Puerto Rico Keeps Things
Interesting by Caitlin Moore
Imagine visiting a place with
exotic flair, stunning beaches, and a rich and varied culture, and being
welcomed as an American citizen at the same time. You'll have the chance
to sample the food, language, music, and architecture of what has become
the melding of several continents without having to acquire a passport
or learn a new language. In Puerto Rico, everything is here, and it couldn't
be easier to take it all in.
Located in the southern Caribbean
Sea southeast of Florida, this U.S. commonwealth contains a richness of
elements unparalleled by most other places of its size. Nearly four million
people call Puerto Rico home, and most are able to trace their lineage
back through hundreds of tumultuous years. Whether their ancestors hail
from Spain, France, Scotland, The Dominican Republic, Cuba, or somewhere
else, the citizens of this densely populated territory all proudly call
themselves "Puertorriquenos." A visit to this island will give you a glimpse
of an indisputably colorful tale of immigration, hopefulness, and ultimately,
racial and ethnic harmony.
Not only are the people of
Puerto Rico diverse, but the geography is as well. White sandy beaches,
lush forests, deserts, and rivers mix and mingle to create a landscape
of endless beauty and surprising variety. The island is 60% mountainous,
and contains 28,000 acres of rain forest that are kept brimming with life
by an astonishing 100 billion gallons of rainfall per year. Much of the
forest has been declared an International Biosphere Reserve, and is home
to thousands of birds, 700 species of plants, and a large number of coqui
frogs, the "mascot" of Puerto Rico.
A large subterranean river
has carved out a vast network of caves to be investigated. Stalagmites,
stalactites, and oodles of bats are dwelling just beyond reach of the plentiful
sunshine that the rest of the island consistently enjoys, making for an
exciting adventure to be had. In the north, the karst region displays miles
of interesting rock formations made possible by volcanic rock dissolution.
The limestone cliffs and haystack hills that have been left behind invite
onlookers to go exploring and contemplate the geological history of this
consistently awe-inspiring island.
In terms of human-made attractions,
Puerto Rico is hardly lacking in intriguing features. The Spanish colonial
heritage of the island is evident throughout, especially in historic San
Juan. Mazes of cobblestone streets, cozy inner courtyards, and imposing
fortresses will delight architecture buffs. You won't miss El Morro Fortress,
a "World Heritage Site" that has been a Caribbean landmark for over four
centuries. Further examples of European-style design can be found around
every corner, so be sure to stroll through the promenades and savor the
ornate details as you experience a little taste of days gone by.
Within the cities you'll
also find plenty of chances to immerse yourself in all the arts, music,
and dining that your senses can handle. You'll be able to pick out the
Spanish, Mexican, and American influences as you sit down for an extravagant
dinner in one of the Puerto Rico restaurants, and be sure to enjoy the
indigenous influences like papaya and coriander. To drink, have a rum cocktail
or a cerveza, which might loosen you up for a night of salsa dancing. The
sound of the cuatro and the maracas will surely get your toes tapping,
so don't be surprised if you have a few late nights while visiting this
energetic island.
When it's time to turn in
for the night, you'll need a place to stay that will live up to the excitement
and escape that the rest of your vacation has so far offered. Puerto Rico
welcomes tourists, and contains a number of vacation rentals that will
surely live up to your expectations. If it's the beach you're after, book
a property on Rincon's Corcega Beach where you'll find the hottest scenery
on the island. Oceanfront views, a thatched roof, and saucily painted walls
will envelop you in the ultimate Caribbean experience.
Several amenities, like a
gas grill, cable TV, and spacious bathrooms will provide that taste of
home that you can't bear to leave behind, yet after enjoying a breathtaking
sunset from your patio, you won't feel the least bit sorry that you've
come all this way.
You'll have access to everything
you'll need to keep you busy while maintaining the option to just chill
out. In Puerto Rico, the possibilities are limitless.
If this sounds like the kind
of trip you've been longing to take, then go online to reserve your flight
and pick out your ideal Puerto Rico Vacation Rental. The combination of
old world charm and modern conveniences that you'll find during your visit
here will leave you spinning in a good way.
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