Population: 3,958,128
Life Expectancy: 79
GDP Per Capita: $19,600

With the U.S. rated at a disappointing 16th on the list of happiest countries, the World Values Survey saw fit to separate Puerto Rico, an American territory that’s culturally closer to its Latin American cousins. The result: The self-described “Island of Enchantment” ranked No. 2 in the world, despite having per capita income lower than Mississippi and receiving less than 15% of the Medicaid funding it would be allotted as a state. But Puerto Ricans, who enjoy permanent summer weather, a vibrant musical heritage, and idyllic emerald beaches, pay no federal income taxes.

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Geography
Puerto Rico is 100 long by 35 miles wide and as a result of its geographical position in the center of the arc of the Antilles, Puerto Rico is essentially a crossroads of Hispanic and Anglo cultures. Despite it’s very diverse influx of cultures, Puerto Rico has been a part of the United States since 1898 and Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917.

History
Since the first humans came ashore thousands of years ago, the island that is now known as Puerto Rico has sheltered Indians, Spaniards, Africans and Anglos. The Spaniards had the earliest and greatest influence to the Island at their arrival in 1493. During their 400-year tenure the Spaniards laid the bedrock of the language and culture. They built cities and towns, fortresses and churches, lighthouses and roadways. They brought slaves from Africa to work in the fields, who, in turn, contributed the spice of their culture, enriching the language, music and diets.

Culture
Close to 4 million people live on the “Island of Enchantment,” with more than a million in the greater San Juan metropolitan area alone. It is a vibrant, modern, bilingual, multicultural society, one that has been molded by Spanish, African, Indian and U.S. influences. Residents of Puerto Rico have much in common with their fellow Americans in the continental United States, yet they retain a decidedly Hispanic heritage.

Climate
The climate is as close to perfect as it can get, averaging 83°F (22.7°C) in the winter and 85°F (29.4°C) in the summer. In other words, it’s always summer! The trade winds cool the coastal towns and the temperature decreases as you go up into the higher mountains.
Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Time Zone, but does not observe Daylight Savings Time. The island uses standard U.S. electric current. European appliances require an adapter.

Currency
There are no customs duties on articles bought in Puerto Rico and taken to the U.S. mainland. Major credit cards are accepted at most businesses, and ATMs connected to major US and international networks are easy to find.

Business hours are similar to those on the mainland, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays (the siesta has pretty much disappeared). Most stores are open Saturdays, and all of the larger towns have shopping malls that are open evenings and Sundays.

Introducing Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is where the easygoing Caribbean collides with the slick efficiency of modern America over syncopated Latin rhythms and rose-tinted tropical sunsets. The result is a colorful, diverse and culturally unique island that is often as confusing as it is cosmopolitan. Hip, funky restaurants nestle next to 15th-century Spanish forts; sprawling concrete shopping malls encroach upon the fecund tropical rainforests; and glitzy casinos lie juxtaposed against some of the most stunning beaches, caves and offshore coral reefs in the Caribbean.

Racing headlong into the 21st century, contemporary Puerto Rico can sometimes present a bewildering picture to culture-seeking visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts will not want to miss the opportunity to visit the rare and wild treasure that is Isla Mona. Hop on a local bus, disappear in Bosque Estatal de Carite in the central mountains, change your pace on Puerto Rico’s wacky sister, the island of Culebra, or pedal your way around the beautiful island of Vieques; just be sure to tear up any cast-iron itineraries and let the open road lead you where it will. History is another draw card and in beguiling Viejo (Old) San Juan, you’ll find one of the oldest and best preserved colonial cities in the Americas. Neighborly pensioners recline languidly in creaking rocking chairs, bomba drums light up the somnolence of a diminutive baroque plaza, and the walls of two great military forts rise like wizened sentinels above the depths of the untamed Atlantic. On the south coast,Ponce, with its museums and Spanish colonial buildings, combines an easygoing atmosphere for families with a nightlife of pulsating reggae and salsa.

A commonwealth of the United States of America, Puerto Rico is a semi-autonomous territory whose constitutional status has long been a political oxymoron. The island’s cultural manifestations are similarly ridden with contradiction. Puerto Ricans love big American cars, but drive them more like they’re in Mexico City; they have served in numerous foreign wars under the banner of stars and stripes, yet share a closer historical identity to Cuba; they have exported over half of their ebullient population to the east coast of the United States, but still exhibit a fierce loyalty to their beloved Borinquen, the island they will always call home.

Confused? Don’t worry. Even native Puerto Ricans sometimes have difficulty in unraveling the baffling intricacies of their much-debated political system. When asked in a 1998 referendum if they would prefer to 1) adopt US statehood, 2) claim outright independence, or 3) remain as a commonwealth of the US, 50.3% of Puerto Ricans voted for an inconclusive ‘none of the above.’ Postponed for future discussion – the debate rages on.

