Island living has its perks, right? Although Puerto Rico’s weather is summery year-round, the months between the Spring and Fall semesters are perfect for discovering our islands’ enchanting beauty. Before we start settling for the semester and become overwhelmed with work, enjoy what’s left of summer with these adventurous activities.
1. Visit different beaches: This summer, get out of your comfort zone—and your coast!– and visit a couple of unknown, however, stunning beach spots. Gather some friends and take a roadtrip to an unfamiliar coast: if you are from the East or North coast, try visiting Playa Ballena in Guánica or Playa Almendros in Rincón. If you are from the South or West Coast, consider Mar Chiquita in Manatí or Punta Tuna in Maunabo.
2. ¡Vámonos de chinchorreo!: Adventure through our scenic mountain route with family or friends! Enjoy the lovely sites aside with delicious comida criolla.
3. Visit places that will enrich you culturally: Submerge in our fascinating history at places like Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas, and experience the spectacular scenery the very heart of the island has to offer. A few other suggestions:
a. Travel in time to our origins at ceremonial parks, such as Tibes, located in Ponce, and Caguana, in Utuado.
b. Make the most of your student ID! Relish some of our local and international art exhibits at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico or the Museo de Arte de Ponce.
4. Dare to be adventurous: Toro Verde, located in Orocovis, should be in every adrenaline junkie’s bucket list. This incredible park offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as zip lining and extreme hiking. However, if you prefer a more low-key adventure, you cannot miss El Yunque National Forest in Río Grande, Toro Negro in Barranquitas, or Charco Azul in Patillas.
5. Pick up a non-required reading: Do you have any leisure reading time during the semester? Probably not as much as you’d like! Pick one of those dusted, unfinished books from your shelf and start reading with no interruptions and alienated from the world. Bonus points if you do it outdoors!
6. Empty your Netflix Queue: With classes just three weeks away, now is the time to catch up on that addictive series you absolutely love, or to explore new titles and films. Revisit your middle-school days—invite some friends and make your binge a sleepover! Booze, snacks, and copious amounts of candy suggested but not required.
7. Sleep: I think we can all agree that our alarm clock is our worst enemy every morning in the semester, right? Before all-nighters season starts or those 7:00 am classes commence, I strongly suggest you get the beauty sleep you deserve, and hug your bed as tightly as possible!
8. Take your exercise routine to a whole new level: With time to spare, you can change your jogging route, go to the gym or even take your pet out for a walk.
9. Bring your family along: There’s no point in having fun if you’re not surrounded by loved ones. Take a date with a relative and catch up with your lives, since sometimes the stress of the semester hinders us from spending quality time with them.
10. Local Food: Support our local food trucks and restaurants. By doing so you are streghtening our economy, and enjoying quality, delicious healthy products. Experience eating a variety of ice creams in Señor Paleta or brunch in at La Mala Vida, both located at Old San Juan. Crave a more hands-on experience? Visit the Aguadilla Farmer’s Market, open every Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00pm at One Ten Thai’s parking lot.
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