As exotic and beautiful as the island of Puerto Rico is, for Americans it is still close to home in both language and currency.
This gorgeous island is a commonwealth and an unincorporated territory of USA.
On one edge is the warm waters of the Atlantic while the other side is the Caribbean Sea making this a true tropical getaway.
This island has had human inhabitants for thousands of years, at first natives known as Tainos and then later Spanish and Africans settled the area.
Once the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus found the island, its importance as a port of access from Europe to the Americas began to grow.
The residents of the island are a blend of African, native Taino and Spanish and have created a culture unique to the island.
Temperatures in the area are moderate all year long, with little variation between winter and summer.
The consistent temperatures are due in part to the warming influence of the Atlantic Ocean.
On average the temperatures range around 80 degrees F/26 degrees C in lower lying areas.
Areas with a higher elevation have an average of around 70 degrees F/21 degrees C.
Travelers from the U.
S.
Find getting to Puerto Rico often as simple as a single direct flight from a major airport like Dallas or Chicago.
Non-stop flights from major airports right into San Juan are a convenience for travelers.
Those visitors on holiday from Europe and Asia find the island just as attractive as visitors from the nearby United States.
Rich harbor is what Puerto Rico means and it is both historically rich and visually appealing with sightseeing opportunities, plenty of entertainment and welcoming population, ready to welcome the weary traveler.
The city of San Juan is literally covered in historic sights for the history buff as well as tours and attractions for the nature lover.
San Juan can be a beginning for the traveler to the island or it can be the final destination because there is so much to do.
Large portions of the city are dedicated to preserving the architecture and feel of the previous eras.
Monasteries, convents, and churches are preserved in perfect order awaiting the long gone priests and clerics of centuries past.
San Juan with it's beautifully preserved architecture and sense of history spiced by modern conveniences is not all that the islands can offer.
Although a holiday spent on the beaches soaking up the sun and sipping a drink may be ideal for some, others may want a dash of adventure and this too, is offered in Puerto Rico.
Beautiful wild rain forests cover hills and the traveler seeking adventure may choose to explore these areas.
Puerto Ricans are not immune to the lure of the sun and beaches and many spend their holidays at the local hot spot for residents, Culebra.
While it teams with residents during the Christmas season this beautiful beach and resort area is lightly frequented during the rest of the year.
Such treasures as this island while formerly known only to residents are becoming more popular with visitors.
A day of fun and sightseeing or exploring can be tiring and hungry work.
The visitor does not lack for choices in accommodations or in food to fit almost any taste and budget.
Quaint island inns offer an affordable and sometimes surprisingly luxurious stay while hotels in the more populous areas cater to visitors from all over the world.
The local food is amazing and almost no trip would be complete without at least trying the world famed Lechon, a roast pig dish which has global travelers stopping in to sample it.
A traditional dish is the Arroz con Gandules which means peas and rice but with a Puerto Rican flare.
Whether the trip is to relax, enjoy or simply get away, the traveler will find this delightful island a feast for all the senses.
This gorgeous island is a commonwealth and an unincorporated territory of USA.
On one edge is the warm waters of the Atlantic while the other side is the Caribbean Sea making this a true tropical getaway.
This island has had human inhabitants for thousands of years, at first natives known as Tainos and then later Spanish and Africans settled the area.
Once the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus found the island, its importance as a port of access from Europe to the Americas began to grow.
The residents of the island are a blend of African, native Taino and Spanish and have created a culture unique to the island.
Temperatures in the area are moderate all year long, with little variation between winter and summer.
The consistent temperatures are due in part to the warming influence of the Atlantic Ocean.
On average the temperatures range around 80 degrees F/26 degrees C in lower lying areas.
Areas with a higher elevation have an average of around 70 degrees F/21 degrees C.
Travelers from the U.
S.
Find getting to Puerto Rico often as simple as a single direct flight from a major airport like Dallas or Chicago.
Non-stop flights from major airports right into San Juan are a convenience for travelers.
Those visitors on holiday from Europe and Asia find the island just as attractive as visitors from the nearby United States.
Rich harbor is what Puerto Rico means and it is both historically rich and visually appealing with sightseeing opportunities, plenty of entertainment and welcoming population, ready to welcome the weary traveler.
The city of San Juan is literally covered in historic sights for the history buff as well as tours and attractions for the nature lover.
San Juan can be a beginning for the traveler to the island or it can be the final destination because there is so much to do.
Large portions of the city are dedicated to preserving the architecture and feel of the previous eras.
Monasteries, convents, and churches are preserved in perfect order awaiting the long gone priests and clerics of centuries past.
San Juan with it's beautifully preserved architecture and sense of history spiced by modern conveniences is not all that the islands can offer.
Although a holiday spent on the beaches soaking up the sun and sipping a drink may be ideal for some, others may want a dash of adventure and this too, is offered in Puerto Rico.
Beautiful wild rain forests cover hills and the traveler seeking adventure may choose to explore these areas.
Puerto Ricans are not immune to the lure of the sun and beaches and many spend their holidays at the local hot spot for residents, Culebra.
While it teams with residents during the Christmas season this beautiful beach and resort area is lightly frequented during the rest of the year.
Such treasures as this island while formerly known only to residents are becoming more popular with visitors.
A day of fun and sightseeing or exploring can be tiring and hungry work.
The visitor does not lack for choices in accommodations or in food to fit almost any taste and budget.
Quaint island inns offer an affordable and sometimes surprisingly luxurious stay while hotels in the more populous areas cater to visitors from all over the world.
The local food is amazing and almost no trip would be complete without at least trying the world famed Lechon, a roast pig dish which has global travelers stopping in to sample it.
A traditional dish is the Arroz con Gandules which means peas and rice but with a Puerto Rican flare.
Whether the trip is to relax, enjoy or simply get away, the traveler will find this delightful island a feast for all the senses.
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