Top Places to Visit on Puerto Rico Tours

Famously known as the “Island of Enchantment”, Puerto Rico is a popular destination for Americans who want to enjoy the scenic beauty and tropical climate of this country. The things that set Puerto Rico apart from the other islands are its magnificent rainforest, unique attractions, bioluminescent bays, mouth-watering food, and diverse culture and geography. The central hillside of Puerto Rico is filled with historical, cultural and eco-adventure opportunities. Here is a list of places you should make sure your Puerto Rico tours cover.

Must See Places on Puerto Rico Tours

Some places that are worth your visit on your Puerto Rico tour are:

El Morro

 

If you are a history fanatic, visit the Fort San Felipe del Morro. Located in San Juan, this fort was originally designed to guard against the entry of Spaniards to San Juan Bay. This site survived many attacks during the American military occupation and Spanish rule. Ultimately, it became a World Heritage Site and a National Park. A climb to the top of the fort will give you a beautiful view of Old San Juan.

The Vieques Biobay

The Vieques Biobay is worth visiting on a moonless night. You can try kayaking here as well. The green glowing oars in the water is a beautiful site to behold. The climate, local conservation efforts and geography of Vieques Biobay make it one of the of world’s most bioluminescent bays.

El Yunque

For the ultimate rainforest experience, El Yunque is the place for you. The elevation of the tropical rainforest on the Rocky Mountains, along with the trails to climb, make this a must visit for Puerto Rico tours. More than 240 plant and tree species can be spotted in this area. El Yunque is preserved by the government of Puerto Rica.

Culebra Island

With mesmerizing views of beautiful sand and clear waters, Culebra Island is a perfect pick for a relaxing weekend. Ranked as the second most exotic beach in the world, Flamenco beach on this island is worth visiting. You can try scuba diving to catch a glimpse of the underwater reef.

Old Aguadilla Lighthouse Ruins

Aguadilla is a photographer’s delight. The lighthouse was built in the late 19^th century by the Spanish. It was damaged by an earthquake and abandoned and re-built at a different place. The hollow windows still provide a breathtaking view.

The Best Beaches in Puerto Rico

The Best Beaches in Puerto Rico

There is nothing quite like the beaches in Puerto Rico - the cashmere sands sprawling some 270 miles along the fringes of the glittering Caribbean Sea and stretching out over to the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. Soft swaying palm leaves, never ending margaritas, the rolling soapy surf and some of the most secluded bays and famous surfing spots in the world.

Whether you have come to the legendary Caribbean island for the lush rainforest, the crystal caves, the gateway to surfing paradise, the island parties and the rum or the breath taking beaches you won’t be disappointed. If you don’t know which one of the hundreds of beaches to pick, you won’t be alone. Luckily we are one step ahead of you and have picked a few of our favourites to help you choose.

The best beach for Surfing - Playa Higüero

This beach is set in the popular Rincon region and has acquired the nickname of ‘’Little Malibu’’, due to its incredible winter season popularity on the surfing calendar. A top notch surfing destination, it was not the location of the world surfing champs for nothing. Not for the faint hearted, surfers can look forward to the 16ft barrels as the norm that come crashing down on to the velvety Caribbean sands.

The beast beach for Families - Luquillo Beach

 

The most photographed beach in all of Puerto Rico, Luquillo Beach has a stunning coral reef that prevents the surf from becoming wild and rough, making it the calmest beach for families with children who want to frolic in the sea. There are a number of excellent picnic spots, changing room and even great shower facilities, so it is nice and clean and the perfect beach for parents to have a great day out, to relax at the ocean.

The best beach for Snorkeling – Playa Experanza

Puerto Rico is not only known for its gorgeous beaches and world class surfing spots, it is also known for its huge abundance of snorkelling opportunities, with a gorgeous reef that is literally teeming with marine life and underwater palaces just waiting to be explored. Expect to see a mass of deeply colourful antler coral, nurse sharks, large shoals of bright fish and even the odd manatee or two as you head on down below the waves at Playa Esperanza.

The best beach for swimming – Playa de Ponce

Considered to be one of the most enviable beaches in the world, the second biggest city in Puerto Rico, Ponce is the host to this slice of ocean paradise. The waves are calm and the surf rolls gently on to the velvety sands, instead of crashing angrily onto the shore, removing half of the beach as the waves roll furiously back, being sucked back into the deep ocean. The water is clearer, the waves virtually still and the tides predictable to the minute, which makes it great for kids who want to body surf and play in the water, as well as swimmers that want to go far out without the risk of being swept away.

 

Author bio: Korah Morrison, writer at EssayWritingServices.com and writes about seo, blogging, social media, internet marketing and other tips.

