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Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an island rich in history and culture, and the agents at Caribbean Real Estate Showcase want to show you the wealth of real estate investment opportunities available there today. The capital city at San Juan offers luxury villas and rental villas poised near popular beaches and dynamic nightclubs. The investment potential of these valuable real estate properties will only rise as tourism continues to grow in what is one of the Caribbean region’s most popular vacation destinations. More secluded luxury villas are available at beaches along Mayaguez in the west and Ponce on the southern coast or at the nearby islands of Vieques and Culebra. Caribbean Real Estate Agents can show you these and the special beaches; surfing, snorkeling, and diving sites; and unique restaurants, shops, and art galleries that make Puerto Rico a great real estate investment opportunity. Whether you want to invest in a luxury villas, acquire a rental villas, or purchase a smaller vacation villas, the agents at Caribbean Real Estate Showcase will show you the boundless beauty and untapped potential that awaits in the island paradise of Puerto Rico.
Overview
Located between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico lies at coordinates 18.15 North and 66.30 West. It is directly east of the Dominican Republic and west of the United States and British Virgin Islands about 1,000 miles from Florida. Puerto Rico sits at the eastern end of the Greater Antilles and is the smallest island in this chain.
Puerto Rico includes the lesser islands of Vieques and Culebra to its east as well as the uninhabited islands of Mona and Desecheo at the Mona Passage on its western side. Puerto Rico is about 100 miles long and 35 miles wide and has a total area of just over 3, 508 square miles.
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States that enjoys Commonwealth status. The island has a rich cultural heritage that builds on its native Taino Indian, Spanish, and African traditions. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination noted for its fine cuisine, emerald blue waters and pristine beaches, and excellent fishing, surfing, and eco-tourism.
History
Before Spanish colonization of Puerto Rico began in the late fifteenth century, the Taino Indians inhabited most of the island. The Taino Indians knew the land as Borinquen, or “The land of the great lords.” The Tainos were part of the Arawakan Indian group that resided on Cuba, Jamaica, and other islands in the Greater Antilles.
Christopher Columbus first ventured to Puerto Rico in November 1493, during his second voyage to the New World. Columbus and his men initially named the island San Juan Bautista and the main settlement Puerto Rico, or “rich port”. Under the leadership of Juan Ponce de Leon, who became its first governor in 1508, Puerto Rico grew into one of Spain’s most significant military posts in its burgeoning Caribbean empire. In 1521, Puerto Rico and San Juan would be reversed, with Puerto Rico becoming the island’s name and San Juan the capital city.
By the end of the first quarter of the sixteenth century, slavery and sugar cultivation had been introduced into the Puerto Rican economy, though slavery would never become the central figure in Puerto Rico life it would become in many of the Caribbean islands. At the same time, the Spanish government was helping plant the Catholic Church, as well as hospitals, schools, and other civil institutions, on Puerto Rico.
Throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, European powers such as France, England, and Holland attacked Puerto Rico in attempts to take the island from the Spanish. A census taken in 1765 listed nearly 45,000 people residing on Puerto Rico, of whom some 5,000 were slaves. Within a hundred years, Puerto Rico’s population would grow to more than 650,000.
In the nineteenth century, sugar, coffee, and tobacco became the main crops on Puerto Rico. In September 1868, a rebellion against Spanish rule known as El Grito de Lares (The Cry of Lares) took place in Lares, spawning the rise of the first political parties on the island. In 1873, slavery would be abolished on Puerto Rico after a long campaign.
In 1897, Puerto Rico gained the right of self-government from Spain. A year later, however, the Spanish-American War began. In the summer of 1898, American troops landed in Puerto Rico, eventually taking complete control of the island. That September Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States, an act formalized in the Treaty of Paris signed in December, under which the United States also acquired Guam and other possessions. From this point on, Puerto Rico would be an unincorporated territory of the United States.
Throughout the twentieth century, Puerto Rican nationalists challenged U.S. and Puerto Rican policies in attempts to make the island an independent nation. In 1950, Puerto Rican nationalists tried to assassinate President Harry S. Truman. In 1952, Puerto Ricans adopted a constitution under which the island became the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico but continued to be considered a territory of the United States. From the 1940s until recently, the United States used the island of Vieques as a bombing range, which drew protests from Puerto Ricans that ultimately forced the U. S. government to abandon its naval station and bombing practices there.
Throughout both its colonial and modern history, Puerto Rico’s location has made it a prime target for hurricanes. Frequent hurricanes have struck the island, causing much damage to Puerto Rican infrastructure and inhabitants. The most devastating hurricane was San Ciriaco, which hit Puerto Rico on August 8, 1899.
Government
Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth. Since the conclusion of the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States of America. Residents of Puerto Rico became citizens of the United States in 1917. Puerto Ricans voted during referendums in 1967, 1993, and again in 1998 not to change the political status they enjoyed with the United States.
