Top Five Reasons To Live In Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has a lot to offer if you are contemplating moving to the island.  Living on an island is not for everyone, but Puerto Rico is the place for those who want a change of pace and a new adventure.  Here are the top reasons to live in Puerto Rico:


1) Great Weather -  Puerto Rico is in the tropics and the weather is always nice.  Even when it rains, it is warm.  The temperature averages 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  Many visitors come to the island to escape the cold weather back home and chase the sunshine in Puerto Rico. 

2) Puerto Rico is an island that has a lot to offer - From beautiful beaches, mountains, picturesque towns, to the small islands of Vieques and Culebra.

3) Great Culture - Puerto Rico has a lot of history, and a rich culture that centers around music.  Music is very important to the island, from typical music like Bomba y Plena, to Salsa and Merengue music.  Puerto Ricans are always ready for a party and music and dancing play a big part in their daily lives.

4) Delicious Cuisine -  Puerto Rican cuisine was influenced by the Spanish, African and Indian inhabitants of the island.  Puerto Rican dishes are seasoned with a combination of spices.

5) Easy to get to -  Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States and all Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.  This makes it easier to travel from Puerto Rico to the mainland.


                                                          

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Top No Cost Things To Do In Puerto Rico

If you are visiting Puerto Rico and you have to stay on budget, here are the top things you can do in Puerto Rico with no money:


Old San Juan:  With its cobblestone and narrow streets, Old San Juan is a must see for its colonial charm.  You can find shops, restaurants, and museums, as well as historical sites like El Morro Fort and La Fortaleza, the governors mansion.  Old San Juan has some great views of the San Juan Bay.


El Yunque Rain Forest:  Take a half-hour drive from San Juan, to the tropical rain forest, for a hike along the trails.


Pinones:  This area, ten minutes from Isla Verde, is popular with the locals on the weekends during the day, where people can walk through many kiosk that have traditional fritters.  You can view how they are made and enjoy the views of the ocean.  The fritters and drinks are not free, but they are inexpensive.


Beaches:  There are many beaches in Puerto Rico.  In the San Juan area you can find Isla Verde Beach, the best beach in the area. 


Live Music:  Music is a big part of the Puerto Rican culture.  You can listen to live bands playing Salsa and Merengue at most hotels in Puerto Rico at no cost.  For live music outdoors, La Placita, at Plaza del Mercado in Santurce is a popular spot.  Of course drinks and food are not included.


Window Shopping:  Pureto Ricans love to shop, and their favorite place is at the largest mall in The Caribbean, Plaza Las Americas.  Plaza Las Americas is the place If you want to escape the heat, or rain, people watch, and do some window shopping.  It will cost you nothing, unless you buy something.


                                                                 

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Top Beaches For Surfing In Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is the place for surfing.  The western coastal towns of Puerto Rico: Isabela, Aguadilla, Aguada, and Rincon, have the best surf conditions.  Rincon, Puerto Rico is the most famous for its world surfing events.  Rincon is dubbed "The Caribbean Pipeline," and is regarded as one of the best surf spots around the world.  The beaches in these towns have ideal surf conditions thanks to the strong winds.  In addition to great surfing, the climate is great and the beaches have warm water temperatures,  that attract surfers from around the world.  


The following are top beaches for surfing in Puerto Rico:


West Coast of Puerto Rico:

Rincon - Tres Palmas, Marias, Domes, Sandy Beach.

Aguadilla - Crash Boat, Wilderness, Surfer's Beach.

Isabela -  Jobos, Middles.


North Coast of Puerto Rico:

Arecibo - Hollows.

Manati -  Los Tubos.

San Juan - La Ocho, La Bomba.

Carolina - Pine Grove. Caballos.

Loiza -  Chatarra, Aviones.


East Coast of Puerto Rico:

Luquillo -  La Pared, La Selva.

Fajardo -  Race Track, El Faro.

Humacao -  Palmas Del Mar.

Patillas -  Inches.


Most beaches in the area have a surf shop nearby providing equipment, surfboard rentals, and surf lessons.  Enjoy surfing in Puerto Rico!  Surfs up!


                                                                 

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Top Five Beaches Of Vieques, Puerto Rico

Vieques, an island off the east coast of Puerto Rico has great beaches to enjoy.  Here are the top five  beaches of Vieques, Puerto Rico:


Red Beach

Red beach, with white sand and crystal clear waters, Red beach is located on the southern side of Vieques, and is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife reserve.


