. With my own bar set up and the direction of a highly skilled instructor, I used jiggers, shakers, and stirrers, learned how to “season” the ice, smack and muddle the mint, and mix three perfect cocktails using Bacardí white and gold rums. 

My perfect Cuba libre!

The mixology class, however, proved to be so much more. The fascinating historical tour and distillery visit provided me with an understanding of the long-standing relationship between Puerto Rico and rum and an appreciation for what it takes to make over 132,000 liters of this spirit a day. 

At the factory, you get to see the impressive fermentation vats.

Did you know some say pirates helped launch the popularity of rum?

In the 16th century when sugar production became the heartbeat of Puerto Rico’s economy, sugarcane juice (guarapo), extracted and boiled at a high temperature, yielded molasses. When molasses is mixed with water and fermented, the result is, you guessed it, rum!

Some say the popularity of rum was due to pirates!

The Caribbean was at the center of major trade and exploration routes. This attracted pirates who used rum not only for drinking but for currency too. It was the Royal Navy’s job to fight the pirates. The rum they confiscated from captured pirate ships became so popular that they included in the daily rations of the seaman. Rum’s popularity spread to colonial North America, Europe, and Australia.

I am the proud recipient of a personalized Bacardi mixologist certificate.

The historical tour and the mixology class were great fun. With my personalized honorary Bacardi mixologist certificate in hand, I made my way to the retail shop where I purchased a stirrer and muddler.

The gift shop is also where there’s a unique opportunity to fill a personalized bottle with Bacardí’s Special Reserve Rum. Decide what to engrave on the bottle, then fill and seal with their signature red wax, personalize the label with your name, and record your name and bottle number in the Casa Bacardí registry. You will receive a special padded box to preserve the bottle along with a photo of you holding a bottle in front of the barrel it came from. It’s a fun way to commemorate your visit to Bacardí and makes a superior gift for someone special!

When in Puerto Rico I highly recommend you visit Casa Bacardí and attend one of their tours or classes. There are three to choose from.

Bacardí Tours & Classes

Bacardí Rum: Where to Try it in Puerto Rico.

The Bacardí tram transports visitors during the tour.

$15 Bacardí Historical Tour 

Includes:

• Visitor’s Center Historical Tour: Learn about the past, present, and future of the Bacardí brand and how it evolved from being a small rum manufacturer in Santiago de Cuba to becoming one of the largest rum producers today.
• Commemorative Bacardí Cup
• Bacardí Special premium “Welcome” rum cocktail for adults at the waterfront pavilion.
• Access to the retail shop and self-fill experience where you fill your own bottle of Special Reserve Rum.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

$50 Bacardí Rum Tasting

Includes:

• Rum Tasting: Guests learn about the attributes and taste of the 5 finest rums within the Bacardí portfolio including Bacardí’s Legacy rum, which is only available at Casa Bacardí.
• Guided tour where visitors discover how premium rums are made, the craft of the barrels and blending, and the history of the family-owned company.
• Commemorative Bacardí Cup
• Bacardí Special premium “Welcome” rum Cocktail for adults at the waterfront pavilion.
• Access to the retail shop and self-fill experience where you fill your own bottle of Special Reserve Rum.
• Complimentary WiFi

$60 Bacardí Mixology Class

Includes:

• Guests learn how to prepare 3 legendary cocktails behind the bar with everything needed to make three classic cocktails: Cuba Libre, daiquiri, and mojito
• Guided historical tour and distillery visit where visitors learn about the rum making process.
• Commemorative Bacardí Cup
• Bacardí Special premium “Welcome” rum Cocktail for adults at the waterfront pavilion.
• Personalized honorary Bacardi mixologist certificate.
• Access to the retail shop and self-fill experience where you fill your own bottle of Special Reserve Rum.
• Complimentary WiFi

Is it 5:00 yet?  It is somewhere, which means it’s time for some rum.

Passionate, warm, and welcoming, I encourage you to visit the island and when you do, make Casa Bacardí your first stop. Let us raise our glasses to all the pirates from days gone by and to those at Bacardí who make the spirit of rum possible.

