The conquistador puerto rico: El Conquistador Resort | Puerto Rico Beach Resorts
Las Casitas | El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico
Las Casitas is a resort that sports some of our most popular Puerto Rico vacation rentals.
Activities
COQUI WATER PARK
At the resort, guests have access to a wide range of fun activities including the Coqui Water Park. Featuring an expansive main pool and adrenaline-fueled water slides, this sea-side water park guarantees the ultimate fun-packed day out for all the family. Drift along the Lazy River, stimulate your senses on the speed slide, relax in the infinity edge pool, or treat the family to a light lunch at the popular Oasis Bar and Grill.
CAMP COQUÍ (KIDS CLUB) Camp Coqui is an exciting, supervised activities program for children ages 4-12 and is designed so parents and kids may enjoy their stay to the fullest. Camp Coquí is located at the north side of the main pool. We offer many recreational and educational activities, from ScoutAbout and nature walks to arts and crafts and challenging team events, all under the watchful eye of carefully selected counselors.
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please sign up 24hrs in advance at our concierge desk.
HORSEBACK RIDING Discover Palomino Island from a different angle! Join us for a guided ride over miles of wilderness trails, from which you will be able to appreciate the beauty of Palomino Island and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Our horses are perfect for all ages and riding abilities. Visit Palomino Ranch on Palomino Island. Open daily.
PALOMINO FERRY SERVICE Registered resort guests can reach our private island via water taxis, which depart from the La Marina Village dock seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We request that you present you Resort ID to the Marina attendant. Transfers are included in your stay and the last departure from Palomino Island is at 5:30 p.m.
WALDORF ASTORIA SPA Zen in the Caribbean…tranquility and vitality come together at the Waldorf Astoria Spa. Offering an array of Tropical Rituals, Asian-Inspired Massage Modalities, Fitness Classes, Personal Training Sessions and Wellness Retreats.
Outdoor cabana massages are available with a minimum of 24 hour advance reservation.
SWIMMING POOLS The main pool complex at El Conquistador Resort encompasses an upper pool with a Jacuzzi and a swim-up bar, a lap pool with swimming lanes and an activity pool featuring a water volleyball court. As an alternative, guests staying in Las Olas Village may enjoy the comfort and privacy of the pool located in the village. The pools at Las Casitas Village are reserved for the exclusive use of Las Casitas guests. Pool use is restricted to registered guests, so please present your Resort ID to receive towels. Children should always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
RESTAURANTS
The resort has a nice selection of dining options to choose from.
El Conquistador Resort – Venue – Fajardo, PR
Fajardo, PR
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El Conquistador ResortTable settingReception areaReception areaReception areaTable settingReception areaTable settingCouple portraitWedding cakeCouple portraitReception areaEl Conquistador ResortOutside wedding receptionCouple kissCouple kissReception areaCouple portraitCouple portraitEl Conquistador Resort
Coqui Waterpark is the largest waterpark in Puerto Rico featuring a thrilling speed slide, 8,000-square-foot lazy river and more.
El Conquistador Resort
Play a memorable round or two on the Arthur Hills Designed-Golf Course.Las Casitas Village
Take a dip in the Infinity pool set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, exclusive for Las Casistas guests.El Conquistador Resort
Relax in one of the resort’s seven on-site pools.El Conquistador Resort
Enjoy an endless array of water sports with your significant other.El Conquistador Resort
Stay fit during your vacation with one of the many fitness classes offered.El Conquistador Resort
Indulge in delectable dining and chic cocktails in one of the resorts 23 restaurants, bars and lounges.El Conquistador Resort
Stay fit during your vacation with one of the many fitness classes offered.El Conquistador Resort
Uniquely nestled on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the resorts offer world-class luxury and service.El Conquistador Resort
Play a memorable round or two on the Arthur Hills Designed-Golf Course.