Esperanza Beach

Esperanza beach is located in the main town of Esperanza, and close to restaurant and bars.  Esperanza means hope.


Blue Beach

Blue beach, a long and blue isolated beach on the east side of Vieques.  Blue beach is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. 


Secret Beach

Secret beach is located in the center of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife reserve.  Secret beach is small and hard to find, but people love this beach.  


Sun Bay Beach

Sun Bay beach, is a favorite among the locals.  It is easy to get to and has picnic tables, restrooms, and a camp ground.


Have fun exploring these great beaches of Vieques, Puerto Rico.  Take a look at Secret beach:




                                                                      

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Vieques, Puerto Rico

Vieques or Isla de Vieques, is an island 8 miles to the east of the main island of Puerto Rico, and South of Culebra, another island of Puerto Rico.  Vieques, Puerto Rico, is located in the northeastern Caribbean, and is approximately 21 miles long by 4 miles wide.  Vieques is a 30-minute flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The two main towns of Vieques are Isabel Segunda, in the northern side of the island and Esperanza, located on the southern side.  The beaches of Vieques have always been very popular, and are among the top beaches in the Caribbean, for their clear blue waters and white sands.


For sixty years the United States Navy used the Eastern side of the island of Vieques for military exercises, including:  testing for bombs, missiles and other weapons.  In 2003, the Navy withdrew from Vieques, and much of the island was designated a National Wildlife Refuge under the control of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.  Vieques remained almost entirely undeveloped for tourism, and this has made the island of Vieques a big attraction.  The rural charm and pristine deserted beaches, have made Vieques a popular destination. 


A unique feature of Vieques is the pristine bioluminescent bay, Mosquito Bay.  Mosquito Bay, is the world's largest and brightest Bio Bay.  The luminescence is caused by micro-organisms (dinoflagellates) which glow whenever the water is disturbed, leaving a trail of neon blue.  Kayaking is permitted in the bay and can be arranged through local tour companies.  Vieques is also famous for its wild horses, which roam free over parts of the island.


The following are some places of interest in Vieques:

•  Fortín Conde de Mirasol (Count Mirasol Fort), a fort built by the Spanish in the mid 19th century, now a museum  
   
•  Playa Esperanza (Esperanza Beach)
  
•  Faro Punta Mulas, built in 1896
  
•  Sun Bay Beach
  
•  The Bioluminescent Bay
  
•  Puerto Ferro Archaeological Site
  
•  Black Sand Beach
  
•  Underground U.S. Navy Bunkers
  
•  Wreckage of the World War II Navy Destroyer USS Killen (DD593)       
  
  
  Take a look at a video of Vieques:
  
  
  
  
                                                     
  
  
                                                            
  
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Top Five Reasons To Visit Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico



• Attractions:
  
  There are many places to visit and things to do in Puerto Rico.  Compared to other islands in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has a lot to offer.  From the majestic forts of  Old San Juan, to the El Yunque Rain Forest, a vacation in Puerto Rico is not just about taking in the sun and relaxing at the beach.  When planning your trip, make sure to give yourself enough time to explore beyond San Juan, to other towns in Puerto Rico, and the islands off the coast of Puerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques
  
   
• Culture:
  
  Puerto Rico has a rich culture that centers around music.  Music is very important to the island, from typical music like Bomba y Plena, to Salsa and Merengue music.  Puerto Ricans are always ready for a party and music and dancing play a big part in their daily lives.  The Coqui, a small frog, is the unofficial animal of Puerto Rico.  Puerto Rican cuisine was influenced by the Spanish, African and Indian inhabitants of the island.  Puerto Rican dishes are seasoned with a combination of spices.
  
  
  
• Beaches:
  
  Puerto Rico has many beaches.  From secluded to popular beaches, visitors can have their choice of beaches facing the Atlantic or the Caribbean.  The beaches of the town of Rincon, are known worldwide for its surfing, and Flamenco Beach in Culebra, is considered one of the World's top beaches.  If your idea of a vacation is the sun and beach, Puerto Rico is the place for you.
  
  
  
• Weather:
  
  Puerto Rico is in the tropics and the weather is always nice.  Even when it rains, it is warm.  The temperature averages  80 degrees Fahrenheit.  Many visitors come to the island to escape the cold weather back home and chase the sunshine in Puerto Rico. 
  
