Taste the rum and practice your best salsa on the Caribbean island paradise of Puerto Rico. The islands are located in the Caribbean Sea, just east of the Dominican Republic, with about 3/4 Spanish and 1/4 English speaking natives. But don’t worry because all tourist areas are primarily English speaking as is the case in the majority of worldwide touristy areas. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, which includes one main island, Greater Antilles, and several smaller islands and keys. While largely mountainous, you’ll find spectacular, sandy beaches along the northern coastline.

Puerto Rico is a land rich with ancient folklore derived from the tales of slaves and Spaniards. Recorded from writing and art of indigenous people, the legends tell of demons haunting the island after sundown. Many focus on stories of pirates in search of gold and riches, while others touch on acts of god which destroyed major island crops. The legend of ‘El jibaro’, or a plain, simple person who lives in the mountain’s core, is still personified as a folk hero through local art and literature.

As the sun sets, the exciting nightlife from the cobble-stoned city of San Juan to Santurce and the Condado-Isla Verde strip. Place your bet at hotel casinos; enjoy fantastic live jazz and wild nightclubs. Then take a midnight dip in the temperate tropical waters. Visit Mosquito Bay in Vieques and watch the luminous display among the mangrove trees lining the beautiful beaches. Tour the Phosphorescent Bay in La Parguera, where affordable boat rides escort you into darkness to watch a thrilling display of underwater fish flashing neon-green lights.

Indulge on delicious Spanish cuisine offering a unique American, African and Taino twist. Taste succulent corns and fruits, crunchy cod fritters, black bean soup, kettle-cooked stews, lamb, fried beefsteak and onions, plus barbecued pig. For desert, island guests enjoy sweet banana cupcakes, custard and nisperos de batata, or luscious potato balls with cloves, coconut and cinnamon. There is truly something for everyone. Before you leave, tantalize your taste buds with Puerto Rican coffee, beer or rum of any shade, the national drink.

Imagine sunbathing, surfing, kayaking and golfing by day, then partying by night within mild, tropical marine climate ranging between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. With its clement weather, scenic locations and thriving bars and beaches, Puerto Rico is a perfect escape from the humdrum pattern of home.
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