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Puerto Rico is where the histories, cultures, and rhythms of the Caribbean, Spain, and United States meet head on. The thick and imposing walls of El Moro Fortress loom as a silent gatekeeper to the past, while modern San Juan pulsates with the energy of the fiery salsa beat. Puerto Rico is an island with an old-world Spanish soul and the heartbeat of a new millenium.

Diverse activities - The attractions of Puerto Rico include spectacular beaches, non-stop casino action, and a vibrant nightlife. For the outdoor enthusiasts there are two mountain ranges to explore, as well as fern grottos, huge underground river caves, waterfalls, petrified forests, deserts, phosphorescent bays, unspoiled reefs, offshore islands ringed by white sand beaches, and El Yunque -- the only rainforest in the US Forest Service system.

Mango trees and sugarcane fields - While the immense scenery of Puerto Rico is impressive, even the most remote corner of the island can be reached by car in just hours from the city of San Juan. A drive through the countryside reveals many of the deeper charms of the island -- its seaside towns and highland villages, colorful roadside fruit stands, fields of sugarcane, and mountains flanked by mango trees and coffee beans. From fast food to world-class cuisine, and from posh resorts to intimate Paradore Inns, there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy in Puerto Rico.

Columbus and the Taino Indians - Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Puerto Rico on his second voyage in 1493. Despite the presence of the Taino Indians, who had been living on the island for 2000 years, Columbus claimed it for Spain, named it San Juan Bautista, and promptly sailed away.

When permanent Spanish settlers returned in 1508, the Tainos were conquered and used as slave laborers to build the colony that Spain renamed Puerto Rico (rich port). Disease and armed resistance took a devastating toll on the Tainos and within 50 years of Spanish arrival, the island natives had perished. Traces of their settlements and remains of their ceremonial ballcourts can be found in various places throughout the island.

Slavery abolished in 1873 - African slaves were imported to the island to replace the Tainos, who preferred death to slavery, and the island truly became a rich port. So rich, in fact, that huge forts and battlements were erected to protect the wealth that was flowing from the new world through San Juan and on to the King of Spain.

The most fortified port in the empire - Over the next few centuries, Spanish holdings in the new world were under constant attack from pirates and European naval ships. San Juan was to suffer from naval bombardments, sieges, and armed invasions, many of which resulted in the burning of her buildings by frustrated invaders. Disease and indifference also took its toll on the soldiers who were constantly dying or deserting for a better life. El Moro, however, with its massive stone walls, fell only once to an invading army.

End of the Spanish empire - In the 18th and 19th centuries, the citizens of Puerto Rico grew restless with archaic Spanish laws and agitated for independence as they grew more aware of their own identity and culture. Self-rule came too late as the Spanish-American War broke out in 1898 and destroyed the remnants of the Spanish Empire. Cuba gained its freedom and Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico came under US control.

Shining star of the Caribbean - The Puerto Rico of today is a self-autonomous Commonwealth created in 1952. While issues of eventual full statehood or independence are still to be settled, Puerto Ricans are American citizens and enjoy the most prosperous economy in the Caribbean.

Crossroad of the Caribbean - The people of Puerto Rico are a vibrant mix of the islands and nations that make up the Americas. They are a proud, outgoing, and warm people who actively support a flourishing local culture through museums, folklore, artwork, literature, and music.

American citizens are not required to carry a passport or visa, but it is still advisable to keep proof of US residency on hand. A driver's license and/or other photo ID is sufficient. Canadian citizens will require proof of citizenship.

US citizens do not clear customs and immigration on domestic flight arrivals but all departing passengers are required to go through a US agricultural inspection.

Airlines serving the Caribbean from Puerto Rico - American Eagle operates connecting flights throughout the Caribbean and there is service from select US mainland cities on American Airlines into Ponce and Aquadilla. There are several small planes that operate service between San Juan and other Puerto Rican cities as well as the offshore islands of Vieques and Culebra.

Once you're there - Keep in mind that just as on the mainland, all currency exchanges are quoted and transacted in US dollars.

Taxis - Taxis and buses are easily available at the airport. Taxis run on a meter and it takes about 35 minutes to get from the airport to the major hotel zone on Isla Verde and Condado. Taxi fare is about $10.00 from the airport to the Condado area, and slightly less to the Isla Verde area.

Rental cars - Major rental car companies have counters at the airport or in the lobby at the major hotels. A driver's license is required.

If you are only in San Juan for a few days, you may not need to rent a car. But if you are planning on staying a bit longer, try to rent a car for at least one day and take advantage of a drive into the mountains or to the El Yunque Rainforest.

Ferries - There is no ferry service to other Caribbean islands, but from Fajardo on the eastern coast you can take a 1-hour ferry ride to the offshore islands of Vieques and Culebra.

Shuttle services - Free trolley shuttles operate in the Isla Verde area between the major hotels and clubs as well as into Old San Juan. The biggest benefit is that you won't have to worry about parking the car.

The ancient Taino Indians held the island of Puerto Rico in great reverence. The beaches, lagoons, caves, deserts, mountains, jungles and beaches were considered sacred and holy. The following is a guide to the outstanding variety of activities and natural wonders that Puerto Rico has to offer.

Puerto Rico is probably the premier entertainment center in the Caribbean. Even Santo Domigo is hard-pressed to keep up with the energy and vibrancy of San Juan. Theaters, concerts, unique restaurants, interesting bars, casinos, nightclubs, cabarets. The problem with San Juan is having to make a choice of what to do.

It would be a good idea to pick up a free quarterly publication called "Que Pasa" which keeps the visitor up-to-date with the latest entertainment news. It's available at the airport as well as hotels and restaurants throughout the city.

Puerto Rico is not a duty-free port, but there are several advantages to shopping on the island.

There is no sales tax. There is no duty on your return to the US mainland. (Visitors returning home outside the US are subject to their customs regulations). Purchases are made in US dollars.

Favorite souvenir items - The best buys in Puerto Rico are the items that are made locally. The main shopping street for the most interesting items is Calle Cristo in Old San Juan.

Rum: Considered among the best in the Caribbean and at affordable prices. Cigars: Cigars from the Dominican Republic are the biggest sellers. Coffee: Aromatic coffee is a highly sought-after gift to bring home. Hammocks: Hammocks have been made in Puerto Rico since before Columbus got here! Lace: Mundillo is handmade lace. Carvings: Carved religious icons known as "Santos" are the most popular to collect. Artwork: A great way of taking some of the "color" of Puerto Rico home.

Jewelry - Again, though Puerto Rico is not a duty-free port, there are stores that offer discounts on quality items. The stores are very competitive so it would be a good idea to shop around first and get several prices before "negotiating."

Barrachina Center in Old San Juan lays claim to two categories of fame. The first is that they are the largest jewelry store in the Caribbean and second, that the Pina Colada was invented here. They even give out free drink samples to enhance that claim. Boveda has one-of-a-kind and unusual jewelry.

Cigars - There are cigar stores and cigar bars all over San Juan and particularly in the luxury hotels along Condado Beach. Cigarros Antillas: Near the cruise dock is a small shop in which you can watch a Dominican craftsman handroll cigars which are for sale. Besides Dominican cigars, you can also purchase Honduran cigars.

Outlet stores - A Ralph Lauren and London Fog outlet store is located in Old San Juan.

Malls - Plaza Las Americas, just south of San Juan, is the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean with over 200 stores -- many of which are US mainland chain stores.