Puerto Rico Travel Guide
Puerto Rico, Travel Guide-Facts
Puerto Rico is an autonomous territory of the U.S., and it is located in the Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic. This small state covers only approximately 9.000 sq kilometers, being inhabited by almost 4.000.000 people. Its capital and largest municipality is San Juan (434,000), which, as expected, is the economical, cultural and touristic center of Puerto Rico. The official languages are Spanish and English, and the main ethnic groups are: White (Spanish) 76%, Black(7%), Mixed(12%), and the Asian and Amerindian minorities. The climate is a tropical maritime one, with average annual temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius.
Let`s explore, in the following paragraphs of this travel guide, what Puerto Rico has to offer to every tourist.
Puerto Rico, Travel Guide-Cuisine
The Puerto Rican cuisine has its roots mainly in Spanish, African and Amerindian culinary art. Since the 19th century, there has been an increase in the influence of the U.S. in Puerto Rico’s cuisine. Spices are a must –have ingredient of every Puerto Rican dish, and the Sofrito, a sauté made out of multiple vegetables and herbs, is the base for many national dishes. One of the dishes seasoned with this sauce is the delicious Arroz con Pollo, with chicken and rice as the main ingredients.
Fricasé is another national dish, a poultry, rabbit or goat stew, seasoned with lots of spices and serves with various vegetable-based side dishes. Sancocho de patitas is made of pork feet stew, with various vegetables, and lots of spices. Tortillas are very popular in Puerto Rico, as well as seafood. Also, you don`t want to miss Arroz con Dolce, the Puerto Rican rice pudding and the pasteles, the traditional holiday pies.
Puerto Rico, Travel Guide-Things to Do
The possibilities for entertainment in Puerto Rico are numerous, one of those being horseback riding in Las Piedras. You will enjoy wonderful landscapes while riding a pureblood horse. If you enjoy the sea and nautical sports, you have the opportunity to go kayaking, or you can enjoy the wonderful waves and enjoy yourself. Also, one can explore the rich marine life through scuba diving in Guanica’s proximity, or near the Spanish Virgin Islands. Near the capital, there are over 10 golf courses for the passionate.
To see the Puerto Rican natural beauty, you must visit El Yunque, the national rainforest, in order to see various species of plants and animals, including some endangered ones, such as the Conqui tree frog. Also, in the vicinity of the waters of Fajardo and in the Vieques bay, lives a species of microorganisms which glows. It is recommended that you take a boat ride offshore in the night, best when the moon is not full, because its light makes the luminescent microorganisms hard to spot.
Puerto Rico, Travel Guide-Cities
The main point of interest in Puerto Rico is San Juan, the country’s capital. Here you can visit the Bacardi rum factory, see the old center of the city, dating from the 16th century, relax in huge parks or entertain yourself through various leisure activities. Ponce is the second largest city, where you can enjoy the sea and visit wonderful displays of culture, including the Ponce Museum of Art. Other important cities are Arecibo, where you can find the largest radio telescope on Earth, Luquillo and Carolina.
Have a delightful experience in Puerto Rico using our travel guide!
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Recent Travel Guides from Puerto Rico
Mayaguez is a city in Puerto Rico and it is considered to be the eighth largest municipality in the country. The Mayaguez travel guide you are about to read will focus on all the relevant information you need if travelling in the area and will give you some tips concerning the local culture.... Read more »
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
It was the month of September, 1760, when the foundation for Mayagüez was actually laid around 1 km away from the nearby bay which was later on called as Mayagüez Bay. Other nearby settlements are Ponce and Aguadilla. People that were responsible for the planning of Mayagüez were the trio namely Juan de Silva, Faustino Martínez de Matos, and Juan de Aponte.... Read more »
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, also known as “La Ciudad Amurallada”, occupies a land of 122 square kilometer and houses 442,447 inhabitants. The city is positioned in the Northern Coastal Plains and lying under the Karsts zone to the north of Caguas and Aguas Buenas, east of Bayamon and west of Carolina. Juan Ponce de León founded the original settlement Caparra in 1508.... Read more »
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Aguadilla founded in 1775 by Luis de Cordova is a stunning city situated in the north western peak of Puerto Rico. It is also bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the west of Isabel and north of Moca and Aguada. Aguadilla is divided in more than 15 wards and is the main city of Aguadilla Isabela San Sebastian Metropolitan Statistical Area. Read more »
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Although the city of Mayagüez has many tourist hot spots which are full of local as well as foreign tourists,the city does not have many night hot spots. Most of the night hot spots that are running successfully in the city of Mayagüez are due to the efforts of students and the workers.... Read more »
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