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Both are integral part of Puerto Rico regarding nationality, language and customs. Therefore all born on the Island are US citizens by birth. Puerto Ricans have nicknamed it “La Isla Nena” or the girl island.

Vieques Puerto Rico is a little paradise, its waters are pristine and the attitude is a laid back one. Locals and many visitors alike want to keep it this way and resist any attempt from developers including the Puerto Rico government to change it.

About 10 miles from mainland Puerto Rico

The island lies about 10 miles off the coast of mainland Puerto Rico, midway to St Thomas USVI, and next to its smaller sister island of Culebra.

For 60 years since 1943, the US Navy had used the island for all kind of naval exercises and held a great part of its territory. After years of pressure from local residents and many Puerto Ricans alike, the Navy finally left in 2003 and now the island is a heaven for tourists looking for underdeveloped and remote sites, far from tumultuous resorts and multitudes.

Honeymoons and Family Vacations

The exotic beaches and crystal blue waters make it an idyllic place for Island Honeymoons, Caribbean Family Vacations and couples just trying to find their Romantic Getaways.

The fortress of “El Fortin Conde de Mirasol” located in the town of Isabel Segunda constructed during Spanish Colonial rule holds the Vieques Museum of Art and History and the Vieques Archives. Open Wed-Sun 10am – 4 pm.

The other town across the island is Esperanza.

Many idyllic beaches

• Blue Beach is an ideal site for snorkeling due to the immense amount of marine life in its waters.

• Red Beach

• Garcia Beach

• Orchid Beach features deep blue waters and ideal for surfing.

• Sombe or also known as Sun bay is the site for the island’s “Balneareo” or public beach with all facilities you can expect.

It’s popular with families and campers.

• In Mosquito Bay is a phosphorescent one due a phenomenon caused by millions of a tiny form of marine life.

Get there by air from San Juan or by ferry from Fajardo

Getting to Vieques is easy. From San Juan International Airport the flight is about 20 minutes.

Also there are some flights from St Croix and St Thomas USVI and from Fajardo Puerto Rico, located on the east coast of the main island.

You can get there from Fajardo Puerto Rico by ferry in about an hour.

The ferry operates three times a day. For schedules call the Puerto Rico Port Authority Office at 800—981-2005

While in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Vieques Puerto Rico for a couple of days or think of it for your next Caribbean Family Vacations.

Top 10 Hassle-Free Travel Tips
1. Leave your passport at home, on purpose! Avoid the hassles of customs and immigration lines by traveling to places like Puerto Rico, where no U.S. passport is required for travel between the United States and the Island!
2. Shed your winter coat and gloves in lieu of resort-wear. Remember to pack your favorite bathing suit, pair of shorts and sandals.
3. Pack all your liquids and gels in a one-quart sized plastic bag, all in 3 ounce containers or smaller. U.S. Federal regulations do not allow anything more than that onboard the airplane.
4. Don’t forget to pack bug repellent for your adventure, especially if you’ll be visiting a rainforest.
5. Book your favorite experience with one of our Tour Operators
6. Bring plenty of sunscreen if you’re planning to go to the beach or one of Puerto Rico’s amazing outdoor attractions.
7. Bring your favorite MP3 player and make sure to download some podcasts before leaving home, including a new one on GoToPuertoRico.com!
8. Take advantage of airlines’ online check-in to get you some extra sleep-in time before heading to the airport.
9. Bring your credit cards or cash for all the shopping you’ll do on your vacation.
10. Be sure to wear shoes that you can easily take off during the security checkpoints at the airport!

Information by http://www.le-caribbean-islands.com

While Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, its culture and social mores are charmingly Spanish. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a politically stable Commonwealth of the United States and Puerto Ricans are American citizens. As a matter a fact, Puerto Rico is the oldest community under the American Flag. The Island became part of the United States in 1898. In 1952 the people of Puerto Rico voted for the permanent union with the US as a freely associated State of Commonwealth.

Over the years, Puerto Rico has grown and developed into a modern community, which blends the best aspects of American drives with the warmth and cultural heritage the Spanish left behind. Today, the Puerto Rican is an American citizen but has no voting representation in the United States, therefore, pays no Federal income taxes.

Puerto Rico has the highest per capita income in the Caribbean and Latin America, a modern infrastructure, as well as an educated labor forces. Manufacturing is the leading source of GNP and hotels benefit from business related travel. The constant, mild tropical weather and cooling trade winds have helped to make Puerto Rico a popular, year-round vacation destination. The Island’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport is located in San Juan. More than 12 million visitors pass through it yearly and is served by 36 airlines.

International carriers offer direct service to major cities throughout the Western Hemisphere. The security of the Commonwealth status with the United States, superior air service, the large labor pool, as well as being the only Caribbean island with suitable infrastructure for industries, hotel and resort makes Puerto Rico engaging to all.

