I’m Home!

As a person of Puerto Rican heritage , I have been traveling to Puerto Rico my entire life. Every visit has been a completely different experience. From annual family reunions with relatives who still live on the island, to unforgettable moments shared with friends who’ve become family. Puerto Rico has always felt like my Home away from Home.

After recently ending a challenging three-year custody battle, I decided to take a solo MOM-cation with my best friend Nina. This was to mark the end of a difficult chapter. It was also to give myself some time to rest and recharge. This was my first solo trip without my daughter in over a year. Although it was challenging due to my mom guilt, it was absolutely necessary for myself as an individual. I decided to plan a quick trip that felt “easy” and required minimal planning. Having visited Puerto Rico many times, I’m familiar with the island’s layout making it the perfect destination for a quick stress-free getaway.

Choosing the right location for your stay in Puerto Rico is essential for an unforgettable experience. The island has so much to offer, from cities and beaches to mountains and rain-forest. Depending on what kind vibe you’re after, it’s important to do your research and find the part of the island that best fits your travel needs.

The Finca Neptuna Villa.

I found an Airbnb in Río Grande. A tranquil and picturesque area nestled in the Sierra de Luquillo mountain range. This stunning A-frame container home is located in the lush El Yunque National Forest. It overlooks the Northeastern coast from every room. This location is absolutely perfect for anyone who loves nature. It is ideal for those who value the authenticity of local living over the touristy spots like in San Juan.

The property is secluded. Only the ambient sounds of the forest are around. You can also hear the occasional farm animal and the distant crash of waves. My personal favorite feature was the rooftop. It not only provided the perfect vantage point for both sunrise and sunset. It also allowed me to experience the night sky. Being located in the mountains, far from the city, the lack of light pollution created the ideal conditions for stargazing.

The Finca Neptuna Villa was the perfect place to disconnect and recharge. It was a 10/10 experience for a solo mom cation and I would 100% return with my daughter. I also found this location to be ideal for small families like ours.

I would highly recommend renting a car if you’re staying in more remote, mountainous areas of the island. The roads are very steep and winding. 4WD is essential for getting around and Ubers are unlikely to run in these parts of the island.

Also consider booking earlier flights to guarantee you can reach your check-in before it gets dark. Many neighborhoods outside the city have little to no street lighting. This lack of lighting can make it easier for you to get lost if you’re not familiar with the area.

Los Pilones Waterfall

Finding the entry point can be tricky. I highly recommend downloading the All Trails app. It helps pinpoint the exact location. The trailhead is along the side of a road in a residential neighborhood. When parking, be mindful not to block any driveways. Try to park as far off the road as possible to avoid your car getting accidentally swiped. The hike itself is about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your fitness level, and does need some climbing. A good pair of hiking boots with ankle support is essential. Since it rains in the rainforest daily, the trails can get very muddy, and the rocks can be incredibly slippery. It’s also important to stay alert. Pay close attention to the trail markers. Many of them can become weathered or washed away. But once you reach the waterfall, you’ll be completely blown away by its beauty.

Playa las Picuas and Playa Vacia Talega

Playa las Picuas

Las Picuas Beach was about a 15-minute drive from our Airbnb. When driving there, your GPS will likely direct you to a road lined with resorts and gated communities. In Puerto Rico, it’s illegal to restrict public access to natural sites like beaches, swimming holes, and waterfalls. It’s best to politely ask someone at one of the community gates for directions. Alternatively, you can also continue driving down the road until you spot an open area. There are several ways to access the beach from there.

What I loved about this beach was how secluded it was. We arrived pretty early in the morning. We didn’t start seeing people until around noon. It is the perfect spot if you’re looking to relax and completely disconnect. I highly suggest bringing your own snacks, water, and anything else you will need. There really isn’t much traffic or nearby shops to buy things. I would consider this beach a more primitive style location . Come prepared and enjoy the solitude.

Playa Vacia Talega

Vacia Talega Beach, located in Loiza, was more of a local hotspot compared to Las Picuas. About a 30-minute drive from our Airbnb, this beach was lively with families, couples, and groups enjoying the sun. Music filled the air, while Pincho stands and local vendors offered drinks and food from their coolers. The vibe was unmatched—energetic yet not overwhelming. The waters were crystal clear, the sand soft and white, and much calmer than the waters at Playa Las Picuas.

When visiting beautiful destinations, always remember to pick up your trash and leave the place cleaner than you found it. Many natural gems are not widely shared with tourists because of the damage that unchecked tourism can cause. As a responsible traveler, it’s essential to respect the environment and the culture of the places you visit. By doing your part to protect and preserve these spots, you help guarantee that future generations can enjoy them too. Leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but memories.