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| Puerto Rico Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort chris molina What is Puerto Rico? Is it part of the United States is it a country? Not many people really know. It is a bit confusing: technically Puerto Rico it is a territory of the USA, but it is not one of the states. The spirit of the Puerto Rico is very independent, however. The travel hot spot of the island is the capital of San juan. It is a modern city with ancient roots and lots of sights that date back hunderds of years. Many people do not care to venture any further. This is too bad. The rest of the island offers many beautiful places, great hiking opportunities and old colonial plaza's. Other places of interest include Ponce and the Parque of El yunque. ___________Sights Edit This El Morro Old San Juan El Morro Old San Juan Vecky Lopez (Vcky) Puerto Rico Nightlife for more information visit a good website about nightlife in Puerto Rico www.islaqueridanightlife.com [Add Sight] Bungholeo Point Edit This Bungholeo Point is where all the natives go to be with their mistress! type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] email: Halookieman@hotmail.com __________Getting Around Edit This Renting a car is the best way to see the island. International car rental agencies are well represented on the island and there are plenty of local operators. Your home driving license is valid. Note that local driving habits are erratic (to be kind) though relatively free of aggro (to be fair). Also watch out for the speed limit signs which are in miles per hour even though distances are in kilometers. Drive on the right-hand side of the road. If driving doesn't appeal you can stock up on patience and take public transport. Minivans known as públicos link all decent-sized towns on the island. They have no set schedule and usually operate on short hops so be prepared for several changes if you're traveling a long distance and it's not between two major cities. Públicos are cheap sociable and recognizable by the 'P' or 'PD' on their license plate. You can flag one down anywhere. Metered taxis are plentiful in San Juan and other major tourist centers. San Juan's Luis Muñnz Marín International Airport is on the eastern fringe of the city. There are car rental agencies at the airport and plenty of taxis and buses for the short jaunt into San Juan. There's a baggage check in Terminal C which is handy if you're island hopping and want to travel light. Cheap government-operated ferries do the run from Fajardo to the islands of Culebra and Vieques. At least four ferries a day ply either route and the journey to either island is around one hour. It's possible to take a car including rental cars on the ferry to Culebra but it's necessary to book well in advance. ____________Getting There Edit This Here's how you can reach Puerto Rico. Contributors December 28, 2006 change by giorgio [Add Global transport mode] By Air Edit This San Juan can be reached from many places in the United States with non stop flights, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York and Orlando. Major airlines from the United States include American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Northwest, Pan Am and United. JetBlue, Continental and Atlantic Southeast also fly to Aguadilla, on the west coast. Those three airlines also reach Ponce, in the South. American Eagle, Caribbean Star, Caribbean Sun and LIAT are among the airlines that fly to the rest of more.. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] __________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. A diverse industrial sector has surpassed agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty-free access to the US and by tax incentives US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US minimum wage laws apply. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income for the island with estimated arrivals of nearly 4 million tourists in 1993. The construction sector has been a key factor in recent economic growth. GDP: purchasing power parity—$32.9 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 3% (1997 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$8 600 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate—consumer price index: 5.5% (1997 est.) Labor force: total: 1.3 million (1996) by occupation: government 19% manufacturing 13% trade 17% construction 5% other 32% unemployed 14% (1996) Unemployment rate: 13% (FY96/97 est.) Budget: revenues: $5.1 billion expenditures: $5.1 billion including capital expenditures of $NA (FY94/95) Industries: pharmaceuticals electronics apparel food products; tourism Industrial production growth rate: 5% (1994 est.) Electricity—capacity: 4.465 million kW (1995) Electricity—production: 17.34 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 4 548 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: livestock products chickens; sugarcane coffee pineapples plantains bananas Exports: total value: $22.9 billion (f.o.b. 1996) commodities: pharmaceuticals electronics apparel canned tuna rum beverage concentrates medical equipment partners: US 88% (1995 est.) Imports: total value: $19.1 billion (c.i.f. 1996) commodities: chemicals clothing food fish petroleum products partners: US 62% (1995 est.) Debt—external: $NA Economic aid: none Currency: 1 US dollar (US$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 July—30 June ____________Health Before setting off, you might want to check the illnesses described below that occur here. The information is from the CDC and should be pretty accurate, but if you really think you have something, go see a doctor. If you're not sure where to find good medical attention, check with a the nearest international hotel, they are usually in the know (though the facilities they refer to might charge you a little bit more) Rabies A dangerous and possible deadly disease, can be contracted from a wild animal to a human w/ a single bite. Please when visiting do not touch animals that do not seem tamed. ____________Beaches Edit This Guanica, Puerto Rico Guanica, Puerto Rico Vcky One of Puerto Rico's