Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, officially named Free Associated State of Puerto Rico, is a non-incorporated territory of the United States. It is located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, east of the Dominican Republic. It is an archipelago that includes the main island of Puerto Rico (the smallest of the Greater Antilles) and a number of smaller islands as Mona, Vieques and Culebra. It has an area of 9100 sq. km. The island´s population is 3,677, 234 people (2016).

History

Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony since the arrival of Cristopher Columbus in 1493 to 1897, and was a Spanish overseas possession since 1987 until the 1898 Spanish-American war. The United Stated occupied the island on July 25 that same year. In December the Treaty of Paris was signed, and as a result, Puerto Rico and the rest of the colonial possessions (Cuba and Philippine islands) were ceded to the United States in 1899. Since then, Puerto Rico has been under US control. In 1917, Jones Act of Puerto Rico granted an incomplete US citizenship, and the island became official US territory, with American governors appointed by US President. In 1947, the first national polls took place and Puerto Ricans elected the governor for the first time. In 1952 Puerto Rico became an Associated Free State.

About the word “boricua”

The tainos, indigenous people of Puerto Rico, called the island Boriken, which means “Land of our Brave High Lord”, a name that changed over time to Borinquen, still used to refer to Puerto Rico. The term “boricua” derived from Borinquen and is used in reference to the people born in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico has a warm and humid tropical climate, with well-distributed rains throughout the year. The average temperature in San Juan is 26 °C (79 °F).

The city of San Juan

It is the capital city of Puerto Rico. According to the 2010 census, the city population amounts to 395.326 inhabitants (called “sanjuaneros”) and the population density is 1983,45 people per sq. km.
The historical district of the city is known as Old San Juan and it is located in the little island of San Juan, connected to the main island of Puerto Rico through three bridges. Built as an old Spanish military settlement, the area comprises seven square blocks of narrow, lined up cobblestone streets, with old colonial houses with balconies and patios. Old San Juan´s fortresses and walls are among the best preserved in the hemisphere. The area has many old houses, churches and squares that exhibit the most valuable Caribbean architecture.
The little island, comprising a 120 sq. km area, is also home to a working class quarter called Puerta de Tierra and to most of the main public buildings, including the Capitol of the Free Associated State.

San Juan is the most important economic and industrial center of the country, and its metropolitan area concentrates most of the economic activity of the island. San Juan is the second Latin American city with a higher per capita income, following Brasilia. It is also one of the most interesting cities for investments in Spanish-speaking American countries.
Today manufacturing and services industries (including tourism) have substituted agriculture as the main income source. Likewise, cattle and dairy production replaced sugar industry as the main agriculture sector.

San Felipe del Morro Castle: This Spanish fortress built in the 16th century is located on the northwestern point of the islet of Old San Juan. During many years, it guarded the entrance to the San Juan Bay, and defended the city from seaborne enemies. Here objects from colonial times used by Spaniards, natives and African people are exhibited.

Fort San Cristóbal: Also known as San Cristóbal Castle, it was built in the 17th century to protect the city against land based attacks. It is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World.

Cristo Chapel: Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud, otherwise known as the Cristo Chapel and renowned for its healing powers, is perched atop the ancient wall that once protected the old city at the very south end of Cristo Street. It is one of Old San Juan’s most unique attractions. It was built in 1753 to celebrate a miracle. Since then, thousands of believers come to this humble chapel to pray for miracle cures.

The Fortress: La Fortaleza (The Fortress), also known as Palacio de Santa Catalina (Santa Catalina's Palace), was the first defensive fortification built for the city of San Juan. Since the 16th century, La Fortaleza has acted as the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico, making it the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the New World.

Historic district: The historic district of Puerto Rico´s capital city is known as Old San Juan. It is located on a small island, connected to the main land of Puerto Rico by three bridges. It is characterized by its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when Puerto Rico was a Spanish possession. The area also offers many public squares and churches, including the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Juan, home to the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León´s tomb.

Other places worth visiting: Casa Alcaldía (City Hall), Plaza de Armas (Arms Square), Cathedral of San Juan Bautista.

Currency

Puerto Rico´s official currency is the American dollar. Banks and money exchange offices are widely spread over the island. ATM can be found mainly in supermarkets, shopping centers and commercial areas. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday, from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm.

Useful Information

Time zone
Puerto Rico observes Atlantic standard time (GMT -4 hours).

Airport
International Airport Luis Muñoz Marín is located 15 km west from San Juan. It is the main airport of the island. Website: www.san-juan-airport.com

Languages
Spanish and English are the official languages, but Spanish is no doubt the dominant language. English is spoken by about 1/4 of the population. It is required in all federal matters and is spoken in all major tourist areas.

