Puerto Rico may be known as “poor mans Caribbean” to some. But I’m fine with that.

I haven’t been to any other island in the area but imagine I’d prefer authenticity over golf courses. The capital, San Juan manages to keep its identity, in sections, even as the masses of cruise ship tourists invade the city every day. But the visitors rarely stray far from the city center so there are lots to explore if you venture a bit out of the tourist map route.

Food trucks are everywhere.

Homage to Basquiat? P.R. has the best street art.

Rio Grande Area

Great area for beach and water fun. Careful, though, the rip curl is deadly.

El Yunque Rainforest

A huge treat for me. The trail system is often washed away or in need of repairs so you need to check what is open before setting out. Even though you’re unlikely to run into many other hikers, wildlife is hard to spot.

Finally at the top of the rainforest. There a gasoline powered communications tower had me momentarily departing from my sense of bliss.