Throughout my tenure at TPG, there have been some situations the place I’ve contemplated, “What precisely is my job, and the way did I get it?” A current instance struck me as I gazed at a sprawling rainforest panorama stretching from shoreline to mountain vary whereas moseying up a lush path in Puerto Rico on horseback.
My travels have led me to stunning settings earlier than, however this was a time-bending first. In in the future, I transitioned from using the New York Metropolis subway to traversing a path on a horse in Puerto Rico. It was a memorable journey that transported me out of the early December chill of New York Metropolis to a tropical paradise only a home flight away.
Here is how my Puerto Rican journey unfolded.
Plan your individual journey with Uncover Puerto Rico right here.
Getting there
I began my day in my Brooklyn condo, feeling chilly, dreary and disillusioned — a temper that solely the primary hints of a looming winter can evoke in a New Yorker. Happily, I had a secret as I walked by way of some snow flurries to my subway cease, suitcase in tow.
You see, my new pal Génesis Yamille — a Puerto Rican journey content material creator and good friend of TPG — invited me to Puerto Rico to expertise a few of her favourite journey actions throughout her stunning island residence. My first thought? It appeared fairly formidable at this busy time of 12 months.
After some persuasion from Génesis and my very own analysis, I rapidly realized that Puerto Rico is the right vacation spot for all kinds of vacationers, whether or not you are in search of a fast adrenaline rush or an extended acquaintance with a beachside pina colada.
Earlier than I knew it, I used to be boarding my flight to San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín Worldwide Airport (SJU). The captain welcomed passengers and introduced a three-and-a-half-hour flight time — barely longer than a New York-to-Miami flight. After having fun with two motion pictures and a few ginger ales, we landed in sunny San Juan, and I used to be zipping by way of the airport, keen to start out my Puerto Rican journey.
And I did not have to attend lengthy.
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As an American citizen, I did not want a passport to enter Puerto Rico, eliminating the necessity for lengthy passport management traces or arduous customs varieties. In truth, simply 12 minutes after the airplane door opened at my arrival gate, my Uber was pulling away from the curb — making certain my first day on the island was one filled with journey, not merely a misplaced journey day.
Associated: A newbie’s information to visiting Puerto Rico: The whole lot that you must eat, see and do
Trotting up mountains
My first cease was Hacienda 8A, a family-run horse farm positioned in Las Piedras, simply 45 minutes from San Juan. Located on the base of El Yunque Nationwide Forest, Hacienda 8A makes fairly the primary impression. The panorama is a myriad of lush greenery enhanced by over 30 horses dotting the property. Some graze in free-range pastures whereas others stand by in stables, able to welcome novice riders.
It was right here, in a verdant meadow, the place I met Génesis in particular person. Becoming a member of us have been José, the proprietor of Hacienda 8A, and our four-legged companions for the day: Legendary, Cloud and Horchata. After a security briefing and a few equine coaching, it was time to journey.
Between tongue clicks (the command for “go”) and saying “whoa” (the sign for “cease”), Génesis and I acquired to know each other higher as we crested over rolling hills and meandered by way of breezy meadows.
Our journey peaked as our trio reached a last mountain peak collectively, the place we have been rewarded with sprawling views of Puerto Rico’s countryside. From our elevated vantage level, we noticed hawks gliding throughout the horizon and witnessed a rainstorm coming into El Yunque, the one tropical rainforest within the U.S. Nationwide Forest System. In solely a matter of hours, I had traded the concrete jungle for a real-life tropical paradise.
With the bar set extremely excessive, I rode again down the mountain with a skip in my step (nicely, truly, the horse’s step) and a smile on my face, wanting to see what Génesis had in retailer for us that night.
Zipping by way of the sky
Our van arrived at our subsequent cease, and I may instantly inform that our adrenaline-fueled journey was removed from over. We would arrived at Hacienda Campo Rico, an all-ages playground with archery tag, all-terrain-vehicle excursions and a zipper line course, however we have been there on a really particular mission: to savor a really one-of-a-kind mojito.
Hacienda Campo Rico’s zip line course makes its last touchdown in a treehouse bar, the place thrill-seekers can order a large assortment of drinks and small bites.
“I hope you are not afraid of heights,” Génesis stated as we have been fitted into harnesses, helmets and gloves.
After an in depth security briefing, we have been off, bumping alongside at the back of an ATV on the best way to the primary zip line.
The course at Hacienda Campo Rico consists of 5 traces and 5 suspension bridges with quick hikes in between — they supply the right stability of beautiful views on the bottom and much more mesmerizing panoramas from 50-plus toes within the air. The zip traces additionally improve in velocity and depth as you traverse the course. By the fifth line, I used to be actually screaming in delight (and admittedly a bit concern) as I entered the mojito bar.
Nonetheless using the adrenaline excessive, Génesis and I ordered our well-deserved cocktails and sat down to debate the day forward. Over a “cheers,” Génesis requested if I used to be up for a highway journey the next day, hinting that Puerto Rico‘s wonders lengthen nicely past San Juan.
