Puerto Rican Food

Whether you are visiting Puerto Rico or not, you have to try Puerto Rican food at some point in your life. If you are lucky enough to visit Puerto Rico you will know that they have some of tastiest cuisine that you have ever tasted. Simply put, Puerto Rican food is delicious. Do yourself a favor and try some authentic Puerto Rican food whenever you have a chance. Obviously the best place to get the best food would be in Puerto Rico. Everyone raves and rants about the beautiful beaches, extraordinary resorts, and the unmatched nightlife. But when it comes to amazing food, Puerto Rico delivers. Food is certainly a big part of deciding where to go on vacation. Puerto Rico delivers as a great vacation spot in general, they just seem to have all the components to make a holiday getaway a success.

• Great Puerto Rican food is available in the form of breakfast all the way through dinner. Breakfast is actually a big part of the culture in Puerto Rico. Having a big breakfast is one way to taste many delicacies. A traditional Puerto Rican breakfast is a hearty meal that usual includes juice, chocolate caliente, fresh tropical fruits, eggs with beef, fried or sautéed plantains, and toasted local bread. Breakfast can be had at many Puerto Rican restaurants up until noon.

• When talking about Puerto Rican food, soup is always brought up. Lunch and dinner in Puerto Rico generally begin with a wide assortment of flavorful soups, including stew gumbos, often accompanied by appetizers of meat pies. Most soups and stews, along with other dishes, are made from “sofrito,” a sautéed mixture made of coriander, garlic, onion, sweet pepper, oregano and tomato puree.

• Puerto Rico always seems to have fresh fruits and vegetables. Roasted vegetables are prevalent when it comes to Puerto Rican food. Plantains and yams are part of almost every Puerto Rican meal. They are served dried, sautéed, mashed and mixed with salsa, rice and beans.

• Puerto Rican food and lobster go hand and hand. Caribbean lobster are usually sweeter than Maine lobsters and are a common delicacy in Puerto Rico along with dolphin and red snapper.

• Puerto Rican food also has great deserts too. You probably have heard about flan already, but if you haven’t it is best enjoyed in Puerto Rico. It is a delicious pudding and fruit paste served with native white cheese and a sampling of exotic fresh fruit such as papaya, mango, guanabana and parcha.

Puerto Rican food is available stateside too of course just like many other foods. If you ever in mood for trying something new, try looking up any authentic Puerto Rican restaurants in your area, you won’t be disappointed.

Puerto Rican Culture

Puerto Rican culture is a wide array of blends from different influences. Over the years Puerto Rico has been involved with different settlers and been a main strategic post for the Spanish army. The Puerto Rican culture that we know today has been molded through time. Like many other cultures, there are a multitude of things that make Puerto Rico unique. Puerto Rican culture can be seen as a mixture of Spanish, African, and Taino Indian. The creation of culture is a slow stir of mixtures in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has become modernized when the United States ultimately took over. Advancements in government, health care and even currency has changed the way of life in Puerto Rican culture. Despite that however, the heritage has not weakened and remained prevalent throughout the islands.

• To truly understand Puerto Rican culture, you must first know about the history of Puerto Rico. The islands’ original inhabitants were the Taino Indians. In the 18th century, the Spaniards began to take control of the islands and they would often take Taino brides. Years later, African slaves were imported. In 1898, when American expatriates came to the island, the culture already consisted of a rich blend of Chinese, French, Italian, and German peoples. In the 1960’s, Puerto Rico saw a surge in Cuban immigrants fleeing Fidel Castro. Much of the folklore heritage for Puerto Rican culture comes mainly from the Taino tribes, African slaves, and Spaniards.

• Puerto Rico is located right above the Caribbean Basin, and the Atlantic Ocean borders the north of the island. Puerto Rico consists of many smaller islands as well. One island of Puerto Rico is Mona, which is a wildlife preserve. There are about 20 other rainforest reserves, as preservation is a big concern.

• Celebrations are an important part of Puerto Rican culture. Many of the celebrations have a Roman Catholic influence in their modern incarnations. Christmas season in Puerto Rico is the longest celebration of the islands, and last from late November to the 6th of January. Feasts and festivities are common during Christmas season. Food such as fried plantains, roast pork, cooked yam, and meats wrapped in banana leaves are not uncommon during this time of year. Much like the American tradition of celebrating a young girls “sweet sixteen,” the Puerto Rican culture is to celebrate the fifteenth birthday. This is called Quinceanera and is a right of passage for young girls.