Although they are citizens of the United States, Puerto Ricans are not allowed to vote in presidential elections (unless they live in the United States and are registered voters). Every four years, however, Puerto Ricans choose by popular vote a commissioner who serves as a nonvoting representative in the United States House of Representatives but who maintains all other privileges granted to Congressmen. The government of the United States is responsible for Puerto Rico’s defense, postal system, customs office, and other basic institutions.
On the island itself, a governor who is elected every four years by popular vote heads the government of Puerto Rico. There are no term limits imposed on the office of governor.
Puerto Rico’s legislature is made up of a Senate comprised of no less than 27 seats and a House of Representatives of some 51 seats; both branches are elected by popular vote to four-year terms.
Puerto Rico’s judicial branch features a Supreme Court, an Appellate Court, and a Court of First Instance, which itself is comprised of two sections, a Superior and a Municipal Court.
Puerto Rico’s capital is located at San Juan. The island has no administrative units as delineated by the government of the United States, but Puerto Rico is divided into 78 municipalities, each of which has a mayor and local assembly.
Economy
The island of Puerto Rico has one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant economic systems. While for much of its colonial and modern history agriculture had been the chief economic engine on Puerto Rico, a number of important industries have developed on the island in the past five to six decades. Fueled by tax breaks and duty-free policies with the United States, Puerto Rico has become an attractive investment opportunity for American companies looking to the Caribbean. Clothing, electronic equipment, pharmaceuticals, and foodstuffs are some of Puerto Rico’s leading industries.
As for agriculture, dairy and livestock have supplanted the once-dominant sugar industry. Tourism, that mainstay of so many Caribbean economies, has also become a major force in Puerto Rico, with some five million tourists visiting the island annually. The Hato Rey banking district in San Juan lies at the financial heart of Puerto Rico.
Roughly 45% of Puerto Rico’s GDP is made up of industry, while services account for 54%. Industry employs about 20% of the Puerto Rican workforce, with around 77% working in services and the remaining 3% engaged in agriculture.
San Juan on the Atlantic Ocean has one of the largest and most navigable natural harbors in the region, making it a leading port of the Caribbean and, indeed, the Western Hemisphere. Puerto Rico is also located on one of the primary shipping routes to the Panama Canal, the Mona Passage.
Puerto Rico is on the Atlantic Standard Time, which is one hour ahead of the Eastern Time Zone in the United States. Puerto Rico has some 30 airports, approximately seventeen of which have paved runways and ten of which have regularly schedule flights.
Money
The United States dollar is the official currency of Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans do not have to pay U.S. federal income tax.
Demographics
Puerto Rico’s population is estimated to be over 3.9 million. More than 80% are whites of Spanish heritage, some 8% are black, and the other 11-12% are a mix of Amerindian, Asian, and other ethnicities. 85% of Puerto Ricans are Roman Catholic; the remaining 15% are members of Protestant and other faiths.
Puerto Rico has one of the highest population densities of any island in the world.
Language
Puerto Rico has two official languages, Spanish and English. Spanish is the pre-dominant language, but English is used widely in tourist-centered areas.
Medical Services
Puerto Rico has some of the best doctors and medical facilities in all the Caribbean islands. Leading hospitals include Hospital Auxilio Mutuo and San Francisco Hospital in San Juan, Perea Hospital in Mayaguez, Hospital Episcopal San Lucas in Ponce, and the San Pablo Hospital at Bayamon.
Climate and weather
Puerto Rico has a tropical marine climate that is generally very mild. Temperatures vary little throughout the seasons, with an average yearly temperature hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall is heaviest during the months of May to October, which is also hurricane season. The north coast of Puerto Rico receives more rain annually than any other region on the island.
The waters off Puerto Rico are home the deepest point of the Atlantic Ocean, the Milwaukee Depth (27,493 feet), which is part of the Puerto Rico Trench. The trench is a 1,090-mile long and 60-mile wide depression that runs some 75 miles north of Puerto Rico along the same general line as the northern coast of the island.
The Cordillera Central is a limestone mountain chain that runs across the middle of island and has its highest point at Cerro de Punta near Ponce.
Recreation
The beaches at Puerto Rico are well known for their stunning emerald waters, pristine sands, breathtaking views, and, of course, great fun and relaxation. By far one of Puerto Rico’s most popular beaches is Isla Verde in the capital at San Juan. The beaches here run for miles along oceanfront condos, resort houses, hotels, restaurants, and bars. Those interested in watersports will find parasailing, water skiing, jet skiing, and other activities available. Weekends are times for music, dancing, sun bathing, and great food and drink at Isla Verde.
