Puerto Rico has the the only rainforest in the US national forest system: El Yunque. When you visit Puerto Rico, try to make it to this area either through a rental car or day tours that pick you up from the cities nearby, mainly from San Juan area.

We took off in early am, heading towards to the south side of the forest to a waterfall, called El Hippie. When you follow directions of google, the last 5 min stretch of the road may look you going off road but don’t worry and keep going, until you head to a point what looks like a parking area.

And you are there!

Possibly with few other travelers who was lucky enough to discover this place like you.

The water is nice and cold, just the very thing you need on the sunny days of Puerto Rico.

Right after noon, we had our fair share of rock climbing and fresh water swimming. And pretty hungry to get some tasty local food.

But first, on our way back to north shores of the country, we caught a local stall preparing the freshest pina coladas you can ever get.

Trust me it doesn’t get fresher and tastier than this one!

Having satisfied our thirst, we headed to the beaches located in the area called Loiza. I had heard of famous Pinones local food stalls in this area and there are many who serves the local community the fried and grilled goodness of the land.

We stopped by Kiosko El Boricua, aptly named for what we were looking for.

We ordered alcapurria de pollo (Stuffed yuca fritters), arepa de bacalao (fired cod fish corn cakes) and pinchos de pollo (chicken skewers).

Then we settled down to wait for the cooks to get through the huge list of orders until they call our name. This is the right moment to find your best spot on the beach to enjoy your meal.

Where you ask? It is right across the street!

And just relax into the fresh ocean mist brushing on your face.

And what else to do after such a satisfying food other than enjoying a little swim in the ocean and spending rest of the afternoon on the beach.