Last year, 6.6 million people flew into Puerto Rico and another 1.4 million arrived in cruise ships. This year’s tourist season is breaking those records. If you’re one of the millions from the states who will enjoy the natural beauty, the vibrant culture, and the delicious food of Puerto Rico this summer, we have a request for you — but before we ask you to do something special to mark your visit to the Island, here are some suggestions in case you haven’t yet visited Puerto Rico.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The United States has just 26 World Heritage sites — fewer than 1 per state. In fact, since one of the 26 is in Puerto Rico, it works out to just .5 per state. The entire Old Town section of San Juan, including La Fortaleza, is a World Heritage Site.
What’s a World Heritage Site? As the UNESCO website explains, “World Heritage is the designation for places on Earth that are of outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.”
Other U.S. sites include the Grand Canyon and the Statue of Liberty. San Juan’s designation as a World Heritage Site means that San Juan, Puerto Rico, is as much a place of universal value to humanity as those iconic attractions.
World class museums
There are so many to choose from! The Museo de Arte de Ponce is famous for its collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, as well as Baroque art. The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico keeps its focus closer to home, with immersive art experiences focusing on the Island’s artists.
The Museo de las Américas focuses on the diverse influences in the Americas, with extensive information on history.
More specialized museums include the Museo del Deporte de Puerto Rico, a celebration of sports, and the Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Heritage Center is an archaeological site and museum of pre-Columbian culture.
Across the Island there are art museums, historical museums, and even science museums, including one especially for children.
Natural wonders
El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, provides matchless opportunity to enjoy the astonishing biodiversity of the Island. Bioluminescent bays, like Mosquito Bay in Vieques, offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Puerto Rico also has stunning beaches such as Flamenco or Luquillo — there are more than 300 beaches, so you can be sure to find the perfect one for your tastes.
The Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy offers extensive caves. Caves are a cool place to visit on a hot day!
Big fun
You can visit a rum distillery, enjoy bomba dancing and public art, check out delicious food, and get carried away by the music. With family and friends, by yourself, or on a romantic getaway, you will find Puerto Rico fun and refreshing.
Now the ask…
You’ve enjoyed Puerto Rico. You’ve seen the beauty and had all your senses satisfied. Did you realize that more than three million U.S. citizens live in Puerto Rico but cannot vote in presidential elections? Did you know that Puerto Rico has no senators and no congressional representatives who can vote for laws that affect the Island? Did you realize that residents of Puerto Rico have fewer federal benefits than those living in states?
Puerto Rico has voted for statehood four times, but Congress has not yet taken action. If you live in a state, then you have Senators and congressmen who can take action and a president who is accountable to you as a voter. Puerto Rico doesn’t have that participation in U.S. democracy. We need people like you to speak up and ask their legislators to support statehood for Puerto Rico.
Now that you’ve seen Puerto Rico for yourself, please reach out to your representatives and support statehood for Puerto Rico.
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