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.
