Though it flies under the American flag, Puerto Rico remains steeped in Spanish tradition. Its 18th-century Spanish colonial capital, San Juan, was founded by Ponce de Leon who came looking for the Fountain of Youth and found this colorful island instead. For three centuries Puerto Rico remained under Spanish control, evidenced through its spicy “Salsa” music, and even more mouth watering local cuisine.

Though many visitors never leave the cobbled streets of San Juan, there is much else to see. Rincon on the Porta del Sol western coast is home to both surfing and diving. An hour to the east of San Juan is El Yunque’s treasured rain forest with flowering orchids, exotic birds and glades of trees. The island has no less than 18 championship golf courses, including the Aguirre Golf Club, dating back to 1926. Though temperatures vary only a few degrees from month to month, high season is winter, from December to April. Crowds lessen from August through November, the time favored by locals to hold carnivals and music festivals.

For more information go to: www.topuertorico.org or www.puertorico.com.