Casa Bacardi

Carretera 165, Catano, 00949, Puerto Rico

+1 787-788-8400

 Monday                     Closed

Tuesday – Friday       9:00am to 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday  12:00am to 4:30pm

 Rum Cocktail Recipes

My mixology tour at Casa Bacardí was complimentary, but all views are my own and did not influence the outcome of this article. 

Sandy Ruyack is the owner and writer of the popular and award-winning adventure travel blog, Boulevards and Byways. Her stories and photographs reflect her love of travel to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean – providing travel guides, destination tips, and vacation inspiration. Through transformative travel experiences she encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and take the road less traveled. Boulevards and Byways has provided content for an array of hotels, tour companies, and travel publications.

On the agency side, her company Write Choice Marketing, is a direct response marketing and digital/social media/online management firm specializing in travel industry and nonprofit sectors. She provides account and content management for some of the best brands and charities. As a nonprofit direct response expert and writer for some of the largest fundraising organizations in the United States, she uses her years of expertise to execute strategic plans for online and direct mail appeals for nonprofits, and assists the travel industry with growth and monetization through engaging content strategy and storytelling.

A native New Yorker, she lives with her husband and 20-year-old cat Titan, and splits her time between Brewster, NY and Luquillo Puerto Rico

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For more things to do in Puerto Rico, check out

Self Guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan

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There’s a relatively undiscovered area of the northeastern ecological corridor of Puerto Rico and it’s brimming with everything from mountain top hikes to beach walks under sweeping fields of palm trees. It’s where you can hear the coqui frogs sing, spot a manatee searching for breakfast, and glimpse a leatherback turtle laying her eggs.

Even Hurricane Maria can’t fade the natural beauty of Luquillo and the resilience of the people who have worked tirelessly to rebuild. The impact of your visit will assist in helping the local businesses and residents. It is why you should make Luquillo, Puerto Rico Your Next Vacation Destination and visit today.

Gorgeous Beaches

Luquillo is home to a beautiful coastal strip of magnificent beaches: Balneario Monserrate/Luquillo Public Beach, Playa Azul, La Pared, La Fortuna, Mameyes, and La Selva Beach. In addition to the breathtaking ocean views, they provide opportunities for all types of water sports.

Oftentimes my most pressing decision of the day is deciding which of the top beaches in northeast Puerto Rico I should visit.  Spending time on any of  Luquillo beaches is a perfect opportunity to experience the natural beauty of both the sea and the land.

Luquillo Beach/Balneario Monserrate

Monseratte or more often called Luquillo Beach is Blue Flag Certified and is awarded by the Foundation of Environmental Education when a beach meets the stringent standards of water quality, safety, sand quality, and environmental protection.

Flanked by a plantation of majestic coconut palms and more than a mile of golden sand and calm surf, this beach is a true beauty. It’s calm, clear water. El Yunque Rainforest can be seen in the background.

It is one of the most popular beaches with amenities offering food, public bathrooms, showers, parking, and lifeguards. There are also designated camping areas. You can also access the famous kiosks, offering a wide variety of food, at the west end of the beach and it is here you can find tour operators offering kayak and jet ski rentals.

Playa Azul Beach

Playa Azul is a gorgeous crest of surf and sand and is only accessed through a myriad of small side roads. There are no public amenities and only street parking, but the tranquility and beauty make it my favorite. Playa Azul is busy on the weekends, but during the week you may find that you’re the only one there. The reefs offshore are good for snorkeling.

La Pared Beach

La Pared is where the surfers go and is close to the town center where there are an assortment of great restaurants. If you’ve always wanted to surf, this is the place to catch a wave. There are several surf schools who would be happy to give you a lesson and with a sandy bottom, it’s a perfect place to learn. Keep an eye out for turtles nesting. The nesting area will be roped off preventing anyone from walking on the delicate turtle eggs.

