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Whatever
you want to do on a tropical vacation or business
trip-play on the beach with the kids (or gamble
away their college funds), enjoy a romantic
honeymoon, or have a little fun after a grueling
negotiating session-you'll find it in Puerto
Rico. But you don't want to waste precious hours
once you get here searching for the best deals
and the best experiences.
It's
only the size of Connecticut, but Puerto Rico
pulsates with more life than any other island
in the Caribbean. To the beat of bomba, there's
a party going on here 24 hours a day.
The
4 million people who live here believe that
having fun is one of the reasons they were born
on this dazzling but troubled island. One of
the most popular tourist destinations south
of Florida raises the rainbow flag to a diverse
heritage, beginning with the early settlers,
the Taíno Indians. Their culture later
gave way to African and Spanish influences.
That
Puerto Rico maintains its culture or identity
is just short of a miracle. Its big brother
to the north, that is, the United States, dominates
the island's economy but not its soul. Most
Puerto Ricans maintain a love-hate relationship
with the States. Although an independence-minded
political party favors breaking away completely,
the majority of Puerto Ricans, when faced with
a decision at the voting polls, don't want to
take such a drastic step into the unknown.
Much
of the island lives in poverty, but Puerto Ricans
have a lot to boast about, including 260 miles
of sandy beaches; the third-largest underground
cave system on earth; and the world's largest
radio telescope, which sends signals into outer
space 24 hours a day, hoping ET will call in
for a "close encounter." And don't
forget its lush Caribbean forests, including
the only rainforest (El Yunque) on U.S. territory.
There are an astonishing nine protected nature
reserves on this so-called "Island of Enchantment,"
with species of wildlife you won't find anywhere
else in the world.
A
clue to the Puerto Rican soul is reflected in
the national anthem, "La Borinqueña."
Most national anthems around the world sing
of military muscle and a triumph over enemies.
Not so "La Borinqueña." It
sings of "a flowering garden of exquisite
magic ... the daughter of the sea and the sun."
Get to know this garden and the people who call
it home.
-
Puerto Rico Hotels
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- Puerto Rico Nightlife
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- To Do in Puerto Rico
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- Traveler's
Information Puerto Rico >>
Links
& Sources:
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