Besides being lushly tropical, the island of Puerto Rico is rich in nature, history and culture. There is something to please just about everyone here, probably more so than any of the other Caribbean Islands.

One of the biggest of the Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico is approximately 1,100 miles from Miami, Florida.

The history of Puerto Rico is long and rich. It was claimed for Spain by Christopher Columbus when he landed there in 1493. Juan Ponce de Leon became Puerto Rico’s first governor in 1508. His famous search for the fountain of youth made Ponce de Leon the stuff of legend.

The United states came into possession of Puerto Rico after Spain ruled it for 400 years. This exchange came about at the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898.

Puerto Rico is still a territory of the U.S. and Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.

A walking tour of Old San Juan is an ideal way to absorb the history of Puerto Rico. Walking along the narrow cobblestone streets lets you experience the past and present in a fantastic blend. You will want to have a camera with you to get lasting memories of San Juan Bay, which is the Caribbean’s busiest port. You won’t want to miss getting photos of the centuries-old forts that were used to defend the city from attacks.

The biggest fortress to be found on the Caribbean is El Morro. It defended San Juan from attack for several centuries. Its sister fort is Castillo de San Cristobal, which defended against land attacks. Both forst are open to the public for daily tours.

The El Yunque Rain Forest will satisfy nature lovers quite well. This mountainous forest makes for a cool day of hiking. As you hike, you will hear the Puerto Rican parrot, an endangered bird, and coquis, which are very small tree frogs. The majestic tranquility of El Yanque will leave you with a sense of oneness with nature.

Arecibo Radio Telescope is also of great interest for visitors. This telescope consists of a very large dish that could contain twelve football fields. It is part of NASA’s Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) program and searches the skies for radio signals from other life-forms. There are interactive exhibits in the visitor center that are amazing.

After spending time absorbing nature, history and science, you might want to spend some time relaxing on the beach and having some fun in the sun. You can find the usual line-up of water sports in Puerto Rico such as snorkeling, surfing and diving.

When the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t stop. Puerto Ricans know how to party hearty. All of the major cities are full of people going from bar to casino to dance club just about all night. The light-life in Puerto Rico is fantastic. You can party all night and watch the sunrise before settling down for a few hours of sleep.

By: Valorie Jay
Valorie Jay is the co-author of the popular new eBook, "Romantic Ideas for Couples!" Discover how to dramatically increase the "Wow" factor in your relationship. You can get a complimentary copy at: http://www.Caribbean-Calling.com.

Featured by Resources For Attorneys.

The world is an imperfect place, but there are certain corners of it that seem to exist as escapes; they aren’t laughing in the face of other people’s struggles of course, but they do keep bad vibes and serious matters somewhat at bay. One such place is Rincon, considered the best beach in Puerto Rico. Here, time stands still and troubles become far away. Tensions are eased, and responsibilities are simply put away for another day. If getting away from it all is the goal you have in mind, consider Rincon as the focus for your next vacation.

Located on the absolute western tip of the island, Rincon is known for postcard-worthy scenes and fabulous beach conditions. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and while there’s a lot to do, there’s also the perfectly acceptable option of not doing much at all. Incredible vacations can consist largely of downtime; reading, sipping beach drinks while lounging under an umbrella, and catching up with your special someone could be the highlights of this satisfying trip.

For the active moments, consider these diversions. Scuba dive or snorkel in the crystal clear water along the coastal reefs. Rent a kayak, jet ski, banana boat or surfboard and test out your sea legs. Take a charter boat for some fishing, whale watching or simple sight-seeing. Take advantage of the beach trails by biking or jogging, burning calories while you enjoying the unique views. Play tennis or golf, take a stroll along the shoreline and look for seashells, and if you’re truly adventurous, sign up for a spelunking session. In case you haven’t noticed, the activities available could fill a few weeks, so hopefully you’ll arrive in Rincon with several days of free time.

The tropical weather is generally nice all year long. Nights can be cooler in the winter and summer days get pretty steamy, but overall the temperature is comparable to Miami and never becomes too uncomfortable. Bring plenty of shorts and swimsuits and maybe a light sweater and you’ll be all set. Also, while practical matters are being discussed, be aware that English is widely spoken, most cell phones work here, and you don’t need a passport. As far as transitions go, this one won’t be too shocking.

Hopefully you’ll bring your appetite with you to Rincon, as there are plenty of intriguing restaurants to tempt your taste buds. Fresh fruits and vegetables, wines and mixed drinks, Caribbean cuisine, and of course lots of seafood will all expand your culinary horizons. Regular, recognizable places are available if for those who feel like playing it safe, but it is recommended that you at least try an empanadilla or Mofongo. You’ll see what exactly these exotic offerings consist of once you’re seated at a table, perhaps facing a spectacular Rincon sunset.

This fairly secluded beach town has what it takes to qualify as a truly pleasing destination. You’ll be removed from the hubbub of the daily grind yet comfortable as well. Distractions will greet you around every corner, and you’ll be able to achieve some peace and quiet as well. Complete the picture by renting a vacation home, condo or beach house. Having a home base as appealing as the island itself – a getaway within a getaway, if you will – will add to this already noteworthy event. Fantastic amenities, lots of privacy, and long-term availability mean that Rincon Vacation Rentals Rincon Vacation Rentals are definitely where it’s at.

Cruise the internet to learn more about the array of vacation rentals in Rincon as well as the location itself. By leaving the rest of humanity behind for a little while, you’ll be doing yourself a favor and not hurting anything. Honestly, by returning to the thick of things refreshed and revived, you might just be making the world a better place.

By: Caitlin Moore
Visit HomeAway.com to explore thousands of vacation rentals located all over the world.

Featured by Resourcesforattorneys.com, a Legal and Lifestyle resources directory.

Visit our Travel Directory.