Mamayes Beach and Playa Fortuna Beaches

These two beaches are most frequented by locals and residents of the area because of the lack of parking and facilities.

La Selva Beach

La Selva Beach is a critical habitat for leatherback turtle nesting and is part of the Northeast Ecological Corridor. It can only be reached on foot from La Pared after a 40-minute hike. The waters are very rough and I don’t recommend swimming, although experienced surfers can often be found catching a wave.

Activities are Endless

Surfing Puerto Rico

All experts agree: La Pared in Luquillo is the best beach for surfing lessons in Puerto Rico. You can find all the information you need on Surfing Puerto Rico’s website.

surfingpuertorico.com
787-501-SURF (7873)

El Yunque Rain Forest

If there’s any activity you choose to do when in Luquillo, hiking El Yunque should be at the top of the list. it is the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest System and consists of 29,000 biologically diverse acres. Over 200 inches of rainfall in some areas is responsible for its lush foliage and abundant waterfalls. Nature and beauty make hiking in the rain forest one of my top things to do in Puerto Rico.

El Yunque has suffered some serious damage during hurricane Maria. There is only access to La Coca Falls and the Tower at the time of this writing, but is well worth the visit. In the meantime,  check their website for road closures and updates.  If you’re interested, you can read here about what El Yunque was like before the storm. 

Caribali Rainforest Park

This lush outdoor destination in El Yunque mountains offers a go-kart track, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ATVs. It’s a great place to experience the beauty and nature of the rain forest in multiple different ways.

Carabali Rainforest Park – Puerto Rico 992, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico
+1 787-889-4954

Yunke Zipline Adventure

An exhilarating opportunity to fly among and above the rainforest by way of  5 exciting zip lines and experiencing why Puerto Rico is a great Eco-Tourism destination!

http://yzapr.com/contact-us/
787 242-3368

Las Paylas – Natural Waterslide

If you’re looking for an “off the beaten path” activity, this one is for you. Amazing rock formations create a natural water slide that can be accessed, believe it or not, in the backyard of someone’s home. Don’t worry. They’re prepared for guests and offer to park for $5 as well as snacks and cool drinks. It’s worth a visit to explore the unique rock formations and enjoy a picnic, even if you don’t venture onto the slide.

It’s a little tricky to find:

Take route 3 to road 992 and make a left onto road 991. Continue until you see a sign for Sabana and turn right onto road 983. Follow road 983 until you see a house on the right with a chain link fence around the yard and the words Las Paylas on a sign and mailbox.

Luquillo Beach Yoga

Sit cross-legged facing the ocean. Breathe deeply for five or more breaths, taking in all aspects of your surroundings with your five senses. There is absolutely no better place to experience yoga. Jennifer Forshee offers classes Wednesday through Saturday at 8:30 am on Playa Azul Beach, but it’s best to check the Luquillo Beach Yoga Facebook page to be sure.

Town of Luquillo – Capital Del Sol

Luquillo was founded in 1797 and is known as “La Capital del Sol” (Sun Capital). A trip to Luquillo wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the public plaza on Calle Fernandez Garcia.

The first thing that will grab your attention is the colorful Saint Joseph Church. If you can, stop in and admire the wood carvings that adorn the interior. Carvings depicting nature, as well as symbols from other cultures and religions are represented.

It is in this plaza that you will find a few restaurants, the mayor’s office, as well as Chelos Liquor and Convenience Store. It’s a good place to pick up snacks and cold drinks when heading out to the beach, or for liquor for when you’re in the mood for a refreshing mojito or Cuba Libre.

Lifelong Luquillo resident, Mar Gomez, promotes tourism for the municipal of Luquillo and runs the Capital Del Sol Facebook page. It’s a great resource for things to do in Luquillo and to find out about the local festivals that take place in the town throughout the year. The town also sponsors the bi-monthly Farmers Market.

