Suzanne Van Atten - Moon Puerto Rico

colorful houses on a hillside in San Juan.

Isla del Encanto, which translates to Island of Enchantment, is Puerto Ricos nickname for good reason. Sandy beaches, palm trees, and tropical breezes make it a favorite getaway for the sun and surf crowd. Rugged mountains and a verdant rainforest attract adventure travelers, and lavish hotels with oceanside golf courses embrace vacationers who crave luxury.

But Puerto Rico is more than a picture postcard. Centuries of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences can still be experienced as part of Puerto Ricos vibrant cultural life today.

The hip, bustling metropolis of San Juan boasts world-class restaurants, and casinos and clubs keep the late-night set up until dawn. Yet, a simple stroll through the cobblestone streets of Viejo San Juan steeps visitors in a concentrated dose of the islands history and cultural life.

Natural beauty abounds in the many protected coves, mangrove lagoons, caves, and mountain streams. They provide the perfect backdrop for an immersion into the sensual pleasures of the tropics. Venture out from San Juan and discover El Yunque National Forest with its semitropical rainforest; the northwestern karst country with its limestone caves; and three bioluminescent bays, where kayakers can paddle in water that glows glittery shades of green, blue, or white at night.

the dome of El Capitolio in San Juan

fishing boats on Vieques

sentry box overlooking San Juan Bay

Puerto Ricos central mountain region is one of the most dramatically beautiful areas of the island, where high mountain peaks, canyons, lush vegetation, orchids, streams, and cooler temperatures prevail. The indigenous Tano culture was once a stronghold here, and their ancient ruins and petroglyphs can be found throughout the area.

All that is to say that there is a lot more to Puerto Rico than beaches. But if it is spectacular beaches you want, there are plenty to be found, as well as a bounty of water sports, from surfing and diving to fishing and sailing.

Life is vivid in Puerto Rico. The sun shines brightly, rainbow-hued buildings pop with color, and tropical music fills the air. Prepare to be enchanted.

roadside fruit vendor in Mayagez

Yokahu Tower in El Yunque National Forest.

cobblestone street in Viejo San Juan

Explore the Rainforest: Take a scenic driving tour of

Party in the Streets: Celebrate with locals in popular party districts like ).

Soak Up : Puerto Rico is world famous for its beaches, which are ideal for swimming, sun-bathing, surfing, and snorkeling.

Feast on Traditional Cuisine: Travel , where you can sample an array of traditional fritters.

Unleash Your : Plunge into a pool at the base of a waterfall. Fly on a zipline. Go white-water rafting. Trek through the jungle. The possibilities are endless.

Get to Know the Local Culture: in Jayuya to learn more about the islands Tano culture.

Paddle across a Glowing Bay: Take a kayak or a boat ride into one of the islands three and be mesmerized by the underwater light show.

Savor the : Visit coffee farms, stay overnight in a historic hacienda, and sip aromatic beverages produced locallyfrom bean to cup.

Discover Puerto Ricos Wild Side: The island has thousands of acres of undeveloped, protected land, including the stunning stretch of wilderness beach in .