Puerto Rico, The Pearl of the Caribbean

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Puerto Rico's Trips Dates and Deadlines

The island of Puerto Rico although small in size, 100 miles long by 35 miles wide, has splendid sites to visit. One of the most outstanding attractions is the diversity of the island ecosystem. It ranges from the El Yunque rain forest located in the northeast mountains to the desert flora of Ponce (our second largest city) to the La Parguera fishing village on the south center and southwestern coast of Puerto Rico. Elevations in Puerto Rico range from 15 to 4,700 feet above sea level. Puerto Rico, the smallest of the Caribbean's largest islands, Cuba, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic, has four principal Islands: Isla de Mona and Desecheo to the West, and Culebra and Vieques to the East. Vieques, la Isla Nena (the little sister island, as we called it), has been on the spot with its struggle to stop the navy's bombings practices happening over the last 60 years in this small island. Our newly elected governor, pro commonwealth, Sila M. Calderón, represents Viequenses in their position to have "Peace for Vieques", a movement supported by the religious groups in Puerto Rico, the international world, and some groups in the US. Puerto Rico has 3.9 millions inhabitants of which 2.5 live in metropolitan San Juan.

When flying from US, Puerto Rico is 2.5 hours from Miami, Florida; 3.75 hours from Atlanta, Georgia or New York, 4.75 hours from Chicago, Dallas or Houston, and 8 hours from Los Angeles, California.

Discovered in 1493 by Cristóbal Colón (Christopher Columbus), he found a population, estimated, of 30,000 Taíno Indians scattered in small yucayeques (communities) of about 400 inhabitants. Hayamano (a community), dominated by Luisa, a female cacique (chief), was believed to be the home to one of the most powerful spirits, the "Mother Goddess." Later, the Spanish brought West Africans that populated the northern East coast of Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans are a mix of these three powerful cultures, the Taíno, the Spaniard, and the African.

Old San Juan, its capital, the oldest city in North America, with its Spanish colonial architecture, was founded in 1521 by Juan Ponce de León, "the frustrated seeker of the Fountain of Youth." For centuries the island was a possession of Spain, and it was not until 1898, after the Spanish-American War, that Spain ceded the island to the United States. In 1917 Puerto Ricans became US citizens, and in 1952 Puerto Rico entered into a semiautonomous commonwealth territory agreement with the United States.

We use the US dollar as our currency and as a US citizen you do not need a passport or a visa. If you are coming from another country, follow the same policies as when visiting the US. Our native and official language is Spanish, a heritage Puerto Ricans are very proud of. However, in the prevalently tourist areas English is also spoken.

The "coquí" (ko-kee), a very small "musical" frog unique to Puerto Rico, is our unofficial symbol. The call of the most common specie is "ko-kee", from where it gets its common name. Today, we are best known for our music, the "salsa", and Ricky Martin's "Viva la Vida Loca."

The climate in Puerto Rico is tropical and fairly constant. The extreme temperatures range from 65-97° Fahrenheit. The average yearly temperatures are 78-88°F. During the winter season the ocean breeze cools the air and maintains a milder average temperature of 80°F. The waters are always warm, and the sun very bright as we are close to the Equator. Light clothing is always appropriate, and sun glasses, suntan lotion, a hat, and lots of drinking water a necessity. Puerto Rico is exposed to hurricanes and every year many pass very close to the island. The hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30. However, most hurricanes occur between August and October.

Safety in San Juan is like in any large cosmopolitan area, so guard your valuables while sightseeing. Using common sense will protect you! Don't become a victim! Outside the metro area, the island is very safe. Still, don't walk deserted beaches by yourself during the late evening. Pack light and bring with you an adventurous spirit and a good sense of humor.

Traveling Inside brings its own bag of surprises. An iguana jumps in your path, you may get a little tired, and the boat may not be as large and comfortable as expected!

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