Electricity
The voltage in Puerto Rico is 120 volts and local plugs are mostly identical to those used in the United States and Canada, types A and B.

Tips
A tip of 10%-15% is customary in restaurants when service charge is not included in the bill. Tips are expected by hotel porters and taxi drivers, according to service received.

Visa
American citizens do not need a visa to enter Puerto Rico. Citizens of all other countries are required a passport with at least six months of validity and must consult their embassy or a Panamanian consulate about visa requirements.

Advices
Don’t forget to bring with you: Prescribed glasses, photo or video camera with battery charger, personal medicines, comfortable and smart shoes and sweater.
Luggage: We suggest that you identify your luggage with bag tags (name and surname).

Insurance
The organizers assume no responsibility for medical, travel, robbery or personal insurance. In case of needing medical attention at the hotel please call Reception (24 hours). Hotels may have medical insurance.

Actividades

Shopping in San Juan

Plaza Las Américas: It is the biggest shopping mall in the Caribbean. Located next to San Juan’s two main highways, this mall has literally more clothes stores under one roof than any other place in Puerto Rico. Las Américas offers its customers the widest variety of shopping and dining experiences. It has over 300 stores including the only Macy’s in the Caribbean and the largest JC Penney (it has 3 floors). You can also find other popular stores such as Forever 21, Zara, Banana Republic, Abercrombie and Fitch, American Express, Old Navy, among many others.

The Mall of San Juan: It is the premier shopping destination in Puerto Rico. This state-of-the-art, two-level mall, offers exquisite dining and entertainment, with varied and unique retailers, such as Versace, Giuseppe Zanotti, White House | Black Market, Jimmy Choo, among others. On the terrace, you can enjoy an astounding view, facing San José Lagoon and San Juan.

Barceloneta Premium Outlets: If you are looking for the best deals on designer goods, this is the place to go. Located in the small town of Barceloneta, these outlets are like any outlet mall in the U.S. With 90 outlet stores you can find impressive savings at Adidas, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger and more.

Gastronomy

Puerto Rico gastronomy offers many options, with a large variety of fruits and vegetables: yucca, sweet potato, onion, garlic, chayote (a pear-shaped fruit prepared similar to a pumpkin), coconut, pineapple, papaya, etc. Basics of Puerto Rican cuisine involve pork and beef, as well as fish and seafood. Among the most famous dishes we can mention the asopao, rice and chicken soup, fish soup, empanadillas, fried plantain, rice with coconut, rice with beans, among others.

Marmalade:
The restaurant´s sensual and minimalist orange-and-white decor features high-back chairs and cushioned banquettes. The menu uses many sustainable and non-modified ingredients, resulting in complex flavors and strong aromas. You can build your own four-to six-course tasting menu, with or without pairings from the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list, or order à la carte.

Aguaviva:
The name means "jellyfish," which explains why this ultramodern place has dim blue lighting and jellyfish-shape lamps floating overhead. It specializes in seaside Latino cuisine –a mix of the freshest fish and seafood with a Latino-Caribbean twist by the one and only Chef Hector Crespo. Aguaviva diners can enjoy views into the open kitchen, where they can see the chefs at work and enjoy a unique culinary experience. The oysters are flown in daily and there are six fresh ceviche varieties, all served with crispy plantain tostones.

Carli´s fine dining & piano:
Located in the heart of historic Old San Juan, it was born in December 2003 as a place where locals and international patrons could gather to enjoy a unique live musical and fine dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere. This intimate supper-club bistro has elegant tables scattered around the room and a bar made of black Italian granite. Visitors can seat indoors or on the outdoor patio, and dine on such fusion specialties as New Zealand sautéed green mussels, U.S. filet mignon with wild mushroom sauce, or blackened ahi tuna with Cajun spices.

Places to visit outside San Juan

The west part of the island is famous for its beaches. One of the most beautiful destinations in this area is Gilligan island, on the coast of Guánica. This small island with mangroves and crystal clear waters offers a fantastic landscape and interesting sea life.

In the eastern area, the tiny Culebra island is one of Puerto Rico´s natural treasures and an ideal place to relax. Classified as a wildlife refuge, this place gives the visitors many options for water activities and the exploration of the natural environment.

Flamenco beach, on the north shore of Culebra, is ranked among the most beautiful beaches of the world thanks to its white sand and clear water.

Information about the event

Dress code:
For the social meetings, elegant casual clothes are recommended, no jeans. No tie is necessary.

Punctuality:
Punctuality is indispensable and will be welcomed for all programmed events.

Badges:
You will be requested to show your identification card / badge at all the social and academic events to be allowed into the meeting rooms.