Puerto Rico Unlocked: The Ultimate Girls’ Trip Recap 🇵🇷✨
- Deja Jackson
- Feb 13
- 6 min read
Puerto Rico was the perfect destination for an unforgettable girls' trip filled with adventure, culture, and a little bit of luxury. From dancing salsa under the stars to cruising the Caribbean on a private yacht, every moment was packed with fun and excitement. But beyond the breathtaking beaches and nightlife, Puerto Rico is rich in history, making every activity even more special. Here’s everything we did and why you should add it to your itinerary!
🏡 Staying in a Luxe Private Airbnb with All the Amenities
For this trip, we stayed in a stunning, gated Airbnb that had everything we needed for the perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. This unique ¾-acre property offered the best of both worlds—nature in the city, just 5 minutes from the airport, beaches, restaurants, and nightlife. It was also a short commute to Old San Juan and even El Yunque Rainforest, making it an ideal home base for our Puerto Rican adventures.
The main house featured 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, accommodating up to 16 guests, while the guest house added 2 more bedrooms, a kitchenette, and an extra bathroom—perfect for extra privacy and space. The amenities were next-level, with a heated private pool, a home cinema, a gazebo, a pool table, an outdoor shower, and a basketball hoop. The massive living, kitchen, and dining areas gave us plenty of space to relax and enjoy meals together.
✨ Fun Fact: Puerto Rico has one of the fastest-growing Airbnb markets in the Caribbean! By choosing a local rental over a resort, you get a more private, exclusive experience while also supporting local homeowners and businesses.
This Airbnb was the ultimate family and friends getaway, offering plenty of room for fun and relaxation. Additional guests were even allowed for a separate fee, making it great for large groups or special celebrations!
🍹 Mixology Class at Casa Bacardí
📍 Book here | 💲75 per person
No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a deep dive into the island’s iconic rum culture, and Casa Bacardí is the perfect place to do it! We took a mixology class, where we learned how to craft the perfect piña colada, mojito, and classic daiquiri while sipping on premium rum. The best part? We got a behind-the-scenes look at how Bacardí has been making rum for generations, using pure spring water and aging techniques that date back to the 1800s.
✨ Historical Fact: While Bacardí is now a household name, its roots trace back to 1862 in Cuba. After the Cuban Revolution, the family moved operations to Puerto Rico, where they continue to produce some of the world’s best-selling rum. Today, Puerto Rico is considered the Rum Capital of the World, supplying over 70% of the rum consumed in the U.S.!
💃🏾 Salsa Dancing on the Beach with Salsa Tours PR
📍 Book here | 💲25 per person
One of the most magical moments of the trip was dancing salsa under the stars with Salsa Tours PR! The experience took place right on the beach, with the ocean waves and sunset providing the perfect tropical backdrop. Even if you’ve never danced before, the instructors make it so fun and beginner-friendly—within minutes, we were spinning, stepping, and swaying to the rhythm of live music.
✨ Historical Fact: Salsa dancing is deeply rooted in Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean culture. While it originated in Cuba, Puerto Rico played a huge role in shaping modern salsa—especially in the 1970s when Puerto Rican musicians in New York City helped popularize the genre worldwide. Today, salsa remains an essential part of Puerto Rican nightlife and celebrations, making this experience a must-do!
🛥️ Private Yacht Trip – Living the Luxe Life
📍 Book here | 💲$560
Sailing through the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean on a private yacht was an absolute main character moment! We spent the afternoon sunbathing, sipping champagne, and taking in the stunning coastline. The yacht was equipped with everything we needed for a luxurious and relaxing experience—plush seating, music, and of course, breathtaking views of the Puerto Rican shoreline.
✨ Fun Fact: Puerto Rico has over 300 beaches and 270 miles of coastline, making it a prime destination for yachting and sailing. The waters surrounding the island are known for their calm currents and vibrant marine life, which is why Puerto Rico is also a top spot for snorkeling and diving. Many of the most beautiful beaches, like Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island, are best accessed by boat!
