Puerto Rico Archives - LIVING THE DREAM

ToroVerde and El Monstruo Zipline in Puerto Rico Are a Must

July 21, 2022May 18, 2022

ToroVerde Adventure Park in Puerto Rico claims to be the largest in the Caribbean, and it isn't until you arrive that you truly grasp what that means. The park really is huge!

Not only does this one have a traditional zipline course, but they have other unique aerial activities like the Toro Bike (riding a suspended bicycle across ziplines), a children friendly Toro Roller (ropes course and climbing tower), and an extremely long, Superman-style zipline aptly named The Monster.

During my visit for a conference tour, I was able to check out the traditional zipline course as well as The Monster. You don't want to miss these when in Puerto Rico!

Which Sheraton in Old San Juan is Best? 2 Sheraton San Juan Reviews

July 21, 2022May 12, 2022

When it comes to booking a hotel in Old San Juan, if you are a Marriott loyalist, you have two great options- both from the Sheraton brand.

One is the Sheraton Old San Juan and the second is the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino. While the former is what we would call the only true branded hotel in Old San Juan proper, those who are visiting the San Juan region may want to take a hard look at both before committing to a property.

Thankfully, I was fortunate to stay at both of the Sheraton hotels in San Juan on a recent visit and thought I'd share a review of each with side-by-side comparisons to help you plan your stay!

Who Invented the Pina Colada? Barrachina vs Caribe Hilton

July 21, 2022May 12, 2022

If there is any cocktail that immediately evokes thoughts of a palm tree-lined beach, it is the Pina Colada.

This cocktail, made of rum, coconut, and pineapple, is the quintessential beach drink and is one we have come to love simply through our frequent visits to its birthplace- San Juan, Puerto Rico.

But the origin story of this classic is, shall we say, heavily debated. Two iconic establishments lay claim to creating this refreshing beverage, and we did what any enterprising cocktail lover should do in order to get to the bottom of the debate- we went to both.

Enter the Barrachina, which claims to have invented the Pina Colada in 1963, and the Caribe Hilton, which claims to have invented this classic in 1954. So who really made it first and, more importantly, which is better? We had to find out.

The Best Puerto Rican Rums to Try During Your Island Vacation

July 11, 2022April 19, 2017

Puerto Rican rums have a bit of a cult following behind them, and there is a good reason for it- the stuff is delicious!

When we visited this tiny American island territory, we had one goal in mind and that was to try as much local rum as possible (and not just Bacardi rums, which are arguably the island's most popular for non-Puerto Ricans.)

What did we find? Well, after a distillery tour, several rum tastings, six bottles of rum consumed in a week, and another six packed to come home with us, we have the following favorites you absolutely must try and bring back home with you!