most famous beaches is Luquillo Beach. It is located on the island's Northeast coast and is considered to be one of the world's best beaches. Luquillo beach is a "Blue Flag" beach. While the beach in itself is fabulous and beautiful, on the west side of the beach you will find one of the most popular spots among locals. The "Luquillo Kiosks" which number over a dozen are popular eateries among the local population. For a few dollars one can get a full authentic Puerto Rican meal. There is usually lots of music and dancing at the kiosks and locals love to have tourists and foreigners join in. :::::::::Aguadilla Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Aguadilla view from Parque Colon Beach Aguadilla view from Parque Colon Beach Javier Salva-Camacho City located at the northwest part of the island. World surfing championship beaches. Water park and the only Ice Skating Arena complex in the Caribbean. ::::::::::Arecibo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Settled in 1556, Arecibo became the third Spanish settlement. Founded sixty years later, in 1616, when the King of Spain granted that section of land and the Indians on it to Lope Conchillos, under the governorship of Captain Felipe de Beaumont y Navarra. The leader (Indian chief) of these Indians was called Jamaica Aracibo, their yucayeque was named after him and ultimately the town was called by that same name. Arecibo is also known as "La Villa del Capitán Correa" in memory of a battle fought successfully on its shores by Captain Antonio Correa and a handful of soldiers to rebel a British invasion by sea lead by Englishmen Admiral Whelstone in August 5, 1702. You can visit "Cueva del Indio, an archeological site, the cave is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, in Bo. Islote. It it is called "The Cave of the Indian", because drawings of the Indians that lived in this area in the Prehistoric Era were found in the walls of the cave. Arecibo is the largest city in geographical size on the island. Its rivers are: Rio Grande de Arecibo and Río Tanamá. ___________Sights Edit This Contributors October 20, 2004 new by hpharmsen (1 point) [Add Sight] Arecibo Observatory Edit This The arecibo observatory is the largest radio telescope on earth. The visitor's center has an impressive exhibition about space and the observation of space as well as on the global climate on earth. You can easily spend a couple of hours here and might want to proceed to the close-by Camuy caves. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] :::::::::Arecibo observatory Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Image of the Telescope Image of the Telescope ECruz The arecibo observatory is the largest radio telescope on earth. The visitor's center has an impressive exhibition about space and the observation of space as well as on the global climate on earth. You can easily spend a couple of hours here and might want to proceed to the close-by Camuy caves. Also you can see Pluto the tin planet from the night sky. ::::::::Cabezas de san juan nature preserve Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see x We currently have no information about Cabezas de san juan nature preserve. If you do know any general information about Cabezas de san juan nature preserve, please [Edit this article]. ::::::: Cabo rojo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Cabo Rojo is located on the southwestern tip of the island The area is very beautiful. There are beautiful seascapes. The old lighthouse is worth a visit as well. Nearby is the the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge has a visitors center and interpretive displays as well as bird-watching trails. Cabo Rojo is about 3o km south of Mayaguez. ::::::::::Culebra Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The arid island of Culebra is located off the east coast of the mainland of Puerto Rico and can be reached by ferry from Playa Fajardo or by plane from San Gimignano. Besides the fact that the flight is not very expensive, you'll have some breathtaking views before arriving at the airport of Culebra. Coral reefs, beaches, mountains and little villages set the tone on this island. A good option for exploring the island is by bike. It is a pleasant ride from Dewey to the unbelievable white Flamenco Beach, an excellent snorkelling spot. :::::::::El yunque Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see El Yunque is the most important place to go hiking in Puerto Rico. The national parc is located on a mountain anthat is surrounded by a huge bird sanctuary and rain forest. The local Indians have always attributed magical powers to the mountain. Begin your visit at El Portal Visitors Center which recently opened a third new pavilion. Exhibits at the handicapped-accessible facility range from high-tech multimedia displays to a giant light-up map that shows how the rain forest supplies water to huge sections of the island. Several hiking trails lead to waterfalls that are especially pleasant during or at the end of the rainy season. Nearby are some good beaches, the best known being Luquillo Beach. It has coconut palms and all the sort of things you would want to find on your beach. :::::::Guanica Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Guanica (pop. 20 000) site of the first U.S. troop landing in the Spanish-American War is now noted for the Guanica Forest Reserve. On UNESCO’s list of Biosphere Reserves the dry forest has 48 rare tree species and is an excellent place for bird watching.The beaches in this area are beatiful and clean. One of it's best beaches is "Caña Gorda". This beach is very safe for your family and children. This beach is located on the south side of Puerto Rico in a town known as "Guanica", close to Lajas. If you are the type of person who likes to surf or plainly enjoy watching the big waves. Then right down the road from Caña Gorda is another beach called "Ballena", which means whale. This beach is very tidy and wavy.So if you decide to go to this beach be shure that if you have children, to always keep a very close eye on them. Close by from "Ballena" there is a boat rental