We took the last flight from JFK to SJU at 5:55pm and arrived at SJU around 9-10pm. It took us less than an hour to drive to El Conquistador. We got a free upgrade from garden view to ocean view (the view includes view of the pool below). Our room is very spacious with a full size couch, king size bed, vanity table and 6ft sink cabinet, etc.  The room comes with a balcony with beach chairs.

One of the highlights of staying El Conquistador is La Palomino Island. The island is beautiful with pristine clear water and teeming with animals. There were chicken, chicks, hermit crabs and Lagunas roaming around. We were given a beach towel for each guest. Free activities include lawn games, sunbathing, mini golf, swimming and hiking. Luckily, we were able to hike and explore different parts of the island. You should bring your snorkeling gear and floats. The island charges you extra for these. Also you have the option to tour the island on a horse. If you are hungry, remember to stop by Laguna’s Café. Be careful of bird poop on the chairs!

Since our time was short, we spent one day at La Palomino Island and hike on the La Mina Trail in the Yunque Rainforest. The hike has a mixed of paved and uneven path. You will be walking along the river which leads to the La Mina Falls. The falls was crowded and I couldn’t take a secluded picture. Then, we took the Big Tree trail and walked along the road to our car. Please note that if you take the La Mina Trail back, you will have to climb up the stairs and the view will be the same.

The next day, we went to Casa Bacardi for our rum tasting and tour. I was astounded that Bacardi uses whiskey oak barrels to make their rum. Regardless, we were given a drink token each. If you want to upgrade your drink, you will have to buy another token. My mojito was perfectly made and was so good! If you are light weight and do not drink often, you will get drunk from their 5 tasting glasses. The host will go through each tasting glass by aging group. Another great activity to do at Bacardi is hand bottled your special reserve rum.