Puerto Rico
Las Casitas Village
Puerto Rico's terrain ranges from palm-lined beaches on four coastlines to rugged mountain ranges,
gently rolling hills and even dry desert-like areas. There are 20 designated forest reserves in Puerto Rico,
the most notable being the 28,000-acre Caribbean National Forest (El Yunque), the only tropical rain
forest in the U.S. Forest Service; the Guajataca Forest
Reserve, with 25 miles of trails, and the GuE1nica State Forest, a dry forest with the largest number of
bird species on the Island. There are also two bioluminescent bays, one on the southwest coast near
La Parguera, and the other off the coast of Vieques Island.
Borinquen, as the Island was first named, was inhabited by several Indian tribes including the
Taedno Indians, before Christopher Columbus' visit on his second voyage in 1493. The Island
was renamed San Juan before it was called Puerto Rico. Juan Ponce de Leon, seeker of the
Fountain of Youth, was the first governor of the Island in 1508. Following the Spanish-American War
in 1898, the Island became part of the United States.
Puerto Ricans became U.S. citizens in 1917. Puerto Rico offers an exciting and varied selection
of fun things to do and see for everyone. Lovers of culture and cuisine will want to explore
historical Old San Juan and the distinctive blend of old and new that result in Puerto Rico's
diverse culinary offerings. For sun worshippers who just want to lie on the sand and soak up the
Caribbean rays, Puerto Rico has miles and miles of pristine beaches. Those who are more actively
inclined can indulge in water sports, scuba dive in some of the best locations in the world, marvel at
fascinating natural wonders or play golf on one of the Island's championship links. And at night, dance
to the exciting beat of Puerto Rican salsa or enjoy the casinos, discos and nightclubs.
Vieques Island
Vieques is 25 by 5 miles of very tropical temperament. It exudes a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, with
over 50 unspoiled, uncrowded beaches, small hotels, and a few galleries and restaurants, mostly in the
towns of Esperanza and Isabel II. Once a favorite pirate haven, the island was also home to sugar
plantations until the 1940s, when the U.S. Navy made about 70% of the island a Naval
Reserve. Fortunately, a National Wildlife Refuge was established on Vieques in 1909 as one of Teddy
Roosevelt's last executive orders. Wild Paso Fino horses roam free on the island, the bioluminescent
Mosquito Bay glows green at night, manatees can be seen in the water occasionally, and numerous
seabirds and turtles make their home here.
You can reach Vieques in about thirty minutes by small plane, from San Juan International.
If you want to learn more about Puerto Rico please see the Puerto Rico Tourism Department's
Official web site at http://www.prtourism.com