  
  
• No passport required:
  
  Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States and all Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens.  There is no passport required for visitors who are U.S. citizens, however visitors continuing their journey to other parts of the Caribbean will need their U.S. passports. 
  
  
  

Trump Residences in Puerto Rico

Trump International Golf Club & Residences in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, is the first development in Puerto Rico to combine, residences world class golf and a beach resort in one location.  Covering 1,000 acres on the Atlantic Ocean, the property is located on a private penninsula, between beautiful beaches and the El Yunque National Forest.

All residents will have memberships to two 18 hole PGA Tournament level golf courses, designed by Tom Kite and access to the Trump clubhouse.

For more detailed information about the residences, here is their site:

http://www.trumppuertoricoresidences.com/  

Puerto Rico, Patillas Vacation

Patillas, Puerto Rico

Lake Carite, Patillas, Puerto Rico

Church in the Plaza of Patillas, Puerto Rico

Most people who visit Puerto Rico, don't explore beyond  the San Juan area, but there is plenty to see.

Recently, a friend invited me to visit the town of Patillas, also known as "The Emerald of the South".  I wanted to get out to the countryside, so I accepted.

We traveled from San Juan to San Lorenzo, where we took the mountain road to Patillas.  The road was barely two lanes with many, many curves, so it was an exciting drive.  We passed lush verdant green mountains and a beautiful lake.  We found a good spot in the shade and stopped to have a bit of food and enjoy the view, before we continued on to the town.

"The Emerald of the South", Patillas, Puerto Rico is located on the southeastern coast of the island and stretches north to the southernmost tip of the Carite Forest.  The Carite Forest has many hiking trails, and one such trail, located in Patillas, leads directly to Charco Azul (Blue Pool).  The pool is fed by a small creek that runs from high in the mountains of the "Cordillera Central".  The pool gets its name of "Charco Azul" from the bluish tint of the water, but maybe is just the reflection of the blue sky.  Patillas, Puerto Rico has lakes, rivers, and sandy beaches, in addition to lovely green mountains.  It takes only a short drive to go from the mountains to the ocean and back again.

The town of Patillas was founded in 1811.  Patillas is the indigenous name of a native type of watermelon which grew abundantly in the area.  In 1821 a royal decree allowed the development of a port to stimulate trade.  The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church was built in 1845.  It was rebuilt in 1930, after Hurricane San Felipe in 1928, completely destroyed it.  This beautiful church faces the the lovely town plaza which has a water fountain and shade trees.

Patillas, Puerto Rico celebrates two festivals, the Patron Saint festival, held in March and the Emerald of the South Carnival, held in May.  Both are popular with the residents, there are many food stands, lots of music and everyone enjoys the festivities.  Next time you are in the island of Puerto Rico, don't forget to put the town of Patillas on the places to visit.   

Culebra, Puerto Rico

Culebra is an island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. Culebra is a popular weekend destination for Mainland Puerto Ricans and tourist from around the world. Culebra has one of the best beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach. The beach extends for a mile, with white coral sand.  Flamenco Beach is protected by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources as a Marine Wildlife Reserve.


There is very little commercial development on the island, because of its protective status.  The Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge in Puerto Rico and it was created in 1909. Culebra has one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in the United States.  More than 50,000 seabirds of 13 species find their way to this part of the ocean every year to breed.  Many other bird species permanently call Culebra home and three species of sea turtles: Leatherback, green sea, and hawksbill use the waters around Culebra, and nest on refuge beaches.

                                                                    

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Top Five Attractions in Puerto Rico

Old San Juan

El Yunque

1. El Morro Fort and Old San Juan: El Morro is a World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site in the U.S. National Park Service.  Old San Juan is the historic colonial section of San Juan.
   
   
2. El Yunque: Is the only rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System.
   
   
   
3. Bioluminescent Bay: In Laguna Grande, Fajardo. The East region of Puerto Rico.
   
   
4. Camuy Caves and Arecibo Observatory: Camuy Caves is a system of subterranean caves, and the Arecibo Observatory has the world's largest single-dish radio telescope. It is located in the northwest mountains of the island.
   
   
5. Culebra and Vieques: These are two islands located off the eastern shore of Puerto Rico. Both of these islands have beautiful beaches, and the pace of life is slower than the mainland.
   
                                                                  
   
                                                                    
   
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