if you want to go out and explore the wonders of this lucious island. ::::::::.Isla Verde Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see x http://internetactive.atspace.com InternetActive welcomes you to Isla Verde Isla Verde is a district of Carolina, Puerto Rico. It is bordered to the north by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west by the San Juan area of El Condado, to the south by Santurce (also a San Juan area) and to the east by downtown Carolina. Isla Verde has been, for decades, a main touristic area in Puerto Rico, hosting various hotels, casinos and discoteques. ::::::Phosphorescent bay Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i You've got to feel the extraordinary experience of actually being there, touching the glowing water. A most wonderful thing, definitely worth leaving wherever you are and seeking these bays out. :::::::::Ponce Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A view from the Castello Seralles, overlooking Ponce A view from the Castello Seralles, overlooking Ponce raschi Ponce is the best place to experience an old colonial town in Puerto Rico. Lots of money has been spent to preserve the old city center and the result of that investment is The heydays of Ponce was during the last century when it was the center of the island’s sugar-growing country. The great wealth that resulted was used to construct ornate buildings and to make the city the cultural center of the south. Many of its balconied mansions have been renovated and painted pastel pink and mint green and its classy opera house and impressive museums are once again drawing visitors from across the country. :::::::::::Rincon Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see "The grandeur of a country is not measured by the extension of its territory, but by the greatness of its people.", said a wise Puerto Rican. Puerto Rico is a small country and Puerto Ricans are a great people. They are fun-loving, good-natured, very friendly and generous with their hospitality. Since the late 1950's, a small colony of U.S. Americans resides and does business in Rincon. Our first residents were the Taíno tribes, a peaceful people, who cultivated the land, hunted and fished. According to local historians, our first guest was Christopher Columbus, who showed up at Córcega Beach in 1493, for what the natives thought was an unreserved, short stay. Five hundred years later, during a celebration of Columbus' discovery, the captain of a visiting ship from Spain, asked a local host where the original Puerto Ricans could be found. The host responded: "Nowhere, they all died." When the captain insisted on prodding the host about what exactly killed them, she responded with a quiet voice: "Well, it seems that your ancestors killed them all when you ran the island." Indeed, evidence of Taíno ownership of the island can only be found in archeological digs and in the faces of some Puerto Ricans. When African slaves were brought in to cultivate the land, the fertile seaside fields of Rincon were deemed perfect for sugar cane production. The township, which is named after one of the first sugar plantation owners, was incorporated in 1770. In the early 1800's Rincon was frequently attacked by English and French invaders, corsairs and pirates, who would plunder and kill at will. The key ocean-view property in Rincon was a watch station on its highest peak, aptly named Atalaya (watchtower). Our most famous native pirate, Roberto Cofresí, loved Rincon and supposedly buried the bulk of his treasure in our shores and hills. After the pirate era, things went quiet in Rincon, except for small smuggling operations that continued for centuries. In 1892, the Spaniards built a lighthouse to mark the westernmost point of the island and to warn passing ships of the shallow reefs that stretched out for miles. After four hundred years of Spanish rule, Puerto Rico became a U.S. Territory, at the end of the Spanish- American War. For Rincon, life under the new regime continued to be idyllic and sleepy. At the height of the economic depression of the 1930's and during World War II, most of the young men were forced to leave Rincon, either to work abroad, or because they were drafted into the U.S. Army, for combat duty. The population hardly increased (from 6,641, in 1899 to 9,094, in 1970). The current population of Rincon is around 15,000. In the late 1950's, the Sea Beach Colony became our first tourist destination. Later in the 1960's, Villa Cofresí became the first beachfront hotel. Rubén Caro, then a young teacher, saw the merits of tourism in the area and became the visionary who jump-started the industry in Rincon. He went on to occupy the Mayor's office. To this day, Villa Cofresí continues to be a popular spot with international and local tourists. The 1968 international surfing competition literally put Rincon on the map (up to then, you could not find Rincon on some maps). Shortly after, a trickle of surfers decided to become permanent guests and began to invite their friends over. Several of them opened successful businesses. Local trepidation about the "Hippie Gringo" colony was dissipated, when they adapted to our island lifestyle and remained neutral about local affairs. Rincon Today Today, it's all good in Rincon. During the Winter season, over 1,000 accommodations are usually filled. During the Summer season, local tourists travel from the big cities for weekend and holiday stays. The new municipal government, led by a proactive mayor with a solid plan to bring tourism to the next natural level, has already obtained funding for infrastructure and capital improvements that will help create and maintain a higher level of interest towards Rincon as a unique destination. While the language of Puerto Rico is Spanish, many in Rincon speak English. It helps to initially learn at least two phrases: por favor (please) and gracias (thanks). It is also good to learn the Spanish names of your favorite drinks and dishes. It may not be wise to repeat Spanish words without knowing their full meaning-- with one simple phrase, you could be telling your waiter or bartender that he is