Puerto Rico

By: Elizabeth Hernandez

Water Activities

Scuba diving for many divers, Puerto Rico is the Caribbean’s best-kept

underwater secret.” Divers, welcome to an underwater world that spans the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Puerto Rico’s waters offer an incredible range of dive adventures! Try shore dives from San Juan, a trip to Mona Island —the Galápagos of the Caribbean—or an exploration of the dramatic La Parguera wall off the southern coast, which is over 20 miles long and reaches depths of 1,500 feet. Over 600 different species of fish, turtles, rays, and marine life await you beneath our waves.

Kayaking

Like many other islands, Puerto Rico offers kayak trips through mangrove lagoons and to shallow reefs perfect for snorkeling. But very few places on Earth offer nocturnal kayak tours out to a bioluminescent lagoon – actually, make that two bioluminescent lagoons – including the most brilliant bioluminescent bay in the world on Vieques Island.

Horse back riding

It’s hard to decide between horseback riding on the beach, in the foothills of the rainforest, or on pristine Vieques Island; either way, you enjoy breathtaking natural vistas and experience the smooth gait of Puerto Rico’s elegant Paso Fino horses.

Cultures

Traditional Events• When the Spanish arrived on the coasts of Puerto Rico, they

brought more than their language and their architecture. Their Christian beliefs penetrated deep within the Puerto Rican culture and are present today in our Fiestas Patronales, or “Patron Saint Festivals” that are celebrated year-round in nearly every city and township. A Fiesta Patronal is an event dedicated to the patron saint or virgin of the particular city. These cheerful celebrations can last anywhere from a day to nine days. Each city holds its own Fiesta Patronal, and they usually take place in the central plaza. Live music, food kiosks, amusement parks, handmade arts and crafts and pure joy invade the city from sunrise to sundown. The delicious aroma of tasty bacalaitos and the pulsating sounds of live bands bring you face to face with Puerto Rican culture in its most authentic form.

Festivals• Sebastián, which is held in January all over Old San Juan but mainly

on San Sebastián Street. The festival began as a celebration by a local priest to commemorate the life of Saint Sebastian, a martyr who died in the name of Christianity. Residents of Old San Juan wanted to bring back the event. They would decorate their balconies, religious processions would take place on the streets, and local artists would exhibit their paintings or sculptures, creating an impromptu street market. Some 40 years later, these practices remain intact, with one small difference. What was once a small crowd of residents has now become a national event attended by tens of thousands of revelers each year. For four straight days, music, food, art and cocktails Another outstanding celebration is the Fiestas de la Calle San enthrall the attendees until the wee hours of the morning.

shopping

Ricon Pottery- location-Carr 4412 interior, Bo Cruces, Rincon 00677, Puerto Rico

Phone- 787-546-8435

Come visit our working studio where you can browse our gallery of handmade pottery for sale. You can also take a ‘Hands on Clay’ workshop. Visits are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY as we don't keep regular open hours. We are located 15 mins from Rincón town plaza (2.5 hrs from San Juan).

Caribbean Trading Company Store.

• Location-Calle Principal #4, Palmer, Rio Grande 00721, Puerto Rico

• Phone-787 888 2762• On your way to El Yunque Discover the

treasures of the Caribbean and Puerto Rico! Caribbean Spices & Sauces, Fresh Puerto Rican Coffee, Fine Premium Cigars, Nautical & Tropical Gifts, Exquisite Gift Baskets

Entertainment

•Museum of history of Ponce

• The Museum of the History of Ponce, which opened in 1992, was established on the house of the Salazar family, a neoclassical mansion built in 1911. Inside, you will find an exhibit that shows the oriigins and history of the city of Ponce. You will be able to watch a short documentary film depicting the history of the city, along with an extensive exhibit of artifacts, photos, documents, and other important facts of the 'Pearl of the South.

