Photo credit: Tomás Fano

Though Puerto Rico is a part of the U.S. and its culture represents a mix of Caribbean, Hispanic, African, and U.S. influences, the island’s strong Spanish heritage can be felt. The Spaniards first made their mark in 1493. The buildings and monuments of the Spanish conquistadors still stand today.

Puerto Rico, "Island of Enchantment”"as it is sometimes called, has a developed capital, where it seems there’s always a party. You can get your fill of vibrant nightlife options - from fairs and discos to outdoor concerts and great restaurants. Then there are the coasts with miles of beaches fronting azure waters or inland to the underground Río Camuy, the mountains, or El Yunque rainforest.