Disfruta Puerto Rico

Castillo de San Cristóbal

Castillo San Cristóbal is considered the largest fortification system of the Americas and it was built in stages over a period of 150 years. You’ll also be able to appreciate the views of the whole city. Bonus: From this fort, you can see la Garita del Diablo (The Devil’s Sentry Box). According to legend, one night in the 17th century, a soldier named Sánchez stood guard at the sentry box-like many soldiers before him. They used to shout to each other “Centinela Alerta” (“Alert!”) to check if they were awake during the night watch. When only silence came from Sánchez post, the soldiers reluctantly checked on him, claiming he had vanished into thin air leaving his rifle and uniform behind. Some swore it was the Devil that took him, giving birth to the legend, while others talked of forbidden love and a swift escape in civilian clothes from the sentry box.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Commonly known as “El Morro”, it is the most known fortress on the island as it has stood guard at the San Juan Harbor welcoming visitors and warning enemies since 1539. Its early task was to protect the newly established Spanish colony and its coveted geopolitical location in the Caribbean. Since then, it has witnessed attacks by the infamous Sir Francis Drake (1595), by George Clifford the Earl of Cumberland (1598) and by the dutch Balduino Enrico (1625). Clifford’s attack actually brought the island under English rule for almost two months, when they were forced to leave by a fortuitous dysentery outbreak. Bonus: Kite flying on El Morro is considered a must, with ice cream and kite vendors spotted nearby.

Puerta de San Juan

Old San Juan originally had five gates around the city walls that were closed at nightfall to protect it from unwanted visitors (*cough* other countries trying to colonize us!). The “Puerta de San Juan” was nearest to La Fortaleza, to the San Juan Harbor and where dignitaries and officials where received. Today it is the only remaining gate and one of the most popular ways of strolling into the walled city. Bonus: El Paseo de la Princesa and the newly added Paseo del Morro, right next to it, is also worth the visit! You can walk it and take in the views of the harbor and the walls as you imagine the comings and goings of a busy city during (other) colonial times.

Casa Museo Felisa Rincón de Gautier

De Gautier, best known as “Doña Fela,” was the first female elected as Mayor of San Juan, and of any the capital city in the Americas. She participated in the suffragist movement, becoming the 5th woman registered to vote on the island. She believed in meeting face-to-face with her constituents, receiving them every Wednesday at her offices during an “Open House” to hear their concerns and doubts. Doña Fela also established the “Escuelas Maternales”, now known as Head Starts, believing that they would help the working woman if they knew there existed a safe place for childcare. The Museum shows where she lived for part of her life, displaying photographs, her wardrobe, her degrees and a curious collection of the keys to numerous cities around the world. This wouldn’t be complete without her assortment of fans, which were her staple accessory.

Calle la Forteleza

La Calle la Fortaleza has been recently baptized as la Calle de la Resistencia. This historic part of Old San Juan witnessed the Puerto Rican Summer and the beautiful movement that marked the history of Puerto Rico with its bold vision of resistance. Go and pay your homage to the #SomosMasYNoTenemosMiedo Movement.

Museo De Las Americas

The Museum is known for its Latin American and Puerto Rican history exhibits. It has four permanent exhibitions: 1. Las Artes Populares en Las Americas (America’s Popular Arts) 2. La Herencia Africana (The African Heritage) 3. El Indígena de America (The Indigenous of America) 4. Conquista y Colonización: nacimiento y evolución de la nación puertorriqueña (Conquest and colonization: birth and evolution of the Puerto Rican Nation)

Casa BACARDÍ

If you wish to see how the famous Bacardí rum is made and taste it while you learn from the process, then you may be interested in this tour. SALUD! • Historical Tour ($15)- the First tour starts at 9:15 am, the last tour starts at 4:15 pm • Rum Tasting Tour ($50)- First tour starts at 10:00 am, last tour starts at 4:00 pm • Mixology Class ($60) - First tour starts at 10:30 am, last tour starts at 4:30 pm

Mercado :Publica

:Pública es una organización sin fines de lucro que tiene como objetivos amplificar la producción creativa, plantear soluciones innovadoras a través del arte y producir experiencias culturales desde un enfoque solidario, accesible y responsable con la comunidad.

Ladi's Restaurant

Señor Paleta

The best paleta you will have in your life!

La Vergüenza Viejo San Juan

If you are into nightlife, La Verguenza in Old San Juan is the place to be!

Crash Boat Beach

If you are looking for a family-friendly beach like 20-25 mins from Aguada, this is it! Keep in mind the piers were damaged after Hurricane María in 2017.

San Germán Historic District

If you want to check out a historic district in the area but don't feel like going all the way to Old San Juan, San German is an amazing alternative. The city of San Germán, much like Old San Juan, has pebbled stone streets, colorful houses and Spanish Colonial buildings. It was a very important region in the 16th and 17th century and truly has wonderful preserved historical buildings. In the town’s center you’ll be able to appreciate its architecture as well as the iconic Porta Coeli Church (1607) and the San Germán de Auxerre Cathedral (1688). The newly opened Museum of History (Museo de la Historia de San Germán) has gotten excellent reviews and should be added to the list (Hours and fees: Jueves a Domingo de 10:30 am - 3:30 pm).

Jobos, Isabela, Puerto Rico

Incredible beaches and delicious seafood. It's the perfect spot to have a chill day at the beach and enjoy awesome food and drinks afterward. It's only a 30 min drive from Aguada. So worth it!

La Guarapera

If you are going to try one place from this list let it be La Guarapera. Owned by a friend's brother, you will get a true taste of the tropical bounties of Puerto Rico. Enjoy!

Cafelados

Restaurante Sancho Panza

Steph and her family used to go here for special occasions! Try the mofongo with caldo. It's warm and cozy goals <3

Casiano's Chicken & Ribs

Franco & Yari's spot in Mayaguez.

Massa Artisian

Delicious sandwiches and coffee <3

Termino Medio Steakhouse

Carlos & Mari's current favorite place to eat! Excellent for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.