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We were hosted on this tour by Sofrito Tours
The face looks out at our Sofrito Tours group. He beckons us to see, he challenges us to know. Laura, our guide, for our San Juan-Puerto Rico Tour, tells us the mural is of the leader of Puerto Rico’s Independence Movement, Pedro Albizu Campos. We learn that Campos’ imprisonment lead to the Ponce Massacre. I make a mental note to take a deep dive into the massacre after the tour. The study of history, should be a relentless purist.
It is the end of our week in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The members of our group have experienced several tours. We are on a bit of a time constraint. Though Sofrito Tours offers ready-made itineraries on their website, owner and head tour guide, Laura, is happy to customize an itinerary for our group.
Barrio Santurce
The first stop on our San Juan-Puerto Rico Tour is the neighborhood of Santurce. Mural Art is my favorite kind of art, so I’m thrilled that San Juan’s, art walk, is part of our Sofrito Tour.
There is an eruption of creativity around every corner. Walls and sidewalks, call you to stop, appreciate, and think. The art is made all the better, by having Laura, from Sofrito Tours, explain the meaning behind some of the pieces. The murals do what murals are meant to do, spark conversations about history, culture, and even wildlife.
Although some works of art exist, simply to put a smile on your face.
Dosis Cafe
Since it is early morning, Laura suggests we stop at Dosis Cafe for some coffee. It’s already hot and humid outside, so I opt for a frozen coffee.
As we sip our delicious drinks, we are treated to some unexpected, entertainment. A friendly, extra fluffy, pup.
Dog and owner are happy to pose for pictures.
Playa Vacia Talega
The day starts with fat, rain drops, falling from the sky. By the time we are immersed in the art of Calle Cerra, the rain ceases.
Though we thought the rain would thwart the beach stop on our tour itinerary, Laura announces that we’re going to the beach.
The car winds past palm trees and numerous, roadside eateries, on the way to Playa Vacia Talega. Our sandals sink into the orangish-gold sand, damp and compacted from the earlier rain.
The waves are relaxing and gentle. The beach is dotted with chairs and umbrellas, but there is plenty of space for everyone to have their own piece of calm, or fun, depending on their beach goals. Our Sofrito Tours group breaths in the quiet, snaps pictures, then shake the beach off of our sandals. There is more to see.
Picture Courtesy of Laura from Sofrito Tours
Iguana Bar and Grill
I’m thrilled that the next stop on our San Juan-Puerto Rico Tour, is a snack stop. The car pulls up to one of the roadside restaurants that enticed me on the drive to the beach. I appreciate the laid-back, no-frills, atmosphere, of Iguana Bar and Grill.
Our gaze falls upon the glass case, full of yummy grilled and fried treats.
We make our choices, and munch, while peppering Laura with question about starting-her-own-tour-company journey. She is passionate, ambitious, and filled with ideas for expanding her company.
Picture Courtesy of Laura from Sofrito Tours
If I was staying in the Loiza beach area, I’d be back to Iguana Bar and Grill to try more things.
We pile back into the car. Laura talks about Loiza’s Afro-Puerto Rician Culture, as we make our way to our final stop.
La Plaza Del Mercado
Puerto Rico is void of large parking lots and garages, making parking a challenge. Laura shows her dedication to giving her guests an excellent experience, by dropping us off at Santurce’s, La Plaza Del Mercado, then circling the block, until we’ve completed our exploration.
Produce makes up the majority of my grocery shopping lists. All of the bright colorful fruits and vegetables excites, as I imagine all of the dishes I could make, using the Mercado’s produce.
I love avocados.
With planes to catch and boats to board, our San Juan-Puerto Rico Tour, comes to an end. We are so thankful to Laura, owner of Sofrito Tours, for putting together a custom itinerary, for our group of five. What to see the bioluminescent bay without having to kayak? Sofrito Tours can do that. Do you have a multi-generational group, and need to please kids and seniors? Sofrito Tours can put together an itinerary. Visiting Puerto Rico with your fur child? Sofrito Tours can even put together a tour for you and your pup. If you are visiting Puerto Rico, or live there and want to experience something new, check out Sofrito Tours’ website.
Laura is a great tour guide. Our San Juan-Puerto Rico Tour, was more like touring a destination with a friend, than your typical tour guide. She is knowledgeable, open, and honest, about the complicated relationship between Puerto Rico and the rest of the United States. The tour is another opportunity to realize, that no matter how much you think you know about history and culture, there is always more to learn.
A special thanks to Ruby, for securing our tour and assembling our tour group. You can follow her on Instagram
@ajourneywelove
And thanks to Ritz and Joanna for being great tour companions. You can follow them on Instagram
@ritz_journospeak
@joannakolan
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ROXIE YONKEY
atSounds fascinating.