PUERTO RICO

Many of the top reasons to visit Puerto Rico have been featured in publications, best vacation destination lists as well as movies and songs. As such, this country collects about 5 million tourists yearly, earning it as much as $1.8 billion in revenue. But many of those who have not been to country often mistakenly associate it with the controversies of neighboring countries likeColombia and Cuba.

La Concha beach

To clarify, Puerto Rico is no more than a Spanish influenced unincorporated territory of theUnited States that provides the superpower a bountiful supply of agricultural products as well as supports its technological, pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries. Thus far, tourism is among the strongest pillars of Puerto Rico’s economy. And because of the lack of hindrances, most of its guests are composed of Americans. But there is also a significant number of foreigners who come to this place through cruise ships. And if you are interested in paying it a visit some time, here are some of its highlights that you should not miss.

Among the top reasons to visit Puerto Rico are its beach fronts. And with its tropical climate and colorful culture, people will find it the perfect location for fun and leisure any time of the year. San Juan has La Concha, which is a commercial beachfront that offers guests every imaginable luxury known. And 8 miles away from the mainland is the island of Vieques which hosts some of the most intriguing coastlines in the world. Hidden behind a clump of mangroves is Mosquito Bay, which offers people an amazing bioluminescent attraction at night. And then, there’s Blue Beach out on Route 997 that features a stretch of coral reefs that would provide guests an exciting snorkeling experience.

Complementing this attraction are the beautiful remnants of its history spread across the archipelago, from the ruins of Taino settlements to the colonial buildings erected by the Spaniards. One of the most famous is Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, found in San Juan, a 400 year old landmark that served as a stronghold for the country’s biggest seaport.

In San German – the second oldest city in the territory – people will get to check out the Porta Coeli Church, which is one of the oldest Spanish cathedrals built in Latin America. Now, as history would present, there were tribes who lived in this area before Christopher Columbus came and colonized it. Tourists will no longer be able to interact with them since their heritage have long been converted. But their existence is commemorated through the ruins and replicas found in Tibes and Caguana, which people could go to when they are in the districts of Ponce and Utuado, respectively.

Porta Coeli Church

Of course, modern attractions within the country are also worthwhile to look into such as the Arecibo Observatory, where the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Program is being conducted, and Puerto Rico Convention Center. And it will be well supplemented with a tour around one of the cultural top reasons to visit Puerto Rico, the Museo del Arte de Ponce.