Preparation of Medicinal Lotions and Ointments – A Practical Puerto Rican Experience

If you’re interested in natural skincare and want to learn how to make your own medicinal lotions, this tour in Puerto Rico offers a surprisingly engaging and useful experience. For $80 per person, you’ll spend about three hours with a knowledgeable guide, learning the art of blending herbs, plants, and traditional techniques to craft your own creams, lotions, and ointments. Starting at Supermercado Agranel in Moca, this tour is small, with a maximum of six travelers, ensuring a personalized and hands-on experience.
What we love most about this activity is how accessible it is—no prior knowledge needed—and how it emphasizes self-sufficiency in natural remedies. Plus, the focus on different textures of skin remedies helps you understand what works best for your skin type. Another highlight is identifying medicinal plants, adding an educational layer that deepens your appreciation for Puerto Rico’s botanicals.
A potential drawback is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. Also, if you’re not particularly interested in DIY projects or natural medicine, this might not be as exciting. However, for curious travelers seeking authentic, hands-on ways to connect with Puerto Rican culture and nature, this activity offers meaningful value.
This experience suits travelers who enjoy learning practical skills, are curious about herbal remedies, or want a quiet, intimate activity that’s different from typical sightseeing. It’s also ideal for eco-conscious visitors or those interested in natural health.
Key Points

- Hands-on learning of how to prepare natural skin remedies.
- Identification of medicinal plants, enriching your botanical knowledge.
- Focus on textures—lotions, creams, and ointments—highlighting their differences.
- Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Educational yet practical, offering take-home products you make yourself.
- No prior experience needed, perfect for beginners.
Planning more time in Puerto Rico? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
A Detailed Look at This Natural Medicine Workshop in Puerto Rico

This tour in Puerto Rico isn’t your typical sightseeing activity. Instead, it offers a chance to get your hands dirty—figuratively—and learn how to craft your own skin care products. Starting at Supermercado Agranel in the charming town of Moca, the experience is designed to be both educational and practical, giving you skills that you can use long after your Puerto Rican vacation ends.
The Itinerary and What to Expect
Your journey begins at 2:00 pm, when you’re greeted by your guide, whose name we don’t have but who clearly knows her stuff. The group is small, with up to six people, which means plenty of opportunities for questions and personalized tips. Once gathered, the guide introduces the materials, equipment, and safe techniques used in making medicinal lotions and ointments.
The core of the tour involves preparing three different textures of skin remedies—likely a lotion, a cream, and an ointment—each with its own unique characteristics. The guide explains the differences: lotions are lighter and water-based, creams are thicker but still spreadable, and ointments are richer, often oil-based, providing a more durable barrier.
Learning About Medicinal Plants
A significant aspect of the experience is identifying local medicinal plants used for skin care. You’ll learn about the plant properties, their traditional uses, and how to incorporate them into your own natural remedies. This botanical insight is especially valuable for those interested in herbal medicine or seeking natural alternatives to commercial skincare products.
Making Your Own Products
Under supervision, you’ll use creamy bases and natural ingredients to create your own formulations. The process is straightforward enough for beginners but still offers enough detail to make the activity engaging. Once finished, you’ll leave with your handcrafted products—a tangible reminder of the experience and a practical addition to your daily skincare.
What We Like About the Experience
One of the biggest draws is how accessible and hands-on it is. We loved the way the guide breaks down complex concepts into simple, understandable steps, making it easy for anyone to participate. Also, the emphasis on learning about plant ingredients adds an educational value that extends beyond just the activity itself.
Another plus is that the products you prepare are included, giving you an immediate sense of achievement and a practical takeaway. If you’re into natural health, you’ll appreciate how this activity combines education with self-sufficiency—learning to make your own remedies can be empowering.
Considerations for Travelers
A limitation to consider is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan your way to the meeting point in Moca. Also, if you’re not particularly interested in DIY projects or herbal remedies, this might feel a bit niche. But for those genuinely curious about natural skincare, herbal medicine, or Puerto Rican plants, this could be a highlight of your trip.
The Value of the Tour
At $80, this experience offers solid value if you’re eager to learn practical skills and enjoy a quiet, contemplative activity. It’s especially worthwhile because you leave with products you’ve made yourself—a souvenir that’s useful and meaningful. Plus, the small group size ensures you get enough attention to really understand the process.
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
This activity is ideal for eco-conscious travelers, herbal medicine enthusiasts, or anyone interested in DIY skincare. If you’re someone who appreciates learning about local plants, or if you want a unique, hands-on activity that differs from traditional tours, you’ll find this engaging. It’s also perfect for those seeking a calm, educational experience that provides practical skills.
While it might not suit travelers looking for high-energy adventure or those with limited mobility, it’s a wonderful choice for curious minds and practical learners who want to connect with Puerto Rico’s natural environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to Supermercado Agranel in Moca.
How long is the activity?
The experience lasts approximately three hours, giving enough time for hands-on work and botanical explanations.
What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers materials for cream preparation and the products you make during the session. It doesn’t include transportation or personal supplies.
Can children participate?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. However, the activity is best suited for those interested in natural remedies and DIY projects.
Do I need prior experience?
Not at all. The tour is designed for beginners and those without any special background in herbal medicine or skincare.
What should I bring?
Bring an open mind and curiosity—everything else you need is provided. Comfortable clothing is recommended as you’ll be working with natural ingredients.
How do I cancel if I change my mind?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start aren’t refundable.
Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a practical, hands-on activity to your Puerto Rican itinerary, this workshop on preparing medicinal lotions and ointments is a worthwhile choice. It combines education, local botanical knowledge, and craft-making into a compact, meaningful experience. The small group size and focus on natural remedies make it especially appealing if you want an authentic, eco-conscious activity that leaves you with tangible skills.
Ideal for herbal enthusiasts, DIY lovers, or travelers wanting a calm, educational activity, this tour offers insight into Puerto Rico’s native plants and their traditional uses. It’s a chance to step away from the usual sightseeing and walk away with a new skill—and some beautiful, handcrafted products—making it a memorable part of your trip.
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