Top 10 Most Interesting Facts About Puerto Rico

1. State Motto: "Joannes Est Nomen Ejus" (John is His Name).
2. State Bird: Puerto Rican Spindalis.
3. State Flower: Maga (Thespesia grandiflora).
4. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated U.S. territory, making its residents American citizens.
5. El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.
6. San Juan is the oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction, founded in 1521.
7. Puerto Rico has three bioluminescent bays: Mosquito Bay, La Parguera, and Laguna Grande.
8. The island is home to over 270 miles of coastline and some of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches.
9. The Arecibo Observatory was featured in movies like "Contact" and "GoldenEye."
10. Puerto Rico is known for its vibrant music genres, including salsa, reggaeton, and bomba.

Geography of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's geography is as diverse as its culture, with mountains, rainforests, and beaches:

• Highest Point: Cerro de Punta (4,390 feet).
• Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea (sea level).
• Major Rivers: Río de la Plata, Río Grande de Loíza, and Río Camuy.

A Brief History of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's history is deeply tied to its indigenous, Spanish, and American influences:

• The Taíno people inhabited the island before Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493.
• Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony for over 400 years before becoming a U.S. territory in 1898.
• In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship.
• The island retains its unique identity through its language, traditions, and cuisine.

Top 20 Things to Do in Puerto Rico

1. Explore Old San Juan and its historic landmarks.
2. Hike through El Yunque National Forest.
3. See the glowing waters of Mosquito Bay.
4. Relax on Flamenco Beach in Culebra.
5. Tour Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
6. Visit the Ponce Historic Zone.
7. Tour Cavernas del Río Camuy.
8. Snorkel at Gilligan's Island.
9. Zipline at Toro Verde Adventure Park.
10. Surf the waves in Rincón.
11. Take a boat tour in La Parguera.
12. Explore the Guánica Dry Forest.
13. See the San Juan Cathedral.
14. Visit Caja de Muertos Island.
15. Relax on Isla Verde Beach.
16. Tour the Arecibo Observatory.
17. Learn about Puerto Rican art at the Museo de Arte de Ponce.
18. Scuba dive at the Parguera Wall.
19. View the sunset at Santa Isabel Wind Farm.
20. Have fun at Las Cascadas Water Park.

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Puerto Rico, visit the island's official tourism site: Discover Puerto Rico