Pumpkin: So Poor and Yet So Rich

Among vegetables, it's one of the most nutritious and rich in vitamins, particularly A, and has great detoxifying, diuretic and antioxidant powers. In addition, it's very versatile, since it can be the main ingredient of soups, stews, desserts and an endless number of recipes. At the same time, pumpkins have very few calories and are among the most economical foods.

Pumpkins,known as calabaza, auyama or zapallo in Latin America, have been known throughout the Americas and Europe for many centuries. Apparently, the first British explorers to land on the coast of North America were amazed by the great variety of gourds grown by the natives. And although pumpkins are members of the zucchini family (which Europeans already knew), apparently the different varieties of squashes native to this side of the Atlantic had never been seen in the Old Continent until they were sent over from American soil.

Pumpkins belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cantaloupe, cucumber and balsam pear or bitter melon.

When you buy pumpkins, always choose those with clean skin, free of blotches, and avoid those that are too soft and ripe, since they rot quickly. Pick the heaviest in relation to their size, since they offer a larger eatable section. The best way to preserve them is to keep them in the refrigerator or in a cool place.

Whencut and cooked, they must be eaten within one or two days. Figure that, on average, 1 lb of pumpkin, with the peel removed, cut and cooked, yields two cups.

As a rule of thumb, figure about 8 ounces per person.

The rounder and flatter ones are best for desserts, such as the classic pumpkin pie, while the longer ones are perfect to eat plain or as a side dish to meat, fish or cheese.

Below is a recipe for a delicious cake in which pumpkins are the star:

Special Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients:

2 tsp. granulated sugar

2 cups of unsifted flour

2 tsp. baking powder

tsp. salt

1 cup of confectioners' sugar

1 cup of soft butter

4 large eggs

tsp. vanilla extract

tsp. almond extract

2 cups grated pumpkin

Preparation:

1. Butter a round baking pan. Sprinkle it with granulated sugar to cover the inside of the pan.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt.

3. In another large bowl, with an electric hand mixer, whip the confectioners' sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, while still beating. Add the vanilla and almond extracts.

4. Preheat the over to 350° F.

5. Blending slowly, add the flour mix to the butter and eggs. Continue mixing slowly until the batter is smooth. Now add the grated pumpkin. Spoon the mix into the pan.

6. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out totally dry.

7. Remove the cake from the oven and set aside for 10 minutes over a rack. Then get it out of the pan over the same rack to continue to cool down. Finally, place it on a serving plate and garnish it as you like with more confectioners' sugar.

Yields about 10 portions

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Pumpkin

Calabaza

Finger Foods

Finger Foods

by E. Garriga

There is no greater pleasure than to eat a delicious fritter such as bacalaítos (codfish fritters), o a piece of dulce de coco (coconut candy squares) you long for using your hands or remembering a scrumptious arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) cooked over a make-shift stove of three stones heated with coal or wood! I remember as a child visiting family in the countryside in Moca, Puerto Rico, and the best arroz con gandules we ate using our fingers. People would often say to eat “hasta chuparse los dedos,” meaning absolutely delicious when it was made over charcoal or wood sticks. The host would say “you don´t need a fork and a knife to enjoy this!” During those days people did not worry about bacteria, they just enjoyed the food. That was a different generation. Today we have to wash our hands thoroughly due to our contaminated environment. Many would regard eating with their fingers as having bad table manners.

Yet, hands are the most important tools in handling food. Since ancient times people have used their fingers to eat. Even today there are cultures in many parts of the world where people eat with their fingers as a daily routine. Closer to home, many restaurants serve dishes that require using our fingers. Some provide towels for guests to clean their hands before eating. Other places entice diners put their hands together over a bowl in the center of the table and pour water all at once. A recent article in The New York Times (1/18/2012, p. D3) notes that more and more restaurants encourage using hands instead of silverware. The article mentions Julie Sahni, instructor and cookbook author, raised in India and who says, "eating with hands evokes great emotion . . . inspires affection, sympathy and tenderness.” Other chefs encourage eating with their hands in the belief that it enhances the link between food and sensory decline due to protocols at upscale dining places. Many restaurants place a container with forks and knives in the center of the table for those who prefer those utensils.

However, in Western culture there are other rules to follow at the table, informally or not. We use fork, knife and a spoon in a formal setting but use our fingers to eat certain foods in a more casual one.

