Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic.The terrain is mostly mountains, with coastal plain belt in the north; mountains precipitous to sea on the west coast and sandy beaches along most coastal areas. San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean. Many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered. The south coast is relatively dry.The average year-round temperature is 82° F (28° C), with mild easterly trade winds. A rainier season starts in August and ends in October, but due to our tropical climate you can expect brief rain showers any time. Puerto Rico is balmy year round with daily highs between 75-85°F (24-30°C). Hurricane season is between May and November. Usually, hurricane season means that the weather is a fraction hotter, wetter and gustier than at other times, not that debris routinely flies through the streets. The mountains are significantly cooler than the coast but forget about building snowmen even at the height of winter.

Cultural and historical sites are found at Old San Juan which dates from 1521. Much of the old Spanish architecture has been restored and you can shop and eat while taking in this old atmosphere. Ponce is this island's cultural heart. Restored in a 19th century style, it has small winding streets and plazas, museums, gas lamps and horse-drawn carriages, and a truly exceptional firehouse.

Just an hour east of San Juan, El Yunque’s vast rainforest (28,000 acres) is a treasure trove of towering trees, ferns, orchids, exotic birds (including the rare Puerto Rico parrot), and countless coquis, the tiny tree frog whose piercing call is a nightly lullaby for Puerto Ricans. A network of trails laces the park, including a relatively easy path to the often cloud-shrouded summit of El Yunque Peak. For a more relaxed outing, make the 30-minute trek through a fern gully to the cool pools of La Mina Falls.

Puerto Rico's native frogs, known as coquís, are the beloved symbol of the island, though their presence is experienced much more through sound than sight. Though the largest coquís are only a couple of inches long, these little croakers belt out a hell of a 'KO-KEE' chant. Though you're unlikely to see one, you'll certainly hear them if you head into the countryside. Their froggy aria is all the more special for its being uniquely Puerto Rican: popular wisdom has it that they stop singing if they're removed from home.