Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, a vibrant Caribbean island that serves as an unincorporated U.S. territory, combines rich cultural heritage with stunning natural beauty. Known as ‘La Isla del Encanto’ (The Island of Enchantment), it offers visitors a unique blend of Spanish colonial history, tropical landscapes, and modern American influences.

Puerto Rico is a captivating destination that spans approximately 100 miles long by 35 miles wide, making it the smallest of the Greater Antilles. The island features diverse landscapes, from the misty peaks of El Yunque National Forest – the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System – to pristine beaches that stretch along its 272 miles of coastline. The island’s strategic location in the Caribbean has shaped its history and culture, creating a unique fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno influences.

The capital city, San Juan, stands as a testament to the island’s colonial past, with its iconic blue cobblestone streets and well-preserved 16th-century Spanish architecture in Old San Juan. Beyond the capital, visitors can explore karst country in the northwest, featuring dramatic cave systems and the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope at Arecibo Observatory. The island’s southern region offers a different perspective with its dry forests and beautiful beaches, while the western coast is renowned for its surf spots and spectacular sunsets.

Puerto Rico’s natural wonders extend beyond its shores to include three bioluminescent bays – Mosquito Bay in Vieques, La Parguera in Lajas, and Laguna Grande in Fajardo – making it home to three of the world’s five bioluminescent bays.

Puerto Rico is located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. It lies between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands, positioned at the boundary of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The main island is accompanied by several smaller islands, including Vieques and Culebra.

Puerto Rican culture is deeply rooted in family values, music, and celebration. Traditional practices include the parrandas (Christmas caroling), Three Kings Day celebrations, and quinceañeras. Music and dance, particularly salsa, bomba, and plena, are integral to cultural expression. Religious traditions, predominantly Catholic, play a significant role in daily life and festivities.

Major Cities

San Juan – The capital and cultural heart, featuring historic Old San Juan, modern districts, and vibrant nightlife
Ponce – Known as ‘La Perla del Sur’ (The Pearl of the South), famous for its art and architecture
Mayagüez – The western gateway, home to important educational institutions
Fajardo – Eastern coastal city, popular for water sports and ferry access to smaller islands
Arecibo – Northern coastal city, known for its observatory and beautiful beaches