El Conquistador Resort
Spend a leisurely afternoon lounging by the pool in your own private cabana featuring a sundeck and cushioned lounge chairsEl Conquistador Resort
Unwind with an exotic cocktail at the waterfront café, Iguana’s on the resort’s private Island.El Conquistador Resort
Escape to Palomino Island and discover 100-acres of secluded, unspoiled beauty.El Conquistador Resort
Retire to Chops Lounge for the evening and revel in the seductive atmosphere, and exquisite selection of wine and liqueurs.El Conquistador Resort
Experience the Zen of the Caribbean at the world-renowned Waldorf Astoria Spa.El Conquistador Resort
Dine in the seductive atmosphere and savor the innovative menu of traditional, local favorites at Chops Steakhouse.El Conquistador Resort
Discover the exciting array of activities the private island has to offer or spend the afternoon soaking up the sun beachside.El Conquistador Resort
Take a trip to the Orient with the delectable Blossoms Restaurant featuring three culinary styles in a unique setting.
El Conquistador Resort
El Conquistador Resort is home to five unique villages offering an array of luxurious guest rooms and suites.El Conquistador Resort
Enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding waters and tropical landscape from a private walkout or French balcony.Las Casitas Village
Take a dip in the Infinity pool set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, exclusive for Las Casistas guests.El Conquistador Resort
Coqui Waterpark is the largest waterpark in Puerto Rico featuring a thrilling speed slide, 8,000-square-foot lazy river and more.El Conquistador Resort
Play a memorable round or two on the Arthur Hills Designed-Golf Course.El Conquistador Resort
Relax in one of the resort’s seven on-site pools.El Conquistador Resort
Enjoy an endless array of water sports with your significant other.El Conquistador Resort
Stay fit during your vacation with one of the many fitness classes offered.El Conquistador Resort
Indulge in delectable dining and chic cocktails in one of the resorts 23 restaurants, bars and lounges.
El Conquistador Resort
Stay fit during your vacation with one of the many fitness classes offered.El Conquistador Resort
Uniquely nestled on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the resorts offer world-class luxury and service.El Conquistador Resort
Play a memorable round or two on the Arthur Hills Designed-Golf Course.El Conquistador Resort
Spend a leisurely afternoon lounging by the pool in your own private cabana featuring a sundeck and cushioned lounge chairsEl Conquistador Resort
Unwind with an exotic cocktail at the waterfront café, Iguana’s on the resort’s private Island.El Conquistador Resort
Escape to Palomino Island and discover 100-acres of secluded, unspoiled beauty.El Conquistador Resort
Retire to Chops Lounge for the evening and revel in the seductive atmosphere, and exquisite selection of wine and liqueurs.El Conquistador Resort
Experience the Zen of the Caribbean at the world-renowned Waldorf Astoria Spa.
El Conquistador Resort
Dine in the seductive atmosphere and savor the innovative menu of traditional, local favorites at Chops Steakhouse.El Conquistador Resort
Discover the exciting array of activities the private island has to offer or spend the afternoon soaking up the sun beachside.El Conquistador Resort
Take a trip to the Orient with the delectable Blossoms Restaurant featuring three culinary styles in a unique setting.El Conquistador Resort
El Conquistador Resort is home to five unique villages offering an array of luxurious guest rooms and suites.El Conquistador Resort
Enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding waters and tropical landscape from a private walkout or French balcony.
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About
El Conquistador Resort located on the Island of Enchantment,bring true meaning to “romantic paradise”. With over 500 lush acres situated in the quaint fishing village of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, our resort can be your private refuge away from the world for your upcoming wedding, vow renewal, commitment ceremony or social event.
Lose yourself in the vibrant beauty and captivating old-world charm of Puerto Rico. Perched on a 300-foot bluff, this magnificent resort is located on the northeastern part of the island, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the sapphire-blue Atlantic Ocean. Explore El Yunque Rainforest, Old San Juan, Bioluminescent Bay or many other coastal sites which are located nearby.
