Hola from beautiful Puerto Rico! This leg of Mike on the Move brought me to the colorful, history-rich city of San Juan, where every cobblestone street seems to echo with stories of the past. From old forts and island monkeys to decadent meals and local rum, this trip was the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and discovery.

I stayed at the Condado Palm Inn, which turned out to be a great home base. The vibe was easygoing, the location was ideal, and the amenities were better than expected. One of my favorite perks? The 24-hour pool and hot tub—nothing beats a late-night soak after a day of walking around the city. The on-site restaurant was a surprise gem. I tried mofongo for the first time and immediately understood the hype. I also had a rich and savory goat stew that was packed with flavor, and I wrapped it all up with a slice of chocolate cake so decadent I almost ordered another.

Puerto Rico is a place where history isn’t hidden behind glass—it’s alive and all around you. I spent hours exploring El Morro, the iconic 16th-century fort that towers over San Juan Bay. The stone walls, lookout towers, and ocean views were incredible. I also visited Castillo de San Cristóbal and a few other historic sites in the city. Each one offered a deeper look into the island’s past, and it was easy to get swept up in imagining what life must have been like centuries ago.

One of the more unexpected and fascinating experiences was a boat trip near Monkey Island (Cayo Santiago), where I got to observe monkeys living freely on their own island. It’s a protected research site, so you can’t step foot on it, but seeing the monkeys in their natural habitat from the water was incredible.

Of course, you can’t come to Puerto Rico and not dive into its culinary and cultural roots. I took a sunset walking food tour through Old San Juan, and it was one of the highlights of the trip. We wandered through the colorful streets, sampling traditional Puerto Rican bites as the sun dipped behind pastel buildings and the city lights came on. From crispy alcapurrias to sweet plantains, every stop brought something new—and tasty. I also went on an espadrilles tour, which turned out to be a fun and unexpectedly thoughtful look into Puerto Rico’s heritage and craft traditions. It was the kind of experience that gave real depth to my understanding of the local culture.

No trip to the island is complete without sampling the rum, and I made sure to do it right with a tour of Ron del Barrilito. The tour was immersive, the staff were knowledgeable, and the tasting at the end? Let’s just say Puerto Rican rum deserves its reputation. I met some great people along the way, too—fellow travelers who were just as taken by the island’s charm as I was.

From the food and history to the warmth of the people and the rhythm of daily life, Puerto Rico stole a piece of my heart. It’s affordable, easy to get around, and filled with surprises. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, beach lover, or someone who just wants to unwind, there’s something here for you.

And now, as I unpack my suitcase and do laundry that still smells faintly of ocean breeze and cigars, I’m already gearing up for the next leg of the journey. Mike on the Move is heading to Costa Rica next—where rainforests, volcanoes, and the pura vida lifestyle await. If Puerto Rico was a perfect blend of flavor and history, I have a feeling Costa Rica will be pure adventure.

Stay tuned!