The Best of Puerto Rico

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: San Juan, the capital of and largest city in Puerto Rico, was officially established in 1521, making it one of the oldest cities in all of the Americas. Being a United States territory, San Juan is a pretty unique place to visit in the Caribbean; the capital city offers all the comforts and amenities of any American city, but has still managed to retain a distinct Latin atmosphere and culture. The historic part of the city, Old San Juan, is among the oldest settlements within Puerto Rico full of colourful streets that have historical and cultural significance. As you stroll down the streets of Old San Juan, you can't help but be amazed at the five centuries of history that have been so beautifully preserved. One of the most famous monuments in Puerto Rico, El Morro, is a 16th century fort list with impressive towers and tunnels. Few cemeteries are as scenic as San Juan Cemetery. Lush and diverse, El Yunque Rainforest is a natural paradise. Puerto Rico is synonymous with great beaches. You’ll find many along San Juan's coast, soft sand and palm trees await you here. San Juan is a great mix of beach, history, great culture and nightlife. So, what are you waiting for?

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Mayagüez is known as "La Sultana del Oeste" (the sultana of the West). Founded in 1760 by Faustino Martínez de Matos, Juan de Silva and Juan de Aponte. Originally named "Our Lady of the Candelaria of Mayagüez", but dwindling tradition from the Indian name of its river, the Yagüez River (the word means "clear waters") the city was eventually named just Mayagüez. Mayagüez (pronounced Mah-yah-goo-ehz or Mah-yah-GWEHZ) is a variation on this name, which means "Land of the Clear Waters". Mayagüez is located in the west coast, north of Cabo Rojo, Hormigueros and San Germán; south of Añasco; and west of Las Marías and Maricao. Today, Mayagüez is the fifth-largest city and is considered one of the most important cities in the island. The city itself is centered around the impressive Spanish-style Plaza Colon, a tribute to Christopher Columbus, whose stature stands in the middle of the square, surrounded by 16 bronze statues. In addition, Mayagüez has become a major college town because with the establishment of the UPRM, the Eugenio Maria de Hostos Law School and the Pontiff Catholic University of Puerto Rico. Among Mayagüez's main attractions you will find the Yagüez Theater and Mayagüez Post Office, which are considered historic landmark buildings, both located on McKinley Street. Mayagüez is home of the only Zoo in the island, Juan A. Rivero Zoo (commonly known as Mayagüez Zoo), home of numerous birds, mammals and reptiles (including Bengal tigers, and Andean condors among others). Cages and open compounds stand in an attractively landscaped setting of small islands, a lake, tropical vegetation and children's playground. The Tropical Agricultural Research Station located at University of Puerto Rico host many species of exotic plants and trees such as the traveler's tree, shower of orchids, ceylon cinnamon and pink torch ginger. Self-guided tours are available.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: With a population of 194,636, Ponce is Puerto Rico's second largest city (San juan is the first and Mayaguez is the third). Ponce is commonly known by several names: La Perla del Sur (Pearl of the South), La Ciudad de los Leones (City of Lions), or La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City). Ponce is also known as the "Ciudad Señorial" (Majestic or Noble City), because of its many beautiful neoclassical buildings and facades. Ponce was founded in 1692 by Juan Ponce de León's great-grandson - Loíza Ponce de León. Ponce was Spain's capital of the southern region until it fell to the U.S. in 1898. Ponce is located in the Southern Coastal Plain region (about 5 km (3 mi) from the south central coast of the island), south of Adjuntas, Utuado and Jayuya; east of Peñuelas; and west of Juana Díaz. The annual precipitation is approximately 36 inches on the coast and 48 inches in the interior and the average temperature is 75°F. Nearly one half a billion dollars have been spent preserving the colonial core of Ponce. The heart of Ponce dates from the late 17th century and has been declared a national treasure. It consists of plazas and churches and highly decorative colonial homes, some glorious fountains and a unique fire station. Ponce is an important trading and distribution center, and has a port of entry; Playa de Ponce Port is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean area, handles tobacco, coffee, rum, and sugar cane. The beautiful downtown Plaza de las Delicias is a worthwhile stop, with lovely fountains, a cathedral and local bench sitting denizens. The unique red and black, century old wooden firehouse, commonly known as Parque de Bombas is a landmark and still in use. Parque de Bombas originally built in 1882 for an exposition and from 1883 to 1989 it served as headquarters of the Ponce Fire Corps. In 1990, the firehouse was reopened as a museum, there are exhibits on the second floor, and the municipal band plays a free concert every Sunday night. Other interesting buildings around the plaza include Casa Alcaldía,The Museum of Puerto Rican Music, The world class Ponce Museum of Art.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: San Juan, the capital of and largest city in Puerto Rico, was officially established in 1521, making it one of the oldest cities in all of the Americas. Being a United States territory, San Juan is a pretty unique place to visit in the Caribbean; the capital city offers all the comforts and amenities of any American city, but has still managed to retain a distinct Latin atmosphere and culture. The historic part of the city, Old San Juan, is among the oldest settlements within Puerto Rico full of colourful streets that have historical and cultural significance. As you stroll down the streets of Old San Juan, you can't help but be amazed at the five centuries of history that have been so beautifully preserved. One of the most famous monuments in Puerto Rico, El Morro, is a 16th century fort list with impressive towers and tunnels. Few cemeteries are as scenic as San Juan Cemetery. Lush and diverse, El Yunque Rainforest is a natural paradise. Puerto Rico is synonymous with great beaches. You’ll find many along San Juan's coast, soft sand and palm trees await you here. San Juan is a great mix of beach, history, great culture and nightlife. So, what are you waiting for?