Full Plant Based Tone resource
Puerto Rico has always held a special place in my heart, but this recent trip was extra meaningful. The main reason for our journey was to visit my tío and tía, and of course, we had to explore all the vegan food and fun the island had to offer along the way. If you’re a vegan planning a trip to PR or just curious about how to travel plant-based in the Caribbean, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into where we stayed, what we ate, and what we did — and trust me, there’s plenty of sabrosura to go around!
First Stop: San Juan — Vegan Pasteles & Puerto Rican Classics
We landed in San Juan and made a beeline for 100% HP — a vegan treasure chest of Puerto Rican flavor. If you’re missing island foods like pasteles, sofrito, alcapurrias, or mofongo, this place will make your soul sing. Everything is homemade and bursting with tradition and love.
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I had the vegan pasteles and alcapurrias, while my fiancé devoured a vegan steak and cheese sandwich that he still talks about.
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On our way back to San Juan at the end of the trip, I couldn’t resist a second visit and grabbed a “chicken” wrap that I’m still dreaming about.
🥭 Pro tip: Try their fresh juices — it’s like sipping sunshine.
💌 Want to recreate some of these flavors at home? Join my email list to get notified when I drop my latest vegan cultured creations. You can even check out my own pastele recipe here!
Westbound: Mayagüez & Cabo Rojo Vibes
After our food-fueled pit stop, we crossed the island to the Mayagüez Resort and Casino. PSA: The island might seem small, but traffic can stretch travel time to 2–4 hours. Be ready, pack snacks, and stay hydrated!
Once checked in, we ordered Acai Express from DoorDash (yes, we’re obsessed). We’ve had acai bowls in many spots on the island, but Acai Express is the MVP — freshest fruit, smooth consistency, and unreal flavor. We honestly had it four times during our trip. My Fiance got the Taino Bowl and I got the Mango, both were delicious.
The next day, we spent time in beautiful Cabo Rojo with my family making beautiful memories and a bunch of laughs. Think: slower pace, warm beaches, and local love. Highly recommend visiting the lighthouses and soaking up the quieter side of the island.
Aguadilla Nights & Rooftop Bites 🌊🍔
One of our favorite evenings was at ARTe Rooftop Experience in Aguadilla. This restaurant is perched right above the beach and has separate vegan and non-vegan menus — so helpful when your party has mixed dietary preferences.
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I had the veggie mofongo and my fiancé had a vegan burger with guava sauce and onion rings. Yes, it was as good as it sounds.
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The waitress let us know the chef is vegan, and it shows in the flavor! They also had a vegan skillet cookie and ice cream for dessert! The cookie monster in my was in heaven.
We ended the night beachside and found the most beautiful shells, even in the moonlight.
Snorkeling, Bio Bay & Family-Owned Gems 🐠✨
One of the most magical experiences was booking a private snorkeling and bioluminescent bay tour with Hooked on Adventure in La Parguera. This family-owned biz treated us like royalty.
- She took us to one of the oldest islands made up of purely dead coral to snorkel and there were so many beautiful fish swimming. I found Dori.. and some of the fish in that dentist’s office lol
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We swam in the glowing bio bay, learned about the bioluminescent plankton, and explored the waters guided by their lovely daughter.
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It was educational, peaceful, and completely unforgettable.
🎁 Don’t miss the cute souvenir shops nearby either — perfect for meaningful gifts and keepsakes.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar: Luxury, Pools & Vegan Eats
We made our way back to the Northeast side of the island and checked into the stunning Wyndham Grand Rio Mar. Hands down, the most beautiful and accommodating resort I’ve ever stayed in.
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Multiple pools (including adults only), beachfront, spa, golf, and several restaurants with plant-based options — yes, please.
Before checking in, we hit up the Luquillo Kiosks. These 60+ family-run food stalls have something for everyone. Some of the best vegan finds were:
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🌮 #56 Wepa Arepa – incredible veggie tacos and homemade hot sauce (Our favorite)
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🥥 Fruitty World – virgin piña coladas in fresh coconuts + fruit add-ons (I added guava, of course)
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🍕 #34 Revolution Pizza Shop – great for those who want a classic fix
Dinner at the resort’s 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE was a hit too. They even have a plant-based menu! My fiancé had a black bean quesadilla with vegan cheese, and I had a tasty cauliflower steak.
Shoutout to my tío who lovingly referred to us as “bad hunters” — PR humor is unmatched 😅
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Nature, Nourishment & National Treasures
The next day we adventured through El Yunque National Rainforest, which is a must. Whether you go the traditional route or book an off-the-beaten-path tour with rope swings and natural slides, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and inspired by nature.
Dinner that night was at the resort’s high-end restaurant, Iguana.
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I had creole meatballs on a creamy mash that honestly made me question if it was real and my fiance had the vegetable mofongo.
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We shared a vegan strawberry shortcake that was just the cherry (or berry?) on top.
Farewell San Juan, But Not Goodbye
On our final day, we indulged in the breakfast buffet at the Wyndham. They understood the assignment: fresh fruit, rice, beans, potatoes, veggies, vegan croissants, and a build-your-own station for those who dabble in waffles and omelets.
We made one last nostalgic visit to 100% HP and treated ourselves at Via Lactea — our favorite vegan ice cream shop with locations in PR and Connecticut!
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Final Thoughts 🌺
Puerto Rico embraced us with open arms — as vegans, as lovers of culture, and as family. Between unforgettable meals, warm-hearted locals, and breathtaking sights, it was a trip that filled our bellies and our hearts.
I highly recommend this beautiful island for culture, beauty, nature, songs of the coquís, great food, and better vibes!! If you need any recommendations on what to bring or have on hand with you, check out my Puerto Rican shopping list here.
I know I’ll be back… maybe sooner than I think 😉
💚 Are you planning a vegan trip to Puerto Rico? Or do you have a favorite vegan spot there? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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