Food is always influenced by culture and the same applies here. Puerto Rican culture has helped shape almost every aspect of life on the islands. Improvements to the way of life, such as health care, public schools, freedom of assembly have all been added as the United States way of life. There is no doubt that Puerto Rico is diverse culture that has been shaped over time by many different influences.

Puerto Rico Beaches

Puerto Rico is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Puerto Rico’s beaches consistently rank among the best every year. The clear waters of Puerto Rico’s beaches are always the first thing that vacationers notice first. Puerto Rico is one of the best destinations for families and couples to go every year. Puerto Rico includes the main island and many smaller islands, all of which boast scenic beaches for swimming, sunbathing, diving, and water sports. Puerto Rico’s beaches are stunning to look at and to enjoy, if you are planning a trip to Puerto Rico, you will be in for a world of enjoyment.

• Puerto Rico enjoyed the presence of Christopher Columbus in 1493 and found it inhabited by the Arawak Indians. The Spanish took control of the island soon after and the native people were forced into slavery. Puerto Rico became a United States territory in 1898 under the Treaty of Paris and in 1952 became a self governing commonwealth.

• Puerto Rico’s beaches receive it’s beauty from being an archipelago. Puerto Rico’s beaches stunning features can be attributed to the white sand, leaning palm trees, and the spectacular sunset that you can be treated to everyday. Puerto Rico’s beaches are diverse in the way that they have been catered to fit all interests. Family oriented beaches, swimming beaches, surfing beaches, and beaches fit for water sports and snorkeling are all offered by the islands of Puerto Rico.

• Puerto Rico’s beaches, such as the Luquillo Beach are one of the most popular ones. Luquillo Beach is located east of San Juan. A less family oriented beach that is popular with single men and women is the Ocean Park Beach in San Juan and Isla Verde Beach to the east of San Juan. If you have come to Puerto Rico to enjoy some swimming, you should head to the northwest coast, where the rough Atlantic water kicks up large waves. For snorkeling, head to the islands of Vieques and Culebra, located off the mainland of Puerto Rico.

• Many people are interested in Puerto Rico’s beaches near their hotels. One of the most popular is the beach Isla Verde. Isla Verde is also home to the most vibrant nightlife Puerto Rico has to offer. The Wyndham El San Juan Hotel and Casino is on the coast of Isla Verde and is spectacular. Puerto Rico’s beaches often appear calm, but tourists should be careful to pay attention to weather conditions and currents. The northwestern coast sometimes has large waves that can overtake weaker swimmers. If you are traveling with children, you should make sure they do not venture out into conditions beyond their ability.

Puerto Rico Nightlife

If you are visiting Puerto Rico and you are either single or there with your significant other, then you will want to know about the colorful nightlife. Puerto Rico is known for its vibrant beaches and luxurious resorts. The truth is that Puerto Rico’s nightlife rivals that of Miami’s, New York City, or any other major city you can think of. Puerto Rico’s culture involves having many popular clubs, especially in the capital city of San Juan. Puerto Rico’s reputation is often associated with being laid back and relaxed, but night on the town in San Juan will have you rethinking your idea of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is an ideal vacation spot for families and there are resorts that cater to them, but as far as singles and couples looking to have a good time, downtown San Juan is the place to be.

• Puerto Rico is a vacation spot where you can definitely unwind. Many benefits about going to clubs include the incredible Latin salsa music, authentic rum drinks, and the idea of people hopping in and out of one club to another. Isla Verde is Puerto Rico’s spot for the best nightlife. The drinks in many of these clubs are excellent and are seemingly vibrant and colorful as the nightlife itself. Puerto Rico’s day blends seamlessly into night, particularly because of the gorgeous weather. It never seems like the clubs will close, and there are always friendly people walking around.

• If you’ve ever been out clubbing or enjoying the scene of nightlife in a big city, you will know that prices of drinks are expensive. The same applies to Puerto Rico’s nightlife as well. Getting a drink at the nightclubs in Puerto Rico in particular can run you $8 or more. Puerto Rico’s common drinks such as the mojitos or martinis seem to be the premium priced drinks. Calle Fortaleza is the street to be on if you want to experience the nightlife to the fullest. Puerto Rico is meant to be enjoyed to the maximum, and knowing all the hot spots will help you do just that. Hopping from club to club can get pricey, especially if you are going to be at it all night. But since you are visiting Puerto Rico, it’s okay to indulge yourself a little.