Mar graciously introduced me to many of the local business owners. Her enthusiasm and passion for Luquillo is contagious. She shared with me, “There’s so much to do here in our beautiful town. We offer a variety of great restaurants, beautiful beaches, and a top-notch surfing destination. If you really want to support our community, the best way to do that is to visit our town and eat at our restaurants and shop at our local businesses…and follow the Capitol Del Sol Capital Del Sol Facebook page. It’s the best way to find out what is going on in Luquillo.”

Fiestas and Festivals

• Fiestas Patronales (Patron Saint Celebrations) – March
• Festival Tinglar (Sea Turtle Festival) – April
• Luquillo Beach Jazz Fest – May
• Festival de Coco (Coconut Festival) – September
• Festival Platos Típicos (Local Food Festival) – December

Luquillo’s Farmers Market

On the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday of every month, the town gets together to host a farmer’s market at the Public Plaza of Luquillo.  Enjoy homemade baked goods, handcrafted jewelry, garden-grown vegetables, as well as local honey and hot sauces.

Restaurants in Luquillo

Luquillo has a wide assortment of restaurants offering many different types of food.

The Luquillo Kioskos

When lunchtime or evening rolls around there’s no better place to relish in the year-round warm-weather by enjoying the open-air restaurants and kiosks serving Puerto Rican cuisine and offering local entertainment.

In Luquillo the kiosks are a famous tourist attraction along the popular PR-3 highway. Offering an array of 60 or more mini beach-front open-air restaurants that run parallel to Luquillo Beach, it is your chance to get authentic Puerto Rican food, purchase a few souvenirs, and try out the water sports rentals. It’s here you’ll want to try mofongo, tostones, arepas, and many other local favorites. You can also order a hamburger or pizza, but why?  When in Puerto Rico eat like a local !

Charlie Sepulveda, the famous Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz musician plays at El Terruno, located in the kiosks on the last Friday of every month. Be sure to check out one of his shows.

Boardriders

Boardriders is an open-air beachfront bar on La Pared Beach offering bar food and live entertainment most weekend nights.

http://boardriderssurfbar.com/
25 Calle Veve Calzada, Calle Herminio Diaz Navarro, Luquillo, PR 00773
Phone: +1 787-355-5175

Lena’s Café

Lenas Cafe is near the Public Plaza of Luquillo offering sandwiches, breakfast specialties, and more.

http://www.lenascafepr.com/
152 Cll Fernández Garcia, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-953-1111

Pasta Y Pueblo

Pasta Y Pueblo is a restaurant offering delicious upscale cuisine. This restaurant review gives more details about this fabulous restaurant.

Rincon De Sabor 

Rincon De Sabor is two blocks from the Public Plaza of Luquillo. This unassuming local restaurant boasts delicious mofongo. Don’t let the darkened windows fool you into thinking it’s closed. Ring the bell and enjoy the fun souvenir shop at the front of the restaurant.

263 Calle Fernández Garcia, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico
Phone+1 787-556-9760

William’s Pizza

William’s Pizza offers a variety of toppings on their delicious pizzas.

4 Calle Matienzo Cintron, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-889-8762

Yunni’s Pinchos

Pinchos are grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp on a stick and there’s no better place to get them than at Yunni’s Pinchos.

Puerto Rico 991, Luquillo, Puerto Rico 00773

Brass Cactus

Burgers, steaks, bar food, drinks, and more.

PR-193, Luquillo 00773, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-889-5735

EL Flamboyan

Inexpensive open-air bar and grill.

PR-193, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-889-2928

Where to Stay in Luquillo

Love.Soul.Beautiful Guest House

This Bohemian-chic boutique 4-bedroom apartment is nestled in the heart of downtown Luquillo. Each room is unique, colorful, and just as full of life as the owner, Molly Jones.

“I love Luquillo, Molly shares. “I want my guests to feel at home and enjoy everything this town has to offer.” The guesthouse embraces the carefree and relaxed lifestyle of the pueblo in which it resides, yet it’s the attention to detail that Molly provides, that makes this place so special.

