On the airplane, ready to land back on the island where I grew up, but still a few hours away, I grabbed the airline magazine, United’s “Hemispheres,” and looked for their snack menu. My kids were getting hungry.
I hadn’t yet found the overpriced Pringles when the headline “Three Perfect Days in San Juan” hooked me in like a carrucho fish (they make great “empanadilla” pastry snack fillers on the island.)
It was a dare that I accepted: did the magazine nail it, or could I come up with three even more perfect days?
I’ll never know until I try. Here’s my short list.
Day 1: Start in Old San Juan.
Whether you get there at day or night, Cobblestone streets & artisan shops, cafés with local pastries (one Mallorca, please), lots of beautiful old trees and photo opps, you can’t go wrong. Especially if you visit in early January. You’ll enjoy sparkling Christmas trees and decorations through Epiphany, or Three King’s Day on January 6th. Kids love this –they get gifts from the Three Kings or wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus, similar to how Santa Claus brings gifts on December 25th.
Day 2: Hit the beach.
If you want to join the regular beach-goer crowd, you’ll have fun at any Isla Verde or Condado beach. If you want more of a surfer’s paradise away from the metro area and more island-insider, head to Rincón.
Day 3: Your choice-Rainforest or Radiotelescope
That’s a tough choice. They’re both amazing stops on the island. It comes down to what you are passionate about. If a lush jungle setting will inspire you and recharge your batteries, then ask for directions to El Yunque. But if you have a cool, nerdy side that marvels at the Universe and would geek out with space discoveries (is anyone else out there?), then head to one of the world’s largest Radiotelescopes in Arecibo, PR.
If you want more inspiration and ideas for your dream trip (or next trip) to Puerto Rico, check out the Three Perfect Days San Juan article from United Airline’s “Hemisphere” magazine online:
https://www.hemispheresmagazine.com/2015/12/01/three-perfect-days-san-juan/
I’d love to know what you think. Please leave a comment below.