As travelers enter Puerto Rico, the exotic "Island of Paradise" nestled in the Caribbean, they become one with the beauty and energy of their surroundings. On the island, which is just east of the Dominican Republic and to the west of the British Virgin islands, a vast landscape of history, culture, cuisine, entertainment and recreation combine to provide an unforgettable journey.

History

Christopher Colombus landed in Puerto Rico on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. He named the town of Puerto Rico (rich port) and the island San Juan. Later, the two names were switched.

San Juan soon became Spain's most important military outpost in the Caribbean and in 1508 Juan Ponce de Leon became Puerto Rico's first governor. Visitors to Puerto Rico can still see remnants of the island's colonial past when they visit Old San Juan.

Puerto Rico came under United States' control in 1898 as a result of the Spanish American War. Puerto Ricans became American citizens in 1917 when the island was granted U.S. Territory status.

The island became partially self-governing in 1947 and became a U.S. Commonweath in 1952. Today, Puerto Rico enjoys one of the highest standards of living in Latin America.

Historic sites to see in Old San Juan:

La Princesa--a centuries-old prison

La Forteleza--the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico and the oldest functional executive mansion in the U.S.

El Morro Fortress--a fort with an engaging maze of secret access tunnels and dungeons

Historic sites to see in Ponce, Puerto Rico's second largest city:

Plaza Las Deicias--containing the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadelupe

Fountain of Lions Monument--to those who saved the city from destruction in a fire in 1899

Ponce Firehouse--built in 1882

The Serralles Castle--a mansion built in 1930 for the Serralles family, owners of Don Q rum distillery

Culture

Puerto Rico is an intriguing combination of cultures, which converge in the island's music, language, architecture, religion, lifestyles, arts, crafts and food.

Representative ethnicities include: Taino (Native Indian), Spanish, African and North American. However, even after one century as part of the U.S., the strong Spanish influence is the common denominator for the cultural fabric.

This influence is perhaps most evident in the musical pulse of Puerto Rico, which includes the rhythms of Salsa and Merengue; the percussion-based Bomba and Plane; and the Danza classical waltz that originated on the island.

Handicrafts also reveal Puerto Rico's cultural roots. Colorful masks and figurines of "The Vejigante", a costumed character with Indian, European and African Roots, are prevalent at carnivals and during the Hatillo's Masks Festival, traditionally held in December. Carved wooden Santos, or statues of the saints, are a blend of Catholic and indigenous traditions, where small statues serve as objects of veneration and protection against evil.

Lace or mundillo (bobbin lace) making came to Puerto Rico as a European art form, while basket weaving evolved from Indian and African influences.

The island's museums offer the most comprehensive overview of Puerto Rico's culture--from millennia-old artifacts to 20th century modern art.

In San Juan, the African Heritage Museum offers fascinating insight, while the Museum of Contemporary Art houses a permanent collection of works by Latin, Caribbean and Puerto Rican artists. The Pablo Casals Museum, located within an 18th century building in old San Juan, covers the life and works of the world famous cellist and humanist.

For a native perspective, visit the Puerto Rico Indian Museum, created by the Puerto Rico Institute of Culture, which features objects made by the Taino Indians, including various kinds of vessels, stone and wooden ornaments, canoes and arrows.

Located about an hour away from San Juan, but well worth the trip, is the Ponce Museum of Art. A fine collection of more than 850 paintings, 800 sculptures and 500 prints can be found housed in a landmark building designed by Edward Durrel Stone. Also in Ponce, the Ponce History Museum covers 300 years of the city's history, including a collection of historically significant documents.

In Guaynabo, located in the southern portion of the island, the ruins of one of the oldest Puerto Rican cities capitalized during Spanish rule can be found at the Caparra Ruins Historical Museum & Park.

Cuisine

Expect a variety of international flavors and exceptional dining venues during a visit to Puerto Rico--known as the "Dining Capital of the Caribbean". But for the indigenous dining experience, try the island's traditional "criolla" cuisine--a blend of Taino, Spanish and African influences. Sofrito, a blend of onions and spices, is used in many dishes and Tostones--or fried green plantains are enjoyed alone or as a side dish. Another local favorite is Mofongo--mashed plantains and meat or seafood in a garlic and tomato-based sauce.

For diners seeking more global fare, both casual and formal restaurants provide a wealth of options: from Puerto Rican fusion, to French, Asian and pizza--many with a hint of native ingredients.

Entertainment

Renown for its nightlife, Puerto Rico's many exciting nightclubs and discotheques invite visitors to dance and socialize. Many hotels have spectacular clubs and posh Casinos, as gambling is legal on the island.

Performing arts are also abundant. The Centro de Belles Artes Luis A. Ferre, located in Saturce, contains a festival hall, drama hall and experimental theater. The historic Teatro Tapia, built in 1832, hosts a variety of staged productions and cultural events. Visitors are also encouraged to see the LeLoLai music and dance shows as an introduction to important elements of Puerto Rican culture. There are several different shows that take place weekdays in many locations.

For the avid shopper, Puerto Rico has many options. Exclusive designer boutiques, such as Louis Vuitton and Cartier, abound, along with malls and factory outlets for the bargain hunters.

Recreation

Nature lovers and adventure seekers alike will find plenty of activities in Puerto Rico. Active travelers will enjoy hiking to the top of Cerro Punta and diving off cliffs at Cayo Diablo. A trip to the El Yunque Tropical Rain Forest also will amaze as more than 100 billion gallons of annual rainfall create stunning flora and fauna. At Guanica Biosphere Reserve, a dry forest where cacti and rugged hills contrast against the ocean shore, bikers and hikers will find miles of perfect trails.

For the water lover, Puerto Rico offers a variety of unique experiences. Perhaps the most unforgettable will be night swimming in Puerto Rico's Bioluminescent Bays in Vieques and La Parguera, where tiny micro-organisms light up like fireflies as the water splashes. Scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts will find particularly beautiful underwater scenery off the southeast coast of the island, from the village of La Parguera to the city of Ponce. Rarely seen black coral live within the waters of these extraordinary dive sights.

Another spot worth noting is Mona Island, off the west coast of Puerto Rico, known as the Galapogos of the Caribbean. It is home to sea turtles, dolphins and a wide variety of species of rare marine life. Various other water sports are enjoyed in the waters of Puerto Rico, including world-class surfing, windsurfing, sailing, catamaran trips, sea kayaking and deepsea fishing.

After a day of exploring the island, travelers can luxuriate in one of its many first-class spas. Several are world-renowned and offer signature and organic treatments and massages right on the beach.

Golf

Puerto Rico is home to 18 golf courses, including 14 championship-level courses, with several more under development. As one of the world's top locations for the sport, the island has been chosen to host the World Amateur Team Championship to be held in the island in the fall of 2004. The international event will be the crowning moment of the Puerto Rico Golf Association's 50th anniversary celebration.

The island's 10,000 golfers routinely enjoy courses with breath-taking ocean and rain forest views. Most have been designed by legends such as Robert Trent Jones, Rees Jones, Greg Norman, George and Tome Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Arthur Hills and Puerto Rico's own Chi Chi Rodriguez.

Puerto Rico Fast Facts

CLIMATE--The average year-round temperature is 82[degrees] F (28[degrees] C). The rainy season starts in August and ends in October, but due to the tropical climate brief rain showers can occur at any time.

CURRENCY--The U.S. dollar is the official and only currency used in Puerto Rico. Major U.S., Canadian, and European banks have branches on the island where ATM's are plentiful and linked to major worldwide banking networks.