"El Malecón" en Naguabo, Puerto Rico. En Restaurante 'El Maquito".

La  famosa área del " El Malecón" Área costera del Este de Puerto Rico en el pueblo de Naguabo. Muchas personas de diferentes pueblos de la Isla se encontraba en el Restaurante "El Maquito" sirve comida criolla de Puerto Rico con especialidad en Mariscos de todas las clases.

Salón Interior con Aire Acondicionado

Nuestra visita a Naguabo por primera vez fue excelente . Un bonito día soleado a lado del mar donde se encontraba el Cayo Punta Santiago. Buena localización  ya que la gente no tiene la oportunidad de sentarse a comer todos los dias y ver este bonito paisaje. El Restaurante El Maquito queda en un segundo piso , abajo esta el estacionamiento y habían 2 mesas de artesanía y de carteras para damas.

Mi hermana ,su esposo ,el hijo , mi hijo con la gorra, Mi Abuelo y mi hija de 9anios en la terraza del restaurante El Maquito en Naguabo.

Esta es la vista desde nuestra mesa hacia el mar

La comida que sirven es muy rica! Su especialidad es toda clase de mariscos frescos y de alta calidad. Su especialidad es Langosta rellena a lo makito y mofongo relleno de mariscos.

Mofongo con camarones Al ajillo $18

Pescado Chillo Frito con Mofongo $24

Mofongo con Mariscos mixtos (camaron,langosta, pulpo ,carrucho etc) a la criolla $25

Celebrando el día de los Padres en la costa de Puerto Rico : Naguabo

Vista del Mar

Hay muchas mas actividades que hacer en El Malcon como caminar toda la calle de la costa. Nosotros decidimos ir a cenar todos en familia y apreciar la vista y la comida que ofrece "El Maquito".

Nuestra experiencia en Naguabo superó las expectativas, por lo pronto nos estamos preparando para nuestro próximo destino .

TIPS: Para llegar a esta Área desde San Juan les dejo un mapa que les puede ayudar en la ruta via Ave Baldorioty de Castro y la Carr #3  (65 de infantería)  (mucho semáforos) de transito o ruta 66 .(peaje) llegar a En el mismo Malecón Playa Húcares, Carr. No. 3, Naguabo P.R.

Mapa de ruta desde San Juan a Naguabo

REASON WHY YOU WON’T TRAVEL

I have no money. I hear it all the time as to why people can’t travel.

I even say it all the time as to why I can’t.

But, I don’t let that stop me; I’ve learned to ignore the excuse, and act in favour of my dream anyway.

 Our Money Barriers

   I just didn’t know how to make it happen.

I started worrying about not having enough money – something I never done before. Iwas  so focused on not being able to make my dream a reality because I didn’t have any money, that Iended up completely destroying my healthy financial situation.

Everything I knew about money and how to manage it went out the window.

This was my situation in a nutshell.

 .

I’ve cried, screamed, and raged over them. I’ve done my best to ignore them too.

You don’t need money, you just need to employ the power of yourself. You can create your dream life if you believe it, despite the chaos, obstacles and the brick walls,  if you just take steps towards it each day.

If we can do this despite all our obstacles, you can too.

It’s just a matter of believing in your dream and backing yourself.

You have to back yourself, no one else will.

No more excuses. No more brick walls. You are powerful enough to smash them down.

  

The Universe will have your back, if you have it too.

10 PRINCIPLES TO MAKE YOUR TRAVELS MEMORABLE – OUR TRAVEL MANIFESTO

10 Principles to Make Travel Memorable

1. Open Your Mind

Be open to new cultures and different (sometimes better) ways of thinking. Your life has the potential to grow in unlimited ways just by being open to learning new things. If you find something confronting, or you don’t agree with, instead of being judgmental and hurtful simply say, “It’s not better or worse, just different.” Or “Isn’t that interesting? Tell me more.” And then open your mind to understand.

2. Stretch Your Boundaries. Experience Something New. Discover Yourself

Try something new every day to expand your horizons and get out of your comfort zone. Head to nature and sleep under the stars; try exotic and strange foods; attend a religious ceremony; throw tomatoes at festivals; teach English in the middle of Borneo; do something that scares you; and talk to strangers. You’ll soon discover strengths and talents you never knew existed. True growth comes from stretching our boundaries.