Luquillo is family-friendly and features coconut palm trees, calm waters, lifeguards, and a host of other amenities. Flamenco Beach on the Island of Culebra offers outstanding waters and views in a secluded setting.
Cana Gorda, southeast of Mayaguez, is a favorite with locals and tourists. Nearby for bird enthusiasts is the fabulous Guanica Forest Reserve, and, for snorkelers, numerous little cays, where they will find both seclusion and a myriad of beautiful marine animals and plant formations.
Rincon Bay at the westernmost point of Puerto Rico offers something for everyone as one of the island’s favorite beaches: Since it hosted the World Surfing Championships in 1968, Rincon Bay has been recognized by surfers around the globe as one of the top spots in the Caribbean. There is also a public beach in town that appeals to families with its parking, bathroom, and food facilities. Snorkeling is also popular at Rincon Bay, and the passage at nearby Mona presents the opportunity for whale watching in winter months.
Windsurfers, wave jumpers, and kite surfers should make Isabela in Shacks a stop for sure, as this beach paradise has garnered wide praise for its excellent windsurfing conditions. Near to Shack is fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving at Jobos Beach.
Nude beaches are prohibited on Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico has some 23 golf courses designed by some of the most noted golf course architects in the game.
Horseback riding can take you along Puerto Rican beaches or into the beautiful mountains. Horseracing takes places at El Comandante in Canovanas, southeast of San Juan.
Fishermen the world over come to Puerto Rico for deep-sea fishing and other expeditions. Puerto Rico is host to the International Billfish Tournament. The island’s north side is hailed as “Blue Marlin Alley,” and other fish such as mahi-mahi, tuna, and dolphin abound in the waters surrounding Puerto Rico. Charter fishing boats run out of San Juan, Mayaguez, Humacao, and Fajardo. Lagoon, cay, and coastal fishing are also available.
Excellent scuba diving can be found off Puerto Rico’s west coast, especially near Desecheo Island and Mona Island in the passage. Puerto Rico recently has won awards for its great shore diving, and nice reef formations are good sites for snorkeling at San Juan, Dorado, and Mayaguez.
The Fondo de Cristal III, Lajas in La Parguera on the west coast at Porta del Sol is a 72-foot, 140 split level glass bottom catamaran that takes visitors on both day and nighttime trips to see Puerto Rico’s amazing marine life.
Gambling is legal on Puerto Rico, and there are casinos in many of the island’s hotels for persons 18 years of age and over.
There are numerous spas offering a full range of services on Puerto Rico.
Shopping, Dining, and Nightlife
At the Plaza Las Americas in Hato Rey in San Juan, shoppers will find some 190 stores, the largest collection in any mall in the entire Caribbean region. Many American stores are here. The stores at Condado in San Juan offer designer goods along with well-known brand name stores. Jewelry, antiques, clothing, and arts and crafts abound in San Juan stores.
South of San Juan, excellent shopping can be found at the Plaza del Carmen. At Ponce along the southern coast, shoppers can take in the goods at Plaza del Caribe. The Mayaguez Mall is a leading shopping site on Puerto Rico’s west coast, while to the north the Plaza de Aquadilla welcomes shoppers to browse local and regional Caribbean products.
Rum lovers will find a variety of specialty rums distilled on Puerto Rico. For the cigar aficionado, hand-made rolls of local tobacco can be found in San Juan and other places.
As can be found throughout much of the Caribbean islands, small, local shops produce unique artwork, baskets, pottery, instruments, and traditional items such as masks and religious carvings from the rich Puerto Rican culture.
Puerto Rico’s restaurants specialize in local, Caribbean, and international cuisine. One of the island’s best-known cooking styles is Criolla, which mixes Taino, African, and Spanish traditions. Many visitors will recognize tostones, or fried green plantains, as a local favorite.
Puerto Ricans are so devoted to authentic, native cooking they have developed the “Mesones” program. This program requires restaurant members to serve specialty dishes specific to certain regions in the island at affordable costs and with the famous hospitality for which Puerto Rico has become famous. More than thirty establishments participate in the “Mesones” program, and they are all in areas outside metropolitan San Juan.
On Puerto Rico’s west coast, known as Porta del Sol, lively restaurants and nightclubs fill the air. The Mayaguez Resort and Casino complements the many pubs and disco clubs in town there. Boqueron Town is host to several annual festivals and outdoor music events, while the village at La Parguera has some of Porta del Sol’s best local restaurants. Other popular restaurants in Porta del Sol include La Cascada in Boqueron, Las Colinas in Aguada, Tres Amigos in Aguadilla, and Perichi’s in Cabo Rojo.
