West coast trip in Puerto Rico
It is difficult to write about the island where you were born and raised when you have seen, enjoyed, and eaten in so many places in many years. Everything is beautiful, stunning, interesting and there is always something to do. In this blog, I am going to focus on what I did during my last trip to Puerto Rico. We were mostly in the western area of the island but I will also mention a couple things we did in other parts of the island.
Where to Stay
There are countless lodging places in Puerto Rico. Among them cabins in Isabela, hotels in Aguadilla, Airbnb in Rincón, etc. This time we stayed with a relative but we took several days for ourselves staying at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico in Río Grande. It is very close to El Yunque and Carabalí Rainforest Park.
Remember to look for discounts on pages such as Gustazos.com, Ofertadeldia.com and ask for government, military discounts, etc.
Transportation
We rented a vehicle from Alamo at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). Again, look for discounts early. Everything tends to be more expensive when done at the last minute. Some websites you can search for are Booking.com and Expedia.com.
Tourism
Sightseeing
- Guajataca Tunnel - remains of the train track that transported sugar cane in Isabela and Quebradillas. There you can enjoy Lake Guajataca and do activities such as kayaking. Also, you can enjoy the beautiful views offered by the road from the tunnel to Guajataca Beach. Finally, appreciate the handicrafts and taste the piraguas of the local vendors.
- Salinas de Cabo Rojo - A protected reserve of pink water. There are several paths to reach them on foot. Parking is on the side of the road.
- Castillo Labadí / Palacete Los Moreau - Beautiful historic castle in Moca. The surroundings are used for family activities, professional photos, picnics, etc.
- Yaucromatic - Urban art project in the town of Yauco. Visitors enjoy music, local food, and beautiful scenery.
- Flags - follow the hashtag #78pueblosy1bandera to find beautiful murals in all towns with the flag of Puerto Rico.
- Giant Chairs- I had the opportunity to photograph Combate's multicolored chair in Cabo Rojo, Camuy's green chair, Isabela's chair, among others. An excellent excuse for a road trip around the island. To see a list of some chairs, you can do a Google search or follow the Facebook page Puerto Rico desde el Aire and look for the publication he made of 21 sillas gigantes pa' tomarse fotos.
Beaches
- Jobos Beach - Locals favorite beach in Isabela. Popular for being an area for surfers, crystal clear waters, spectacular views, and many kiosks/restaurants. Warning: be careful with strong currents if you move away from the shore. Parking is on the side of the road but there are several neighbors who offer parking for a fixed daily cost.
- Combate Beach - The perfect beach to relax and watch a breathtaking sunset in Cabo Rojo. There is no shade but it is worth it because the water is crystal clear. Parking is available exactly in front of the beach.
- Crashboat Beach - One of the most popular beaches in the west of the island located in Aguadilla. Ideal for snorkeling, bathers, and adventurers who want to jump from the pier into the water. Note: There is not much shade, but you can find someone to rent umbrellas there. It is also important to arrive at 10:00 am or earlier because the public and private parking lots fill up and the road that gives access to the beach closes.
- Buyé Beach - If you think of a getaway with the family, this beach is for you because it offers cabins for you to stay in front of the beach. There are also water sports rental companies and food and drink kiosks. There is public and private parking available.
Entertainment
- Manuel Corchado y Juarbe Public Square - Every Wednesday is for local Handicrafts and Art, and Fridays, are for Salsa night. Follow the Municipio de Isabela Facebook page for more information.
- Ride PR - If you want to see the coast of Isabela, in 1 or 2 hours you can run scooters passing through the Paseo Lineal, Paseo Tablado, El Pozo de Jacinto, Jobos Beach, Montones Beach, etc. If you go in the opposite direction you can get to Playa Villa Pesquera and the kiosks in the area.
- VIP Adventures - Visit the website and choose between kayak, paddleboard, snorkeling, and bicycles for the time, day, and time of your preference. Located in Laguna del Condado in San Juan. We parked in a private area 3 minutes walking.
Food
Breakfast
- Mona - Located in Aguadilla, this place offers gourmet dishes and drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
- Verde Menta - Breakfast and drinks at reasonable prices in Isabela.
- La Jibarita - Delicious brunch on Saturdays and Sundays in the town of Mayagüez.
Restaurants/local food
- La Parada de Los Surfers - a variety of "frituras" at a grab-and-go kiosk on the Isabela coast.
- By Cheff's - Latin American cuisine and dishes to share in Isabela.
- Jocky's Pizza - Pizza, calzones, rolls, and sticks in Isabela.
- Sal de Mar - Puerto Rican food, and seafood on the Aguadilla coast. It has a rooftop.
- Monsoon - Tapas, meat, seafood, and cocktails in Aguadilla.
- Alta Mar - mojitos and picadera on the Aguadilla coast.
- Hacienda Don Jando - Comida criolla in Quebradillas.
- Chloé - traditional and international gourmet food rooftop in Condado, San Juan.
- ARTE - perfect environment at Aguadilla Rooftop for drinks and local food with ocean views and beautiful sunset.
- Plátano 494 - Everything you want with plantains in Isabela.
- Papa's Pizza - Giant pizzas and calzones in Cabo Rojo.
Other things you should eat when you visit Puerto Rico are Chinese rice, cuajitos, pinchos, sandwiches, and sobao bread.
Desserts
- Creaciones de La Cuesta - Cakes for any occasion. Known for their delicious charlota cake. They offer individual slices, half and full cakes.
- Agüeybaná Frappé - Frappé of many flavors, fried foods, and picadera in Isabela.
- Calaff Pastries - Variety of artisan desserts in Aguada.
- Koa Acaí - Regular, coconut, or passion fruit acaí with a variety of toppings and fruits in the town of Isabela.
You should also try piraguas, and bakery desserts such as cheese mayorca, quesitos, bizcocho de novia, and gypsy arm.
If you like my blog, share with your friends and follow my Facebook page @k1wayticket and Instagram page @onewayticket_k