3. Interact. Engage. Listen. Embrace

Our most important discoveries and memorable experiences come from those we meet on the travel road. Interact with the local people and other travelers. Ask questions to dig deep into cultures and beliefs. Listen attentively. You have two ears and one mouth. Make it your mission to learn as much as you can and engage with those around you. Share your own culture as well. Help bring the world closer together and show how similar we really all are. You are an ambassador for your home country; represent it in the BEST light. Expand your horizons and embrace those who are completely different to you.

4. Travel with Awe, Wonder and Gratitude

The only luck I believe in is the one which determines where you were born. If you are traveling the world, you are privileged. Be grateful for this and use that as a means to wander the world with the eyes of a child. Look at how beautiful the planet is. See how amazing every thundering waterfall, dancing gazelle, unconquerable mountain, and smiling, toothless market trader really is. How lucky are you to witness it? Take time to think about how the planet works and what your place in it all is. Use that awe as inspiration to create your best life, which in turn helps to create a better world. It all starts with gratitude and awe.

5. Take Moments and Memories Over Possessions

Possessions wither away and die. Moments shape our character and the memories stay with us forever. In 20 years’ time, that Gucci handbag will not have made a difference to your life and will be a distant memory. The night you spent in a tent guarded by a Masai warrior while lions roamed outside, however, won’t ever be forgotten. Experience life instead of experiencing things.

6. Be Present and Passionate

There is no past and future; life only exists now. Be present and experience every moment. Step away from the computer and the lens and allow your five senses to soak up the world. Get excited and live every moment with passion. Remember how lucky you are–rejoice in that! You planned and saved hard for this adventure, you don’t want to miss it by living in the la la land of your mind or other people’s business. (You know what that stalkbook does?) Be attentive in your conversations and aware of everything that is happening around you. You want to stay safe on your travels? Being present is the best way to do it. It prepares your body to know what to do.

7. Sloooow it Down

It does not matter how many countries you have travelled to, it matters how deep your footprint was. Have you really travelled to a place if you raced through and didn’t get the time to appreciate and understand it? The best way to travel is slowly. Stay longer in fewer places. It costs less, you’ll see more, you’ll learn more, you’ll grow more, and you’ll form amazing friendships.

8. Swing in Hammocks at Sunset Often

Enjoy the simple things. It doesn’t always have to be about the Must See sights, the adventure and the bucket lists. Go for an early morning walk on the beach, have a picnic in the park, attend a yoga retreat, sit on the sidewalk of a café and watch the world go by over a cup of steaming coffee, or my personal favorite, swing in hammocks at sunset. (I pair that with a mojito. And you?)

9. Love That it is Not Like Home

Why go away if you want everything to be like home? You are simply wasting your money and it won’t be long before you find yourself on the next place home. Sameness is boring. Different cultures, traditions, languages, money, and beliefs makes the world a vibrantly, exciting place. What would there be for us to learn if everything was the same? LOVE the diversity of the world. Get addicted to it.

10. Give Back and Share What You Have Learned

Give back to the local businesses and communities as you travel. Buy their local products, volunteer, help a stranger on the street. Sit with them in restaurants and homes and chat. Banter and play when you barter. Travel will teach you so much about the world and yourself. Don’t keep those memories and lessons locked away. Share them to keep them alive and to inspire and help others do the same. How can you take this travel privilege of yours and use it to make the world a better place. You should now have a much better idea of what that looks like. Do as Gandi said, “Be the change.”

Free Travel using credit cards miles or points.

Use the best two Cards System to earn points to fly for free.

Chase Sapphire Preferred  credit card (Available for Puerto Rico)

Featured Benefits

First year theres no anual fee then $95..

Its a metal not plastic credit card .

Receive 40,000 points after you spend $4000 in the first 3 months.

Receive 5,000 points when you add a second user authorized.

24/7 DIRECT ACCESS TO A CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST

Talk directly to a dedicated advisor anytime without pressing "#" or "0".

NO FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEES†

Pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card on purchases made outside the United States.

CHIP-ENABLED FOR ENHANCED SECURITY AND WIDER ACCEPTANCE

Embedded chip provides enhanced security and wider acceptance when you make purchases at chip-enabled card readers in the US and abroad. Learn more atchase.com/chip. Plus Chase Sapphire Preferred® is accepted in twice as many places worldwide as American Express®.*

EXCLUSIVE SAPPHIRESM EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES

Access special travel opportunities and exclusive events available toChase Sapphire® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® cardmembers.

