Puerto Rico

History buffs should start their visit at Old San Juan, a district rich with the character of Spanish explorers. Take a self-guided walk along the historic streets, and enjoy the city's best shopping. Old San Juan's most recognized site is San Felipe del Morro or El Morro, a fort built in 1539 to protect the harbor. Nearby, Casa Blanca remembers San Juan's best known citizen: Ponce de Leon. This 1520s home served as the city's first fortress.

If your interests run toward eco-tourism, travel to El Yunque National Forest, the only U.S. tropical rainforest. Forty-five minutes east of San Juan, the rainforest blooms with orchids and ferns.

Puerto Rico is nicknamed "the Scotland of the Caribbean" because of its many golf courses.

Fast Facts:

Language: Spanish and English

Currency: US dollar

Population: 3.9 million

Recommended for: ecotourism, families, shopping, historic sites, casinos, golf, pre- or post-trip with a cruise (many Caribbean cruises depart from San Juan)

Information: Puerto Rico Tourism Company, www.gotopuertorico.com

Map courtesy the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and
the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection