The best way to know someone is to walk a mile in his shoes. The second best way is to walk a mile along the beach in Bad Bunny’s hometown. If you want to experience how far the Bunny has gone in just a few years, head to where he grew up, Vega Baja. You’ll be surprised.
The town of Vega Baja
Bad Bunny’s hometown is about 40 minutes to the west of San Juan. Vega Baja stretches from the Atlantic coast up into the mountains. It’s a typical, small Puerto Rican town and features a public plaza with a cathedral in the middle. Make sure you walk or drive around the plaza to feel the vibe. Stop, have a coffee or a beer and get to know some of the locals. Of course you can visit the Econo supermarket where Bad Bunny used to work as a bagger and take a selfie.
Puerto Nuevo Beach
To take a deep dive and “live boricua”, head to Puerto Nuevo Beach. Here on weekends entire families will set up their umbrellas, chairs, listen to music and have fun. There will be plenty of small restaurants around to pick up some fritters and cold beer. Get there early if you’re going on the weekend, it can get full. During the week it’s less crowded. Cerro Gordo beach is also another Bad Bunny hometown favorite. Surely his family and friends spent many a weekend here.
After Puerto Nuevo Beach continue your drive down PR-686. Here you’ll go through coastal forests and north coast beaches. Stop at Los Tubos beach in the next town of Manatí and admire the funky concrete sculptures of dolphins, sharks and more. The road along the beach is full of nice vistas.
Take a rum tour
Rum has always been an important part of the history and culture of Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico. In fact, the island is the world’s largest distiller. A great “spiritual” experience is a rum tour. Casa Bacardí is on the way to Vega Baja and you can take any of many tours they offer to discover the history of Bacardí, learn how to mix their favorite drinks or even do a tasting of their amazing aged rum. For more info and reservations check out the link below.
Another tour is offered at the San Juan Artisan Distillery in nearby Vega Alta. They grow their own sugarcane, press it, ferment it and bottle on premise. That way, after your morning coffee you can check off Bad Bunny’s invitation of “…por la mañana café y por la tarde ron” (Coffee in the morning and Rum in the afternoon).
A mountain adventure
If you want to experience a unique side of Bad Bunny’s Hometown head up into the mountains where an amazing natural experience awaits. NaturHabitat Eco Tours offer a unique hike to Arenales Cave. You will literally walk up a river, discover deep pools to swim in along with unique canyons and caves. Definitely an experience you’ll fall in love with. It involves hiking and some steep grades so choose wisely.
Rum tour information: https://placestogopr.com/north/north-coast-distillery-tour/
