Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has managed to combine its long storied history with the status of a top-flight resort island, and has done so in a masterful way. With approximately 300 miles of coastline, the island attracts beach lovers from around the globe. And with over 500 years of history, there is so much to see and do here besides soak in the tropical sun's rays.

The Taino Indians, who called the land Boriken, which means, "the great land of the valiant and noble Lord", originally inhabited Puerto Rico. When Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493, he was greeted by the natives, who showed him all of the gold nuggets in the land and told Columbus he was free to take as many as he wanted. Originally, the Spaniards named the island San Juan after St. John the Baptist, and the city Puerto Rico, or "rich port." The two names were eventually switched. In March 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed a law stating that Puerto Rico was now a US territory, organized but unincorporated, and all Puerto Ricans were thereby American citizens.

San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital city, stands as a microcosm of the islands rich duality. Old San Juan has buildings still standing from the days of the early Spanish explorers. At the same time, gigantic hotel and casino complexes, appealing to the high-rolling jet set, dot other parts of San Juan.

San Juan is easily broken up into several smaller sections, each with its own character. Geographically, San Juan Island, which contains Old San Juan and Santurce, bound Condado. South of Condado is Miramar, which is located right on the lagoon. East of Old San Juan is Puerto de Tierra, and finally there is Isla Verde, a little detached from the rest.

Remember that Puerto Rico is part of the United States, so American citizens do not need passports to enter and exit the island. Another advantage American travelers have is duty-free shopping, so feel free to hunt for all the good values found in San Juan's many shops.

Casinos are almost as plentiful as beaches here. It could take weeks to experience everything there is to do here. The beautiful beaches, the exciting water sports, the fine dining, and the great shopping blend effortlessly with the island's rich history to make Puerto Rico the shining star of the Caribbean.