🏎️ ATV Riding in Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park
📍 Book here | 💲75-$125 per person
For the adventurous girls, ATV riding through the Carabalí Rainforest was an absolute thrill! The trails took us through lush jungle landscapes, across rivers, and up to breathtaking mountain viewpoints. The ride was a mix of fast-paced excitement and scenic beauty, making it one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
✨ Historical Fact: Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park sits at the foothills of El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. El Yunque has been protected since 1876, making it one of the oldest nature reserves in the Western Hemisphere. Long before Spanish colonization, this land was home to the Taíno people, the island’s original inhabitants, who believed El Yunque was sacred.
🌙 Experiencing Puerto Rico’s Nightlife: Where to Go & How to Stay Safe
Puerto Rico’s nightlife is legendary—whether you’re looking for a high-energy club, a trendy cocktail bar, or a lively street party, the island delivers an unforgettable night out. We explored some of the best spots in San Juan, where the music is vibrant, the drinks are strong, and the atmosphere is full of life.
📍 La Factoría – One of the most famous bars in the world, known for its speakeasy vibes and craft cocktails. It’s a must-visit in Old San Juan and even has hidden rooms to explore! 🍸
📍 Club Brava – If you're looking for a full club experience, Brava is the spot! It has a mix of Latin, hip-hop, and EDM, attracting both locals and tourists. 🎶
📍 La Placita de Santurce – More than just a bar scene, La Placita is an outdoor street party that comes alive on weekends! The energy is unmatched, with live music, dancing, and food vendors. 💃🏾🎉
📍 Distrito T-Mobile – A modern entertainment district featuring bars, lounges, live music, and even an LED ceiling light show. It’s a great spot for a more chill but still lively night out! ✨
Nightlife Safety Tips & Rules to Follow
While Puerto Rico is generally safe, it's always important to stay aware and take precautions—especially when going out at night. Here are some essential safety tips for nightlife in PR:
🔑 Stick with your group – Always use the buddy system and keep an eye on each other. Never leave anyone behind!
🍹 Watch your drinks – Just like anywhere else, never leave your drink unattended and only accept drinks from trusted sources.
🚖 Use Uber instead of taxis – Ubers are safer and have fixed pricing, whereas some taxis may overcharge tourists.
💵 Carry some cash – Many bars in La Placita and Old San Juan only accept cash, so it’s good to have small bills on hand.
📍 Know the local drinking laws – You can drink on the streets in some areas, but in others, it's illegal. Ask before you open a drink in public!
🚨 Emergency number – Puerto Rico uses 911 for emergencies, just like the U.S. It's good to have your Airbnb or hotel address saved in case you need a ride back.
Puerto Rico’s nightlife is a vibe like no other—with the right precautions, you can party safely and make unforgettable memories!
👙 Sheraton Hotel Day Pass – Poolside Relaxation Before Departure
📍 Book here | 💲50 Adults, 💲25 Kids, 💲Free for Infants
Since we had a late flight, we decided to spend our last few hours in Puerto Rico lounging by the infinity pool at the Sheraton Hotel. It was the perfect way to unwind after days of adventure—we had tropical drinks, soaked up the last bit of sun, and reflected on the incredible trip.
✨ Fun Fact: The Sheraton Puerto Rico overlooks San Juan Bay, which was once a key Spanish port and military stronghold. Puerto Rico’s location made it a crucial point in the Caribbean trade routes for hundreds of years, and its coastal forts—like Castillo San Felipe del Morro—were built to protect it from pirates and rival empires.
Final Thoughts: Puerto Rico is a Whole Vibe! 🌴✨
With year-round warm weather, stunning tropical scenery, and a mix of adventure, history, and relaxation, Puerto Rico is the ultimate travel destination. Every experience we had—from salsa dancing and rum tasting to riding ATVs and cruising on a yacht—made this trip truly unforgettable.
Would I visit again? Absolutely! There’s still so much more to explore, and I can’t wait to return. If you’ve been to Puerto Rico, what was your favorite part? Let me know! 💕
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