Part of the territorial United States since 1898, Puerto Rico is perhaps the most exotic place in the nation--a miniature Latin America set in the Caribbean. One of the oldest locations in the territorial U.S., San Juan was a thriving town while Jamestown remained an undeveloped plot of land

A very attractive island, Puerto Rico contains numerous forest reserves, white-sand beaches, ancient indigenous sites, an abundance of historical atmosphere, and the only tropical National Forest in the U.S.

As a self-governing commonwealth of the U.S., Puerto Rico is both distinct from and similar to the U.S. The majority of Puerto Ricans either have relatives on the North American continent or have lived in the U.S. However, Puerto Ricans are struggling to preserve their culture, with numerous traditional festivals and performances. Many of the towns still preserve old architectural styles.

The island's colonial history commenced with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. Ponce de Leon claimed Puerto Rico for Spain in 1507. The U.S. invaded and claimed possession after the Spanish-American War in 1898. Puerto Ricans remain divided as to whether to continue as a Commonwealth or switch to some other status such as statehood or independence. Numerous plebiscites have been held on the issue, but there is still no consensus. The island gains a number of financial advantages (tax and other incentives) with the present status, and any status change would have an impact on the economy.

Despite its seemingly ubiquitous fast food outlets and commercial shopping centers, Puerto Rico offers a wide variety of parks, historical and archaeological sites, and scenic spots. You may stick around San Juan or explore the island's outback roads. The islands of Vieques and Culebra, to the east, sometimes called the "Spanish Virgins," remain undeveloped compared to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

Thanks to a favorable tax status that has attracted many large corporations and other employers, the island has a high standard of living compared with many of its neighbors. Exports include chemicals, pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, apparel and footwear, rubber and plastic goods, rum, and coffee.

When to Go
The best time to visit is between December and April. The temperatures are in the 70s and 80s during the day, and in the 70s at night. (It can get cooler in the mountains.) Hurricane season runs from June to November, a period during which it may be cloudy and rainy and more humid. The major hotels offer off-season discounts, so this is one advantage if you plan to visit during this time of the year.

Most of Puerto Rico's celebrations are in a religious vein. Every town on the island has its fiestas patronales or patron saint festival. They always begin on a Friday, approximately 10 days before the date prescribed. Although services are held twice a day, the atmosphere is anything but religious. Music, gambling, and dancing take place on the town plaza, and food stalls sell local specialties. A generally somber atmosphere prevails during Holy Week (Semana Santa), the week surrounding Easter, when processions and pageants are held islandwide. Las Navidades or the Christmas season, which stretches from December 15 to January 6, is the liveliest time of the year. Marked by parties and prayers, it's a time to get together with friends. On January 6, the Epiphany or Three Kings' Day is celebrated. The night before, children traditionally place boxes of grass under their beds to await the arrival of the Three Kings, Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. After the camels have eaten all the grass, the kings leave presents in the now empty boxes.