Rincon, Puerto Rico

My eyes opened to the song of tropical birds just beyond my open window. A slight onshore breeze carried in the salty scent of the Caribbean. I pounced out of bed to brew a pot of local organic coffee. Grabbing my mug and yoga mat, I made my way to the rooftop lookout to enjoy the routine sunrise in a cotton hammock.

A faint rose painted the morning sky, softening into a golden pink as the sun peeked over Mount Atalaya. The subtle clouds mirrored the myriad of colors, setting the mood for yet another day in paradise.

Sunrise

With the morning light awakening the panoramic view, I unrolled my yoga mat West toward the approaching swell. An hour of yoga with crashing waves as my soundtrack worked up an appetite. Eyeing a palm tree speckled with young green coconuts, I grabbed a machete and cut a few refreshing Caribbean delicacies to mix with local organic papaya and miniature bananas. Then, the big choice of the day… which of the 12 beaches should I pick to sunbathe on with a good book.

This is how I began most days in Rincon, Puerto Rico.

If you have a love for sun, sand, warm waters, fishing, surfing, whale watching, fresh food or a lively

Just a day at the beach.

nightlife with delicious cuisine, Rincon is your match made it heaven. Now for the best part, its and American territory! No annoying, expensive, time consuming visas! Hallelujah! I have spent months, and hundreds of dollars on visas that only take up too much room in your passport. It’s the perfect way to travel or live overseas minus the hassle. You don’t even need your passport.

When traveling through South and Central America, most the countries require a visa or a reciprocity fee. If you want to move there, it’s even more of a hassle, in some countries more than others. While Puerto Rico encompasses the Latin culture and island life, it has American regulations. That’s what I call and ideal mix.

Rincon eases you into traveling or a life abroad with an even balance of the local and American culture. Most people speak English and Spanish. While there is no stress to learn Spanish, there are plenty of opportunities to practice.

It’s known for its beaches and incredible surf. Majority of Puerto Ricos surfing beaches are found here,

Tres Palmas

including Domes, Tres Palmas, Pools Beach, Marias, Sandy Beach, and Rincon Town Beach Plaza. It falls on the North West corner where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic.

Outside of the beaches is delicious dining, whether you want quick and easy or five-star sit down. The nightlife is popping, mainly during the winter season when most travelers make their way here.

If you are interested in moving to Rincon, Susan Cravey, real-estate agent in Rincon for 22 years, says now is a great time to buy. Land runs from $27,500 for 1.5 acres up in the mountains to $3 million for two acres of oceanfront.  Houses range from about $110,000 to $1.65 million for an oceanfront duplex.  A nice modern home with an ocean view will cost you $250-350,000 and up, depending upon the location, size and view.

If buying isn’t in your plans, there are plenty of affordable rentals! You can get a nice 2 bedroom house for as cheap as $400 a month. If you are looking for oceanfront, it’ll run you closer to $1,000. You get what you pay for.

Sunset

Or, do as I did, and just enjoy a vacation in the sun with your toes in the sand.

Overall, Rincon is a beautiful travel destination made easy and affordable. You can experience a different culture while still being under the protection of the United States.  You need no passport and have all the conveniences of home.  It’s easy to get flights directly into Aguadilla, about 30 minutes away.  “You will meet interesting people from all over the world here.  And the weather…it’s really beautiful here all year round.  The days are beautiful…. but the nights are delicious!”, Says Cravey