El Morro, San Juan

Greetings from San Juan, Puerto Rico! If you've been following me on instagram this year, you know I was here back in February with my husband. It was my first time visiting the island and there was so much to take in, so I decided to come back and dig a little deeper. Part of my family recently moved to Ponce, Puerto Rico, which was more reason to return sooner rather than later. I've been blessed with the opportunity to travel quite a bit the past couple of years but something always got in the way of making it to la isla del encanto, or the island of enchantment, as Puerto Ricans have affectionately dubbed it. Having now spent a collective 10-days here, I'm happy to share my favorite experiences and tips for planning your own adventure in this tropical paradise.

The Perfect Weekend Getaway

Located a little over 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, traveling to the island is just a short 2-hour flight from Miami International Airport and relatively inexpensive, with round-trip airfare currently available for less than $200. U.S. citizens can travel freely to and from the island without a passport or visa. You can taste Puerto Rico's Caribbean flavor from the moment you step foot outside the airport. The humid salty air bathes your skin, while the sounds of reggaeton from a nearby taxi or school bus catch your attention. Don't expect to be in a hurry during your time in Puerto Rico; the term island time was most likely coined here.

Visiting the historic Old San Juan and Castillo San Felipe del Morro (Morro Castle) are the most popular things to do in Puerto Rico, ranked number one and four respectively by TripAdvisor. I made it a point to visit the castle this time around, and it didn't disappoint. Originally built in the 1500's to protect the Spanish colony from enemy attacks by sea, the citadel now plays host to over 2 million visitors annually. The fortification was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. El Morro is an instagramers paradise, with stunning views of the ocean and over 400 years of military history. If you plan to visit (which you should!) pack comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen; be prepared to climb steps and steep slopes. Admission to the castle is $5, but the history lesson is priceless.