Puerto Rico is on the North American continent, between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It lies west of the Virgin Islands and east of the Dominican Republic.
After Spain's defeat in the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Rico was controlled by the US. 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Jones-Shafroth Act, making the island a US territory and granting Puerto Ricans US citizenship.
Residents in Puerto Rico use the U.S. dollar and services like the U.S. Postal Service despite the island not being a state. Passports for U.S. citizens, including Puerto Ricans, are optional for travel between Puerto Rico and the US mainland.
The island's cuisine reflects the Taino Indian, African, and European (primarily Spanish) ancestry of Puerto Ricans. The Spanish brought rice, the Taino cultivated yuca, a vegetable that resembles potatoes, and the Africans brought plantains, which resemble bananas.
Lechon (roasted pork, pronounced lay-CHON), rice and beans, mofongo (mashed, fried plantains), and fried cakes like empanadas and alcapurrias (al-kah-POO-ree-as) are among the most popular foods. Both savoury and sweet recipes employ tropical fruits such as tamarind, pineapple, guava, mangoes, and passion fruit.
Although Puerto Rico is frequently referred to as an island, it is an archipelago or collection of islands. The only three inhabited are Puerto Rico's main island and two islands, Vieques (pronounced vee-EH-kez) and Culebra (pronounced koo-LAY-bra).
A now-extinct volcano erupted about 190 million years ago, creating the land. La Cordillera (koor-day-YEH-rah) Central is a mountain range extending east to west across the main island. The island's highest peak is Cerro de Punta in the centre town of Jayuya (HA-yuh-yah), at 4,389 feet, four times the height of the Eiffel Tower.
The only tropical rainforest in the national forest system of the United States is El Yunque (YUHN-kay) National Forest, which is in Puerto Rico, a tropical location with year-round warm temperatures. With 225 tree species (23 unique to this region) and 183 animal species, it is one of the most diverse national forests in the United States despite being one of the smallest. Despite being roughly 110 miles long and 35 miles wide, the main island is home to hundreds of rivers and waterfalls, a rainforest, and a dry forest near Guánica.
One of the island's most well-known natural residents is the coqui (Koh-KEE), a dime-sized frog named for the sound it makes. Approximately 320 bird species can be found on the island, such as the Puerto Rican parrot and the emerald hummingbird, which is unique to the island.
Together, Hurricanes Maria and Irma devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, leaving much of the island without power for months, destroying hundreds of thousands of buildings, and taking thousands of lives. Although some essential infrastructure has been restored more than five years later, reconstruction work is still ongoing.
However, Puerto Rico is safe to visit, and tourism will aid the island's rehabilitation. Book your flight now to see a world of breathtaking scenery, mouthwatering cuisine, and fascinating historical sites.
Why go to Puerto Rico?
With a hint of the familiar, Puerto Rico is full of personality and charm. In case your high school history class didn't tell you, Puerto Rico is a U.S. commonwealth and is less than a three-hour trip from Miami. You can, therefore, use US dollars to purchase souvenirs whether you're shopping in the capital city of San Juan (or anywhere else). It's important to remember that this isn't a home away from home. Puerto Rico offers families quiet, beautiful waters and surfers 20-foot waves. It's a glance at the modern (Calle del Cristo) and a walk down memory lane (El Morro).
From the twisting jungle of El Yunque to the vibrant beaches of Condado in downtown San Juan and the exhilarating Crash Boat in Aguadilla on the west coast, it's an exciting combination of scenery. You may also take a ferry to the remote, stunningly beautiful islands of Vieques and Culebra to get further away from civilisation.
A sun-kissed Caribbean paradise that offers a wealth of history and culture, superb cuisine and beverages, immaculate beaches, towering mountains, and activities that feed the body and the spirit. The inhabitants of Puerto Rico are hospitable and buena gente, which Boricua means kind and friendly. You won't feel like a guest here; you'll feel like family. Around every corner, take in a celebration of life, lively cultural events, and enthralling rhythm.
Top places of Puerto Rico
Following are the top places in Puerto Rico:
- Pinones
The Afro-Caribbean coastal community of Pinones is close to San Juan and the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU). The numerous tiny chicharron (small dining stands) are brimming with mouthwatering authentic street cuisine prepared in the traditional fog, including plantain fritters, fresh fish, oysters, and copious amounts of season.
- Santurce
The Santurce neighbourhood is about 20 minutes from Old San Juan and close to the Condado region. It is home to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, as well asnumerous other galleries and local shops. The area has developed into a centre for the arts and culture, with galleries showcasing local artists' creations and innumerable buildings with vibrant murals.
- La Parguera
Travelling from San Juan to La Parguera in Lajas may take two and a half hours, but the trek is well worth it. The hamlet, which is situated on Puerto Rico's southwest coast, has a lot of attractions. In the Malecon, a seaside neighbourhood with vibrant tourist shops and stunning vistas, eat regional cuisine and sip on a traditional Puerto Rican cocktail. If you're an explorer, you may go birdwatching, hiking, riding, scuba diving, snorkelling in the neighbouring bioluminescent bay, or renting a boat to see dozens of little mangrove islands.
- Distrito T-Mobile
Since opening in 2021, Distrito T-Mobile has become a popular site for locals and tourists. Whether you're searching for an exhilarating night out or a laid-back afternoon hangout, this five-acre entertainment venue in San Juan's Convention Centre District has something to offer everyone. The eleven eateries and bars in Distrito T-Mobile include Spanish tapas at Barullo Taberna Española, upscale Puerto Rican food at La Central by Mario Pagán, and bar snacks and beer at Arena Medalla.Â
- Vieques and Culebra
You should add the neighbouring islands of Vieques and Culebra to your list of Puerto Rico must-sees. Fajardo is 15 nautical miles from Vieques, also called Isla Nena, on Puerto Rico's east coast. Culebra's distance from the coast is 19 miles. Both islands are often featured on lists of the world's top beaches since they offer some of the most stunning beaches. A visit can be a day trip, overnight stay, or longer, and the journey is short whether you take the ferry or fly.
- Guavate
Please find out how Boricuas spend their weekends having a good time! Enjoy delicious local cuisine while enjoying breathtaking views of Guavate, a must-see location in Puerto Rico. Guavate is renowned for its lechoneras, which are outdoor restaurants that specialise in slow-roasted pork and are part of the town of Cayey in the centre of the island. You'll find incredibly tender meats, live music, a welcoming ambience, and cooler temperatures at this mountaintop location.
- Casa BACARDI
Just a quick ferry ride from Old San Juan is the world's largest premium rum distillery, Casa BACARDI. This family-owned company in Catano is a must-see for fans of rum and spirits. It offers historic and rum-tasting tours, as well as mixology classes. Visitors are greeted in its distinctive bat-winged pavilion with a welcome cocktail—a great way to start any tour if you ask us!