With the reminiscences of an incredible first day contemporary in my thoughts, I eagerly agreed.
Learn extra: The perfect inns in Puerto Rico — discover your keep on the Island of Enchantment
Kicking again on the seaside
After a restful night time’s sleep, Génesis picked me up from my lodge, and we have been off to what she described as considered one of her “absolute favourite spots on the island.”
Quickly, we crested over a hill, and as we did, the panorama expanded earlier than us, revealing sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. I used to be awestruck. Straight forward was the beautiful shoreline, whereas a fast look within the rearview mirror captured a glimpse of the Cordillera Central mountain vary.
We pulled as much as Mar Chiquita, a seaside that is an area favourite simply 40 minutes from Previous San Juan. It surrounds a stunning crystal-clear cove flanked by jagged rock formations on both facet. This pure barrier has a small opening that restricts the ocean’s waves, making a pure pool.
We arrived round 9 a.m. and had the place to ourselves, permitting me to soak up the wonder and serenity of the spot with out distractions.
It was a bit too breezy for a dip throughout our go to, so Génesis and I relaxed on the shore, toes within the sand and virgin pina coladas in hand (it was morning, in any case). For these visiting at later hours, there are meals vehicles providing native favorites like tostones and empanadillas, in addition to umbrellas and seaside chairs for rent.
Trekking by way of the canyon
Whereas I may’ve spent all the day at Mar Chiquita, I knew that Génesis had extra deliberate for us — so we hopped again within the automobile and launched into the following cease on her itinerary. The following hour and a half handed by with discussions of our favourite motion pictures, books and journey locations as we sped down highways and wound by way of nation roads.
After a noticeable improve in elevation, we arrived at Canon Blanco and met our information María from Nativos Eco Excursions. As we hiked downhill by way of leafy flora, she proudly defined that Canon Blanco has gained recognition during the last six or so years. Alongside the best way, María identified a few Taíno petroglyphs etched into the big boulders centuries in the past.
Reaching the lip of the canyon, I used to be blown away by the change in panorama. The sunshine tan hues of the Glorieta sandstone contrasted sharply towards the deep greens of the valley, making a scene harking back to a Martian panorama but within the coronary heart of the Puerto Rican forest. On the backside of the large crevasse, water flowed at varied depths and speeds, from turbulent white water to calm swimming pools supreme for swimming.
Our final cease was El Couch, a rock formation that resembles a pure stone sofa, excellent for photo-ops. After one last dip within the pure swimming pools to chill down, our journey by way of Canon Blanco was full — and it was time for Génesis’ grand finale.
Swimming by bio glow
The final stretch of our journey took about an hour and 45 minutes, bringing us to the coastal city of Lajas. Located on the southern facet of the island, this space is understood for an extremely distinctive pure phenomenon: its bioluminescent bay.
Our last vacation spot was Parguera Water Sports activities, an aquatic tour firm that provides kayaking, snorkeling and bio bay excursions within the Caribbean Sea. With the solar beginning its descent, we boarded our boat, helmed by the skilled captain Mendoza.
No phrases would appropriately describe the sundown we witnessed out on the water that night. We watched in awe because the sky exploded into hues of orange, yellow and blue. Second by second, the solar drew nearer to the horizon and disappeared.
Below the final rays of daylight, we jumped within the water for a fast swim and climbed aboard kayaks for a jaunt across the inlet’s barrier islands.
Then, it was time for the primary occasion.
Again on the boat, we headed northeast towards La Parguera’s bio bay. On the best way, captain Mendoza defined the interior workings of the extraordinary phenomenon we have been about to witness. The bioluminescence right here is brought on by dinoflagellates, microscopic organisms that, in excessive sufficient focus, emit a neon glow when activated by splashing or speedy motion. Remarkably, this spectacle can solely be skilled in 5 ecosystems worldwide, and Puerto Rico is residence to 3 of them.
Anchoring far-off from any gentle sources, we donned life jackets and jumped again into the water. At first, my eyes hadn’t adjusted to the darkness, and I used to be dissatisfied within the tiny organisms’ “gentle present.” However after a couple of minutes, it occurred. I moved my palms in speedy circles, and a stream of pixie mud appeared to light up my actions. From then on, we have been enthralled, kicking, splashing and floating by way of a sea of tiny aquatic stars in absolute amazement.
It was practically not possible to seize these moments on digital camera, however even with my background in video and social media at TPG, this felt precisely accurately. In any case, some journey experiences have to be seen to be believed and skilled to actually perceive.
And because it seems, Puerto Rico is stuffed to the brim with these alternatives.
I knew I had solely scratched the floor throughout my quick but exhilarating time on the island, however I will positively be again to spend extra time with Génesis — and discover extra of this tropical paradise.
Go to Uncover Puerto Rico to plan your individual trip as we speak.