not the son of his father, nor the father of his children. Our tropical temperature averages 82 degrees, F. (28 degrees, C.). The evening temperatures can be cooler in the winter months, especially in the hills (colinas). The Summer daytime temperatures can be higher, so we highly recommend that your accommodations have air conditioning. Dress as you would for Miami. You may want to bring long pants and a dress for the casinos and upscale restaurants. We recommend bringing more than one swimsuit. On some Winter nights, a light sweater or jacket may be required. Puerto Rico is a Free Associated State and part of the U.S. Territories and Possessions. What this convoluted political lingo means is that when you are in Puerto Rico, you are in U.S. territory and your hosts are American Citizens. If you are visiting us from another country, you will be required to meet U.S. passport and visa requirements. We recommend that U.S. Citizens bring their passports. Several countries have Consulates in the capital city, San Juan. Rincon and the rest of Puerto Rico is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST). In late Fall and Winter, we are an hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. The rest of the year, we are in synch with Eastern Daylight Time. :::::::::::::Rio Piedras Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Net Spot's Bar Net Spot's Bar Jesús A. Ortiz Vázquez Rio Piedras is a college town in San Juan Puerto Rico, many students livehere. it's very old and classic full of shops and markets :::::::::San juan Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort chris molina Puerto Rico’s capital city (pop. est. 500,000, 1.1 million in Metropolitan area) the Caribbean’s commercial hub is an intriguing mixture of old and new. Start your tour in charming Old San Juan which is perched atop a hill on a small island facing the Atlantic Ocean. (Parking is limited so it’s best to tour the area on foot.) This walled city—seven-square blocks of which are now a historic landmark—was founded in 1510. Today it is a showcase for four centuries of architectural treasures and the heart of the island’s unique cultural identity. Great efforts have gone into preserving this part of the city including millions of dollars that were spent prior to 1993 when the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage was celebrated. Take time to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets and investigate the pastel-colored buildings restaurants boutiques museums mansions and nightclubs. The Paseo de la Princesa a newly revamped promenade that follows the waterfront and the Paseo de la Muralla which winds along the city walls are particularly romantic. These two beautiful walks are even illuminated at night. (While that would be the best time for a relaxing stroll after the day’s heat subsides it is also important to stay safe and vigilant as one would be in any large city at night. However, there are place strolling on foot and cars everywhere.) Save some energy and time for the three trademark forts that have resisted attacks by foreign invaders as well as city developers: El Morro the largest which commands San Juan Bay with six levels of gun emplacements and walls that tower 140 ft/43 m above the Atlantic; San Cristobal which dates from the 18th century and has an intricate network of tunnels used for transportation and to ambush enemies; and San Jeronimo which is east of Old San Juan and has an interesting military museum. Another must-see is La Fortaleza which was built in 1540 and is the oldest governor’s mansion still in use in the Americas. You can also visit two places associated with Ponce de Leon: the San Juan Cathedral (where the explorer is entombed) and Casa Blanca—his family home a gift from King Charles I. The house is arranged to show how Spanish aristocrats lived in the 16th and 17th centuries. Along Calle del Cristo one of San Juan’s most interesting streets visit the Parque de las Palomas where thousands of pigeons have made their home alongside the city walls and the small Capilla del Cristo (Christ Chapel). Other sights include the Pablo Casals Museum (a collection of music and photographs of the famous cellist-conductor); Casa de los Contrafuertes (oldest house in San Juan) and the Dominican Convent (a white domed structure dominating the Plaza San Jose). The multilevel Quincentennial Plaza is a park and cultural complex that overlooks the ocean and celebrates Puerto Rico’s rich history. Nearby the Ballajá barracks once home to the city’s Spanish troops now serve as the Museo de las Americas (exhibits include a permanent collection of Latin American folk art and changing exhibits highlighting artists from Latin America and the Caribbean). The city’s harbor which is the premier cruise port and container-ship terminal in the Caribbean has been extensively renovated and a new hotel and shopping gallery now face the ship’s berths. Many of the down-at-the-heel buildings nearby have had or are undergoing facelifts. While sightseeing in Old San Juan requires a lot of walking several plazas invite rest stops. Allow a full day for the old city and prepare yourself for heavy traffic and crowded sidewalks which get worse as the day goes on. In the San Juan suburb of Cataño visit the Bacardi rum factory. The Museum of Anthropology and the University of Puerto Rico Botanical Gardens in the San Juan district of Río Piedras is also worth a visit. Modern San Juan is spread out and you’ll want to hire taxis or use a rental car to get from place to place. There is also a bus system (though complicated and not always on time) as well as a newly functioning mass transit rail system that travels from the Sacred Heart University in the Southern section of the San Juan borough of Santurce to the western suburb of Bayamón. (If you’re feeling energetic the walk between Old San Juan and the beach resort district of Condado is not out of the question but most tourists will find that there’s really little of interest between the areas.) For an interesting view of the city and the harbor there are also bay cruises that last an hour and a half. There are also