Hidden Gems: Puerto Rico Edition
When you hear Puerto Rico, what comes to mind? For me, it’s mofongo de pescado, las playas, sandy shores, Spanish Caribbean culture, beautiful people and rich history.
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico is by far one of my favorite destinations of travel for work as a flight attendant. I’m based in the NY/NJ area, so that makes all of a 3 hour and 30 minute flight to Rafael Hernandez International Airport. Our layovers typically range from 24-48 hours giving us plenty of time to explore all that this city has to offer.
During my last visit, I discovered a hidden gem, SURVIVAL BEACH. Ahhhh Dios Mio, it lives up to its name in terms of surviving.
So, I typically like to plan an itinerary for my layovers since crossing into the YouTube travel vlogger territory. Before departing for work, I happened to browse the hashtag #SurvivalBeach on IG just to ensure I could capture great content for this adventure. Guys, these pictures were soo out of this world and beautiful I remember thinking “what’s the catch?” Upon further research I discovered that there is a hike you have to complete in order to snap these captivating photos/videos for your feed.
Hiking? Not so bad right? Especially, considering that I am a nature lover and always down for an adventure. Welp, I didn’t take into account that at the time Puerto Rico was in its high tide season which made for a dangerous hike when you add water waves, rocks, and strong winds in the mix.
Do you think that stopped me? Nope! I happened to be on the trip with my co worker and friend Alissa. I advise you not to do this hike alone! 2 miles and a couple of falls later, I reached paradise. I spoke to a few locals who informed me that coming back during the low tide season is great for pictures and a much safer hike. Nonetheless, I enjoyed my time and definitely survived “Survival Beach”.
I worked up quite an appetite after this excursion. This may be bias of me but Puerto Rico has the BEST mofongo ever, hands down! What is Mofongo? A dish with fried plantains as its main ingredient. Plantains are picked green/fresh, fried, then mashed with salt, garlic, broth, and olive oil. Meat can be added depending on your preference, along with garlic or creole sauce. I’m a pescatarian, when not attempting a vegan lifestyle so the mofongo de pescado topped with garlic sauce is an absolute fav! Don’t take my word for it, just try it one day!
If you’re a visual person check out my vlog “Flight Attendant Life: Vlog 5| Surviving Survival Beach”. The video can serve as an indication to what I can’t put in words when describing my moments here. Puerto Rico has so much to offer. Due to this being a working trip, my duration here was a bit brief. Now worries, I plan to return and experience everything there is to do on this beautiful island!