A magnificent setting
Exchange vows in any one of our many captivating indoor and outdoor venues. Toast to your future at our stunning Main Pool or Private Palomino Island accommodating up to 1 ,400 guests. Celebrate in one of our elegant ballrooms or overlook the Atlantic Ocean from the beautiful Casitas Garden and romantic Trellises. For more intimate affairs, the Marina Gardens accommodates up to 80 guests.
El Conquistador Resort offers over 100,000 square feet of reception space with an experienced catering team who will help you with every detail of your wedding.
From customized catering menus to music and flowers, we can provide everything you need to make your event unforgettable.
World class amenities
– Palomino Island, the resort ’s 100-acre private oasis offers horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing and more.
– Arthur Hills designed Golf Course, featuring a challenging 18-hole, par 72 championship course, driving range, putting green, Pro Shop with Nike rentals and dramatic views of the El Yunque Rainforest and Atlantic Ocean.
– Coquí Water Park featuring thrilling water slides, a lazy river pool and much more.
– Numerous restaurants, bars, and lounges, serving exquisite steak, seafood, local favorites and color ful international cuisine.
– Seven outdoor pools, including the magnificent Infinity Pool exclusive to Las Casitas guests.
– 35-slip private marina offering deep-sea fishing, yacht, and catamaran charters (available for private charters).
– Wi-Fi available in all guest rooms, suites, and events spaces.
– Round-trip motorcoach service is available
Wedding packages
Such a momentous occasion deserves only the best, and it is our pleasure to create a unique wedding or commitment ceremony that is truly memorable. Whether you are simply looking for ideas or know exactly what you want, we offer a variety of wedding packages that can be tailored to fit your every wish.
Our catering team will be happy to assist in adding signature items to your special event including upgraded wines and champagne, a magnificent ice carving, delectable Viennese tables, old-world cordial service or elegant table linens and chair coverings
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?
Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?
2,500.
00
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?
1,500.00
Which of the following are included in starting site fee?
Chairs
Glassware
Linens
Set Up
Tables
What is the maximum capacity of your venue?
What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?
How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?
Describe your venue:
What kind of settings are available?
Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor
Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?
Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
What event services do you offer?
Accommodations
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Lighting / Sound
What event items are available?
Chairs
What food and beverage items are available?
Linens
What transportation and access is available?
Shuttle
Any other questions?
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Rated
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Recommended by 89% of couples
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Stephanie Married on 07/08/2017
5 out of 5 rating
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I had my wedding at El Conquistador in July 2017. Everything about it surpassed my expectations. The pictures don’t do the resort justice. There are amazing views all over the resort, so already the setting is beautiful. Then add to it exceptional service from everyone in the resort, plus delicious food. Diana Silvestry, the catering manager I worked with, was an angel, dealing with all of my emails and requests.
We had a brunch the day after the wedding and she even though to repurpose the flowers from the reception for the brunch. The banquet managers were there throughout the reception to make sure we were well attended and the wait staff was great. People raved about the food, especially our red velvet cake which people said was “the best wedding cake they’ve ever had.” I just could not have asked for more! I come from New York where weddings are done to the nines, and this was definitely a New York style wedding delivered in gorgeous Puerto Rico! You will get assistance with choosing vendors, but ultimately it is up to you to either hire a wedding planner or do it yourself, but I liked this because I wanted to be able to hand pick all of my services, and it worked out perfectly!Denise Married on 05/06/2017
5 out of 5 rating
Quality of service
5.0 out of 5 rating
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5.