Step out onto the colorful rooftop deck in the front of the guest house and be dazzled with sweeping views of the Atlantic and enjoy gentle warm breezes. The back porch, fitted with an inviting hammock, offers a relaxing oasis with views of the famous El Yunque Rain Forest.

“Our guest house has everything you need. A fully stocked kitchen with gas stove and oven along with a fridge and freezer, and pots and pans,” Molly said. “Make yourself at home! When you come back from a long day of sightseeing take a shower in one of two bathrooms and get ready for a night out.”

For Vacation Rentals in Luquillo:

Rental Properties Services by Alana

Visit her website for a listing of great rental properties.
Phone: +1.787.241.8638

Mar Y Miel House Rental

Private house on the beach that can sleep up to 8 people. This beautiful house is a tropical oasis!

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marymielpr/
#3 (1,656.13 mi), Luquillo, Puerto Rico 00773
+1 787-975-0275

Why You Should Visit Luquillo

The local business owners and residents fuel Luquillo’s hospitality and their and dedication to the town they love is graciously passed on to anyone who visits. 

Comprised of 12 miles of untouched beaches, a myriad of nature-based activities, a one of kind rain forest, unique places to stay, and fabulous dining, this relaxing beach escape has everything you’re looking for, from a weekend getaway to a week-long stay.  Discovering the nature and beauty Puerto Rico’s northeast coast you’ll realize Luquillo is a slice of paradise.

Luquillo Puerto Rico – Your Next
Vacation Destination. Visit today!

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El Yunque Rainforest is the only tropical rain forest found in the U.S. Parks System and one of Puerto Rico’s top attractions, so a visit to El Yunque is a definite must when traveling in Puerto Rico.  Covering over 13,000 acres and thousands of miles of trails, you may only have time for a few.  Here are the 5 must see stops for your trip to El Yunque:

Take a Hike

There are so many excellent trails leading off of Carr 191 and Carr  988. With varying levels of difficulty, these trails will take you through the 5 different ecosystems to be found in the rain forest.  El Yunque is dominated by a mix of amphibians, reptiles and birds, so keep an eye out for the many lizards and anoles, coqui frogs, and the Puerto Rican Parrot if you are lucky.  There are trails at all levels of difficulty.  The Angelito and Caimitillo trails are short and low-impact or you can go for a full day with a more intensive hike to the Mt.Britton tower.  This handy guide will give you some more options to choose just the right hike for you:

Stop in at El Portal

El Portal is the visitor’s center and is worth a stop at least once.  There is a $4.00 parking fee, but it is worth it if you want to get a base understanding of the forest and it’s ecosystem.  There is a great gift shop there and there is a 20 minute video narrated by Benicio del Toro that shows every half hour that is excellent.  There are also artisans set up on the weekends showing their wares, and a small trail that gets it start here.

Visit the Observation Tower

Located along the side of Carr 191, this Tower has 96 steps and offers the opportunity to get great views of El Yunque, the Northeast Coast, and on clear days all the way to St. Thomas.  A great way to get a birds’ eye view of the forest.

Swimming at La Mina Falls

The only waterfall available for swimming in, the hike to this waterfall is about 1 hour with an easy to moderate difficulty.  It can get very busy, so going earlier in the morning means you will have the swimming hole in more privacy.  It is best to wear shoes with good traction.  You can get to this gem of a waterfall via the Big Tree Trail or the La Mina Trail.

Stop in at the El Yunque Art District for Shopping, Art and Food

El Yunque Art District is the main center of Palmer, Puerto Rico. Palmer is at the base of El Yunque and is the welcoming sister community to El Yunque National Rainforest. It is made up of souvenir shops, art galleries, eateries and basic services like a post office, gas station, notary and doctor’s office. Although very small, it is well worth a stop. It is the home of local art and culture on the east end of Puerto Rico and is worth a stop for breakfast or lunch and shopping on your way to or from El Yunque.  You can stay up to date by following their Facebook page here.

Private Adventure Activities

Although not part of the actual National Forest, there are many operators offering excellent activities within the rainforest and in its tributary forest areas.  From horseback riding to ziplining, bike riding and river kayaking, there is plenty of adventure to be had.  Information on these providers can be found on all the major tourism and travel websites.

