Puerto Rico Travel Guide

Technically a Caribbean island, Puerto Rico is nevertheless part of the United States, insomuch as it is a self-governing territory. West of the U.S. Virgin Islands and east of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico is not only a popular traveling destination, but is also a major port along the shipping lane that leads to the Panama Canal, otherwise known as the Mona Passage.

Puerto Rico is a mostly mountainous island, although there are plenty of beaches and a fertile farming region along the northern section of the island. And although the island is a U.S. territory now, the his… read moretory of Puerto Rico is largely Hispanic, dating back to the days when Christopher Columbus first landed on the islands in 1493. The islands spend centuries under Spanish rule until an uprising finally led to autonomous government in 1898 after the U.S. invaded and pried it from the hands of Spain. And while there is plenty of colonial history and traditions to explore as part of the culture and the overall vibe of the island, it is the beauty of the Caribbean itself that lures people in.

From the public beaches at Luquillo and Dorado to the capital of San Juan and its natural harbors to the El Yunque National Forest or the San Juan National Historic Site with its Spanish forts and castles, visitors can explore all sorts of architectural and natural beauty, all at the same time. Or you can hop on over to Mona Island, which is totally uninhabited by humans and can only be visited via appointment made in advanced. The coral reefs along the coast combine with the sandy beaches to create perfect coastal activities, while the mountainous interior contains such wonders as the Rio Camuy Caverns. Regardless of what you want to experience while visiting Puerto Rico, you are sure to find not only a sense of adventure and excitement, but also total satisfaction with your trip.