0 out of 5 ratingProfessionalism
5.0 out of 5 rating
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I couldn’t think of a more perfect backdrop for a wedding! My husband and I knew we wanted a destination wedding and Puerto Rico was a great option as we had been there before and loved it, it’s a US territory which makes it easy to get married and no passports are required. I came for 2 days to check out various venues and once I arrived here, I knew this was it! You will be amazed by the views, the grounds, the smells, the service-everything was top notch. All of our guests had the best time! The resort is perfect for weddings and group trips as there are so many things to do here, lots of great activities (everyone loved Palomino Island), you don’t even need to leave. We worked with Kamil Rivera and she is wonderful! The weather was perfect on our wedding day and for our welcome party, the food amazing, service was great, I really could not have asked for anything else (maybe more time there?!).
Thank you so much, we can’t wait to come back! xoxo
PS-I want to mention that all of the restaurants here had great service, the pool bars (especially main pool bar-Jose and Christian), beach, everything. You will love it.Eileen Married on 04/26/2016
5 out of 5 rating
Quality of service
5.0 out of 5 rating
Responsiveness
5.0 out of 5 rating
Professionalism
5.0 out of 5 rating
Value
5.0 out of 5 rating
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5.0 out of 5 rating
I have to first say Yajairia and Ivvone were absolutely amazing with the service they provided to us. Both responsed to emails and telephone calls within a reasonable time. Since our early in our wedding planning stages, they both were very availble for questions, comments, suggestions. We’re from NYC, and made an additional trip to PR to meet and book our vendors.
When I met with Yajaria and Ivvone. It was like meeting with family. We went over every detail, and they were each more than accommodating for all my requests. We had our wedding April 2016. We had a planned outdoor ceremony and dinner, however because of an pending storm everything changed to indoors. Needless to say, I was anxious, but they worked it out so perfectly it was as if it was planned indoors all along. In the end, our wedding was a great success. Can’t wait to return in the future for our vacations. Thank you so much.
Also, Resort grounds were beautiful, catered food was delicious and my wedding cake was an exact match to what I wanted. Hotel staff was professional and attentive and accommodating. Thanks again!
We had a brunch the day after the wedding and she even though to repurpose the flowers from the reception for the brunch. The banquet managers were there throughout the reception to make sure we were well attended and the wait staff was great. People raved about the food, especially our red velvet cake which people said was “the best wedding cake they’ve ever had.” I just could not have asked for more! I come from New York where weddings are done to the nines, and this was definitely a New York style wedding delivered in gorgeous Puerto Rico! You will get assistance with choosing vendors, but ultimately it is up to you to either hire a wedding planner or do it yourself, but I liked this because I wanted to be able to hand pick all of my services, and it worked out perfectly!
0 out of 5 rating
Thank you so much, we can’t wait to come back! xoxo
When I met with Yajaria and Ivvone. It was like meeting with family. We went over every detail, and they were each more than accommodating for all my requests. We had our wedding April 2016. We had a planned outdoor ceremony and dinner, however because of an pending storm everything changed to indoors. Needless to say, I was anxious, but they worked it out so perfectly it was as if it was planned indoors all along. In the end, our wedding was a great success. Can’t wait to return in the future for our vacations. Thank you so much. Are you interested?
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Awards
Professional Network & Endorsements
3 Endorsements
David Medina Photography
Wedding Photographers
One of the most spectacular views in Puerto Rico that you can have in your wedding.
Great resort for friends and family.
Ferrer Video Productions
Wedding Videographers
The staff truly do make the resort a wonderful place to stay. The beach at Palomino Island is a dream.
If you are looking for a resort that has something for everyone, you simply must have your wedding at El Conquistador.
Map
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Wedding Venues Puerto Rico
Hotels Puerto Rico
Wedding Venues Fajardo
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El Conquistador Resort frequently asked questions
El Conquistador Resort includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
- Chairs
- China
- Glassware
- Linens
- Set Up
- Tables
The space offered by El Conquistador Resort for wedding events is known for:
- Beach
- Hotel
El Conquistador Resort offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
- Indoor
- Covered Outdoor
- Uncovered Outdoor
El Conquistador Resort offers the following types of wedding events:
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Bridal Shower
- Engagement Party
El Conquistador Resort offers the following services for wedding events:
- Accommodations
- Cake
- Event Planner
- Event Rentals
- Lighting / Sound
El Conquistador Resort offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
- Chairs
El Conquistador Resort is recommended by 92% of couples who have used their services.