Business:

Today, Puerto Rico is where American can-do capitalism meets the friendly person to person style of the islands and the courtly courtesy inherited from its Spanish legacy. A thousand miles southeast of Miami, Puerto Rico is a crossroads for businesses today. The attractiveness of a population of 3.6 million, which is extremely apparent since the Puerto Rican market is, booming with US businesses. Retail giants such as Wal-Mart, Sears, JC Penney, and Kmart anchor shopping centers and malls alongside locally owned shops and island chain stores. Towers bearing such familiar names as Royal Bank, Scotia Bank, Chase and Citibank rise in the Hato Rey business district of San Juan next to locals such as market-leader Banco Popular and international banks such as Banco Santander. Our former governors, Carlos Romero Barcelo, Pedro Rossello and Sila Maria Calderon have introduced new visions of progress and development for Puerto Rico. Today, Puerto Rico is rapidly strengthening its reputation as a global trendsetter as it continues to encourage steady growth and bolster economic strength.

Housings and Condominiums:

Housing in Puerto Rico is abundant. There are housings for all kinds of wallets and tastes. A good three bedroom, two bath home in San Juan will range in price from $150,000-$250,000. Land in the island is limited therefore expensive. With about a ¼ of an acre and four bedrooms, prices average between $250,000-$475,000. There are also many townhouses for approximately $185,000. Most of our homes have tropical settings such as beautiful patios and terraces. Property taxes are usually lower than in the States. If you live in a home you are entitled to a $15,000 exemption. As a veteran you may qualify for an additional $4,000 exemption. Many of the homes that are priced below $100,000 pay almost no taxes.

Many of the condominiums in Puerto Rico are high risers. The smallest one would probably have 6 floors. Each unit is called an apartment. People from all walks of life and from every age group, income level, and life style may own one. You will find many condominiums in the San Juan Metropolitan Area especially in the Condado and Isla Verde area. Many of them have amazing views to the city, mountains, and overlook the ocean. The condominiums in these areas are rather expensive because of their location and walking distance to the beach. A good 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment can range anywhere between $150,000-$200,000.

The condominiums that are more luxurious, like those that have chandeliers, marble floors, more than two parking spots and 24-hour security guards, are obviously more expensive. These range from $350,000-$650,000 and more, different form those in other areas whom are not that expensive that may range from $90,000-$150,000.

Many of the condominiums have swimming pools, two parkings per apartment, guard, elevators, electronic parking gates and more. Life in condominiums is recommended wholeheartedly to newcomers in order for them to enjoy the Caribbean breeze, ocean views, security, and walking distance to shops, beaches, etc…

Puerto Rico Beaches

I am writing an article dedicated to Puerto Rico Beaches. I couldn’t go without that page. I have been to most of them and can tell you that it is difficult to say which is better than the other.

From Luquillo Beach on the northeast to Boqueron on the Southwest they are all flagrant exotic beaches.

The beaches offer something for everyone; from snorkeling to scuba diving; from parasailing to bodysurfing and all kind of Caribbean Sports.

And they all have in common crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the north or the Caribbean Sea on the south, and warm white sands all over the island.

This is just a summary of some of the best Puerto Rico beaches by region. We will elaborate about one by one. Go to Puerto Rico Beaches.

North Coast

• Condado Beach• Dorado Beach• Isla Verde Beach• Luquillo Beach• Ocean park• Seven Seas Beach

East Coast

• Las Croabas • Punta Santiago• Rio Grande

South Coast

• Caja de Muerto• Ballenas Beach• Caña Gorda• Guanica

West Coast

• Rincon Beaches• Boqueron• La Parguera• Northwest Coast• Crashboat Beach• Aguadilla Beaches

Island of Culebra

• Isla Flamenco

Island of Vieques

• Sun bay Beach• Media Luna Beach

As you see, Puerto Rico Vacations is a unique experience. Here you spend the days on the beaches or the rain forests. And in the evenings the island nightlife of the many hotels, nightclubs, casinos and discotheques will keep you awake until the wee hours of the morning.

In the following pages I will tell you more about my beautiful Caribbean Paradise.

Rincon Puerto Rico is world renowned for its great surfing. Puerto Rico Vacations are incomplete without a visit to Rincon.

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The truth is the truth and many experts in beaches around the world will attest to that.

Let me start going around the island on a clockwise direction and describe some of the best Beaches.

We’ll start in Old San Juan.

Imagine living in a city, where your backyard is a tropical beach. San Juan residents are that lucky. As you move from Old San Juan eastward you will find one after another.

Condado Beach & Ocean Park Beach

Is the beach area of New San Juan bordering the coast from “La Playita” next to the Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino, continuing with Ocean Park Beach; the sand is great and the waters are blue.

Being in San Juan you are near all hotels, guest houses and restaurants.

