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Puerto Rico, which is officially known as The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is strategically located on the northern edge of the Caribbean Sea. When Columbus (Cristobál Colón) landed on the island in 1493, Puerto Rico quickly became Spain's most important Island (port) in all of the Caribbean because of the island's location and natural attributes. This island is close to the deepest submarine depression in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Puerto Rico Trench reaches the depth of 27,493 feet (8,380 meters) which has given the island the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean. Despite Puerto Rico’s relatively small geographical size, it contains a long and rich history which has contributed to its diverse and unique culture. Puerto Rico is a multicultural society that has been molded and influenced by: Taino Indians, Spaniards (and other European nations), Africans, and since 1898, Americans when Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States. With over 500 years of European colonialism and contributions from four different civilizations, the islands society and culture has evolved into a unique melting pot that laid the foundations of what is now Puerto Rico.
Before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493, the Islands (one main island surrounded by numerous smaller ones) were called by the native Taino Indians as Boriken or Borinquen, which means land of the great lords, but when the Spaniards arrived they changed the name to Saint John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista) and called the main port city as Puerto Rico (which means rich port). In 1521, the two names were switched, the main island took the name of Puerto Rico and the main city was named San Juan.
Puerto Rico has become a major destination for travelers and expatriates. Puerto Rico's geographical location and its long history have created a rich and unique culture that has compelled many visitors and expatriates around the world to visit or move to this island. There are not many other countries on earth that can offer the visitor or expatriate as much to see and do in as little space as this island can. Puerto Rico can give the traveler or the resident the ideal year round weather where the average temperature throughout the year is 82.4 °F. Puerto Rico is replete with white sandy beaches, blue transparent waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquil waters of the Caribbean. On the Eastern side of the island you can enjoy the cool blue surfing waters of the Atlantic Ocean where you can surf at Playa Quique Bravo in Rincón which is one of the top beaches in the world for surfing and wind surfing.
Typically people around the world will think of Puerto Rico as a great destination for a vacation to the beach. But there is much more to this island than meets the eye. This island can offer some of world's most diverse landscapes ranging from remarkable mountain ranges, impressive rain forests, miles of ideal beaches and volcanic rocks, sinkholes and caves. Puerto Rico is mostly mountainous with large coastal areas in the north and south. The mountains cover 60% of the island and there are many volcanic rock formations and limestone regions of extensive mogotes and haystack hills, sinkholes, caves, limestone cliffs, and other karst features. The Río Camuy runs underground for part of its course, forming the third largest subterranean river in the world. Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest System and over 600,000 visitors visit the forest each year.
Puerto Rico is full of history. There were remains found that are believed to be from an ancient man dating back some 4,000 years. The islands have been inhabited for centuries by native Indians. Spanish Colonialism started over 500 years ago in 1493; long before the Mayflower landed on Plymouth Rock (United States) in 1620 A.D. Puerto Rico quickly became an important strong hold and port for the Spanish Crown. Many enormous forts and walls were built around San Juan because many European enemies such as the English, French, and Danish had attempted to capture this valuable port. There were so many enormous walls built around the city that many have called San Juan the "walled city". The walls and forts still stand today and are major tourist attractions.
Puerto Rico has a lot to offer, you can visit San Juan, which is the second oldest city in all of America, and you can even visit The San Jose Church, the second oldest church in the western hemisphere, which was built in 1522. You can enter and see for yourself the many colossal forts built by the Spanish such as: Castillo de San Cristóbal that covers over 27 acres, Fort San Felipe del Morro that was built in the 16th century and it has been declared a national historical site, and the governors residency in the 16th century fort La Fortaleza. Other places to visit and things to do including: the worlds largest Rum distillery built by Bacardi, the abundant nightlife entertainment possibilities in the homeland of the Pina Colada, go on nature walks and trek the mountains, or various water sport activities.
Puerto Rico's rich diverse culture and history is a tourist attraction. Where ever you go in this country its Indian, Spanish, African and American influences will be present from: the people, language, architecture, food, and its music.
Having the comfort of knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or the illness of a loved one is important to everyone. With the assistance of our friendly expert consultants, you can be advised on the most suitable level of coverage required wherever life may take you. Globalsurance can offer you a comprehensive international medical insurance plan in Puerto Rico that will typically provide you with an affordable number of coverage options including; benefits for in-patient and out-patient treatment, specialist consultations, dental care, and emergency evacuation. For more information, please contact our dedicated advisors today, or fill out this quick and easy online form by clicking here.
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