An Easy Guide to the Isla Del Encanto: 7-Day Itinerary

Once upon an excessive heat warning HOT girl summer, in a land {not so} far, far away—precisely 1,150 miles away from the coast of Florida, was the enchanted Isla Del Encanto. An adventuring princesa y príncipe would wander the dazzling archipelago in search of magical mojitos, powerful pina coladas, and majestic mofongo. The princesa’s name was Macy—she was a seasoned adventurer, a skillfully clumsy hiker, and amateur photographer. Her Venezuelan Príncipe Encantador, Gabriel, accompanied her on this 6-day quest to discover all the mojitos, beaches, and jungles in the land.

Macy and Gabriel set off in their royal {Snow White} caramel apple red Kia Soul and rode off into the rolling mountainous terrains, mysterious and abundant rainforests, and circled the coasts of the Caribbean. Long fairy tale short—despite following the airbnb coordinates that led them astray to the complete opposite side of the island, toilets full of frogs {not to be confused with a prince}, and a flat tire 20 minutes away from the airport, they traveled almost happily ever after!

Fairy tales aside, Puerto Rico truly exceeded our expectations. This trip was special to both of us as it was our first trip together, as well as Gabriel’s first trip since leaving Venezuela over five years ago. There were bits and pieces he was able to reminisce over—the language, the pristine beaches, the hospitality, the Latin culture... It brought him just a little closer to home. There’s nothing quite like the serenity of the rainforest and the coquis that sing you to sleep.

I left Puerto Rico with a sense of gratitude and a new understanding of Boricua pride. There’s so much to be said about a place with so much natural beauty, a tight-knit community, and the slow-living of an island. It’s more than the crystal clear water of the white sand beaches, steep plunging waterfalls, and la comida deliciosa. Rather, it’s the small talk at the food truck off the beaten path. An invitation to hike with his family to a local waterfall by an airbnb host. The sense of fearlessness and adventure from the locals as they nose-dive off the cliffs of a 30-foot waterfall. And of course, the unconditional love of two furry friends, named Cookie y Crema, who never missed a greeting, a hug, or a snack from their new hooman friends.

Puerto Rico, thank you for welcoming us into your casa.