Puerto Rico | Captivated Me

March 18, 2021

Cayo Icacos: Seas the Day

Today In Brief: After a morning of light rain showers and rainbows arching over the island, skies cleared and gave way to the most astounding array of teals and greens and blues. Sail Getaways conducted a fun, COVID-safe power boat tour to Isla Palominos for snorkeling along a shallow reef, then re-routed to the beautiful, uninhabited island of Icacos where the deserted white sand beach stretched for days. Spent over an hour dancing with the waves and marveling at the colors. My heart is full.

March 17, 2021

El Yunque Rainforest: Magic in the Tropics

Today In Brief: The day started with rain showers as I drove along back roads to a private entrance into El Yunque rainforest. A local tour guide led the way along a trail through the jungle, scaling vertical clay walls, and identifying unique flora and fauna (my favorite being the fascinating mimosa sensitiva, a delicate green-leafed plant that shies away when touched). Ending at a beautiful landscape filled with rock-laden cliffs and boulders showered by waterfalls, the cliff-jumping and water-sliding and rope-swinging began.

After a morning of adventure, I ate my packed lunch and drove toward the main entrance to the forest. As I hopped out of the car at Mount Britton Trailhead, a rainstorm began. The next three hours consisted of a hike in the cleansing, pouring, drenching rain – serenaded by the coquis and in awe of the green palms, bright flowers, and grey clouds racing over the mountain peaks. I ended the day with a swim in Juan Diego Falls, mesmerized by the magic of this beautiful jungle, and grateful beyond words for this day exploring it.

March 16, 2021

La Isla del Encanto: From Seven Seas Beach to Playa Escondida

Today In Brief: A short mile-long hike leads from Seven Seas Beach to Playa Colora to Playa Escondida, with birds and frogs singing around you and wind-bent trees rustling over you. The fine white sands of Escondida give way to the calm, shallow, aqua sea, which was perfect for swimming and watching for sea-life for hours on end with the peaks of the rainforest in view. This simple but breath-taking trek is 100% worth your while should you find yourself along the northeast coast of Puerto Rico.