Isla Verde Beach

Now we are in the city of Carolina. Isla Verde is a strip of several miles of great beach frequented by locals and tourists alike. It is lined with condominiums and hotels providing accommodations of all kinds of types and budgets.

Here you’ll find from inexpensive Guest Houses to the luxury resort of El San Juan Hotel and Casino and The Ritz Carlton San Juan Hotel Spa and Casino .

Among the Puerto Rico Beaches, Isla Verde is well known by the array of rental apartments. You can find weekly, monthly and yearly rentals in all the condominiums bordering the beach.

Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport is nearby. By the way, one of the runways runs parallel to Isla Verde Beach.

Luquillo Beach

Going east we pass the resort city of Riomar where the The Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa, a Wyndham Grand Resort is located.

Midway to the east coast is located the beautiful exotic beaches of Luquillo. This is by far the most famous and recognized by tourists of all Puerto Rico Beaches. Locals and tourist enjoy this beach constantly.

It is ideal for Caribbean Family Vacations, picnics and all kind of water and sand Caribbean Sports. There are some coral reefs protecting the beach from high waves. They have facilities for changing and bathrooms, plenty parking and many food stands.

Seven Seas Beach

This beach is at the northeast corner of the island near the town of Fajardo and the world famous All Inclusive Resorts of El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa.

The beach of Seven Seas has blue shallow waters ideal for snorkeling due to a great variety of colorful tropical fish, coral formations and lots of marine life. You have facilities for equipment rental for all kind of sports like Scuba Diving, windsurfing, parasailing and so on.

From this beach you can go on a day tour to the nearby cays of Palominos, Icacos and Palominitos.

From here we can visit the islands of Viequesand Culebra. For full descriptions on the Puerto Rican Spanish Virgin Islands go to the respective pages. I can assure you that Vieques and Culebra have the best of all Puerto Rico Beaches.

Punta Santiago

We keep moving clockwise and reach the northeast town of Humacao where the sea is the Caribbean Sea and not the Atlantic Ocean like in the north.

Punta Santiago Beach has blue Caribbean waters and is lined with guest houses and luxury Hotels. Here you may find all kind of food kiosks offering Puerto Rican “antojitos” made mainly from fish and seafood.

Not far from the coast is Cayo Santiago, a small cay inhabited only by monkeys. You need a special permission to visit the island, but you may sail around the island and greet the monkeys from the distance.

Caja de Muerto

Literally it means casket, but it has nothing to do with Funeral Services. Is just the form of that cay; it is located a few miles from the coast of Ponce, the second largest city of Puerto Rico. It is surrounded by coral reefs. This islet and its little cays of Morillito and Barberia are known for good snorkeling in its shallow waters.

Ballenas Beach

”Whales Beach” is near the city of Guanica. This beach is quite isolated and the weather is always dry. It is located in the area called the dry forest of Guanica, a natural habitat of birds and some sea turtles that come here to lay their eggs.

Being isolated, the natural beauty is awe inspiring. The Caribbean Sea is blue, turquoise and green and the sands are white like powder. Many locals have their Villas near this beach and the other called Caña Gorda. These Guanica Beaches are frequented by locals and tourists all year round.

The area of Guanica is known historically for being the site where Columbus first landed in 1493 and where the American troops landed in 1898 at the end of the Spanish American War. Since then Puerto Rico is proudly under the American Flag.

Near the Guanica Coast you will see many little cays many of them uninhabited and unnamed, but the snorkeling around them is unparalleled, because of it shallow waters and accessible coral reefs.

exotic

Boqueron Beach

This one is the champion of all Puerto Rico Beaches. Near the town of Cabo Rojo, this is a picturesque village, full of marvelous places where to eat. I am writing and salivating as I remember the many times we traveled three hours by car from San Juan, just to enjoy the beaches of Boqueron and the incredible food.

It is located on the Boqueron Bay and the beach is more than a mile of white powdered sand and crystal blue waters shaded by palm trees and a heavy flora surrounding the bay. On a regular weekday the beach is totally yours, as the locals are working, but beware of weekends and holidays. It can be very busy. But as Puerto Rican say, there is room for everybody.

Here you’ll find all kind of services for Caribbean Sports. You may rent all kind of equipment for those sports and also for picnics and beach entertainment.

Rincon Beaches

Here we are on the west side of the island in an area called Porta del Sol.

Rincon means corner, and it is really located in the western far corner of the island. The sunsets you’ll see from here can be compared only to places like South pacific or Hawaii.

Here the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic in a channel called “Canal de la Mona” between theDominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Its waters are rough and dangerous. This is also a passage way for whales that can be observed from the town.

Rincon, among all Puerto Rico Beaches, is called the Maui of the Caribbean. Surfing here is great, and people come from all over the world only for that.

caribbean beaches

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