Top 10 Puerto Rico Discoveries from Locals in Our United Voices by Dinogo Initiative

Looking for authentic recommendations for the best activities in Puerto Rico? The inaugural United Voices by Dinogo initiative emphasizes richer storytelling, particularly from Boricuas—an unexpected delight for me as a participating content creator, especially in a world dominated by Google and Instagram itineraries.

Dinogo selected a group of Puerto Rican writers, a video director, and a photographer to join a three-day summit on the Island with Dinogo editors. Explore the resulting multimedia content showcasing lesser-known areas of Puerto Rico, ranging from articles to social media updates. Continue reading to meet the members of the United Voices program and catch a glimpse of the Island through our perspectives.

Extraordinary water experiences

I’m a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and an award-winning travel journalist, known as the solo female traveler behind Jen on a Jet Plane. I was honored to be chosen as one of the writers for the United Voices by Dinogo program in Puerto Rico.

I’m captivated by the Island’s natural beauty. Paddling in a glass-bottom kayak through the bioluminescent bay in Vieques on a new moon night is truly magical. The water's dinoflagellates illuminate with every touch, making it feel like you’re gliding through the stars. Additionally, I highly recommend a soak in the Coamo Thermal Baths, famous for their healing properties, with an entry fee of just $5.

Stargazing in the mountains

Photographer and art director Jesse Echevarria began his journey in advertising. Now, he freelances as an art director and associate creative director, capturing travel and adventure photography globally. Echevarria is a free spirit, often exploring the mountains of Orocovis in his van.

“It’s one of the rare spots where you truly feel the essence of La Cordillera,” he notes, referring to the expansive mountain range stretching from east to west. Another reason to visit Orocovis is Cerro Mime, a central Island mountain and one of Echevarria’s preferred locations for camping and stargazing.

Marvels from East to West

Author, professor, photographer, lawyer, and podcast host Herson Guerrero has spent over a decade traveling, with work published in Vogue and National Geographic, while also leading group adventures to Iceland and Peru. However, he holds a profound affection for his roots. Reflecting on Levittown, a small area within the San Juan metro region, he shares, “This is where my grandparents raised me. I grew up immersed in a community where everyone was familiar with each other.”

Guerrero suggests visiting the west coast to enjoy the sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets. A visit to Puerto Rico wouldn’t be complete without exploring El Yunque on the eastern side, which he affectionately refers to as “the lungs” of the Island.

Street eats, local breweries, and cigars

Francisco Gutierrez, a seasoned video director and founder of El Cuervo Films, boasts over 15 years of expertise in producing music videos, concerts, documentaries, and various audiovisual projects. Affectionately known as Fran among friends, he enjoys sipping craft beer from an innovative microbrewery named Dragon Stone, situated in Río Grande.

Gutierrez frequently visits Don Rey in La Placita of Santurce, a cozy bar and cigar shop. Just a stone's throw from his home, Playa La Posita in Piñones is his favorite spot to relish the local street food and enjoy the large natural pool formed by the breakwater.