About the Author:

Written by “Pilot Meg” –  the General Manager of Caribbean Trading Company, which operate three souvenir gift shops throughout Puerto Rico, as well as working with convention and groups on their amenities.  As General Manager, Pilot Meg works in partnership with the clients and the crew to determine the direction of the crew and ship, making sure that all elements are available to provide for a terrific experience! www.caribbeantrading.com

Boulevards and Byways would like to thank Meg for writing this informative post and sharing her local expertise about things to do when visiting El Yunque.

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3 Places to Visit for Puerto Rican Coffee

Coffee in Puerto Rico 3 Places to Visit

Things to do in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico really does have the best coffee

Smooth and sweet is how Puerto Rican coffee is often characterized. Today however, many of us have to search if we want delicious coffee from this region. This is why I’m recommending 3 places to visit for Puerto Rican Coffee.

By the end of the 18th century Puerto Rico produced more than one million pounds of coffee a year. The island at one time was the world’s seventh largest coffee producer, declining after the United States annexed the island from Spanish control and focused on sugar cane production instead.
The good news is there’s been a resurgence of coffee production in the Cordillera Central Region where the nutrient rich volcanic soil produces coffee which is high quality. Several of the traditional coffee haciendas have been revitalized providing not only delicious coffee but tours of the facilities make for an informative and interesting day out. Here are three places to visit for coffee production in Puerto Rico.

Hacienda Buena Vista

Hacienda Buena Vista is a historical landmark focusing on the history of coffee production. Buildings and one-of-a-kind historical machinery remain, together with a sophisticated system of waterworks. The nonprofit organization, Para la Naturaleza oversees the landmark preservation projects here and offers highly informative tours and educational opportunities. Visit their website for a list of tour days and times. Reservations are required and a small fee is charged.
Address: Km 16.8, PR-123, Ponce, 00728, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-722-5882
Website: Para La Naturaleza – Hacienda Buena Vista

Hacienda Pomarrosa

This Eco and Agro tourism lodging destination make this hacienda a unique getaway. Not only can you stay overnight in a casita, you can embark on a tour which will take you on on a journey through the history of coffee production. Starting with breathtaking panoramic scenery of where the coffee is grown, you learn all the steps which go into making delicious coffee. Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday at 11:00 am and have a duration of approximately two hours. Reservations are required and the cost is $20.00 per person.
Address: Carr. 511 Esq. Carr. 143, Barrio Anón, Sector Hogares Seguros, Cam Berganzo, Ponce, 00715 Phone: +1 787-844-3541
Website: Pomarrosa Coffee Lodge

Hacienda Tres Angeles

Agricultural practices, coffee processing and tasting are all part of the tour at Hacienda Tres Angeles. This agro tourism farm is located in the town of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico better known as the land of the sleeping giant due to the mountain range outline of a giant taking a nap. It’s cool climate and high mountains are an ideal setting for making the perfect coffee. Coffee tours through the field are available every Saturday at 10am. Breakfast and lunch are also available. Let me know if you’ve visited any of these 3 places to visit for coffee production.
Address: Carr. 129 K.m. 38.4, Bo. Portillo Adjuntas, Puerto Rico 00601
Phone: Tel: 787-360-0019
Website: Hacienda Tres Angeles

I hope you enjoyed

Coffee in Puerto Rico 3 Places to Visit

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Where to go for Puerto Rican Rum History

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For those in Puerto Rico the holidays mean indulging in the traditional meal of lechon asado or roasted pig. But travelers don’t have to wait for a holiday to enjoy lechon and celebrate with family and friends. Just head to Guavate, a town dedicated to all things pork. It’s a destination where culture, tradition, and great food come together.

Whenever I get a chance to spend some time in Puerto Rico, lechon is one of the foods I crave and Guavate is where I go. It’s a bit off the beaten path but well worth the trip.

