Put on lots of sunscreen, wear sneakers, and take a stroll around Old San Juan, it's magical. Make sure to pay attention where you step! Visit La Factoría, a historical world renowned bar with amazing cocktails and live music.

Visit el Castillo San Cristobal (El Morro). Take a stroll down the Paseo de la Princesa.

We want you to make it to our wedding, so we discourage visiting La Perla. If you do, 1. Take it Despacito, 2. Do not take your phone out, 3. Do not take pictures, and 4. Respect the locals. Get frisky and find out!

El Yunque is the only tropical forest in the US National Parks. If you plan to visit, get there early as it gets HOT! After working up an appetite after a hiking trail, stop on your way back to San Juan in los Kioskos de Luquillo to taste some local fritters such as bacalaitos and alcapurrias. You can grab the food to go and eat it by the beach front too :)

If you want to escape the city, Cabo Rojo, Mel's hometown, is a 2.5 h drive from San Juan. Cabo Rojo has some of the best beaches, including Playa Buyé (our sacred spot), Playa Combate, and Playa Sucia (that turquoise water behind the lighthouse). Keep in mind that located in a natural reserve, getting to Playa Sucia is an adventure on itself. You can visit the lighthouse (a quick hike), enjoy the beach and also on your way back, stop by the Salinas (the salterns) which are known for their pink color. This is mainly caused by an microorganism called Halogeometricum borinquense. Cool fact, Mel started her research adventures in the lab of Dr. Montalvo, who discovered this organism!

Please do not underestimate the sun☀️!

The town of Loiza is considered a bastion of Afro-Latino culture and a center for bomba, with a strong African legacy. On Sundays, you can learn about bomba and eat amazing Puerto Rican stuffed arepas at Restaurante Villa Pesquera Herrera.

Puerto Rico has multiple bio bays with Fajardo being the closest one to San Juan. Best to go during the new moon.

Puerto Rico is an archipelago. There are multiple keys you can easily visit, with Cayo Icacos and Palomino being accessible and absolutely stunning. You can book a catamaran or a boat tour. You will not be disappointed at the crystal clear waters.

Tours are available and need to be scheduled in advance.

Tours are available and need to be scheduled in advance. Ron del Barrilito is the best Puerto Rican Rum.

If you decide to rent a car and explore the island, a stop in Guavate should be part of your trip. Just off highway PR-52, about 40 minutes from San Juan heading south, you take exit 32 and follow the road that snakes its way up the mountains of Cayey. This stretch of road is lined by dozens of lechoneras, open-air restaurants specializing in slow-roasted whole pork, a Puerto Rican gastronomic legacy.