hosted half- and full-day tours of outlying areas that leave from San Juan When you are tired of sightseeing head for the beach. There are beaches right in San Juan and the best are in the district of Ocean Park and in the Isla Verde district of the suburb of Carolina where the LMM International airport is actually located. Condado’s beachfront is a wall of hotels restaurants and boutiques which can make beach access difficult for nonguests. (Don’t be intimidated—all beaches in Puerto Rico are public. You may have to pay to use the facilities however.) Isla Verde is lined with big chalk-white blocks of condos and luxury hotels. Though crowded on weekends it’s still one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. San Juan’s pace never flags; if anything it picks up after dark. Most casinos in the larger hotels stay open until the wee hours (among them the hopping Marriott’s San Juan Resort Caribe Hilton Condado Plaza Ritz-Carlton Wyndham El San Juan and San Juan Grand). Keep in mind that liquor is not served in the gambling areas and jackets are required for men in some of the casinos. Many of San Juan’s best clubs and discos are also in the large hotels including the Babylon nightclub in the San Juan Grand and the dance floors at the Condado Plaza and Marriott. The Caribe Hilton’s orchestra is a local landmark and keeps the dance floor full. After hours in Old San Juan El Convento Hotel offers smooth jazz and piano music. Throughout the year San Juan celebrates its rich heritage with festivals and music events. LeLoLai is a folklore show put on Tuesday nights at the Convention Center in the Condado. There is also the annual Casals Festival (classical music with world-renowned artists—June) and the Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest (jazz with a Latin flair—June). Other festivals are San Juan Bautista Day (all-night celebration for the patron saint St. John the Baptist—June) International Light Tackle Tournament (premier game-fishing tournament—September) Inter-American Festival of the Arts (classical popular and folk music—September-October) Bomba y Plena Festival (celebration of the Afro-Caribbean heritage—November) Bacardi Arts Festival (largest artisans’ fair on the island—December). Note: Remember that some areas of San Juan have high rates of crime so make inquiries about a neighborhood’s safety before exploring. Also if you are to stay in San Juan you can go to the Dorado Hyatt which is a lovely hotel or Cerromar Beach Hotel nearby. ___________Getting Around Edit This x Your two feet are the best means of exploring Old San Juan and the immediate vicinity. There's a free tourist trolley within the old city - look for the 'parada' sign indicating where the bus stops. Getting farther afield can be trickier. Public bus service is cheap but less than reliable leaving taxis and car rentals your best options for getting around greater San Juan and making excursions. Metered taxis are plentiful. Tourist taxis (white with a sentry box logo on the door) offer fixed-rate travel within tourist areas from the airport to Old San Juan. International car rental agencies are well represented on the island and there are plenty of local operators. Your home driving license is valid. Note that local driving habits are erratic (to be kind) though relatively free of aggro (to be fair). Also watch out for the speed limit signs which are in miles per hour even though distances are in kilometers. Drive on the right-hand side of the road. San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is on the eastern fringe of the city about 16 km (10mi) from Old San Juan. There are car rental agencies at the airport and plenty of taxis and buses for the short jaunt into town. ____________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This [Add Entertainment place] Club Lazer Edit This Address: Calle Cruz 251 Gay and straight evenings in this nice disco. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] ::::::::: Vieques Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Playa Grande Playa Grande Luisa Cupeles Vieques is one of the so called "Spanish Virgin Islands" off the coast of eastern Puerto Rico. For the longest time, 2/3 of the island was a practice area for the US navy, and closed to civilians most of the time. But, back in the late 1990's, things changed. A security guard named David Sanes died in his sentry box as the US military was doing some practice and apparently missed their target. This was the moment that sparked the "liberating of Vieques", so to speak. Long story short, ALL US military personnel left by early 2003. Vieques population is about 9,000 people, many of the locals live near the north side of the island, by Isabel II. A rather large expatriate community thrives in the south of the island in the small village of Esperanza...that is WHERE YOU WANT TO GO, as a tourist. Most of the inexpensive (and pricey) accommodations are in this area. Vieques has some incredible caribbean unspoiled beaches...recall the island has NO rivers, so the water is crystal clear. Best thing to do is to rent a 4X4 or a small jeep in order to have flexibility touring the island. Sun Bay is the public beach, but driving past it will give you even more secluded spots. There is the most incredible phosphorescent bay, and you can actually see your body glow as you swim in it...but you need to spend the night, obviously! Airport is in the northside of island, with limited service from San Juan and Fajardo. Cheapest way is to take the daily ferries (2-3 a day, about 75 mins and VERY CHEAP) from Fajardo Puerto Rico, about 45 mins by car from San Juan. Vieques is off the beaten path, and a wonderful place. I urge everyone to go see it soon, before its unspoiled nature turns way too touristy (as its next door neighbor, Culebra). |
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GNU Free Documentation License Esso utilizza materiale tratto da http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porto_Rico Cronologia/Autori: http://it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Porto_Rico&action=history Porto RicoDa Wikipedia, l'enciclopedia libera.