How to get to Guavate

The barrio of Guavate, in the east-central hills of Puerto Rico and getting to Guavate is part of the adventure. Route 184 goes through the verdant Sierra De Cayey Mountains.

The snake-like hills and pencil-thin roads are oftentimes barely wide enough for two cars. The lush jungle opens just enough to reveal teasing glimpses of lush Ronnie Coleman Steroid valleys below and verdant mountain peaks above. A few horses lazily graze close to the byway and on occasion, a lone house pops up around a hairpin turn.

What you will find in Guavate

Better known as Pork Highway, the GPS wasn’t needed to tell us when we reached our destination. Pounding music, the smoky smell of roasting pigs, and lechoneras, one after another, line the road proudly displaying lechon in their front windows.

Abundant signs for pina coladas and cervesas beckon all who pass for something cool to drink. Children pull at the sleeves of their parents in hopes of getting them to buy souvenirs and trinkets at the myriad of shops. There’s traffic, yes traffic. It comes to a stop as everyone searches for a place to park and we were directed to park in a lot for a $5 fee.

Lechon in Guavate

We wondered which establishment had the tastiest, most succulent lechon and made our decision quickly. A long line of hungry customers caught our eye at an open-air eatery with a tin roof. They waiting their turn to be served at Lechonera Los Pinos.

We joined in the line to wait, mesmerized by the carver swinging down his machete in quick succession, chop, chop, chop, as he cut up the lechon. Did I forget to mention, they roast whole seasoned pigs on a spit over an open fire?

With no menu, we selected an assortment of delectable dishes all on display in steam trays behind the glass counter; Arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), yucca, tostones de platanos (fried green plantains), morcilla (blood sausage), longaniza (pork sausage), and morcilla (blood sausage). It’s all served on picnic fare, paper plates and plastic utensils, at approximately $8-$10 a plate.

The lechon, with its crispy skin was well-seasoned and brown and the meat, smoky, moist, and juicy. Is your mouth watering yet? The side dishes were the best I had anywhere on the island.

Tradition is alive and well in Guavate. A live band started playing salsa music and a dozen couples jumped up to dance. Guavate isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a place where locals and visitors experience authentic Puerto Rican culture together.

When to Visit Guavate

Go on a Saturday or Sunday to get the full experience and get there before noon to avoid massive crowds. If you don’t have a car check out these tours that will take you to Guavate.

Lechonera Los Pinos
Carrer 184, Puerto Rico
(About 1 hour from Old San Juan)

Be sure to join me on my next adventure to Old San Juan.

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Visiting Puerto Rico has the benefit of many activities in close proximity. Often times, my biggest decision of the day is what to do. Here are my top 3 three things to do in Puerto Rico with teens.

1. Hiking in El Yunque National Rain Forest.

El Yunque, in the north east corridor of Puerto Rico, is the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest System and consists of 29,000 biologically diverse acres. Over 200 inches of rain in some areas is responsible for it’s lush foliage and abundant waterfalls. The nature and beauty makes hiking in the rain forest one of my top 3 things to do in Puerto Rico.

The Stunning El Portal Visitors Center

Enter off Route 3 in the town of Palmer a municipality of Rio Grande. This little town boasts two fun gift shops, a smoothie bar and a few small eateries all in walking distance of one another.  It’s a great place to grab a snack, down a cool drink and buy a trinket to commemorate your visit. As you head  up the hill, twisting and turning with the road, make a stop at the beautiful El Portal Visitors Center for exhibits and educational information about the rain forest.

La Coca Falls

As you continue heading up the road, you’ll  first encounter a  handful of parking spaces before La Coca falls on the right.  Park and take a few photos of  the rushing mountain water overflowing on the rock beds and take the time to really feel the falling dew and inhale the soft, steamy mist of the rain forest.  Continue to drive up the hill to

Yokahu Observation Tower.

A short climb to the top  rewards you with stunning panoramic views of Luquillo and the Atlantic Ocean. The pictures here don’t do the view justice.  It’s something you just have to see for yourself.

