The portrayal of Puerto Rico in Arthur Laurents’ “West Side Story” does no justice to the flourishing country Puerto Rico is today. It welcomes you with paradise-like Caribbean beaches, dense forests and a vibrant culture that is difficult to compare to any other despite clear Spanish and American influences. Lethargic beach lovers and sun worshipers as well as active surfers will be equally happy in Puerto Rico. The impenetrable forests give this country something of a mysterious and magical air, and it almost seems as though the land does not want to reveal its secrets to visitors all at once – look deeper and be captivated by the smell of lechoneras and rhythmic salsa beats.
San Juan
San Juan is the vibrant, cosmopolitan capital of the island of Puerto Rico. Encompassing hundreds of years of history, the city blends Spanish-era historic sites, such as the San Felipe del Morro fortress, with modern entertainment and fashionable shopping districts. More than a million people call San Juan home, while hundreds of thousands of tourists call it their favorite place to vacation each year.