Rincón, Puerto Rico: Things To Do
Part 2 of a 4-part series on Things To Do in Puerto Rico. If you missed it, you can read the first post on Islote, Arecibo here.
Rincón ‘corner’ known as the Town of Beautiful Sunsets, is a surfer’s dream come true. We’re not surfers and on vacation with two toddlers, crazy waves was not what we were looking for. Luckily for us, Rincón was a laid-back escape in Puerto Rico where we really got to relax with the kids.
No big name stores or hotels, Rincón maintains its simple approach on life which is probably also influenced by all the foreign surfers that visit and some who even reside in the small town of Puerto Rico.
DAY 1
We arrived at Serenity Rincón guesthouse and from the owner greeting us herself and giving us a run-down on how to vacation with two toddlers in her town, to our suite, the whole place had that homey vibe that I love. An all around private balcony with mountain and sea view, mini kitchen and living room area, and more than enough space for the kids to run wild; our room was perfect for our little family of four.
Puerto Rico has 15 lighthouses located around the coastline, one of these being Rincón Lighthouse also known as Punta Higuero. Being on vacation with two toddlers in an Island surrounded by lighthouses, it was no surprise that they were both searching for Paw Patrol every time we discovered a new one.
We love to live where we vacation. Interacting with the people and enjoying what the locals enjoy is where the real fun in vacationing is for us. The city’s center point of encounter revolves around the Plaza de Recreo and it is where many come together to just sit, talk and relax. Since we were there for the holidays, the park was beautifully lit up for Christmas and after talking to a kid from the neighborhood, we opted for an outdoor dinner right across the street at Restaurante De Boca’s. Everything was delicious. From the all natural margaritas, to the rice and beans that Achilles can’t live without to the mofongo we of course ordered because when in Puerto Rico… mofongo, please. But guys, their carrot and potato soup was beyond superb. Perfectly creamy and thick, it resembled sancocho in flavor! Delicioso!! After dinner we went for another stroll around the town where the locals started coming together by a big screen placed in the park to show support to the Puerto Rican contestant on Miss Universe, native of Rincón.
Once back in our room, babies asleep, Argenis and I made our usual vacation escape to the balcony. Drinking Gasolina (Puerto Rican wine in a pouch), talking, laughing, listening to the coqui’s singing in the background, it was heavenly. On vacations with toddlers or kids, the simple escapes to have some adult time alone are not only fun but also necessary.
DAY 2
December is high tide season which meant most beaches in Rincón were beautiful to watch but too dangerous for kids. Taking the guesthouse owner’s advice, we headed to Steps Beach. I quickly realized that many beaches in Puerto Rico form tidal pools which makes it safer to hang out, especially with kids. Right on the sand, we were also able to enjoy lunch of burgers and fries dipped in Mayo-Ketchup which is a huge Puerto Rican thing. I love mixing my ketchup with mayonnaise but in Puerto Rico they serve it to you already mixed and ready to enjoy.
We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the guesthouse jacuzzi and only stepped back out of the property for dinner in the center of the city. It wasn’t until writing this post that I realized we completely missed the actual calm beach and kids park we were recommended to see which is a bummer but gives us something new to see in Rincón the next time we visit.
You may also enjoy: Hidden Gem: Islote, Puerto Rico and Top 8 Things To Do in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