Top 5 Star Hotels

1) Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton ReserveLocation- 100 Dorado Beach Drive, Dorado 00646-

2000, Puerto RicoSituated on 1,400 acres of natural beauty, Dorado

Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve includes 100 guestrooms and 14 one-bedroom suites, all directly on the beach, plus Su Casa, the original plantation hacienda renovated back to its original 1920s style to serve as a four-bedroom exclusive beachfront villa.

2) Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza• Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza features three swimming pools - one

saltwater and two freshwater. One has a swim-up bar and waterslide. The beach faces a calm-water lagoon. The resort also offers a 24-hour casino, a 24-hour fitness center, and a tennis court. Dining options include anocean-view restaurant, Denny's, lounge, and a noodle bar. A Starbucks is also on site. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout the resort.

• Guestrooms feature balconies and views of the lagoon, ocean, or city. Flat-panel TVs come with premium channels and on command video. Conveniences includes refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, in-room safes, complimentary wireless (high-speed) Internet access, and complimentary daily newspapers. Turn-down service is available upon request. Spa-like bathrooms feature contemporary finishes such as Carrera marble, mahogany wood, and brushed nickel accents. All guestrooms are non-smoking.

3) El Conquistador, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

• The resort is divided into five villages providing a soothing getaway from the stress of the world. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic ocean views at The Grand Hotel including the villages of Las Brisas and La Vista. Pure indulgence awaits you in Las Casitas Village - the distinctive four-diamond resort that shares our grounds, where a resort butler is at your service 24 hours a day in your private villa. Built into the side of a cliff and wrapped around its own swimming pool, let sea breezes caress you in Las Olas Village. Or just relax on your private balcony in La Marina Village, which overlooks the sea and is home to the new water park and private marina. Experience this vibrant Puerto Rico resort for yourself, complete with beautifully appointed accommodations, attentive service and a magnificent setting.

4) Las Casitas Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

• La Casitas village deliver an unrivaled guest experience among Puerto Rico hotels and resorts. Enjoy comforts of home in one of our 15 spacious one, two or three bedroom casitas (cottages in Spanish)complete with 24 hour butler service. Get your adrenaline pumping with phenomenal wave running, horseback riding, wind surfing, diving and fishing. Test your swing on our majestic Arthur Hills Caribbean golf course or pamper yourself at the world-renowned Golden Door Spa.

5) Condado Lagoon Villas at Caribe Hilton

• The Condado Lagoon Villas at Caribe Hilton boasts a spectacular three-level pool which includes a swim up bar and an infinity edge on the top two levels. The pool area also has a large comfortable sundeck with cushioned lounge chairs and a 200-yard crescent beach with a unique artificial reef. If the pool area isn’t your scene, there will be plenty of palm tree grove shading lounge chairs just steps from the Atlantic. Approximately 300-yards from the beach is a rock shore forming peninsula which the resort utilizes. When you reach the tip of the peninsula, a 100-foot pier provides a stunning panoramic view of San Juan`s metropolitan area.

Top 5 Star Restaurants

1) Café Cola’o Location - Pier 2, San Juan 00901,Puerto RicoPhone- 787-725-4139

• Price range: $5 - $10 • Cuisines: Coffee Shop

2) Carli’s Fine Bistro & Piano

• Location- 206 Tetuan Street | Old San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico (Formerly Carli Cafe Concierto)

3)Panza Restaurant

• Location- The Cervantes Boutique Hotel | 329 Calle Recinto Sur, San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Phone- 787-724-7722• Cuisines: Caribbean, International • Dining options: Lunch, Dinner

4) La Tortuga Pizzeria & Panaderia

Location- Corner of Calle San Sebastian & Calle San Jose, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Cuisines: Contemporary

5)Café De Las Artes

• Location- Calle Fortaleza | Teatro Tapia, San Juan 00901, Puerto Rico

• Phone- 787-724-2121• Price range: $8 - $25 • Cuisines: Tapas • Good for: Outdoor seating