• Puerto Rico’s island of San Juan, particularly the city’s Old Town, is the most popular clubbing streets. Calle Fortaleza is well known, and you will know when you are on it. Fashion is a high priority in this area, and the way the women are dressed, you will see why. As a man you will want to dress accordingly as well. A nice pair of slacks and a shirt is an absolute must if you plan on going out.

San Sebastian Street is for those who are into the more casual crowd. Puerto Rico does offer a diverse bar scene for those who don’t want to go clubbing. This part of Puerto Rico offers laid back live music venues, pubs and clubs. Finding low priced drinks here won’t be a problem, as you can often find beer for $1.50 here. Puerto Rico’s nightlife isn’t for the feint of heart so to speak. It is loud, vibrant, and full of characters.

Puerto Rico Vacation

Going on vacation is one of those things every member of the workforce looks forward to every single year. Whether you plan on going down the shore, renting a bed and breakfast, or going to your local amusement park, a vacation is something that everyone needs at some point. Going on vacation with your kids can be a wonderful experience, and can help with family bonding. Puerto Rico is a great place to go with kids. A Puerto Rico vacation with your family is one of the popular holiday destination nowadays. Puerto Rico offers plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. A Puerto Rico vacation can include spending your day relaxing at the beach, exploring a rain forest, or playing at a them park. There truly is something for everyone when deciding on going on a Puerto Rico vacation.

• Puerto Rico is like a mini United States tropical island. With the same currency, telephone dialing system and even the same driving rules, Puerto Rico offers all the convenience of traveling within the United States with the mirage of a tropical island vacation. No passport is necessary for U.S. citizens because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. No special immunizations are required to travel when planning for your Puerto Rico vacation. It is still a smart idea to be up to date with all the routine vaccines just to be safe. When planning for you Puerto Rico vacation, you will want to keep your kids occupied on the flight. Having some of your kids favorite toys or books is a great way to keep them in check. Being on an airplane to long can wear on a child, especially if they are young.

• As you are planning your Puerto Rico vacation, you will want to find the best hotels that will suit your family, primarily your kids. There are a few kid friendly hotels and resorts available on the island. Las Casitas resort has it’s own camp for kids that offer kid friendly activities, such as day trips to the resort’s private Palomino Island where children can enjoy nature walks and horseback riding. The even have introductory golf clinics at the resort for children. Puerto Rico also offers the Coqui Water Park, the Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa, Caribe Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde and the Ritz-Carlton San Juan. All of these places feature kid programs such as introductory Spanish classes and kids club beach trips.

• A Puerto Rico vacation will be something that your kids never forget. Coral reefs provide a natural barrier from strong waves and currents for several beaches around the island. Puerto Rico has the Seven Seas Beach park in Fajardo, and is protected by and off-shore reef and features two coastal lagoons. Puerto Rico also features the calm waters of El Escambron. Located in San Juan, the beach park has playgrounds, a restaurant and a friendly atmosphere.

Your families Puerto Rico vacations will be a huge hit with the kids. While visiting Puerto Rico, you can have you kids go on a day trip with licensed professionals while you spend some alone time with your loved one. A Puerto Rico vacation doesn’t have to be expensive either. Compared to many other exotic locations, Puerto Rico is a fairly inexpensive way for a family to enjoy sun, sun and more sun.

Puerto Rico History

Puerto Rico’s history goes back to the time where the Ortoiroid people settled on the archipelago of Puerto Rico between 3000 and 2000 B.C. Puerto Rican history also states that tribes such as the Saladoid and Arawak Indians populated the island between 430 B.C. and 1000 A.D. Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World in 1492, and at the time the indigenous culture was of the Tainos. Puerto Rico’s history can be traced back to when the Spanish Empire controlled Puerto Rico as a key asset. The island was a key military post during many wars between Spain and other European powers during the 16th though 18th centuries.

• Puerto Rican history is interesting because it was a key in many wars. Puerto Rico served as Spain’s final outposts in a strategy to regain control of the American continents. In 1898, during the Spanish-American war, Puerto Rico was invaded and became the possession of the United States. Scholars that are educated with Puerto Rico’s history will tell you that this is one of the darkest times in the islands history. It took many years for Puerto Rico to gain many of the democratic rights from the United States. The Foraker Act of 1900 was an integral part of Puerto Rico’s history. This established a civil government in Puerto Rico. Another big act in Puerto Rican history would be the Jones Act of 1917 which granted Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship, laid the groundwork for the drafting of Puerto Rico’s constitution and the establishment of democratic elections in 1952.