Their overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.5 in flexibility, 4.5 in average response time, 4.5 in professionalism, 4.4 in quality of service and 4.3 in value.
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Photo gallery
In search of the mysterious Bimini.
As the conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon was looking for the source of eternal youth, but found only death – Knife
… 1521, a hot July day. To prevent the rays of the bright Cuban sun from disturbing the eyes of the dying, the windows in the room were covered with curtains. He departed heavily: in paroxysms of pain and influxes of feverish delirium. The doctors could not do anything with the Indian poison, which the blood carried through the body of the once mighty man. A man who dreamed of finding eternal life here and now, a brave sailor who had conquered many seas, a brave and cruel warrior was preparing for his last journey. Juan Ponce de Leon has become a legend, has become part of the myth about the source of eternal youth, which still excites the imagination of mankind. After all, sooner or later, all of us will have to face the door to the Great Unknown — and many, very many would passionately want to postpone, abolish this moment, exchanging it for an endless earthly existence.
Unquenchable thirst for life
It is unlikely that anyone will say who exactly gave the Spanish hidalgo Juan Ponce de Leon, the son of a nobleman from Valladolid, a former royal page, a fearless warrior who distinguished himself in the expulsion of the Moors from Granada, the dream of a fountain of youth . The fact, however, is that legends about the miraculous reservoir wandered long before the birth of the famous conquistador. No wonder: after all, from the very day when people became aware of themselves, they dreamed of conquering the fatal flaw of their nature. The legendary Gilgamesh, the king of the Sumerian Uruk, thought longingly about the impending death 4600 years ago. A soul attached to a dying animal is what the cynics call a person. Thoughts about a skeleton with a scythe are our eternal suffering. We are not animals, we are conscious, we feel, we see, we experience, we are tormented by the fact that every day life melts away drop by drop … and one day it ends.
The life of others, but also mine. And there is no mercy, no exception, no hope.
Or is there anyway? As long as we exist, we seek consolation in religion, but everyone in the depths of our soul would like to see the acquisition of eternity not be bought at the cost of physical decay. Both the ancient Greek Herodotus and the author of the popular medieval novel The Adventures of Sir John Mandeville, created between 1357 and 1371, wrote about the source of eternal youth, placing it in different parts of the world. This man reported visiting Turkey, Syria, Arabia, Egypt, Palestine, Libya, Ethiopia, Armenia, Rus’, Persia, Mesopotamia, Tataria, India, the Sunda Islands, China, and even the legendary kingdom of Prester John. And this is how Mandeville describes one of the episodes of his wanderings:
“…Also, towards the outskirts of this forest, there is the city of Plombe. Above the city is a large mountain, which is also called Plombe. And the city got its name from this mountain.
And at the foot of this mountain there is a spring that has the smell and taste of all spices. Every hour of the day it changes its smell and taste. One who drinks water from this spring three times during fasting is cured of all his illnesses. Those who live there and often drink from it never get sick and always look young. I drank from it three or four times, and I still feel like I feel better [than before]. Some call it the “fountain of youth”; for those who often drink from it always look young and live without disease. It is said that he has such miraculous power because his water flows from paradise. What is no less than interesting, the Arab sages who lived in Al-Andalus, a Muslim country spread over the territory of modern Spain, also believed in the reality of the source of eternal youth. In many ways, it was thanks to these Arabs that the beautiful legend was not lost, but, on the contrary, gained particular popularity in the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries, begun, as you know, by the natives of the Iberian Peninsula.
