Despite its strong Spanish heritage, Puerto Rico has been largely Americanized as a United States commonwealth. US and Puerto Rican flags fly side by side. One of the Caribbean’s largest islands, Puerto Rico is a land of distinct contrasts. About 75% mountainous, it contains deserts, high mountains, rich rainforests, an extensive underground cave system and many beautiful beaches. Its crown jewel is tiny seven-block Old San Juan, once completely enclosed by a city wall and guarded by one of the hemisphere’s mightiest fortresses. Today, it is a picturesque residential, commercial and historic district ranking as one of the region’s favourite ports of call.

Who goes there ?
Many Puerto Ricans are bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. Their fluency combined with the island’s numerous natural and man-made attractions brings visitors from North and South America and Europe. San Juan’s large beachfront hotels and casinos draw couples and honeymooners year-round. Puerto Rico is far enough south not to be affected by winter cold fronts, though the active hurricane season from August through November may impact travel.

Where in the world ?

Puerto Rico, 177km (110 miles) long and 56km (35 miles) wide, is east of the Dominican Republic and just north of the US and British Virgin Islands. San Juan’s Luis Marin International Airport, located 14km (9 miles) northeast of San Juan, is the island’s main airport and the Caribbean’s major interconnecting hub.Many of the new mega-resorts are located on the beach at Isla Verde, a short taxi ride from the airport. Although Old San Juan may appear the ideal spot, hotels there are scarce except for El Convento in the heart of the old city. Arguably the country’s most famous hotel, it began in the 1600s as the New World’s first Carmelite convent before becoming one of the world’s more unique resorts.

Beach
In the San Juan area, the beaches at Isla Verde and the more famous Condado merge together; where one ends the other begins. Outside the city, Luquillo Beach 48km (30 miles) to the east is considered the country’s finest. Playa Dorado, just west of San Juan, is actually a series of beaches especially popular with families. More remote areas of the island also boast good strands.

Beyond the beach
The most popular day trip from San Juan is El Yunque, a genuine tropical rainforest only about 45 minutes away. Walks at lower altitudes are easy on paved paths. These popular trails require a hard surface to accommodate both heavy foot traffic and combat possible erosion from sometimes torrential rains. There are true wilderness hiking experiences at higher, less visited altitudes.

Family fun
Many of San Juan’s beachfront resorts offer organised programmes and special themed restaurants for children. Leisurely walks in Old San Juan are always fun. The highlight there is exploring the interior of the mighty El Morro Fortress that rises 19.8m (65ft) above the pounding sea. If it’s windy, bring a kite and join the locals on the fort’s expansive open grounds.

Retail therapy
Thanks to the constant influx of cruise ships, Old San Juan is a shopper’s paradise, especially for jewellery, art works, leather goods and locally-made souvenir items. Designer clothes and shoes are available in the nearby Condado and Isla Verde areas. San Juan has the Caribbean’s largest shopping mall, the three-storey Plazas Las Americas with more than 250 shops containing all the chain stores and brands found in the US.

A night on the town
Many Caribbean islands snooze when the sun goes down. In Old San Juan, dusk signals the opening of lively nightclubs, quaint taverns and outdoor cafés .The locally-produced Bacardi rum is the featured flavour. Only 90 minutes from San Juan is Las Cabezas de San Juan, a natural reserve where a dazzling bioluminescent lagoon sparkles like a million fireflies. You can do more than just admire the glittering water. Jump in, go for a swim, swirl around and create some elfin magic of your own.

Eating out
Genuine Puerto Rican dishes are a blend of African, European, and Amerindian influences. The best way to sample real local flavours is at any of the small cafés. Even if no one speaks English, the menu will probably have English translations. Be adventurous and have some fun.

Getting around
Travelling around San Juan is easy. Buses wind through San Juan and taxis are readily available at hotels and major sites. Outside of the city pủblicas (shared vans), which are recognisable by yellow licence plates containing ‘P’ or ‘PD,’ are most economical. Car hires are readily available at Marin International Airport. Roads are excellent near San Juan and most major nearby attractions. Signage, however, is sometimes lacking. Secure a map and precise directions before setting out. Driving is on the right.

Exploring further afield
Puerto Rico has two very different and appealing offshore islands. Culebra offers gorgeous white sand beaches and many wildlife watching opportunities, including nesting sea turtles between April and July. Uninhabited Mona Island is a miniature Galapagos with iguanas, sea birds and nesting sea turtles. In addition, the US and British Virgin Islands are only a short plane hop away.

Splashing out
The stylish El San Juan Hotel and Casino (6063 Isla Verde Avenue, Isla Verde) is the most popular after-dark gathering place for casino gaming and dancing and the ideal place for people-watching. View it all from a stool in the large lobby bar or from one of the quiet side tables.

Flying in
Luis Marin International Airport (SJU)