So, what do we eat with our fingers? Here is a sampling:

barbecued ribs

breads, bagels

burgers

candy

chips and dips

confectionery

cookies

corn on the cob

doughnuts

fried chicken

fried chicken wings

fritters such as alcapurrias, almojábanas, arañitas de plátanos, arepitas,

bacalaítos, empanadillas, pastelillos, sorullitos, tostones*

fruits

nuts

pizza

popcorn

sandwiches

some desserts such as dulce de coco, marrayos

some snacks, tapas, canapés, cocktail appetizers

Clearly, when a dish has sauce or is liquid it’s more practical to use a spoon. Sometimes we have a dilemma regarding what utensil to use, especially with desserts. The spoon makes sense for soft desserts such as flanes (custards), helados (ice cream) or any dessert accompanied with a syrup. The fork is normally used for cakes and fruits. Sometimes, when a cake has or is served with ice cream, then a spoon suits the need. When in doubt, follow your hostess, who’s sure to provide the requisite utensil in the hope that she knows what to use. ¡Enjoy!

*The fritter recipes can be found in Sabrosuras Boricuas and Homestyle Puerto Rican Cooking cookbooks, sold at Boricua.com.

E. Garriga is the Author ofSabrosuras BoricuasandHomestyle PuertoRican Cookingcookbooks and is a frequent contributor at Boricua.com

Las Dunas Beach Apartments Vacation Rentals

 

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Location: Isabela, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico, Caribbean (Caribbean) View Map

Accommodations:  8 Apartments Available - 2 Bedroom, 1 bedroom and Studio Apartments available

Quiet area, very private, short & long term rentals

Amenities: new kitchen, new bathroom, fully  furnished, sheets and towels, kitchenware, washer and dryer, fans in each room, air conditioned, Internet, small pets OK. World Class Surf capita,  horsebackriding, golf, tennis,  windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing classes. Saand dunes stretch for 10 miles, 11 minutes from local airport. located near Rincon close to Villa Montana and Shacks Beach.

Vacation Rental Features

• Amenities
  • Washing Machine
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  • Satellite Or Cable
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The “Puerto Ricanization” of Central Florida

The “Puerto Ricanization” of Central Florida

Central Florida has become a hot bed of Puerto Rican immigration and migration.  Florida now boasts nearly 850,000 Puerto Ricans in the state, which account for 18% of the nation’s entire Puerto Rican population.  The population growth of Puerto Ricans has made it one of the largest ethnic groups in Florida, second only to Cubans.  The area of highest Puerto Rican density in Florida is Orlando and Kissimmee, however some of the oldest Puerto Rican roots in the state are grounded in the Tampa Bay region.  If you’re coming to Florida looking for authentic Puerto Rican culture, skip on Orlando and Disney, take care of the Budget car rental, and drive over to Tampa Bay.

The car ride will lead you along the I-4 corridor where 350,000 Puerto Ricans currently reside.  There are 135,000 Puerto Ricans in the Tampa Bay area, which comprises 28% of the entire Hispanic/Latino population in Tampa Bay.  The Tampa-St. Petersburg region has perhaps the oldest Puerto Rican community in Florida, dating back to the 19^th century when Ybor City in Tampa was in its heyday as a cigar manufacturing, commercial center.  If you plan to come to Tampa Bay for a genuine Puerto Rican experience, come in December.

Not only is the weather spectacular in the bay area in winter, but Tampa has lovely Puerto Rican “parrandas.”  Parrandas are the Puerto Rican version of Christmas caroling, when a large group of friends gather together to surprise another friend.  Parranderos not only sing traditional Puerto Rican Christmas songs called “aguilandos” but they also frequently play instruments, such as tamborines, guitar, guiro, and maracas among others.  The parrandas usually start around 10 p.m. when the group arrives to a house, serenades the owner, and is invited in for drinks and refreshments.  The group grows and they leave for another house, and this can last until 3 or 4a.m.  For the luckiest parranderos, they can enjoy traditional Puerto Rican favorites like coconut flavored pudding, rice with pigeon peas, pig and Puerto Rican coconut rum, as well as other favorites from the island.  The biggest days to be in Tampa are December 24- Noche Buena (Christmas Eve); December 25 Navidad (Christmas Day); December 31 Despedida de Año.  Of course no Latino holiday season would be complete without el Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day) on January 6^th, which is the favorite of Latino children around the world. Check out Rancho Las Palmas of Tampa, at 5909 Hartford Street as they host Puerto Rican Parranda Navideña Sunday.  After your holiday parties are over, take some time to explore more of the Puerto Rican gastronomy in the bay area.

Probably the most famous Puerto Rican restaurant is La Casona at 5709 N. Armenia in Tampa.  Reviewers on their facebook page describe it as “absolutely the best Puerto Rican food in Tampa” and “best mofongo north of San Juan, best pollo salteado ever.”  This should provide good reason to go there.  Other favorites are masitas (fried pork pieces) and the camarones a la casona con pan (sautéed shrimp in butter and spices with bread).  If you are looking for something earthier and without frills, go to Mi Pueblo Cafeteria.