Denominata Borikén dagli indigeni Taino e Borinquen quando divenne una colonia spagnola, oggi Porto Rico vive un'altalenante situazione politica che lo vede in bilico tra il suo attuale stato di Commonwealth e la possibilità di diventare uno stato federale statunitense a tutti gli effetti. In qualità di territorio non incorporato Porto Rico è dotato di una propria autonomia di governo ma non è né completamente indipendente né uno stato federale americano. I sostenitori del Commonwealth insistono sul fatto che Porto Rico sia uno Stato volontariamente associato agli Stati Uniti attraverso una convenzione di diritto internazionale. Al contrario, secondo un rapporto redatto da un'apposita task force presidenziale,[3] Porto Rico è un territorio soggetto ai pieni poteri del Congresso statunitense con facoltà di dotarsi di una propria Costituzione interna per la mera amministrazione degli affari locali. Gli abitanti di Porto Rico posseggono la cittadinanza statunitense dal 1917. Tuttavia, poiché nei territori d'oltremare non si svolgono elezioni presidenziali, i residenti di Porto Rico non votano per il rinnovo della carica del Presidente degli Stati Uniti. Dagli anni settanta l'economia ha registrato un forte incremento, soprattutto grazie all'industria e al turismo, essendo una meta molto rinomata dei Caraibi, tanto da meritarsi l'appellativo di "isola dell'incanto" (isla del encanto).
Storia [modifica]
Era pre-colombiana [modifica]La storia dell'isola di Porto Rico prima dell'arrivo di Cristoforo Colombo non è molto chiara. Ciò che oggi si sa viene fondamentalmente dalle scoperte archeologiche e dalle trascrizioni dei racconti orali degli spagnoli. Il primo libro approfondito sulla storia di Porto Rico fu scritto da Fray Íñigo Abbad y Lasierra soltanto nel 1776, ovvero duecentottantatre anni dopo l'insediamento degli spagnoli sull'isola.[4] La prima colonia indigena di Porto Rico fu costituita dagli Ortoiroid, un popolo dell'era arcaica, stanziatosi sull'isola già intorno al 2000 a.C.[5] Successivamente, tra il 120 e il 400, gli Igneri, provenienti dalla regione dell'Orinoco, arrivarono sull'isola.[6] Tra il VII e l'XI secolo la cultura dei Taino si sviluppò notevolmente e, approssimativamente attorno all'anno 1000, divennero il popolo dominante di Porto Rico. Essi mantennero questo dominio fino all'arrivo degli spagnoli, nel 1493.
Il conquistador
Juan Ponce de León
L'arrivo degli spagnoli [modifica]Quando gli europei giunsero per la prima volta, l'isola era ancora abitata dalle tribù indiane Arawak dei Taino; il nome che essi avevano dato all'isola era Borikén.[7] Il primo contatto con gli europei avvenne per opera di Cristoforo Colombo, durante il suo secondo viaggio alle Antille, il 19 novembre del 1493. Tuttavia alcuni sostengono che non fu Colombo a scoprire Porto Rico, bensì Martín Alonso Pinzón, che nel 1492 si era separato da Colombo continuando da solo le sue esplorazioni. La Corte spagnola diede quindi alla famiglia Pinzón un anno di tempo per poter iniziare l'opera di insediamento e colonizzazione che avrebbe permesso loro la rivendicazione dell'isola, ma essi fallirono miseramente. Originariamente battezzata San Juan Bautista, dallo stesso Colombo, in onore di San Giovanni Battista, l'isola alla fine prese il nome di Puerto Rico (che letteralmente significa "porto ricco"); il nome originale rimase a designare la città più grande, nonché capitale, San Juan. Il conquistador spagnolo Juan Ponce de León divenne l'effettivo governatore in carica di Porto Rico, poiché Vicente Yáñez Pinzón, eletto governatore prima di Juan Ponce, non raggiunse mai l'isola.[8] Porto Rico fu subito colonizzata dagli spagnoli, i quali vi portarono un gran numero di schiavi africani che furono obbligati a lavorare per la corona spagnola, rimpiazzando così la popolazione indigena dei Taino, che stava progressivamente scomparendo. L'isola divenne in breve un'importante roccaforte e porto strategico dell'Impero spagnolo nei Caraibi. Preoccupati per la continua minaccia dei nemici europei, nel corso dei secoli gli spagnoli costruirono numerosi forti e muraglioni per proteggere la capitale: furono erette fortezze quali La Fortaleza, il forte San Felipe del Morro e il forte San Cristóbal; fu grazie a queste opere di difesa che gli olandesi, i francesi e gli inglesi fallirono nei loro tentativi di conquistare l'isola.
