Ah, the holiday season—a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, a break from the daily hustle. As a mom of five energetic boys, an entrepreneur, and an avid learner, our family of seven decided to embark on a memorable Thanksgiving adventure to Puerto Rico and we even brought my mom, Mimi, along for the ride! This tropical paradise promised a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and quality family time. Join me as I share the highlights of our weeklong escapade, filled with culture, adventure, and the undeniable warmth of the Puerto Rican sunshine.
Day 1: Arrival and Oasis of Fun
Our Puerto Rican adventure kicked off with a smooth journey to our Airbnb, a haven boasting not one, not two, but five pools, three playgrounds, and direct access to the beach. And best of all, you could walk out of our 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo unit directly onto the biggest playground at the complex. The sheer excitement on the boys’ faces as we settled in set the tone for an incredible week of family bonding.
Day 2: Beach Bliss and Old San Juan
After a leisurely morning at our Airbnb, we strolled down to the beach, only to be greeted by colossal waves. A spontaneous dip turned into a hilarious family escapade of Mama being sucked into the surf and spit back out on the beach while attempting to make sure the boys didn’t go out too deep! So, with safety in mind, we retreated to the pools for some aquatic fun.
Post-lunch, we ventured into the historic charm and vibrant streets of Old San Juan, a colonial gem that seamlessly blends history with modern charm. The boys were captivated by the colorful buildings lining the cobblestone streets, and enjoyed indulging in local cuisine, and capping off the day with a sweet treat from an ice cream parlor.
Day 3: Caves, Lighthouses, and Pirate Adventures
Early risers, we set off to Cavernas del Rio Camuy National Park, marveling at the stunning cave formations. The boys, equipped with helmets and audio gear, reveled in the adventure of large spiders, sleeping bats, and slippery walkways through the caves, even if Mama was having a bit of a heart attack and Jack was mad to be stuck in a stroller!
After having a picnic lunch on a path near the caves, we set out to Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park which offered a perfect blend of entertainment and adventure! It included a splash pad, mini water slides for kids 10 and under, a playground, and a secret underground cave maze leading us through spooky pirate scenery, underground fish tanks and dark alley ways before ending in a cute gift shop. The best part? A pirate actor who was lurking in the caves popped out at the end, leaving Matthew thoroughly spooked and talking about pirates for days! We capped off the day with a delicious Caribbean feast and massive ice creams for dessert.
Day 4: Rainy Relaxation and Gaining Altitude
Rainy weather on day 4 didn’t dampen our spirits; instead, we embraced the wet playground, swam in the rain, and played ball on the tennis courts just like any other normal day. The boys loved stomping through the puddles, not having to dry off after their swim and being able to slide all around the wet grass.
As the rain continued into the evening, we set out to Altitude, one of the boys’ favorite trampoline parks, filled with climbs, jumps, and plenty of laughter. The day concluded with a unique twist – Chinese buffet in Puerto Rico, and it was pretty good!
Day 5: Hiking the Rainforest
Undeterred by yet another rainy day, we left baby Jack home with Mimi and embarked on a rainforest adventure in El Yunque. After earning our badges at the visitor center, we hiked the Mt Britton Trail, navigated steep paths, and were rewarded with breathtaking views.
Next, the Juan Diego trail led us to stunning waterfalls and natural pools, that just begged to be explored. After a nearly vertical climb up a clay packed trail, the forest opened up to a beautiful waterfall and flowing water over a pristine path of rocks. We all climbed in, sneakers and all, to get a closer look at the beauty of it all, complete with swimming under the actual waterfall itself! This day, despite a few slips and falls causing Mama heart attack number 2 of the trip, created some amazing memories of bonding, working together, and our hard work being rewarded with nature’s amazing playground.
The day concluded with an evening on the beach and lots of tired snuggles in front of the TV before bed.
Day 6: Mimi’s Farewell Tour
Making the most of Mimi’s last day, we explored Castillo San Felipe del Morro in the morning, immersing ourselves in history and marveling at the scenic beauty. And of course the boys loved the giant iguanas that were roaming around on the grass or on the fort walls, even trying to pet one (which he did not like much!).
The afternoon was dedicated to beachside fun! Matthew never left the water, Jasper and MJ caught 3 beach crabs using buckets and leaves, and Mateo flirted between sandcastles and mud throwing.
Papi took charge of the grill for a beachside dinner, making us the famous Puerto Rican street food, pinchos, for the first time. These delicious skewered grill steaks were seasoned to perfection and which will undoubtedly now be a family favorite meal at home.
Day 7: Family Togetherness and Unconventional Thanksgiving
As our Puerto Rican adventure neared its end, we spent the day capturing precious family moments at the condo – wave jumping, crab catching, and building sandcastles yet again. The evening took an unexpected but wonderful turn as we celebrated Thanksgiving dinner at Golden Corral, opting for anything but turkey.
An Investment in Family Time
One of the most common questions I get asked is, “How much does traveling cost for a such a large family?!” While we do find ways to save money on our travel, this trip we decided to focus on hitting the major activities we wanted and not trying to find inexpensive food options. We really wanted to immerse ourselves in Puerto Rico, so this is what it cost:
- Flights from Orlando to San Juan: $1072.56
- Rental Car: $684.88
- Air BnB in Loiza with 5 pools, 3 playgrounds, and direct private beach access: $1586.64
- Food at the Air BnB: $514.24
- Food Out: $534.15
- Excursions: $595.20
- Airport parking and miscellaneous expenses: $239.36
The most unexpected costs were regular grocery shopping! While we did end up over buying by maybe $50, spending over $500 on groceries from the local Wal-Mart left us with sticker shock! But, on the flip side, we only spent $600 on excursions and we did SO MANY things! The best inexpensive excursion was hiking El Yunque. For $8 we were able to go to the visitor center and learn a ton about the rainforest and it’s animals, the boys had the cutest badge ceremony to celebrate what they learned, then we drove up to the trail heads and spent the day exploring the beautiful rainforest and waterfalls for completely free! We love our national parks!
So, for a total of $5,741.27, it cost roughly $117 per person, per day for our family of 7 got to enjoy our PR vacation to the fullest!
Conclusion:
Our Thanksgiving week in Puerto Rico was more than just a vacation; it was a trip filled with laughter, adventure, and family togetherness. From exploring caves to hiking rainforests and enjoying beachside bliss, each day brought new experiences and strengthened the bonds that make our family truly special. As we reluctantly bid farewell to Puerto Rico, we carried with us a treasure trove of memories, already dreaming of our next big adventure!