View from La Yokahu Tower

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Big Tree Trail

Continue to drive up the mountain side and park  at the next lot and hike Big Tree Trail which leads to La Mina Falls.  It’s about a half hour hike in,  and another half hour out. Don’t enter the water at the base of the falls during an especially rainy period.  The waters are swift and powerful and if you slip and fall it will be difficult to get out. Other times they are calm and tranquil and taking a dip at the base oftentimes becomes a popular activity.

La Mina Falls

Be prepared.  Wear sneakers and bring water and a rain jacket.  It’s hot, humid and  It often rains here when it’s sunny everywhere else.  The path can be slippery so take it slow and always stick to the trails.

There are other trails offering longer hikes to which I haven’t yet explored.  Perhaps that’ll be next on my to do list and provide you with another story to share. El Yunque offers a one of a kind opportunity for adventure while connecting with nature. It has been a favorite of activity of mine, time and time again.
Address: Río Grande 00745, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-888-1880
Web: El Yunque National Forest

2. Kayaking in the Bioluminescent Bay

Kayaking through the mangroves to the bioluminescent bay in Las Croabas, Fajardo is one of my top 3 things to do in Puerto Rico with teens. They will absolutely love this tour.  There are only four places in the world to do this! One of them is in the northeast corridor of Puerto Rico!

Joining a kayaking tour group is the only way to experience the unique eco-system of the bioluminescent bay. The dinoflagellates, or phytoplankton which are in the water, glow when subjected to vibration. They sense they are being pushed and pulled and respond by producing light in response to stress.

The Mangrove Forest

The tour leader will review safety procedures and paddling techniques and your group will enter a hidden opening in the mangroves by kayak off the end of the beach.  For the one mile trip through the dark and ominous mangrove forest, the parade of kayakers follow one another, guided only by the lights on the front and back of the boat.  An iridescent blue glow will surround the paddle as you  gently move it through the water.  We got to see the outline of a large manta ray as it floated below, as if it were a cloud casting a shadow.

The Dinoflagellates

The group leader leads you out of the pitch blackness of the mangrove canal to the Laguna Grande (big lagoon) which is part of Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve.  When emerging from the channel and entering the wide expanse of the calm lagoon, the open sky above with millions of twinkling stars shimmer like lightning bugs on a summer night. The silence surrounding all the kayakers like a warm blanket, exudes a peaceful calm and all are in awe of what they see.  As we gently moved our paddle through the open lagoon, the blue glo of the dinoflagellates illuminate the water below. It’s a trip not to be missed.

Two of my favorite tour operators are:

Web:http://www.yokahukayaks.com/tours_Bio.html

Web: kayakingpuertorico.com

3. Touring the Fajardo Lighthouse in Las Cabezas Nature Preserve

Visit Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve also on the northeast corridor of Puerto Rico in Fajardo. From trails and boardwalks you will explore sensitive eco-systems with trained guides. What makes it one of the top 3 things to do in Puerto Rico with teens?  They get to hold bio-luminescent dinoflageliates in their hand, hike through a red mango forest, and view fossilized coral on the beach.

The red mango trees turn the water an interesting color.

Via a tram, you are given an educational experience about the surrounding mangrove swamps as you hike over and through them by boardwalk. You come face-to-face with fossilized coral on a breath-taking rocky beach, and you get to hold biolumenescent dinoflageliates which glow and turn blue in the dark.

Views from the Top of the Lighthouse

Climb the iron staircase to the observation deck of the lighthouse and take in stunning views of the preserve, bio bay and El Yunque on one side, and the islands of Vieques, Icacos and even St. Thomas islands on the other. Visit their website: Para La Naturaleza.com and book your tour online.

I have yet to get tired of the exquisite beauty and natural resources on this island. That’s what makes Puerto Rico so special. Adventure and beauty are everywhere!

I hope you enjoyed reading about my top 3 things to do in north east Puerto Rico.  Send me a note and let me know which ones you’ve visited.

Para la Naturaleza

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