All About Puerto Rican Trees
The official tree of Puerto Rico is the ceiba, also called silk-cotton tree or kapok tree. Often the tallest tree in the forest, the ceiba attains heights of 150 feet and has a ridged columnar trunk and a massive umbrella-shaped canopy. Its far-reaching limbs often host aerial plants, such as moss
Planning Your Time on Vieques, Puerto Rico
In a world where change is constant, it’s nice to be reminded that some things stay the same. That is a big part of the charm of Vieques. Granted, a couple of new businesses have opened and a couple of them have closed. This hotel has changed names, and that one has a new coat of paint. But all in
Sights in Guayama, Puerto Rico
Guayama features a lovely central plaza, Plaza de Recreo Cristóbal Colón, distinguished by rows of unique umbrella-shaped trees and Iglesia San Antonio de Padua, a neo-Roman-style church with twin towers. Across the street is Casa Cautiño, an architectural vision of white lacy ironwork on a cream-
Sights on Vieques, Puerto Rico
From the overgrown ruins of a sugar mill to a restored 19th century Spanish fort to an incredible bioluminescent bay, there’s plenty to see on Vieques–and most you can do for free.
The malecón in Esperanza. Photo © Suzanne Van Atten.
El Fortín Conde de Mirasol
Built between 1845 and 1855, El
Puerto Rico's Paso Fino Horses
Although not indigenous to Puerto Rico, the Paso Fino horse is closely associated with the island because it was here and in the Dominican Republic where the Spanish conquistadors first introduced the mixed-breed horse. Sharing a family tree with the Moorish Berber, Spanish jennet, and Andalusian
Ponce's Plaza de las Delicias
Ponce is like an elegant, cultured grande dame who started to deteriorate a bit over the years but has recently undergone a vigorous renewal program that has put a new sheen on all her best assets.
Although it looks like one large plaza, Plaza de las Delicias is in fact composed of two smaller pla
Driving La Ruta Panorámica
You couldn’t ask for a better way to explore Cordillera Central than to drive this 167-mile route from Mayagüez on the west coast to Yabucoa on the southeast coast. The route takes visitors to breathtaking heights on the island’s highest peaks, revealing panoramic views of both the Atlantic and th
Sights in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Before the Spanish arrived, Arecibo was home to a peaceful group of about 200 Taíno natives led by Cacique Arasibo, reputed to be a fair ruler over his village of fishermen. In 1515, Spain claimed the Arecibo area and enslaved the Taíno, most of whom died shortly thereafter. Today Arecibo is the m
Discover Culebra
As laid-back as Vieques is, it’s practically Las Vegas compared to Culebra. Halfway between mainland Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, the tiny amoeba-shaped archipelago with 23 surrounding cays is just four miles by seven miles. The island is home to 3,000 residents and has one small community—Dewey (c
The History of Ponce, Puerto Rico
Ponce’s rich cultural life gave birth in the mid-1800s to a unique form of romantic classical music called danza. A melding of Caribbean and European styles, the formally structured musical style is often described as an Afro-Caribbean waltz and was typically performed on piano and bombardino (sim
Spending Time in Manatí
For years most visitors to Puerto Rico blew right past the town of Manatí on their way west from San Juan to attractions in Arecibo or the west coast, but the medical tourism boom has changed all that. Manatí is now a top destination for Americans seeking medical procedures, ranging from orthopedi
Religious Sites in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Old San Jan is the cultural center of Puerto Rico. The 500-year old walled city is filled with beautiful pastel-colored colonial buildings, Spanish forts, art and history museums, plazas, restaurants, bars, shops and ship docks. Visitors could easily spend a couple of days wandering the cobbleston
Mona Island’s Colorful Past
Oh, the tales it could tell if Mona Island could speak. The 13,000-acre, virtually uninhabited island 47 miles southwest from Mayagüez and 37 miles east of the Dominican Republic has seen much drama through the years. At various times in its history, it was home to a thriving Taíno Indian village,
Things to Do in Vega Alta and Vega Baja
Vega Alta and Vega Baja are on fertile low-lying land divided by Río Cibuca, and it was here—not Dorado—where gold was found on the north coast. And naturally, where there was gold there were conquistadors. During colonization, the river’s shores were populated by the Spanish, who used Taíno labor
Puerto Rico's Coqui Tree Frog
There is one sweet sound unlike any other that you can hear throughout the island of Puerto Rico at night, and that is the song of the coqui tree frog. Rarely seen but often heard, these tiny translucent amphibians are the beloved mascot of the island.
Coqui tree frogs. Photo © Panachai Cherdchuch
Mountain Scenery and Taíno Culture in Jayuya, Puerto Rico
If you visit only one place in Puerto Rico’s Cordillera Central, go to Jayuya. The central town is a bit grim, offering little of interest to visitors. The reason to go is to experience the gorgeous mountain scenery and some of the highest peaks on the island, where it’s possible to see both the A
Doing business & staying in touch while in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico: Doing business & staying in touch
Puerto Rico Weather, Climate and Geography
Puerto Rico Weather, climate and geography
Puerto Rico History, Language and Culture
Puerto Rico History, Language and Culture
Puerto Rico Travel Guide and Travel Information
Puerto Rico Travel Guide
