Welcome to Casita de Cruz.
You're in Patillas now. The jungle is outside your door. The ocean is at the bottom of the hill. And we are so glad you're here.
This is our personal guide, the places we actually go, the things we genuinely love, and a few insider secrets we only share with the people staying in this house. Consider it a note left on the kitchen counter from someone who wants you to have the best time of your life.
One thing before you venture out:
Google Maps has a habit of routing you through the mountain — it’s technically quicker and during the day it’s a genuinely beautiful drive. But at night the mountain can get rainy and the clouds come down low enough to turn the road into a wall of fog. Not the welcome you want after a long travel day.
For nighttime arrivals we suggest the highway. Here’s how to route it correctly since Google gets creative:
Set your destinations in this order:
1. Walmart in Guayama
2. Plaza Supermercado in Patillas
3. Your address from the Airbnb listing
That’ll keep you on the highway and deliver you safely to the jungle. The mountain will be there tomorrow in the daylight.
FIRST — MEET PAZITO
Before anything else you should know about Pazito. He lives here. He arrived at our front door one day — covered in mange, starving, and somehow more interested in cuddles than the food we offered him. Serendipity in a very scruffy package. His name means little peace which will immediately reveal itself as a complete lie. He will find you. He will interrupt your yoga. He will appear on the meditation deck exactly when you’ve achieved stillness and ruin it entirely. He will crawl into your lap before you’ve decided you’re a cat person. Guests arrive tolerating him and leave completely devoted. Some come back just for him.
You’ve been warned.
What we're obsessed with right now.
These are the things lighting us up this season. Fresh, current, and worth every minute.
The Bay Dolphin at Cayo Icacos
There is a wild dolphin living near Cayo Icacos right now and he is one of the most extraordinary things we have ever experienced in the ocean. Book the Salty Dog Catamaran — they leave in the morning and provide food and drinks. When you get in the water: stay still. Don't chase. Don't reach. Just be present and let him decide. He swam with us for 40 minutes — left twice and chose to come back both times. The moment a crowd jumped in he was gone.
The ones who stay quiet get the 40 minutes. The ones who chase get nothing. There's a lesson in there somewhere.
Important: It is illegal to touch or harass marine wildlife. Hands up, stay still, let him lead.
Respect the experience and it will give you everything.Bioluminescent Bay — The Real One
There are only 5 true year-round bioluminescent bays in the world. Puerto Rico has 3 of them. Skip the touristy versions. Go to La Parguera in Lajas and book a private boat with Sebastian — Captain of Parguera Underwater. Book during the new moon so there's zero light competition in the sky.
Our suggestion: book a late afternoon snorkeling tour, watch the sunset on the boat, then Sebastian takes you into the bio bay as darkness falls. It's the kind of night you'll describe for years. DM us on AirBnb for his number or message him on Instagram.
Culebra or Vieques — The Island Hop
If you're up for a different island take the fast ferry from Ceiba — roughly $10 round trip — to either Culebra or Vieques, Puerto Rico's famous horse island. Plan around the season. During low season many businesses close — but at worst you have your own private island. We'll let you decide if that's a consolation prize or the whole point.
Viera Casa de la Música — Record Heaven
It's a trek. Worth every minute. An epic record collection with some highly valued albums and plenty of classic gold in the $10–20 range. Find them on Google or their Instagram. If you love music the way music deserves to be loved — you'll understand when you get there.
Rincón — Coffee at Isla Made & Lunch at Casa Isleña
We drive the entire island just to go to these two spots. Isla Made for coffee — iconic in every sense. Casa Isleña for lunch or dinner — the kind of place that makes you want to move to Rincón. It’s beachside and has a pool to relax in. Both are truly worth the drive. Pair with Survival Beach if you're making a full day of it.
Survival Beach, Aguadilla — Feels Like Thailand
Driving, hiking, and worth every step. This beach looks like Phang Nga Bay in Thailand — dramatic, raw, and completely unforgettable. Go early. Bring water and snacks. Be mindful of the ocean floor. Keep nature, nature. The reward is a beach that feels like it belongs to another world entirely.
7. Las Ruinas Bathhouse & Gym — Old San Juan
300+-year-old walls. Dark water. The specific heat of something that has survived enough history to stop pretending. Las Ruinas is a luxury bathhouse and wellness sanctuary in the heart of Old San Juan — dry sauna, infrared sauna, steam room, cold plunge, hot tub, pool, smoothie bar, tea room, and massage services all housed inside one of the most architecturally striking spaces on the island. It's the kind of place that doesn't ask to be felt. It just becomes unavoidable. Book ahead — especially on weekends. Walk-ins welcome based on availability. 18+ only.
We found our new sanctuary here. If you go once, you'll be back. That's not a suggestion — that's a guarantee.
8. Bakku Sushi — Rincón
We are insanely picky with sushi. We won't settle. We've walked out of places that looked beautiful because the fish didn't deserve the plate. Bakku blew us away — fresh, precise, and worth the drive to Rincón on its own. Dress casual and eat at the bar, or dress up and make it a full treat night out. Either way, you're in the right place. If you love sushi the way sushi deserves to be loved, this is your spot in Puerto Rico.
