#elconresort

I'm at a loss as to why Rita Moreno's West Side Story character was always singing about wanting to be in America. I, for one, want to be in Puerto Rico. 

Originally, my family told me that I shouldn’t join this vacation, because the Caribbean sun would be too strong for my pale skin and I had to babysit the cat. I found these reasons pretty uncompelling, so I bought some new sunscreen, outfitted myself in my Mott 50 SPF dress, and aided in the securement of a catsitter for the week. This was one family vacay that I didn't want to miss. 

Here's a sampling of what we did for one week in Puerto Rico:

Hiking in the El Yunque Rainforest

Let's be clear - this was more a walk than a hike, but there are more strenuous options if you aren't traveling with a large group like I was. Although there aren't exotic animals in Puerto Rico, there is a constant cacophony of chirruping frogs and birds. Every once in a while, you can spot one! Our walk/hike culminated at El Yunque la Mina Falls. Locals and tourists alike splashed around in the waterfall. I also braved the cold water, stayed on the side and took pictures after gingerly dipping a toe in the ice bath. 

  On the way to and fro the rain forest (about an hour drive from our hotel), our tour guide regaled us with tales of his childhood living on the edges of the rain forest, picking fresh fruit and hating the non-native iguanas. 

Old San Juan

Old San Juan is absolutely lovely. Within 3 minutes of being there, I told my family emphatically that I wanted to learn Spanish and move here. With its tropically-hued buildings, historic forts (2 of them!), and views of the ocean, I was sold. Unfortunately, we were only there for an abbreviated day trip. Next time, I'd make it a point to stay and relax in Old San Juan for several days. We also had the best meal of the entire trip here at Cafe Manolin: Really authentic Puerto Rican food, with a friendly, local staff. I had the Churrasco a la Parilla (skirt steak with Chimichurri sauce), and my family members all opted for Mofongo, which are mashed green plantains stuffed with a variety of options. 

Bioluminescent Bay

Our hotel, El Conquistador, overlooks Fajardo, which is home to one of only a handful of bioluminescent bays in the world. One night, we took a 2-hour kayak tour through the mangroves to the bay. You can only conduct this tour at night, otherwise you won't be able to see the bioluminiscence, AND some nights the moon is too bright, so you just have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. Though there were some mishaps - ramming headfirst into the mangroves, getting thumped on the back of the head by another person's paddle, cowering in fear of an iguana on the branch above you - the bay is beautiful. Each time you break the surface of the water, it lights up like a glowstick. 

Most iphone cameras and/or digital cameras can't capture the way it lights up, but just a quick look at Google Images will make you want to go: 

Mom's input: "I would have enjoyed it more if I was on a boat." 

If you are a wimp, then heed her advice and take a boat to the bay at night. I personally enjoyed the kayaking experience. 

Palomino Island 

^My Mott 50 SPF dress

There are many idyllic islands in Puerto Rico, but the El Conquistador happens to rent out a large portion of Palomino Island (Isla Palominos). You can get there in about 10 minutes via a ferry from the hotel. Palomino Island is where you want to go for total relaxation. At one point, workers were cutting coconuts down and then slicing them open for opportunistic tourists (guilty) who wanted to drink fresh coconut water. The island also has hiking trails, horseback rides, a restaurant, and creepy iguanas. 

Things I wish I'd done: 

Bacardi Distillery

 I've heard that this a must-do when in Puerto Rico, but my three underage brothers kinda cramped my style. Until next time, Bacardi. 

Local Puerto Rico

One of the highlights of traveling is unearthing places away from the maddening crowd. I loved our hotel and all of the activities we planned, but would make an effort to stray farther from the tourist spots if I could. I like BBC's smattering of travel gems in PR.

Finally, a shout out to the El Conquistador Resort! One of the most beautiful hotel views I've ever seen, with a wide range of coordinated activities both on and off the resort. (My little brother LOVED the water park). 

What to Pack: 

It’s hot. Bring sunglasses, hats, sandals, and bright colors! Everyone I saw was dressed pretty casually, even when out to nice dinners.