Mi Pueblo Cafeteria is located at 1910 N. Lincoln Ave. in Tampa.  The food is inexpensive, but many people consider it to be one of the finest examples of genuine Puerto Rican food in the region, right next to La Casona.  Mi Pueblo Cafeteria serves up all the tradition Puerto Rican favorites: lamb, beans, sweet plantains, stewed beef, shredded pork, and stewed shrimp.  The restaurant has a very friendly staff and welcoming family environment.  Lastly, if you’re up for a road trip, consider eating at Casa de Caguas.

Cruise over the Sunshine Skyway to Bradenton, Florida and find Casa de Caguas 1714 14^th St. West.  Like most Puerto Rican restaurants, Casa de Caguas has a friendly, family environment.  They also serve all the traditional favorites from mofongo to pork.  The other fare on the menu includes:  jibarito, pastalon, alcapurias, bacalaito, and empanadillas.  You can quench your thirst with native Puerto Rican sangria as well as Puerto Rican Medalla Light, while enjoying the feast.  Casa de Caguas also makes a variety of other Caribbean specialties that are made to order.  The bridges between the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and Florida continue to grow.

Although Jacksonville is the #1 commercial port for Puerto Rican shipping, Tampa is working to improve relations with the Caribbean island.  A concerted effort has been made over recent years, including events in Tampa that seek to nurture business ties between Tampa and Puerto Rico. Close ties and relations continue to flourish in the area as Medical Card System Inc., a health services company in Puerto Rico, recently appointed Jim O’Drobinak as chief executive officer.  Mr. O’Drobinak lives in the Tampa Bay area and previously worked for Gorman Health Group and Universal Health Care.

Without a doubt, central Florida and especially the Tampa Bay area is a hub for blossoming Puerto Rican culture.  With one of the largest concentrations of Puerto Ricans in the country, as well as extremely authentic culinary options and increasing business ties between Tampa Bay and Puerto Rico, there’s no reason to hesitate to come experience for yourself, Florida’s version of Puerto Rico.

Top 5 Reasons to Retire in Puerto Rico

 

Top 5 Reasons to Retire in Puerto Rico

As people approach retirement age, many consider different options for where they want to live. In some cases, a move to a different part of the world may be a great option. One option that many are considering is a move to Puerto Rico. Here are the top five reasons to retire in Puerto Rico. But where ever you decide to retire make sure you have looked into assisted living communities. Here you can start designing healthy communities for senior citizens and find the right place for you.

The Weather

Weather is one of the components that makes Puerto Rico such an attractive destination for vacationers, and new retirees will enjoy the shift to warmer temperatures. After years of dealing with cooler weather, some people simply want to be able to dress how they would like in the morning without having to worry about needing additional layers during the day. Further, injuries are more common in cold locations, and many retirees will find that they simply do not want to risk a fall resulting from snowy weather.

Part of the United States

Although it seems like a foreign country in many ways, Puerto Rico is still part of the United States. Despite not being a state, the territory provides the same advantages of the United States. Visiting friends and relatives is easy, and dealing with taxes and payments from the government is straightforward. The legal protections one gains from living in the United States are still present, and retirees will be able to find others from the United States regardless of where they move on the island.

The Cost

As a territory of the United States, Puerto Rico is somewhat isolated from the rest of the nation. Because of this, its cost of living has not yet matched that of the rest of the United States. As all retirees know, stretching money as far as possible is crucial to enjoying the best retirement possible; by moving the Puerto Rico, new retirees can instantly be able to afford far more than they would elsewhere in the United States.

The Culture

 

One of the best ways to combat the mental effects of aging is to challenge the brain. By moving to Puerto Rico, retirees will find an entirely new culture to learn about. Further, many who retire in Puerto Rico will want to spend some time learning Spanish. This provides a great way to challenge one's brain and fend of the effects of aging while enjoying a fun, dynamic culture. It is possible to stay in Puerto Rico while retaining one's standard activities, but most who make the move end up becoming enthralled with wanting to learn as much about the island's history and people as possible.

Choice of Lifestyles

Retirees have vastly different images of what they want their day-to-day lives to be like. Puerto Rico offers options to satisfy nearly all retirees. With nearly 2.5 million people in its metropolitan area, San Juan offers the big city experience that many retirees enjoy. Puerto Rico also offers isolated locations in small towns where retirees can enjoy the rural lifestyle that many long for. Those who prefer something in between these extremes will find plenty of options on the island.

Retirement should be the best time of one's life. By making wise decisions, retirees can ensure that their retirement matches want they have been looking forward to for years. For many, moving to Puerto Rico is the best way to enjoy retirement as much as possible.