Puerto Rico: Family Vacation ‘23

Four years later and we finally made it back to Puerto Rico. This time as a family of five. From Viejo San Juan to La Parguera to Luquillo and Arecibo, we had the most amazing time soaking in all La Isla Del Encanto has to offer.

VIEJO SAN JUAN

After a quick stop at Argenis grandparents house, we headed to Viejo San Juan where we stayed in a beautiful centuries-old Spanish colonial home overlooking the ocean right between La Perla and Castillo San Cristobal for two nights.

Hubby even surprised me with a photoshoot which was actually so perfect because the couple pretty much just took us around to some of the more famous spots and snapped pictures of us. Not having the stress of figuring out what stranger seems like they may be ok with taking our picture or having to find a random spot to stand our phone was nice.

We got caught in a rain shower and got soaked because of course instead of waiting it out we decided to run back to our place and get ready for dinner. The kids actually had fun with it so…

I really wanted to take pictures of our entire airbnb but got caught up with the kids and never got around to it but below are a few snaps. That second one, caught me so off guard it made me jump and even got a little scream out of me!

The entire 2-floor home was so beautifully preserved in its old Spanish colonial essence; which is of course part of what makes Viejo San Juan so dreamy and special.

A few days later we went back to Viejo San Juan without the kids (Argenis parents were also in Puerto Rico and offered to stay with them for two nights) and it was a completely different experience in a fun way for us as a couple.

Viejo San Juan | El Rincon de Paco | Puerto Rico Things to do

Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico | Things To Do

where we ate

EL ASADOR. Absolutely beautiful restaurant with amazing ambience. We went for breakfast which was pricey for basic options but the service and food was great. We’ve heard great things about their seafood and main dishes so definitely want to go back for dinner next time we visit.

EL JIBARITO. We absolutely fell in love with the food, drinks and vibe when we first tried it out 4 years ago, and it did not disappoint the second time around. Argenis had churrasco and mofongo while I had the seafood paella and of course we both stuck to the Piña Coladas. So delicious.

LA PLACITA DE SANTURCE

Our first night alone we headed to La Placita de Santurce which was only a 15-minute drive from our airbnb in Viejo San Juan. A MUST if you want to mingle with the locals while bar hopping, dancing in the streets, eating fritura like alcapurrias and empanadillas and just having a good time.

We were actually having so much fun, dancing the night away like two in-love kids, that we didn't think about grabbing something to eat until we were driving back and by then everything was closed. So don’t be like us and grab some fritura or take the time to enjoy a nice meal between all the fun going on around you. You can see a reel of our night here (and also some fun stories saved on my Puerto Rico Instagram highlights).

LUQUILLO KIOSKOS

After breakfast, we headed out to Luquillo Kioskos which is another must if you are more into what the locals do. Personally, I prefer chill “real’’ experiences like this when traveling because it lets me experience more of the real culture. The touristy, high-end experiences are nice too but nothing compares to being exposed to more of the actual vibes and energy of where you are visiting.

Luquillo Kiosko is a long strip of shops with local food, drinks and shops. Best part, is it’s right along Luquillo beach. Lots of music, dancing, hanging out and even jet skiing. If you’re more into quiet, chill beach days you can go in through the main entrance where you will have none of the music or partying but will have access to a play area for the kids right on the sand.

WHERE WE ATE

Hands down, we had the best Piña Coladas and fritura at the Kioskos. Can’t remember the name of the spot but for reference it’s where they have the jolly rancher drinks. As we were heading out we grabbed chicken pinchos and also so delicious.

LA PARGUERA

Last time we visited La Parguera, we did the yola (small boat) tour where we saw monkeys and crossed over to a tiny island Mata la Gata, you can read about that experience here.

This time we hung out en La Parguera and instead did the night boat tour to see the bioluminescent water. Best time to do that is around a new moon because there is little to no light but we actually went out with a full moon so although we barely got to really see the bioluminescent water, we did get to enjoy the most beautiful moon and night views in the middle of the ocean.

ISLOTE, ARECIBO

LA CUEVA DE LOS INDIOS

Isolate is where Argenis grew up until the age of 6 so it will forever be home to him so of course we had to make our usual stop at the home he grew up in before climbing up La Cueva De Los Indios. We did it with the kids (carried our two year old) and our 7 and 5-year-old did it just fine. So beyond worth it for the stunning almost unreal views once you make it to the top.

Then back down we went to La Posita which is a natural made pool made by the rocks which work as a wave barrier. Still insane to me that this is where Argenis grew up swimming and playing as a little kid.

WHERE WE ATE

Bocata Smokehouse. Small restaurant overlooking the ocean with outdoor seating which we took advantage of for the view, of course. I had the chicken mofongo. Argenis had the steak and papas rellenas while the kids stuck to rice and beans and everyone had piña coladas. We didn’t love the rice and beans because it was smoked-style but everything else was delicious!

ARECIBO’S LIGHTHOUSE AND HISTORICAL PARK

From climbing up the lighthouse where you can enjoy the mini museum, to ships you can climb on, an aquarium, small playground and pools including a fun splash pool for the kids; Arecibo’s Lighthouse and Historical Park is a fun way to spend the day or 1/2 day depending on your schedule, with the kids.

You can also grab empanadillas and basic finger foods here.

Went more into detail, from our last trip, on everything Arecibo here.

MAYAGUEZ

Argenis parents have a beautiful home on Mayaguez where the guys all went on a cabalgata. Which is ride of horsemen. They typically ride around and stop at different local bodegas to grab a drink/bite before continuing on their ride.