PUERTO RICO
Few may have heard the name of Puerto Rico but those who have aspire to venture the rectangular largest tropical island in the extreme eastern Greater Antilles situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean towards the east of the Dominican Republic. Tourist plan a holiday here specifically for its stretched sun-bathed gorgeous beaches which unlimited alternatives for enjoyment. Puerto Rico is a premier port and a tourist center.
HISTORY
Estado Librey Associado de Puerto Rico or the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico as it is commonly called is technically a region of United States of America and even the frontiers are governed by USA rules. The antiquity of the place is traced to the chance discovery of this island by Christopher Columbus in his second voyage in 1493. At that time 60,000 Taino Indians or Arawak inhabited the place. They called this island Boriken implying the land of the brave people. Later the Spanish people nomenclature San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico on John the Baptist lingered on in the present format. It is the primeval city under the USA since 1917. It was surrendered to the USA because of Spanish-American war. The metropolitan region is San Juan with its three sections namely the old San Juan, the Beach and Resort area and the remaining rural and remote communities.
THE CAPITAL CITY & ADJOINING AREAS
San Juan is the capital since 1508 when Juan Ponce de Leon first established the colonization at present called the Pueblo Viejo. Its name is self explanatory ‘La Ciudad Amurallada’ meaning the walled city. It is situated in the north-eastern side of the island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The ancient city of old San Juan is a tiny island linked to the main territory through bridges and causeways. With development and population growth the city spilled over the walled territory bringing suburban Miramar, Santurce, Candado, Hato Rey and Rio Piedras in its fold. The urban areas are densely populated.
The east of the capital city has major tourist attraction such as Vieques and Culebra. In the South is Ponce. There is La Fortaleza the once palace of the governor, and Catedral de San Juan of the 16th century, which is worth a look. An interesting half an hour tour takes you through the world’s largest distillery The Bacardi Rum Distillery.
The Arecibo Observatory has a mammoth radio telescope. A few minutes from this spot is the El Arca de Noe or the Noah Ark. It has exotic species of birds in natural surrounding.
Children love to visit the Mayaguez Zoo. It is well maintained and houses a wide variety of wild life.
GEOGRAPHY
The size of the island is 100miles long and 35 miles wide. It is 80 miles east of the Dominican Republic in the midst of the Caribbean Sea. Geographically it is towards the east of the Dominican Republic; in the west are Isla Mona and Islas de Culebra and de Vieques in the east. Virgin Islands are further east. There are numerous puny rivers and central mountains which help to keep the land moist; the north side is more fertile
CLIMATE
The climate is moderate thanks to the consistent trade winds which make the air cool. There is little contrast through out the year. Hurricane possibility cannot be ruled out especially during the month of June and November. Comparatively the south coast is dry.
NATURAL BEAUTY
The island is so small that it can be covered in a day. The island is segregated into many towns and cities. Attractions are specific to the place. There is nature in scenic beauty and those entrapped by man. Tourist throngs the place whether it is for the aquatic theme park in Aquadilla or the Luis A.Ferre’ Science Park at Bayamon. Another popular destination is Vieques National Wildlife Refuge and Rio Grande B Yungue. Then there is endless sky meeting horizon white sand beaches, the laze around tourist head for B Faro Lighthouse in Rincon and enjoy the whale acrobats from a safe distance.
ARCHITECTURE
The ancient architecture is abundant and pleasing to the eye. At Old San Juan visitors can see in its 7-square block how the original Spanish settlers created their abode. It was built 465 years ago keeping military specifications in mind. Many old 16th and 17th century buildings exist in the characteristic format. Some 400 buildings have been renovated. The lanes are covered with cobbles of adoquine. A stroll tour is best suited for the place for cumulative appreciation and to transverse the restricted and elevated lanes often interrupted by traffic.
In Old San Juan plazas still survive. Plaze de San Jose is very popular among all those who wish to chit chat at a common meeting point. The statue of Ponce de Leon constructed by British Canon over shadow the place. In the vicinity are many buildings of historical importance.
The fort El Morro built in 1589 is overwhelming and imposing with its six-level fortress. Ponce was a busy central place in days bygone and carries its nostalgia in its buildings. It is a web of tunnels, dungeons, barracks outposts and ramps.
PARKS
Parque de las Palomas or the pigeon park is situated in Old San Juan; along with the flora one gets a sumptuous glimpse of the city the landscape and the harbor from a height. Adjoining the ocean is Munoz Rivera Park with towering trees, flora, and side-walks. Equally attractive are Marti Coll Linera Park, and the Central Parks here. Jardin Botanico de Universidad de known for its unique labeled collection of plant species; there are benches to sit in the tranquility of the garden. A trip to the Rio Camuy Park takes you through a guided tour through scenic beauty inclusive of trolley ride.
WATER FUN
Water offers unlimited options. Seven Seas tranquil water is best suited for sun bathing, and swimming. Rincon Bay is a surfer’s delight; Flamenco is for meditation, whereas at Shacks face the wind as you windsurf. Luquillo beach is claimed to be the best in the world. Other alternatives come in the form of horse riding, snorkeling, and fishing. Cruise ships are a common site attracting tourists by their offer. The Phosphorescent Bay is best enjoyed on a low moon night. Microscopic creatures in the bay water produce light with the movement of the water. Boats begin from La Parguera for tourist to view this spectacular sight. Los Banos de Coamo or the thermal springs in the town of Coamo are good for tired bones and therapeutic healing. Many tourists make it a point to come here.
TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY
In spite of being amidst water there are regular flights to the island by American Airlines to multifarious destinations. It is called the hub of the Caribbean. It has an international airport. Many travel agencies offer attractive tour packages for individuals and groups. San Juan is enormous and unequaled natural harbor in the Caribbean. Some adventurous sailors take the sea route to reach here. Government owned ferries and boats are very convenient; these can be group hired or chartered. Tourists use them to reach the island of Culebra and Vieques and Puerto Rico mainland.
Publicos or shared taxis are a popular economical mode of transport. The open country side tempts many to explore the remote surroundings by bikes and mopeds. There are guided tours available by bus.
FOOD
Comida Creolla is the local specialty. Asopao de pollo and Tostones are very popular among the tourists. Rum based specialty the Nuevo Latino arouses curiosity and test eating by many. There is a huge list of locally prepared rum, beer and fresh juices; because of its close proximity to America many drive-in eating joints are available. Polystyrene is a popular dish here.
SHOPPING
Plaza las Americas Shopping center is the biggest of its kind in Caribbean. Then there is the popular top of the chart JC Penney store; another popular chain Sears and Macy does brisk business here.
The city has many specialty stores, all prominent banks, cinemas, restaurants and bowling alley for the benefit of the locals and tourist.
ECONOMY
San Juan is a business hub; its economy is vital in the Caribbean. It has processing and refining facilities for petroleum and sugar, cement production, pharmaceuticals, metal products, clothing and tobacco. The duty free entry into the USA and added tax benefits motivated Americans to invest briskly in this island. As a result the paying position of many traditional agriculture products shows variations; now the dairy and livestock along with tourism are spinning money for the economy.
Once here tourists detest to wave good bye; that is why they end up coming repeatedly.
Click to Hide