The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico lies between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This large, Spanish-speaking country of over 3,500 sq. mi. offers a huge diversity in climate and topography. This island has more that 300 miles of sandy beach coastline and is home to 4 million people. Because this is a U.S. territory, all of the inhabitants of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens. Golden sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and azure blue water beckon beach goers to indulge in anything relating to sun, sea, and sand that they can imagine. Surfing, snorkeling, diving, parasailing, jet skiing, kite boarding, fishing and sailing are some of the many opportunities awaiting you on this country’s beaches.
Most vacations, whether they be day trips from a cruise ship or long-term vacations on the island will usually start in the capital city of San Juan. This beautiful, cosmopolitan city has all the glitz and glamour you could possibly want while still maintaining a laid-back Caribbean lifestyle. The city is chock full of spectacular restaurants and bistros serving Caribbean and international cuisine and nightclubs and discos playing everything from reggae to jazz.
The massive interior of Puerto Rico offers plenty to do and see. The landscape ranges from the low coastal plains rising up to 4,415 ft. at Cerro Punta, the island’s highest peak. The amazing diversity of the interior features of the island make it a must-see for eco-tourists. The El Yunque rainforest covers 28,000 acres of mountainous terrain and is only a 45 minute drive from San Juan. El Yunque has miles of hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and more than 25 varieties of animals found nowhere else in the world. This tropical rainforest features rushing rivers that wind through coffee plantations and produce plunging waterfalls and areas for exhilarating whitewater rafting.
Off the eastern coast of the island lie the Spanish Virgin Islands of Culebra and Vieques. These islands are only a half hour flight from San Juan and offer sparkling white sand beaches and crystal clear water for diving and snorkeling. These islands make excellent day trips from San Juan.
San Juan is a city that beckons to be explored and you are coaxed to do so through its sights and sounds and smells. In the area of town called Old San Juan you’ll be amazed at the Spanish architecture featuring splendid balconies, arched windows, and cobblestone streets that date back over 500 years. The windows and doorways are decorated with bougainvillea, ferns, and other tropical plants. Old San Juan also features two forts and a number of public squares. As you tour through San Juan give yourself enough time to do some serious duty-free shopping and pick up some local treasures including art and crafts and some Puerto Rican run and coffee.
Puerto Rico is really a destination that can’t be seen in one vacation so plan your time wisely. This island will keep your vacation exciting from beginning to end,with more to do than you have time for. Oh well, there’s always next year.
