The regions of Puerto Rico can be divided into five distinct regions: the northern; eastern; central; western; and the southern coast. Each area is unique as the next and worth touring to experience first-hand the islands different flavors. In the Northern Region lies the capital, San Juan; one of the oldest and best preserved colonial cities in the Americas and the centre of commerce, shopping and major resorts along with having the main port of the island where cruise ships abound and the international airport. This region is the most populated and diverse with features such as the historic Old San Juan district, an Observatory, the State Forest, and caves to the popular Condado casino district and beach area in San Juan. The Eastern Region is renown for the islands National Forest ‘El Yunque’, found just 40 km southeast of San Juan, to the community of Fajardo and the outlying quiet and scenic islands of Vieques and Culebra, both well known for their secluded beaches, snorkeling spots and spectacular views. The Central Region is the highest of all regions, with the Cordillera Central that rises to heights between 3,500 and 4,389 feet above sea level; a cool climate and rainfall make this area a lush agricultural center and the caves and waterfalls found here are spectacular. The Western Region is host to most of the island's top beaches with its hundreds of miles of coastline. The incredible beauty of the beaches on shore is mirrored off shore in waters renown for diving and world famous surfing and its neighboring natural reserve on Isla Mona. The area is also host to the island Zoo found in the municipality of Mayagüez. Aguadilla is another popular city center within the western region. The Southern Region is hot and humid and the driest of all Puerto Rico. Amongst other cities, the area hosts the city of Ponce, which was once Spain's capital of the southern region; today it is the largest city in the region, rich with heritage and architecture and renown for leading museums of art.

How easy and accessible is it to get around Puerto Rico? Very. Here are approximate traveling times from San Juan to some of the major cities and attractions. Road map of Puerto Rico.

 

Aguadilla/Western Region- 2 hours, 81mi/130km
Camuy Caverns/ Northern Region, 1.5 hours, 55m/80k
El Yunque National Park/Eastern Region.75 hours, 35m/55km
Fajardo/ East Region.75 hours, 34m/54k
Mayaguez/Western Region, 2.5 hours, 98m/160k
Ponce/South Region 1.5 hours, 70m/112km

And it is easy to get to Puerto Rico. In fact the San Juan International Airport, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the hub from the US and Canada and many Caribbean Islands. American Airlines, American Eagle, American TransAir, British Airways, Carnival, Continental, Cop, Delta, JetBlue, Hill Aviation, Iberia, KLM, LASCA, LIAT, Mexicana, Northwest, PanAm, Spirit Airlines, Sunaire Express, Towers Air, TWA, United, US Airways, Vieques and Air-Link provide service to Puerto Rico with many direct flights arriving in San Juan from major US cities. Traveling time to major centers; New York 3.5 hours, Los Angeles 8 hours, Miami 2.5, Atlanta 3.25, Chicago and Dallas 4.5, Toronto 4.25, and London 12. Local airlines that operate services within Puerto Rico include American Eagle, Flamenco and Vieques Air Link and fly to Carolina, Aguadilla, Mayaguez, Ponce, Humacao, Fajardo, Culebra, Vieques, Arecibo. Flamenco Airways flies to Culebra and St. Thomas( USVI) from Fajardo and San Juan. If you are a U.S. citizen, no passport is required to come to Puerto Rico. Non US citizens require a passport and perhaps a visa. See more.

And Puerto Rico has a state-of-the-art communication system. So keeping in touch with the company or family and friends is as simple as at home via the net or phone.

Some interesting facts on Puerto Rico:
• Old San Juan is the second largest cruise port and the second oldest City in the western hemisphere.
• More than 70% of the Rum sold in the U.S. comes from Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is known as the "Rum Capital of the World". Bacardi and Don Q are the largest producers.
• The Rainforest of El Yunque, 35 miles from San Juan is the only tropical Rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.
• The Island is one of the few Caribbean Islands that has Casino’s. These are located at many of the major hotels throughout the island.
• Puerto Rico has regional commercial centers in almost all cities with anchors such as Sears, Wal-Mart, Kmart and JCPenny in addition to the unique locally owned shops and island chain stores.
• Puerto Rico is on Atlantic Standard Time all year around, which means that the island does not observe Daylight Saving Time. It stays the same time year around.
• Golf courses abound in Puerto Rico; there are many to choose from.

 

So come enjoy Puerto Rico; a fascinating multi-dimensional country that is bewildering as it is fascinating. The countries unique culture and gregarious way of life are nothing less than an enjoyable treat to take in from one end of the island to the other. To culture-seeking visitors and outdoor enthusiasts, you will not be disappointed. Come to Puerto Rico, this alluring island awaits.

 

Contact Whitten Caribbean Real Estate for all you Puerto Rican real estate needs.