CHASE GLOBAL LIFELINESM

Whether you're traveling within the U.S. or abroad, emergency service assistance - including Emergency Card Replacement and Cash Access - is available to you around-the-clock.

ZERO LIABILITY FOR FRAUDULENT CHARGES*

If unauthorized purchases are made with your card, you won't be held accountable.

Ways to Earn Rewards

2X POINTS ON TRAVEL*

Earn 2 points per $1 spent on travel when you use your card to pay for airfare, hotels, cruises, rental cars, train tickets, taxis, tolls and more.

2X POINTS ON DINING*

Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants - from fast food to fine dining.

1 POINT PER $1 SPENT ON ALL OTHER PURCHASES*

In addition to earning 2 points per dollar at restaurants and on travel, you'll earn 1 point for every dollar you spend on all your other purchases.

Ways to Use Rewards

REDEMPTION OPTIONS THROUGH CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card comes with Ultimate Rewards, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for travel, gift cards, cash back, merchandise and more.

1:1 POINT TRANSFER TO LEADING FREQUENT TRAVEL PROGRAMS

Transfer points to participating frequent travel programs at full 1:1 value - that means 1,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points equal 1,000 partner miles/points. Travel programs include British Airways Executive Club, Korean Air SKYPASS, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards®, United MileagePlus®, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Amtrak Guest Rewards®, Hyatt Gold Passport®, IHG® Rewards Club, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®.

20% OFF TRAVEL WHEN YOU REDEEM THROUGH CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS

Always get 20% off airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, a $500 flight requires just 40,000 points.

NO BLACKOUT DATES OR RESTRICTIONS

As long as there's a seat on the flight, you can book it through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

FLEXIBILITY

You can book airfare, hotels and rental cars through Ultimate Rewards using yourChase Sapphire Preferred® card, your points, or a combination of both-it's up to you.

Travel Protection*

TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE

If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours, and hotels.

AUTO RENTAL COLLISION DAMAGE WAIVER

Decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.

TRAVEL ACCIDENT INSURANCE

When you pay for your air, bus, train or cruise transportation with your card, you are eligible to receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $500,000.

TRAVEL AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES

If you run into a problem away from home, call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance. (You will be responsible for the cost of any goods or services obtained.)

LOST LUGGAGE REIMBURSEMENT

If you or your immediate family members' checked or carry-on bags are damaged or lost by the carrier, you're covered up to $3,000 per passenger.

TRIP DELAY REIMBURSEMENT

If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

BAGGAGE DELAY INSURANCE

Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over 6 hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for 5 days.

Purchase Protection*

PURCHASE PROTECTION

Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.

EXTENDED WARRANTY PROTECTION

Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer's warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.

PRICE PROTECTION

If a card purchase you made in the U.S. is advertised for less in print or online within 90 days, you can be reimbursed the difference up to $500 per item, $2,500 per year.

RETURN PROTECTION

You can be reimbursed for eligible items that the store won't take back within 90 days of purchase, up to $500 per item, $1,000 per year.

Management Tools

CHASE BLUEPRINT*

A unique set of free features that help you manage your account. Design plans that can help avoid paying interest, pay off larger purchases, pay down your balance faster and see your spending at a glance. See progress on every statement.

YEAR-END SUMMARY

Your year-end summary organizes all your previous year's transactions into categories by purchase type. So you can track spending and file tax returns easily

Chase Freedom  credit card (Available for Puerto Rico)

Use this credit card to receive 5% cash back of  specific categories and transfer this money to miles in the saphire credit card.

No annual fee

Places to visit in Miami Florida

1.  Up high in "The Light House " in  Bill Baggs Cap Florida State Park in Key Biscayne.

2.The Miami Children Museam

3.Bay Side 

Miami Beach

Ocean Drive

Coral Gables Restaurants

Wynwood  Partys

Miami Skyline

Visit The Old San Juan

Visit The Old San Juan

Old San Juan Streets

Parade 

 At the right La Perla Community

Piragua is a ice cone with flavored syrup.

  San Cristobal Castle

 Pigeons Park

  Friends In San Francisco Street .

 Garita del Diablo . Old San juan icon.

 Historic Site

Puerto Rico's Flag

   
Parade

Magic performance by a spanish artist.