Una garitta difensiva del
forte San Cristóbal, nella
Vecchia San Juan
Nel 1809, mentre Napoleone occupava la maggior parte della penisola iberica, un'assemblea popolare tenutasi a Cadice riconobbe Porto Rico come territorio spagnolo d'oltreoceano con il diritto di inviare deputati alla Corte spagnola. Il deputato Ramón Power y Giralt divenne vice presidente della corte di Cadice e le sue riforme costituzionali del XIX secolo favorirono l'incremento demografico e la crescita economica, e soprattutto conferirono una maggiore notorietà all'isola. In seguito all'indipendenza nazionale ottenuta dai paesi del centro e sud America, Porto Rico e Cuba rimanevano le uniche due colonie del Nuovo Mondo appartenenti al grande Impero spagnolo. La povertà e l'allontanamento politico dalla Spagna portarono a una piccola ma significativa insurrezione, nel 1868, conosciuta come Grito de Lares (Pianto di Lares): la sommossa fu facilmente e prontamente stroncata. Promotori di questo movimento indipendentista furono Ramón Emeterio Betances, considerato il "padre" della nazione portoricana, e altri personaggi politici, tra i quali Segundo Ruiz Belvis. Pochi anni dopo sorse il movimento autonomo portoricano, iniziato da Román Baldorioty de Castro e portato avanti da Luis Muñoz Rivera verso la fine del secolo. Nel 1897, Muñoz Rivera e altri indipendentisti persuasero il governo liberale spagnolo a riconoscere e accettare lo Statuto per l'autonomia di Porto Rico. L'anno seguente venne organizzato il primo, anche se di breve durata, governo autonomo portoricano. Si raggiunse quindi il compromesso di mantenere un governatore nominato dalla Spagna, il quale aveva il potere di annullare qualsiasi decisione legislativa con cui non era d'accordo, e una struttura parlamentare parzialmente eletta.
Porto Rico sotto il controllo statunitense [modifica]
La nave da guerra
USS Massachusetts (BB-2) che scortò la flotta americana nello
sbarco a
Guánica
Il 25 luglio 1898, con lo scoppio della Guerra ispano-americana, Porto Rico, essendo una colonia spagnola, fu invasa dagli Stati Uniti d'America con uno sbarco a Guánica. Con il Trattato di Parigi del 1898 la Spagna fu obbligata a cedere Porto Rico, assieme a Guam e alle Filippine, agli USA.[9] Il XX secolo iniziò sotto il regime militare statunitense con i funzionari statali, incluso il governatore, nominati dal Presidente degli Stati Uniti. Nel 1917, la Legge Jones-Shafroth approvata dal Congresso americano garantiva ai cittadini portoricani la nazionalità statunitense, in modo che essi potessero essere arruolati come soldati nella Prima guerra mondiale. Negli anni successivi alla grande depressione del 1929 alcuni leader politici pretesero dei cambiamenti e tra questi spiccò Pedro Albizu Campos che capeggiò un importante movimento nazionale a favore dell'indipendenza: il Partito Nazionalista Portoricano.[10] Ma per assistere a un radicale cambiamento nella struttura governativa del paese bisogna attendere gli ultimi anni delle amministrazioni Roosevelt e Truman. In tale periodo ci fu una sorta di compromesso, portato avanti da Luis Muñoz Marín e altri politici, che culminò nel 1946 con la nomina, da parte del presidente Truman, del primo governatore di origine portoricana, Jesus Piñero. Nel 1947 gli Stati Uniti concessero il diritto di eleggere democraticamente il governatore di Porto Rico e finalmente il 2 gennaio 1949 Luis Muñoz Marín divenne il primo governatore di Porto Rico ad essere eletto dal popolo. Il 1° novembre 1950 due nazionalisti portoricani, Griselio Torresola e Oscar Collazo, tentarono di assassinare il presidente Truman. Era evidente il desiderio di una maggiore autonomia, e come conseguenza immediata egli autorizzò un autentico referendum democratico in Porto Rico, al fine di stabilire se desiderassero una sorta di propria costituzione.[11] Ciò avvenne nel 1952, e tale costituzione assunse i connotati di un Commonwealth politico, termine spesso usato a designare l'attuale rapporto tra i due stati.[12] Finalmente durante gli anni cinquanta l'isola conobbe una rapida industrializzazione, grazie ad ambiziosi progetti quali l'operazione Bootstrap, che si proponeva di cambiare le basi dell'economia portoricana da agricole a manifatturiere.
