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Many believe that Archaic Indians from South America first came to Puerto Rico around 4500 B.C. Several other groups of people would migrate to Puerto Rico over the next 6,500 years, bringing with them unique cultural influences that have shaped the spirited people and the vibrant heritage of the Caribbean port that greets visitors today.
Columbus discovered Puerto Rico on his second voyage across the Atlantic in 1493. The island, with resources such as gold, was immediately claimed for the Spanish, and Juan Ponce de León founded the first settlement in Puerto Rico at Caparra. The Spanish and some 50,000 Taino Indians indigenous to Puerto Rico soon became embroiled in conflicts. Even though the Spanish virtually decimated the indigenous population, remnants of their heritage and folklore have persisted in the culture of Puerto Rico.
Other influences, namely African and American, have combined with the Spanish and Taino culture to create the unique and charismatic melange that makes up the modern day culture of Puerto Rico. Neither American nor Spanish, Puerto Rico has a proud heritage and population that is unique in the Caribbean and the world.
Vacationers who visit the island will experience firsthand the energy and spice of Puerto Rico and its people. The flavorful cocina criolla unique to Puerto Rico will provide the spice at the dinner table, while salsa dancing spices up the nightlife. Visitors will find luminous beaches, adventurous eco-tourism, intriguing art, and much more when they visit Puerto Rico.