Traveling to Puerto Rico

  Online Tourism Magazine from Puerto 

http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/magman/QuePasa/

Take some time and travel to a tropical island. Hire a cast of thousands to play friendly, welcoming people most of whom speak English (in addition to their native Spanish). When you are looking for exotic locations, miles upon miles of white sand beaches, plus an unbelievable rain forest and mountains, you come to Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is a modern progressive and civilized vacation spot that maintains the charm and hospitality of days gone by. You will find everything that the Caribbean has to offer in this all around family destination - and with it is a people whose warmth is equaled only by the sunshine that graces its shores.

Before you go on your trip to Puerto Rico, find out all the basics and all the facts.

When to Go

Puerto Rico enjoys year round summer temperatures, an average annual temperature of 80°F (26°C). The peak tourist season is between December and April, but this has more to do with the climate in U.S. mainland than anything else. July and August represents another peak tourist seasons. The best time to avoid the crowds is the low season between May and November, which, unfortunately, coincides with hurricane season (officially -- from June 1 to November 30). In recent years, Puerto Rico has also become popular Spring Break destination. 

It's easy to find your way to and around. There is a wide selection of flights and cruises to Puerto Rico, and there are several ways of getting around when you arrive. 

How to Get and Around Puerto Rico

It's easy to find your way to and around. There is a wide selection of flights and cruises to Puerto Rico, and there are several ways of getting around when you arrive. 

Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico

Looking for the best of the best? Ask anyone individual and you will get as many different answers as people you ask. Each person sees a different picture of Puerto Rico. Sights, sounds and experiences will forever be embedded in the memories of those who come to visit. The Best of the Best by Frommers offers recommendations to visitors for a must see places, cities, or scenery. 

Time

Atlantic Standard Time (AST) (EST +1; GMT -4) all year around, which means that the island does not observe Daylight Saving Time (one hour later than Eastern Standard Time (EST) from October to April, and the same as Eastern Daylight Saving Time from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October).

For the exact time of day call: 787-728-9595.

Estimated travel time to arrive to major cities and other attractions from San Juan.

Tourism Brochures and Other Literature

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the island's official tourist center, produces and distributes several publications. The most popular is Qué Pasa! magazine, a bimonthly magazine that extols Puerto Rico's vast number of tourist attractions and natural wonders available throughout the island. Featuring outstanding photography and packed with information, every issue of Qué Pasa! includes useful and fully updated lodging and restaurant listings, detailed full-color maps for touring the Island, engrossing feature articles plus vital information on Puerto Rico's history, local cuisine and night life, arts and crafts, folklore, sports and much more.

For a full information package, call the Puerto Rico Tourism Company at 1-800-866-7827. The official tourism guide is the Que Pasa! magazine, it includes information on accommodations, restaurants, shopping centers, casinos, transportation services, special events and fiestas.

Some other magazines and guides to look for include: Tables Magazine, Places to Go, San Juan Guide, Bienvenidos and Go To Puerto Rico Travel Planner.

You can also buy maps practically at any store or gas station. Many recommend the Puerto Rico Adventure Map, which contains the most current and accurate map information available. If you are renting a car, the car rental agency may also provide you with a map, usually by request.

If you prefer to study your route before traveling you can purchase or download maps online.

Accommodations

Puerto Rico offers a huge variety of lodgings that will appeal to a multiplicity of personalities and pocketbooks. There are 13,000 hotel rooms available in Puerto Rico (2010), 50% are located in the San Juan area. The government sponsors "Paradores Puertorriqueños", a group of 18 inns located throughout the island. Quality and prices varies among the group. A centralized reservation and information system has been set up. (From the U.S., call 1-800-443-0266. Outside of the San Juan metro area, call 1-800-981-7575. Within the San Juan area, call (787) 721-2884.)

If you are planning on renting, buying or leasing property on the island, Real Estate Agencies offer a variety of services, whether it is a small quiet home or a vacation rental, real estate agents will provide you with the information you need. There is a wide selection of rental properties available in San Juan and throughout the island at beach and resort areas.

Courtesy & Dress

Puerto Ricans are a gentle and friendly people. The island feels more like Latin America than the United States. Swim wear is fine for the beach and leisure wear for the resorts, but elsewhere a little dressing up is in order. Night time in San Juan is somewhat informal.

Light and loose cotton clothing is the best bet year-round for Puerto Rico's warm tropical climate. Pack a sweater for cool season evenings or if you plan to visit the mountain regions.