Ultimi decenni e situazione attuale [modifica]Oggi l'isola è diventata una rinomata meta turistica e un importante centro industriale farmaceutico e manifatturiero. Tuttavia la "lotta" per definire lo status politico non si è mai arrestata. Negli ultimi decenni sono stati autorizzati localmente tre plebisciti per decidere se Porto Rico dovesse consolidare il Commonwealth oppure richiedere di diventare uno stato federale statunitense a tutti gli effetti; ma dopo tre vittorie di stretta misura, da parte dei sostenitori del Commonwealth, di fatto nulla è mutato nei rapporti con gli Stati Uniti. Nel referendum statale del 1998, il Commonwealth ha vinto contro lo stato federale con il 50,3% dei voti, e grossomodo si sono divisi con le stesse percentuali i sostenitori del partito a favore della federazione (Nuovo Partito Progressista o PNP) e del partito a favore del Commonwealth (Partito Popolare Democratico o PPD). Il Partito Indipendentista Portoricano o PIP ha raggiunto il 2,5% dei voti ed è stato per questo confermato tra i tre partiti politici più importanti di Porto Rico.[13]
Geografia [modifica]
Geologia [modifica]
Mappa delle
formazioni carsiche di Porto Rico (USGS)
Il territorio portoricano è costituito da rocce vulcaniche e plutoniche del Cretaceo e dell'Eocene, sepolte dai più recenti carbonati dell'Oligocene e da altre rocce sedimentarie. La maggior parte delle caverne e delle formazioni carsiche si trovano nella regione settentrionale che risale al periodo dell'Oligocene e dei recenti carbonati. Le rocce più antiche, che appartengono al Giurassico e hanno approssimativamente centonovanta milioni di anni, sono localizzate nella Sierra Bermeja, una piccola catena montuosa nella zona sud-occidentale dell'isola. Queste rocce possono far parte della crosta oceanica e si pensa che siano giunte dalla piattaforma oceanica del Pacifico. Porto Rico si trova praticamente lungo il margine di subduzione tra la placca caraibica e la placca nordamericana. Ciò significa che è in continua trasformazione a causa dei movimenti tettonici causati dall'attrito di queste due zolle, e che, proprio a causa di questi movimenti, possono verificarsi terremoti e tsunami. Questi eventi sismici, assieme agli smottamenti del terreno, rappresentano i disastri naturali potenzialmente più pericolosi per l'isola e per i Caraibi nord-orientali. L'ultimo terremoto di notevole entità avvenne l'11 ottobre 1918 quando fu registrata una magnitudine pari a 7,5 della Scala Richter. L'epicentro fu localizzato al largo di Aguadilla e il sisma fu accompagnato da uno tsunami.[14] Circa 127 km a nord della costa portoricana, esattamente al margine di confine tra le zolle caraibica e nordamericana, giace la fossa di Porto Rico, la più grande e la più profonda dell'Atlantico: è lunga 1754 km e larga 96 km; il suo punto più profondo, chiamato abisso Milwaukee (Milwaukee Deep o Milwaukee Depth), si trova a 8.380 metri sotto il livello del mare.[15]
Geografia fisica [modifica]
Immagine satellitare di Porto Rico (NASA)
Porto Rico è un arcipelago costituito dall'omonima isola principale e da una moltitudine di isole minori, tra cui le più importanti sono Vieques, Culebra, Mona, Desecheo e Caja de Muertos. Di queste cinque solamente Culebra e Vieques hanno abitanti fissi che vi risiedono durante tutto l'anno, mentre Mona risulta abitata praticamente solo durante la stagione turistica e dai dipendenti del Dipartimento delle Risorse Naturali e Ambientali.[16] L'isola maggiore misura all'incirca 170 km per 60 km. È in gran parte montagnosa, con estese zone costiere soprattutto nella parte settentrionale e meridionale. La catena montuosa principale è chiamata Cordillera Central, nella quale si trova la vetta più alta di Porto Rico, il Cerro de Punta (1.338 metri).[17] Un altro monte di rilievo è El Yunque, nella Foresta nazionale caraibica, con un altitudine massima di 1.080 metri. La capitale, San Juan, si affaccia sulla costa settentrionale. In Porto Rico ci sono diciassette laghi artificiali[18] e più di 50 fiumi; la maggior parte di essi nasce dalla Cordillera Central. I fiumi nella regione settentrionale dell'isola sono generalmente più lunghi e hanno una portata maggiore rispetto a quelli della regione meridionale, che risulta quindi avere un clima più caldo e secco. Vi sono infine numerose zone lacustri sia nel sud che nel nord del paese. Il clima è tipicamente tropicale, abbastanza gradevole e costante. Si registrano consistenti precipitazioni durante tutto l'arco dell'anno e, per fortuna solo saltuariamente, i tanto temuti quanto devastanti uragani.
Geografia politica [modifica]
Divisioni amministrative [modifica]
Suddivisione dei 78
comuni di Porto Rico
Essendo un territorio non incorporato, come stabilito dalla Casa Bianca, Porto Rico non può avere divisioni amministrative di "primo livello" (secondo la definizione del governo statunitense), ma solo divisioni amministrative di "secondo livello".[19] Per questo motivo non ci sono regioni, dipartimenti e nemmeno province. Porto Rico è quindi suddiviso in 78 comuni (municipios) che vengono chiamati anche più semplicemente città. I comuni sono a loro volta suddivisi in circoscrizioni (barrios) che sono ulteriormente divise in quartieri, settori o zone. Ciascun comune elegge il proprio sindaco (alcalde) e un'assemblea legislativa (legislatura municipal) per un periodo di quattro anni. Il primo comune, San Juan, che è anche la capitale di Porto Rico, fu fondato nel 1521. Nel XVI secolo ne furono fondati altri due, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
