top of page

El Yunque to Old San Juan: Discovering Puerto Rico’s Natural Beauty, Food, and Culture

Welcome back to my blog! And yes, if you haven’t heard it a million times already—HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎉 This post holds a special place in my heart because I finally visited Puerto Rico.  I’ve crossed oceans, climbed mountains, and probably gotten lost in more airports than I care to admit—but somehow, this gem of an island stayed off my radar. Yes, I’m shaking my head in disbelief right along with you. HAHA!


Let me paint you a picture of why this trip was worth the wait. Imagine standing in the heart of a lush rainforest, surrounded by the sound of cascading waterfalls and chirping coquí frogs. Fast forward a few hours, and you’re strolling through Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets, with brightly colored buildings and the aroma of freshly fried empanadillas lures you into a hidden café.


Join me as I retrace my steps through energetic tours, unforgettable flavors, and cultural gems that made this Caribbean paradise truly amazing. If you’re ready, let’s all scream, “WEPA!” and start this adventure together.


1st Stop: El Yunque Rainforest

Located in Northeast Puerto Rico, El Yunque is a stunning tropical rainforest that spans 29,000 acres of lush, natural beauty. As the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, it’s truly one of a kind. With its warm, humid climate and incredible biodiversity, El Yunque is a paradise for nature lovers.


Elevated 1,575 feet above sea level, the views are breathtaking, with vast green mountains stretching endlessly into the horizon. Trust me, double-check  your phone battery before heading out—LOL! Don’t believe me? No worries—I’ve got the photos to prove it. Check them out below!

El Yunque
El Yunque

Speaking of unforgettable moments, I owe a lot of them to our amazing tour guide. Papichulo (yes, that’s his nickname—HA!) had us laughing nonstop while sharing fascinating insights about the rainforest. Not only was he hilarious, engaging, and knowledgeable, but he also snapped pictures and videos of us having the time of our lives and sent them our way to help us remember the adventure. I won’t lie—the tour lasted about six hours and included time for us to shop and eat. By the end of the day, I was no good to anyone! Don't judge me. LMBO.




Planning your own adventure to El Yunque? Here’s the link to Papichulo, who made our trip unforgettable. Trust me, you’ll leave with memories (and photos) you’ll treasure forever! ( Tours of Puerto Rico ). With my rainforest adventure complete, it was time to trade lush greens for vibrant cultural vibes—next stop, Loíza!

Papichulo and Sam (she's that one friend who is always down to travel. LOL)
Papichulo and Sam (she's that one friend who is always down to travel. LOL)

2nd stop: Loìza

According to Discover Puerto Rico, Loíza, a town with deep historical African roots, was founded in the 16th century by members of the Yoruba tribe, who were enslaved and brought to Puerto Rico from West Africa. The town’s lively culture—through its art, dance, cuisine, and history—remains deeply rooted in its West African heritage, with elements of this influence still visible throughout the community. Located on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico, just minutes from Old San Juan and Isla Verde, Loíza boasts the highest concentration of African descendants on the island, making it a truly unique and culturally rich destination.



If you’re craving authentic traditional flavors, Piñones in Loíza is the place to be. I had the pleasure of visiting this foodie paradise during a cultural tour with Stephanie ( Puerto Rico Travel Connection ), and let’s just say I didn’t hold back. I snacked, ordered something to-go, and then … well, my “to-go” snack didn’t make it far. About ten minutes into the bus ride back, the rest of it was devoured. HAHA!


First up was the “Alcapurria,” and let me tell you, it’s pure bliss in snack form! The dough is made from either mashed green plantains or grated yuca (think starchy goodness at its finest) and stuffed with a savory mix of ground meat, seafood, or pork. Then, it’s shaped into a little cylinder of happiness and deep-fried to crispy, golden perfection. It’s that kind of comfort food that will make you say, “Just leave me here for a few more days, please!!”

Alcapurria
Alcapurria

I’m not going to tell on myself and number my snacks, but I will say that I also tried “Bacalaíto” and loved it. Bacalaítos, better known as codfish fritters, are a Puerto Rican favorite that you can savor at home or while chilling on the beach. Made from a flour-based batter packed with codfish, peppers, cilantro, and spices, these street food classics are all about that golden, crispy crunch. Oh, and don’t let their round shape fool you—these aren’t your average-sized fritters. Some can be as big as your face. LMBO!


Bacalaíto
Bacalaíto

This second stop wouldn’t have been nearly as amazing without our fabulous tour guide, Stephanie. She led us on a journey through Old San Juan, Loíza, and Santurce, where we dove into Puerto Rico’s rich history and vibrant street art culture. Stephanie was everything you’d want in a guide—personable, knowledgeable, and totally open to our questions. And let’s not forget, she was whipping that bus like a pro. LMBO!

Santurce Art Mural
Santurce Art Mural

Boricua Culture

Puerto Rican culture is a beautiful and dynamic blend of three distinct yet intertwined heritages: Spanish, Taino, and African. The island’s rich history began with the indigenous Taino people, whose traditions, language, and relationship with nature still resonate today. When the Spanish arrived in the 15th century, they brought with them new influences, including language, religion, and customs that became integral to Puerto Rico’s identity. Later, African influence—brought through the transatlantic slave trade—enriched the island’s music, dance, and culinary traditions. Today, Puerto Rican culture thrives as a fusion of these three influences, seen in the rhythms of bomba and salsa and tasted in the flavorful mofongo.


What stood out to me during my visit were the people—super friendly, talkative, and welcoming. Despite the ongoing challenges Puerto Ricans face, they exude resilience, celebrating life with a deep sense of community. For my first trip, I chose to stay in a residential neighborhood instead of a hotel or resort, hoping to experience the island in a more authentic and genuine way. And I’m so glad I did—it’s that real connection to the culture that truly made my time in Puerto Rico unforgettable.


Ready to plan your Puerto Rican adventure? Check out my tips and links for diving into the food, culture, and good vibes! Got questions? Drop me a comment below—I'm all ears. And if you're feeling generous and want to fuel my coffee habit, you can toss a couple of coffee coins my way via CashApp, Venmo, or PayPal! Let’s keep this journey going. 🌴✈️

2 Comments


Guest
7 days ago

Hey Dolly do you have the recipe for those codfish fritters?

Like
Biz3b
7 days ago
Replying to

Hi there😊! I don’t have the exact recipe for those codfish fritters, but here's a link to one you might want to try: (senseandedibility.com/bacalaitos-codfish-saltfish-fritter ) 🎣🍴Hope it turns out delicious—crispy on the outside and perfectly flaky inside! Let me know how it goes! Now I'm hungry... HAHA! 😆


Like
Conscious Travel Logo

Hi, thanks for stopping by!

I want to take a moment to show gratitude to each and every one of you for stopping by my blog. Whether you're a regular visitor or stumbled upon my blog by chance, I am truly humbled by your interest in what I have to share.

Let the posts
come to you.

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page