There are no nudist facilities (camps and/or beaches) in Puerto Rico. Nudism is illegal in Puerto Rico.

Getting Married in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is the perfect destination for an unforgettable wedding. The island provides a wide range of location options that you can choose from, colornial forts, sandy beaches and tropical forests.

Learn about how to apply for a marriage lincense in Puerto Rico.

Health and Medical Facilities

Health standards in Puerto Rico are generally comparable with those of the United States, its medical facilities are among the finest in the Caribbean. There are physicians and hospitals in all cities. For more information contact the "Departamento de Salud" (Department of Health), (787) 766-1616.

Physicians 1 doctor per 523 people

Hospital beds (1 per 381 persons) (1993-94)

Infant mortality rate: total: 9.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2006 est.)

Handicapped Facilities

Like all major destinations in the world, Puerto Rico provides comfortable conditions for travelers with disabilities. Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States business that provides goods or services to the public must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

All public buildings are wheelchair accessible and have accessible rest rooms. Most hotels and attractions provide wide doorways, wheelchair ramps and elevators.

For information call: (787) 721-2800, Ex. 1549.

Medications

Bring enough prescription medication for your stay. Unexpected delays and extended stays can upset your medication regimen. Similar to the United States, pharmacists cannot distribute prescription medications without authorization from a doctor.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required for visitors to Puerto Rico. However, those arriving from, or transiting through countries where a health epidemic has been formally declared, may need proof of vaccination before they can enter the island. 

Vital Records

Puerto Rico Department of Health issues certified copies of Puerto Rico birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and divorce decreesfor events that occurred within Puerto Rico.

For faster service, visit one of the many offices located throughout the island.

Personal Safety

Robbery and theft does happen occasionally as any place else, but you need not be concerned. Just don't be too careless. Women can wear as much jewelry as they want anywhere (as the locals do) with no fear.

Always keep a copy of your documents with you. Take precaution and make copies of your important documents. Keep a copy at home. Take a copy with you and leave the originals in a safe place in your hotel room or wherever you are staying.

Travel Insurance

It is a good idea to take out travel insurance covering cancellations, lost or stolen property, injury, and illness. You're likely to have partial or complete coverage.

Some credit and charge cards provide health insurance for travelers.

Currency

Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the US and uses the dollar. The US dollar is often referred to as the "peso."

Currency Exchange

Currency Exchange can be arranged through many institutions in Puerto Rico, including:

• Banco Popular. Foreign currency exchange: any branch. International division, second floor, 1500 Ponce de León, corner Europa, Santurce, (787) 723-0077.
• Caribbean Foreign Exchange. 201B Tetuan, Old San Juan. (787) 722-8222.
• Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange. International Airport, Isla Verde. (787) 791-1960, (787) 791-2233. Popular Center Building, Hato Rey (787) 754-2228.
• Scotia Bank of Puerto Rico. Canadian exchange only. Any branch. (787) 758-8989.
• Western Union. Cable money transfer. All Pueblo supermarkets (800) 325-4046.

Banking hours are 9am to 3:30pm.

Currency Exchange Rates

US$ 1.00 =

AU$ 1.20

CA$ 1.06

NZ$ 1.35

£ 0.50

EUR .74

JPY 122.1

Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Travellers' Checks, Debit and Credit Cards

All major credit cards are widely accepted: American Express, Visa, Diner's Club, Discovery, Master Card and other Bank credit cards. You can also access your money at thousands of ATMs throughout the island.

Relative Costs

Budget meal: US $3-15

Moderate restaurant meal: US $15-30

Top-end restaurant meal: US $30 and up

Budget room: US $40-75

Moderate hotel: US $75-200

Top-end hotel: US $200 and up

Taxes & Tips

Puerto Rico has a 5.5% sales tax. Municipalities have the option of imposing an additional sales tax of up to 1.5% (effective on November 15, 2006). In addition, in the event that the governor determines an insufficiency in collections for the general fund an additional 1% to the central government will be imposed.

Tipping is much the same as in the States. In hotels, major restaurants and nightclubs services charges are usually included. However, many inexpensive restaurants do not add service charge. If it isn't, tip between 15% and 20%.
Read about other travel tips.

Business Hours

Most commercial businesses operate from 8:30am or 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Government offices are open 8:30am to 4:30pm. Banking hours are 9:30am to 3:30pm. Department stores and malls are generally open Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 8am to 6pm On Friday, stores have a long day: 8am to 9pm. Many stores also open on Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

Casinos

They are located in many hotels around the Island. Proper dressing should be observed by men and women. People under 18 are not allowed.