Old San Juan, of course, is also a center of Puerto Rican nightlife. Discos, nightclubs, and bars are filled with locals and tourists alike jamming to salsa, Latin, rumba, and other musical traditions. Popular spots like Babylon in the Wyndham El San Juan Hotel, which recreates the ancient Middle Eastern capital of Mesopotamia, as well as Martini’s Nightclub, El Chico Bar, Rumba Night club, and others are sure to please the most eager of partygoers. Nuyorican Café and the Parrot Club also receive rave reviews for the Old San Juan nightlife scene.
There are also a number of excellent casinos in Puerto Rico, including the Casino at the Ritz-Carlton, which is the largest in Puerto Rico, and the San Juan Grand Beach Hotel and Casino and the Condado Plaza.
Cultural and Historic Sites
Pristine survivors of Spanish colonial architecture can be found in Old San Juan. Notable examples include the venerable El Morro Fortress at San Juan Bay, which dates to the mid to late sixteenth century and today is part of the National Park Service. San Juan Cathedral and Casa Blanca, a grand mansion house constructed for the legendary Ponce de Leon, also stand as testaments to Puerto Rico and San Juan’s rich Spanish heritage. Original parts of the San Juan Cathedral date to the 1540s, and since 1913, de Leon’s body has been buried here in a marble tomb. La Fortaleza dates to 1533. Originally constructed to combat invading Carib Indians, it eventually was used to house Puerto Rico’s governors, a function it maintains to this day. The San Jose Church and the Dominican Convent are two other important sites in Old San Juan.
A huge project is now underway to restore Ponce on the southern coast to the splendor it enjoyed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when it was the headquarters of Puerto Rico’s rum, sugar, and shipping economies and matched San Juan in glitz and charm.
A trip to nearby Mona Island allows history lovers a peek at the Taino culture that once flourished in the islands that became Puerto Rico. The lighthouse at Mona Island dates to 1900.
Art lovers will find both Puerto Rican and European masters at the Museo de Arte de Ponce on Las Americas Avenue. Ponce is also home to the Museum of Puerto Rican Music. The works of one of Puerto Rico’s early artists, Jose Campeche, can be found in the San Juan Cathedral and other churches nearby. San Juan also exhibits at the Capilla del Cristo one of the island’s most recognized and most important art forms, the carved religious figurines known as santos that were first made on Puerto Rico in the sixteenth century. Masks also remain a popular and traditional art form for many Puerto Ricans.
Wildlife, Marine Life, and Flora and Fauna
Puerto Rico is home to the Caribbean National Forest, the only tropical rain forest that exists in the National Forest System of the United States. Located on the eastern side of Puerto Rico, the 28,000-acre forest is centered in the Luquillo Mountains and counts thousands of plant species and hundreds of small animal species as its residents. The Puerto Rican Parrot, once nearly extinct, has rebounded in recent years and remains one of the island’s most beautiful and unique birds. At Guanica Forest near Ponce, bird lovers can take in more species than anywhere on the island while also enjoying some 700 different plant species, more than a dozen of which are unique.
The Stripe-headed tanager is Puerto Rico’s national bird. Its national flower is the Puerto Rican hibiscus. Other important plants and trees include the kapok tree, the Poinciana, the breadfruit, and the coconut palm.
For the intrepid nature enthusiast, a visit to Mona Island off Puerto Rico’s west coast is a unique adventure that often yields sightings of giant iguanas, sea turtles, sea birds, rare fish, and even whales.
Spelunkers will enjoy the Rio Camuy, Cueva del Infierno, and other caves on the island that make Puerto Rico one of the most best sites for cavers in the Caribbean region and Western Hemisphere in general.
Festivals and Events
Puerto Ricans celebrate Constitution Day every July 25 to honor the constitution the island adopted in 1952. November 19 is celebrated as a National Holiday for the Discovery of Puerto Rico day. The island also recognizes all government holidays in the United States.
The Le Lo Lai Festival takes place throughout the year and is one of Puerto Rico’s most enduring cultural celebrations.
Towns throughout Puerto Rico celebrate their patron saint every year with festivals rich in Catholic, African, and native traditions, including music, games, foods, parades, and dancing.
Radio
Alfa Rock 105.7 FM
KQ 105 FM
Nueva Vida FM 97.7 Christian music
Radio Puerto Rico 740 AM
Sistema 102
Sal Sol 98.5 Metro and 101.1 Sur
Links
Puerto Rico is Fun
http://www.puertoricoisfun.com/
Escape to Puerto Rico
http://escape.topuertorico.com/
Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association
Porta Del Sol
http://www.gotoportadelsol.com/index.php
Puerto Rico Trench
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/03trench/trench/trench.html
Puerto Rico Sports Fishing Association
http://www.asociaciondepescadeportiva.com/
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Caribbean Real Estate Showcase is a division of Caribbean Villa Owners Association. 877-248-2862 804-693-5216 804-693-4856 | |||||||||
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