9. El Atiko — Rincón
We don't care what else you order — but do not leave El Atiko without two things. First: the Mahi-Mahi Coconut Ceviche. Bright, creamy, beautifully balanced, served with malanga chips that deserve their own moment of silence. Second: the Chicken Caprese Salad — a chicken breast stuffed with burrata and sun-dried tomatoes, resting in a pool of pesto sauce. One of those "I could eat this every single day" moments that makes you question every meal before it.
Real Talk:
If you’re already making the drive to Rincón… Don’t pick one restaurant — do what we do. Turn it into a full food tour. Start with coffee at Isla Made. Move to Casa Isleña for something small or a full lunch. El Atiko for the mahi-mahi coconut ceviche and the Caprese — appetizer portions if you’re pacing yourself. And end the night at Bakku. We save sushi for last on purpose — by the time evening hits you can work through their entire menu without going to bed stuffed. Light. Fresh. The perfect closer. Rincón isn’t a stop. It’s an entire day of eating your way through one of the most beautiful towns on the island. Plan accordingly. Bring appetite. No skipping.
6 things you can’t leave Patillas without doing.
Casa de los Pasteles
A Patillas landmark. Authentic Puerto Rican pasteles — lovingly wrapped, bursting with flavor. Non-negotiable. Note they’re only open on the weekend so plan accordingly!
Aguas Termales de Coamo
Healing thermal springs said to be the island's Fountain of Youth. About 50 minutes from the house — one of our favorite weekly rituals. Soak long. Leave lighter.
Charco Azul
A crystal-clear natural swimming hole tucked into the jungle mountains. The water is impossibly blue. The vibe is impossibly good.
The Ancient Ceiba Atabey Tree
One of the oldest Ceiba trees in Puerto Rico. A living giant carrying centuries of history and island spirit. Stand next to it. Feel small in the best possible way.
Hike Survivor
The famous Survivor trail — where you can pretend you’re on an episode of Survivor. The views are raw and unforgettable. Bring water. Take your time. And don’t go if it’s been raining.
Villa Pesquera Beach
End the day seaside. A local fishing beach with calm waters, fresh catch, that small-town Puerto Rican charm — and karaoke. You'll stay longer than you planned. You always do.
Patillas knows how to feed you.
From roadside kiosks serving frituras fresh out of the fryer to family-run restaurants with recipes passed down for generations — food here is about flavor, tradition, and love. Pair everything with an icy Medalla, a fresh coconut, or a passionfruit mojito. You'll quickly understand why eating in Puerto Rico is an experience all its own.
Gota a Gota — Patillas
Your neighborhood coffee shop and the first place you should know about. Great lattes, yummy açaí bowls, and a classic menu that hits every time. It’s local, it’s easy, and it’s right here. Start your mornings here before the adventures begin.
Casa México — Guayama
A short drive for charming ambiance and top-notch Mexican dishes. The attention to detail makes this one extra special.
Frappe Vista al Manatí
Ocean-view deck serving the island's best açaí and classic Puerto Rican street food. Their alcapurria? In our opinion — the best in Puerto Rico. Order one. Then order another.
Otoro Sushi — Guayama
Unexpected and extraordinary. Order the Suteki Roll — mamposteau rice, steak, plantains, asparagus, and tempura fried onions. Puerto Rico decided to take over a sushi roll and absolutely won.
Alcapurria's El Exito — 10 min from the house
Our favorite streetside alcapurria spot. Super fresh. A Puerto Rican staple. Grab one — or three — with a cup of jugo de parcha. This is what the island tastes like.
Café Conexión PR by Bourbon — 20 min away
A coffee haven with lattes made from homemade syrups and the legendary Matcha Parcha Tonic. A must for anyone who takes their coffee seriously.
Alcapulco Taqueria Mexicana — Loiza
Yes it's a drive. Yes it's worth every minute. Their tacos and sauce are what taco heaven looks like. We drive the entire island for these. You will too after the first bite.
The island will take care of you.
Let it.
And so will we. Everything in this guide — every hidden beach, every sushi spot, every sanctuary — comes from years of living here, traveling here, and loving this island the way it deserves to be loved. We share local-level travel recommendations, Rincón guides, Old San Juan finds, and real island life on our Instagram. Follow along and let us be your locals.
Pa La Playa. To the beach.
Our friends Sandy & Sal have everything you need for a perfect day by the ocean — delivered to you, picked up when you're done. Message us directly on Airbnb for Sandy's number.Our friends Sandy & Sal have you covered with beach rentals, from chairs and umbrellas to gear that makes your day by the ocean effortless.
SNORKEL MASKS
Ask for availability
COOLER WITH WHEELS
Medium 38Qt — $15
Large 60Qt — $20
BEACH CHAIR
Backpack — $18
Sports — $8
UMBRELLA
$12
BEACH TOWELS
$5
HAMMOCKS
$8
DOMINO TABLE
$8
DELIVERY & PICKUP
Free
Message directly on AirBnb and we’ll send you Sandy’s number.