Sports

Puerto Ricans love sports. Any sport you can do in the Caribbean, you can do in Puerto Rico.

Liquor Laws

You must be 18 years old to purchase liquor in stores or buy drinks in hotels, bars, and restaurants. A municipal statute forbids alcohol consumption on the streets of many cities, like San Juan. It is illegal to operate motor vehicle at or above .08 blood alcohol level.

Festivals

You will find a full calendar of events to choose from throughout the year. Every year, each town celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include crafts, music, food, parades and religious processions. The activities usually take place at the town plaza. In addition, festivals featuring something special about each town is celebrated, like the San Sebastian Street Festival, the Ponce Carnival, and the Aibonito Flower Festival, among many others.

Shopping

Shoppers from the Caribbean and beyond are drawn to metropolitan San Juan, Plaza Las Americas in Hato Rey is the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean, containing 190 stores, including J.C. Penney's, Sears, Macy's, and dozens of smaller stores for clothing, gifts, electronics, cosmetics, etc. (787) 767-1525. Other commercial centers: Plaza Carolina in Carolina, Río Hondo in Levittown, Plaza del Carmen in Caguas and Mayagüez Mall in Mayagüez, Plaza de Aguadilla in Aguadilla, and Plaza del Caribe in Ponce.

In almost all cities there are regional commercial centers. Retail stores like: Sears, Wal-Mart, Kmart and JCPenny anchor shopping centers and malls alongside locally owned shops and island chain stores.
Do not forget that Puerto Rico is a large producer of rum, with many different types ranging from light rums for mixing with soft drinks to dark brandy-type rums. Hand made cigars can still be found in Old San Juan and Puerta de Tierra. A wide variety of imported goods from all over the world are available. Local artesanías include wooden carvings, musical instruments, lace, ceramics, hammocks, masks and basket-work.

Craft Shops

For information about island crafts and visits to island artisans, contact:

• Fomento Crafts Program (787) 758-4747 Ext. 2291.
• Puerto Rico Tourism Company artisan office (787) 721-2400 Ext. 2201, 2080.
• Institute of Puerto Rican Culture Popular Arts Center (787) 722-0621.

Tourism (2010)

Tourist Arrivals: 3,737,142

Cruise Passagers: 1,191,055

Hotel Rooms: 13,311

Average Length of Stay (nights): 2.6

Economic Development

Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company, (888) 577-4326.

Chamber of Commerce

Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce/Camara de Comercio, (787) 721-6060.

Foreign Chamber of Commerce

Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce in the U.S., Box 899, Ansonia Sta., New York, NY 10016.

Customs and Immigration

There are no passports or visas necessary for United States citizens, which mean that US citizens can travel freely in and out of the island without going through immigration or customs. US citizens only need to have some form of official government issued picture identification to enter Puerto Rico such as a current driver's license or a photo-identification card issued to non-drivers by a state's motor vehicles department. For additional information, contact your local U.S. embassy. or call the Puerto Rico State Department at (787) 722-2121.

Citizens of other countries have the same requirements as for entering the USA. Potential visitors must first obtain a visa, either a non-immigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The 90-day "visitor" visa is a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States temporarily. Those planning to travel to Puerto Rico for a different purpose, such as study or temporary work, must apply for specialized visas (either an M-1 or F-1 class). A visa is not a guarantee of entry into Puerto Rico. The bearer of a visa is subject to inspection at the port of entry by U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials who have authority to deny admission (Homeland Security Advisor, La Fortaleza, P.O. Box 9020082, San Juan, PR 00902-0082 - 787-977-7730 / 7731).
At the airports in Puerto Rico, your luggage will be inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make sure you are not carrying prohibited fruits and plants to the mainland. Avocado, papaya, coconut and plantain can be taken to the U.S.; mango, sour sop, passion fruit and plants potted in soil cannot. Travelers carrying undeclared prohibited items will be fined on the spot. Articles from Vietnam, North Korea, Kampuchea or Cuba, illegal publications, lottery tickets, chocolate liqueurs or pre-Columbian artifacts may not be brought into the country.
Passing through customs should be routine and quick. If you are taking prescription drugs, make sure you have a copy of the prescription with you; otherwise you could be held up.
If you want a copy of what is and is not permitted back on the mainland, write the U.S. Agriculture Department, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737 or call (787) 796-1650.

