One of the most popular Caribbean destinations for US citizens due to the location and ease of travel is Puerto Rico, where you can experience a taste of the Caribbean’s exquisite weather and amazing cuisine, and don’t even need a passport to enter. Planning Puerto Rico vacations will allow you, and your family to live out many of your dreams. Though the island is not too large, yet within its compact area it encompasses so much to see and do that you would never tire of boredom; the island appears to have it all.
Anyone looking for a little R&R time will feel right at home; explore the crystal clear waters where you can see coral reefs full of colourful tropical fish; sunbathe on one of the many long golden beaches; or simply stay poolside while sipping exotic tropical cocktails.
Although Puerto Rico is part of the US it still has a predominant feeling of being Spanish. The cuisine, language, culture, people, and overall feeling that you get are typically Spanish. You will be welcome from the moment you step off the plane, and be treated like one of the family.
While many people to stay at one of the popular resort hotels where everything is found for, you may want to take your vacation into your own hands and explore around the island to your own schedule. Hiring a car is very easy, and allows you to see elements of the island that you never thought existed.
Puerto Rico has a rich heritage, and a very long history that provides an interesting story or two. Old San Juan, in particular, has the forts of El Moro and San Cristobal which both date back several centuries to the days when Puerto Rico was a Spanish territory and pirate raids remained a real threat. This is the original walled city, and is as spectacular as it has always been.
Wandering through the old cobbled streets it is fantastic to see that many things have never changed over the years. Although the city has expanded to other areas, Old San Juan still remains, and is somewhere that you must visit. This area of the island is very distinctive by the two incredible towers that protect the city. This is also where the nightlife is vibrant, and offers a unique look into the way the locals party.
While in Puerto Rico, your tastebuds are in for a unique Caribbean treat. The Spanish flavor is prodominent in the empanadillas, or the sorullitos de maiz that you get to taste here. Other Caribbean cuisines have also influenced modern Puerto Rico cookery, but the word “barbecue” is said to have derived from the Tainos, who populated Puerto Rico before the Spanish colonization.
Although you may be travelling to Puerto Rico expecting simply long lazy days on the beach you may be surprised at what else the island has to offer. The beaches are incredible, and the water sports are fantastic. However, you should take the chance, and explore what else Puerto Rico has to offer – you may surprise yourself.