Puerto Rico: Not just a Beautiful Beach Destination

When individuals decide to make Puerto Rico their vacation destination, they normally do so for the warm water, sandy beaches and exciting nightlife that only Puerto Rican travel can offer. However there are many interesting points about Puerto Rico that most people do not know.

For one, did you know the world's largest single dish radio telescope makes its home in Puerto Rico? Most people do not. However, this telescope, which is the world's most sensitive radio telescope can be found in the Arecibo hills. This huge dish is a sight to see, measuring 1000 feet in diameter and spanning around 20 acres. If you are a James Bond fan and have seen the movie Goldeneye, you might remember the telescope. James Bond and his villainous foe had their final showdown at this very place, showcasing the huge telescope.

If you have ever wanted to visit a tropical rain forest, but didn't think you would ever get to do so, your visit to Puerto Rico can double as an exotic rain forest adventure. A few hours trip from San Juan is EL Yunque, which can lay claim to being the United States National Forest System's only tropical rainforest. You can view beautiful flowers, exotic birds and witness the beautiful waterfalls that only a rain forest can offer.

If you have an interest in historic buildings, visit one of the two oldest churches left in the Americas. The Iglesia de San Jose was built during the 1530's. This church is actually the Western Hemisphere's second oldest church. Even more famous than the Iglesia de San Jose is the Cathedral de San Juan. This church was built even earlier, in the 1520's and has remained despite being looted, falling victim of two hurricanes and also various attacks through the years. If you visit this Cathedral, which is Puerto Rico's most significant religious landmark, you can see the mummy of a saint which is encased in glass and Ponce de Leon's remains.

If food and drink are more your style, you might be interested to know that Puerto Rico supplies over 70% of the rum that is sold in the United States. Rum is the chief export of Puerto Rico and has been produced here for around 400 years. Puerto Rican's are serious about their rum, so much that they are the world's only rum producer to have a minimum aging law. Rum lovers can choose from the three categories of rum; light, dark and aged, also known as anejo.

If none of this information interests you and you are only interested in Puerto Rico for its beautiful beaches, you are still in luck. Puerto Rico is home to over 270 miles of beach land. Tourists can choose from beaches where surfing is the main attraction to those that host tranquil, more calm waters. You can also choose from quite, secluded destinations to those more crowed resort front properties. Puerto Rican beaches are both varied and beautiful.

In Puerto Rico you can find something for everyone, whether you wish to just lie on the beach and soak up some sun or if you would rather enjoy all the interesting destinations and attractions that it has to offer.