Traveling with Pets

Before taking a flight with your animal, have your veterinarian examine your pet to ensure that it is healthy enough to make the trip. Airlines and State health officials generally require health certificates for all animals transported by air. You will be required to: 1) Outfit your pet with a sturdy collar and two identification tags. The tags should have both your permanent address and telephone number and an address and telephone number where you can be reached while traveling. 2) Rabies quarantine certificate from veterinary doctor stating that pet has had a rabies shot. For more information contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture Puerto Rico office, Veterinary Division at (787) 766-6050.

Traveling with Firearms

According to Federal Regulations, anyone carrying a firearm, must declare the firearm upon check-in, complete a Declaration of Armed Individual, and ask for further instructions.
On July 22, 2004, President George W. Bush signed into effect the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (LEOSA). This law creates a mechanism by which qualified active and retired sworn law enforcement officers are permitted to carry a concealed weapon anywhere within the jurisdiction of the United States, subject to certain limitations, provided that officers are carrying their official badges and photographic identification.
The title defines the term "state" to include the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and all US possessions excluding the Panama Canal Zone.
For rates and further information on automobile transportation contact Puerto Rico's main maritime shipping agency; Sea Star Line, (www.seastarline.com) (787) 721-2330 or toll-free at 1 (877) 775-7447.
For information on estimated tax liability contact the Puerto Rico Treasury Department ("Departamento de Hacienda, Negociado de Arbitrios Generales"), at (787) 721-1257. You can also contact the Office of Excise Taxes at (787) 721-6237 or (787) 721-0338 for assistance.

Embassies & Consulates

Because Puerto Rico is part of the United States, Puerto Rico is represented abroad by US Embassies and Consulates.

Puerto Rico hosts Consulates from 42 countries from the Western Hemisphere and Europe. Most consulates are located in San Juan.

Puerto Rico Tourism Company Offices

The Puerto Rican Tourism Company operates offices around the island and numerous regional offices in countries around the world. Some of them listed below.

Puerto Rico Main Office
La Princesa Bldg. #2 Paseo La Princesa
Old San Juan, P.R. 00902

P.O. Box 902-3960
San Juan, P.R. 00902-3960
(787) 721-2400
1-800-866-7827

New York
135 West, 50th Street, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10020
(212) 586-6262 / (800) 223-6530

California
3575 W. Cahuenga Blvd., Suite 405
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 874-5991 / (800) 874-1230 - Ext. 10

Canada
6-295 Queen Street East
Suite 465
Brampton, Ontario L6W 4S6
(416) 368-2680 /
(800) 667-0394 within Canada only

Spain
Calle Serrano 1, 2 A
28001 Madrid
34-91-431-2128

Germany
Schenkendorfstr.1
65187 Wiesbaden
49 611 2676710

Emergency Numbers

In Puerto Rico in the case of an emergency (police, ambulance or fire), call 911. If there is no 911 service or for non-life-threatening emergencies, such as a traffic accident without injuries, call the Puerto Rico police department phone number, which is generally the regional prefix plus 2020.

Helplines and Agencies

• Emergency Services: 911
• Police: 787-343-2020
• Ambulance: 787-343-2222
• Civil Defense: 787-724-0124
• Fire Department: 787-343-2330
• F.B.I: 787-754-6000
• U.S. Secret Service: 787-766-5539
• U.S. Coast Guard: 787-729-6770

Other important numbers:

• Abuse of Minors: 787-749-1333
• American Red Cross Blood Bank: 787-759-7979
• Federal Marshals: 787-766-6000
• Federal Secret Service: 787-766-5539
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): 787-729-7637
• Humane Society of Puerto Rico: 787-720-9398
• Tourist Information: 787-722-1709
• Toxic, chemical and oil spills: 1-800-424-8802

Other Resources

• Bureau of Consular Affairs U.S. Department of State
• Currency converter
• Health Center Statistics (PDF)
• Master Card®/Cirrus® ATM Locator
• Paradores de Puerto Rico Map Source: Frommer's Puerto Rico, 5th Edition
• Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association
• The Pulse of of Tourism (PDF), December 2009, from Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico
• Shipping a Car to Puerto Rico
• The Universal Currency Converter™
• U.S. State Department - Passport Services and Information