• Puerto Rico has been ruled by the United States since 1898 and a lot of good has come from it. Scholars that study Puerto Rico’s history will share with you that many ways of life were Americanized so to speak. The implementation of the eight hour work day for government employees was established, along with the Puerto Rican peso being changed to the United States dollar. Puerto Rican history was forever changed when freedom of assembly, speech, press and religion were decreed. The public school system was begun along with the U.S. Postal service. These were two of the brighter spots in Puerto Rico’s history. Other highlights under the U.S. rule in Puerto Rican history would be the abolishment of government lottery and cockfighting. The most important event in Puerto Rico’s history would also be the centralized public health service being established.

Puerto Rican history under the United States rule hasn’t been that bad. A lot of positives have come from this, most notably the heath service. Puerto Rico’s history health was terrible and a lot of epidemics were going around that could have been easily suppressed. Puerto Rican history involves a lot of turning points in many wars. Puerto Rico’s history is that of rich culture, arts, and eventful moments. Puerto Rico’s history involves much more events, but this article was designed to give you a brief sampler of some of the highlights in Puerto Rican history. Puerto Rico’s history goes back thousands of years, and that alone makes it worth visiting on vacation. People know about the beautiful beaches and resorts, but there is a lot of history to be soaked up as well.

Puerto Rico Hotels

There are many Puerto Rican Hotels to choose from and various rates to consider. It will depend on where and what time of the year you plan on making your trip. Puerto Rico’s hotels and resorts are primarily located on the island of San Juan. San Juan continues to be the number one tourist attraction. Puerto Rico’s hotels are all beautiful and have great accommodations. Knowing where to find the best deals for some of the better Puerto Rican hotels is the key to having a great, but cost effective vacation. No one wants to overspend on hotels during these economic times. Going to Puerto Rico means doing some research and comparing the various hotels that Puerto Rico has to offer.

• Puerto Rico’s hotels in San Juan are some of the best that the commonwealth has to offer. If staying at any of the Puerto Rican hotels does not tickle your fancy, you can always look up any beachfront property that you can rent. Sometimes if you have good timing you can find places like this for relatively cheap.

• Reputable hotel booking websites online are the way to go. Try not get caught up in deals that seem too good to be true. Finding Puerto Rico’s hotels online is the easy part, but researching the rates, what kind of rooms, and the other accommodations is the hardest part. Puerto Rico’s hotels in San Juan are always in high demand, especially during the winter season. If you are planning on making a trip in the winter, booking and having all your reservations set months in advance would be the smart thing to do. Puerto Rican hotels do fill up fast so be prepared.

• Deals on hotel stays in San Juan are available on some of the more popular websites. Call accommodations about special rates and packages that will work best for you. Depending on where you want to stay, you will need to find the right Puerto Rican hotels. If you want to stay in the rain forest you should consider finding one of Puerto Rico’s hotels in the west coast of Puerto Rico in a city such as Rincon. Most tourist flock to the more popular destination in the East/Northeast in San Juan or Luquillo.

• You will want to keep your budget in mind while looking at locations. Generally speaking, West Puerto Rico has few tourists and usually has more cheap Puerto Rican hotels available. However, guesthouses and hostels are an economical alternative to hotel stay in San Juan.

• Puerto Rico’s hotels don’t have to cost you and arm and a leg. The El Yunque Rain forest region has nice, but very expensive, private inns. However, budget cabins can be rented for around $35 a night in the same general area. Puerto Rican hotels shouldn’t take up your entire budget, you want to have money left over to enjoy all the history and culture of the island. Puerto Rico’s hotels are some the best facilities you will have the pleasure of staying at.

Tourist Spots In Puerto Rico

So you’ve packed your bags, and booked your flight to Puerto Rico and you want to know the best places to visit. Puerto Rico’s tourist spots offer much culture and history. Anytime you go on vacation you want to fully experience what there is to offer. Puerto Rico’s history is rich with culture and art. Many people aren’t aware of this, but will soon get acclimated with it when they visit Puerto Rico. Of course there are the beautiful beaches and resorts that you will probably spend most of your time, but make sure to do Puerto Rico justice by visiting the various historical sites the island has to offer. Puerto Rico’s islands, specifically San Juan, are beautiful and all have lovely beaches and places to visit.

• Puerto Rico’s Pablo Casals Museum in San Juan is dedicated to Pablo Casals, a renowned Spanish cellist who spent the last sixteen years of his life on the island. Music lovers, especially those that love classical music, will enjoy this museum the most. The museum itself has manuscripts, cellos, personal memorabilia and pictures all relating to Casals’ life.

• Old San Juan is Puerto Rico’s most historical section of the commonwealth. The area has retained a rich Spanish colonial flair and heritage, but distinctly remaining Puerto Rican at the same time. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1983, this is the oldest city under the U.S flag. Full of beautiful sixteenth and seventeenth century traditional colonial buildings, going there is like taking a trip back in time.

• Puerto Rico has the Plaza of Delights (Plaza las Delicias) in Ponce on the South Coast. This plaza is composed of two squares that are surrounded by the 19th century buildings. The Fountain of Lions, a cathedral, and various benches are located at the plaza. Puerto Rico’s most famous plaza serves as a peaceful, happy getaway area. This is the perfect place to drink coffee at an outdoor cafe and just relax.

• Puerto Rico also is home to one of the more historical colonial coffee plantations from 1833. It is located in a subtropical forest, and visitors can observe nature in the form of a waterfall and the Canos River. The plantation itself is decorated with period antiques. The machinery and mill are in working condition and make for a very genuine visiting experience.

• Finally, you will want to visit Puerto Rico’s Jayuya in Cordillera Mountains. Puerto Rico has beautiful small towns and villages and Jayuya is no different. This small town was founded in 1883, and has a strong native heritage. Puerto Rico has strong roots to growing coffee, but now the town functions as a beautiful and peaceful resort where tourists come to shops for native arts and crafts. Puerto Rico’s natives often refer to Jayuya as their indigenous capital.

Puerto Rico’s strong and rich culture is a profound experience to enjoy. You will find yourself learning a lot about Puerto Rico’s heritage just by observing some of the quaint villages. Puerto Rico can’t be done in a weekends, and that’s a positive. You definitely need a week or two in Puerto Rico to truly soak it all in.

Many people each want to use their precious time off of work to go on a vacation with their family. A Puerto Rico vacation should be something you consider. Puerto Rico is a great place to visit anytime during the year, especially for those who want to get away during the cold winter. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. A commonwealth is basically an associated free state. When considering your Puerto Rico vacation, many tourists visit the San Juan area. It has many resorts and pretty much caters to vacationers. San Juan is an island of Puerto Rico and is said to be the most beautiful of all the islands on Puerto Rico. A Puerto Rico vacation can be a bit expensive, so it is best to do some research about the various hotels and sights you will want to see and what it will cost. Going to Puerto Rico is one of those things you will remember for the rest of your life.

• A Puerto Rico vacation is great for both the family or for a couple that wants to get away. It’s a great place for newlyweds to go on their honeymoon as well.

• Planning your Puerto Rico vacation consists of doing a lot of research and trying to get the best deals possible. Unlike going to your local shore for the weekend, you can’t just get up and go to Puerto Rico. If you check at the various online ticketing websites for flights, you might be able to find round trip tickets for as low as $200. That’s a great deal, but it obviously matters what time of year you want to go. Around Christmas time is the most hectic, and usually when prices go up.

• Your Puerto Rico vacation most likely will revolve around beaches, beaches and more beaches. But that is not to say that there aren’t other things to see. Puerto Rico has much history and you would do yourself justice in doing some sightseeing. Places like El Morro Spanish fort, the San Cristobal fortress, the Arecibo Observatory, the Guanica Biosphere Reserve tropical dry forest, and the Felisa Rincon de Gautier Museum are all highlights of going on a Puerto Rico vacation.

• Going on a Puerto Rico vacation will mean that you are relaxing in the sun all day long. Some of the best resorts to do that are the Gran Canaria, Paradisus, Rio Grande, and the resort at Fajardo.

• You should call some of these resorts in Puerto Rico to see what the rates are currently, or what they will be during your visit.

Going to Puerto Rico is something you can brag about to your friends and family when you come back home. They will undoubtedly be jealous of your trip to Puerto Rico and want to know every detail. A Puerto Rico vacation can be great for the mind, body and soul when you need some time off from work and you want to spend some quality time with your family.