From laid back to beachfront deluxe, Puerto Rico is an island offering so many vacation experiences that it calls itself "The Continent of Puerto Rico".
» Puerto Rico General Information
Area: 8,959 sq km (3,459 sq miles)
Capital: San Juan
Currency: United States Dollar
GNI per capita: $10,950 (World Bank, 2001)
Language: Spanish, English
Main exports: Chemicals, foodstuffs, machinery
Population: 3.9 million (via UN, 2006)
Status: Self-governing territory belonging to the USA
Telephone codes: 1-939 for Puerto Rico, 1-787 for San Juan
There are no passports or visas necessary for United States citizens, which mean that US citizens can travel freely in and out of the island without going through immigration or customs. For additional information, contact your local U.S. embassy. or call the Puerto Rico State Department at (787) 722-2121.
Citizens of other countries have the same requirements as for entering the USA. Potential visitors must first obtain a visa, either a non-immigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The 90-day "visitor" visa is a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States temporarily . Those planning to travel to Puerto Rico for a different purpose, such as study or temporary work, must apply for specialized visas (either an M-1 or F-1 class).
At the airports in Puerto Rico, your luggage will be inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make sure you are not carrying prohibited fruits and plants to the mainland. Avocado, papaya, coconut and plantain can be taken to the U.S.; mango, sour sop, passion fruit and plants potted in soil cannot. Travelers carrying undeclared prohibited items will be fined on the spot. Articles from Vietnam, North Korea, Kampuchea or Cuba, illegal publications, lottery tickets, chocolate liqueurs or pre-Columbian artifacts may not be brought into the country.
Passing through customs should be routine and quick. If you are taking prescription drugs, make sure you have a copy of the prescription with you; otherwise you could be held up.
› Embassies & Consulates
Because Puerto Rico is part of the United States, there is no U.S. embassy or consulate. The United States controls immigration and emigration.
› Traveling with Pets
Before taking a flight with your animal, have your veterinarian examine your pet to ensure that it is healthy enough to make the trip. Airlines and State health officials generally require health certificates for all animals transported by air. You will be required to:
1) Outfit your pet with a sturdy collar and two identification tags. The tags should have both your permanent address and telephone number and an address and telephone number where you can be reached while traveling. :
2) Rabies quarantine certificate from veterinary doctor stating that pet has had a rabies shot. For more information contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture Puerto Rico office, Veterinary Division at (787) 766-6050.
» Puerto Rico History
The history of the island of Puerto Rico prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus is not well understood. What is known today comes from archeological findings and from the writings of oral accounts of the Spaniards. The first comprehensive book on the history of Puerto Rico was written by Fray Iñigo Abbad y Lasierra in 1776, 283 years after the first Spaniards arrived on the island.
When Europeans first arrived, the island of Puerto Rico was inhabited by a group of Arawak Indians known as Taínos. The Taínos called the island "Borikén." The island was soon colonized by the Spanish and African slaves who were introduced as labour to replace the decreasing populations of Taino Indians, who were being forced to work for the Spanish crown. Puerto Rico briefly became an important stronghold and port for the Spanish empire in the Caribbean.
On July 25, 1898 at the outbreak of the Spanish?American War, Puerto Rico, being a colony of Spain, was invaded by the United States of America with a landing at Guánica. Spain was forced to cede Puerto Rico, along with Cuba and the Philippines, to the United States under the Treaty of Paris.
Being just 7 minutes' drive away from San Juan Old Town, the Borinquen Beach Inn, Carolina, is a superb budget Borinquen Beach hotel. As the names suggests, it is only 1 minute's walk away from one of Puerto Rico's best beaches.
Boasting a fantastic location right by a stunning Caribbean beach, Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa - A Wyndham Grand Resort is a luxury pet-friendly hotel in Río Grande, an exotic tourist destination in Puerto Rico.
The Hotel Miramar is named after the historic area of San Juan where this quiet affordable Miramar San Juan hotel is located. Overlooking Condado Lagoon, the hotel is within walking distance of the San Juan Old Town and Puerto Rico Convention Center.
