PUERTO RICO

A Brief History of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's vibrancy derives from more than 500 years of rich history and the subsequent blending of different cultures.

This fusion extends to almost every aspect of the Island's identity. From the interweaving of the Taíno, African, and Spanish traditions emerged the Puerto Rican, a new identity composed of traits from all three groups. You’ll get to explore Spanish colonial architecture and prominent centuries-old buildings, savory dishes and dance moves rooted in African heritage, and lingo that locals still use from the Taínos. Puerto Rico's identity is the very definition of a well-blended melting pot.

The Island's cultural identity is something you'll experience in every sight, taste, and sound during your stay. Read on to learn more about the history of Puerto Rico.

Culture

Puerto Rico is rich in festivals, traditions, art, and music — but it doesn’t end there. Come see how welcoming and enchanting the Island’s culture is.

Puerto Rico’s culture is a colorful tapestry of old and new, mixing indigenous, Spanish, and African traditions. You’ll find expressions of that culture all around the Island — from art museums to vibrant murals, from bomba dance lessons to lively festivals that fill the streets. Whether you want to look, listen, or join right in, immerse yourself in the unique and welcoming culture of Puerto Rico.

Famous Puerto Ricans

It is said that there are Puerto Ricans all over the world, and in part, it is because many have excelled in various disciplines such as film, music, and sports, elevating the reputation of the Island of Enchantment globally. For example, movie stars such as Rita Moreno, Raúl Juliá, Benicio del Toro, and Luis Guzmán are from Puerto Rico. Likewise, music icons such as Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, and Daddy Yankee have Puerto Rican heritage.

In sports, Puerto Rico has giants such as baseball players Roberto Clemente, Iván Rodríguez, Roberto Alomar, Alex Cora, and Yadier Molina; boxers Félix "Tito" Trinidad, Héctor "Macho" Camacho, and Miguel Cotto; tennis player and Olympic gold medalist Mónica Puig; hurdler Javier Culson; and many others. In science, NASA geologist and astronaut Joseph M. Acaba, who has traveled to the International Space Station, was born to Puerto Rican parents.

Things to Do

Old San Juan is like a museum of living history, where you can explore the impressive San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal castles or just wander through the cobblestone streets and soak up the unique architecture of the city.

In this region, you'll also find attractions such as the Casa BACARDÍ distillery in Cataño, where you can learn about the history of rum and enjoy tasting different varieties. You could also visit Plaza Las Américas, which is the largest shopping center in the Caribbean. The metro area also has museums for adults and children, picture-perfect beaches, and large hotels with casinos.

Central Mountains

Puerto Rico's Central Mountains are known for small towns, food excursions, and lots of adventure.

Away from the coast is la Cordillera Central, Puerto Rico’s interior mountain region, which runs from east to west through 14 municipalities. With a history and culture rooted in agriculture, this region has diverse vegetation and produces most of the Island’s coffee, which you can taste at several haciendas. Venture into majestic mountains to savor tasty creole cuisine and take in the sweeping views in every direction.

La Fortaleza

Old San Juan

La Fortaleza or El Palacio de Santa Catalina, is the name given to the charming governor’s mansion in Old San Juan. Built in 1533, it has been the official governor’s residence for centuries and has housed more than 170 leaders, making it the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the New World.

Culinary Traditions

Puerto Rico is more than rice and beans!

Food is an essential part of Puerto Rico’s culture, blending elements of Spanish, African, and native Taíno cuisine. Your trip to the Island won’t be complete if you don’t sample staple dishes such as mofongo, made of deep-fried green plantains; tostones, double deep-fried plantain wheels; and lechón asado, a slowly spit-roasted pork dish with juicy meat and crispy skin that was recently declared a Puerto Rican culinary legacy.

Facts about Puerto Rico

Get to know some basic facts about Puerto Rico.

Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, locals are American citizens, and American travelers can enter the Island without carrying a passport. Nor do U.S. travelers require international calling plans for their phones. The currency used in Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar.

Languages

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States where the official languages are Spanish and English. You may come across people who speak a mixture of both, or “Spanglish,” given the influence of the U.S. on the Island.

Puerto Rico-Transportation

You can get to Puerto Rico by air or by sea. Airlines such as Frontier Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, United, Southwest, Jet Blue, and Spirit Airlines have direct flights to the Island. To give you an idea, the Island receives over 1,300 weekly non-stop flights and almost 1,000 direct flights. Most of these flights come from cities like New York, Boston, Orlando, Philadelphia, Hartford, Dallas, Houston, Baltimore, Washington, and Chicago.