Medieval engravings have survived to our time, thanks to which we know how people of that time imagined the source of eternal youth – in the form of a pool surrounded by a border of smoothly hewn blocks. Above the middle of the pool rose, like a mushroom on a thick stem, a large bowl of pure gold, decorated around the edges with magnificent ornaments and inlaid with precious stones. A smaller bowl was rising from it, and above it was another, very small one. In it sat a golden god with a blissful expression on his face. From the holes in the head of the deity and along the edges of the bowls, water flowed, murmured, poured into the pool with a gurgle. People wandered from everywhere to the reservoir – the old, the lame, the sick, the crippled. Having reached the goal, they splashed around in it with delight, brought handfuls to their mouths with pleasure, and in delight climbed to the topmost bowl.
The legend of Bimini
When Christopher Columbus reached America, this part of the land at first could well seem to Europeans as the threshold of paradise.
Nature of the most remarkable beauty, boundless lands, innumerable riches lurking in their bowels, naive naked people who looked at the white aliens as if they were gods who had come from heaven. It is worth quoting here the letter of the Florentine Amerigo Vespucci, widely distributed throughout Europe, who assured that in 1501 he visited the country that we now know as Brazil. The traveler wrote that the natives there enjoy such longevity as the Europeans never dreamed of.
“They live for one hundred and fifty years and rarely get sick, and if any illness happens to them, they heal themselves with the roots of some herbs. Here is the most remarkable thing I learned from them. The climate there is very temperate and good, and I could learn from their report that there is never an infection or disease of any kind that comes from spoiled air. And if they do not die a violent death, then they live a long life,” the Florentine wrote.
It is not surprising that against the background of such invigorating discoveries, even the daring idea of fulfilling the main dream of mankind – earthly immortality – did not seem too absurd.
And the corresponding rumors did not hesitate to appear – there was talk that the source of eternal youth should be sought somewhere north of the large island of Hispaniola (Haiti) discovered by Columbus. The Italian historian Pietro Martire d’Angiera, who was personally acquainted with Columbus, reported in those years:
“To the north of Hispaniola, among other islands, there is one island at a distance of three hundred and twenty miles from it. The first thing you see from high water is the top of the mountain. The shore is closed by a solid wall of green trees, and therefore it seems that it is impossible to step on the shore. But if you are vigilant, you will find several imperceptible paths. Set foot on the island in one place or another and go to the foot of the mountain. On the island there is an inexhaustible spring of water of such miraculous properties that an old man who starts drinking it, while observing a certain diet, after a while will turn into a young man.
But do not forget during the journey that you must not turn around, otherwise the source will lose its miraculous power for you. The moment will come, and the forests will part, and a level place will open before you. This is where this source beats, giving eternal youth. A dried flower, moistened with its water, will bloom again and remain so forever. A dead branch dipped into its jets will immediately turn green and give new shoots. And you, man, if you haven’t looked back, kneel down and take just a few sips. And the return of youth will happen so imperceptibly that in the previous moments you will still be old and weak, and in the next moment you will become young and full of strength … “ Juan Ponce de Leon was a romantic. Therefore, even as a wise soldier, he allowed himself to be seriously carried away by the dream of the source. Since then, this dream has led him to the very end of earthly existence. Well, if at that time there was a hero among the Spaniards who could inspire a huge number of people in search of a fairy tale, it was him, Ponce de Leon.
It was, as they would say now, a typical self-made man – the offspring of an impoverished noble family, who literally fought his way through life with a sword. Having managed to participate in the expulsion of the Moors from the Iberian Peninsula, Juan built his further career, becoming one of the conquerors of America. A former companion of Columbus, a participant in many research expeditions, the governor of eastern Haiti and the governor of Puerto Rico, he enjoyed great authority in the overseas possessions of the Spanish crown. Far from being an enthusiastic youth, Ponce de Leon knew a lot about practical matters. For example, it was he who organized gold mining on the island of Puerto Rico and began to grow sugar cane there. A man, as befits a conquistador, is very cruel, in 1511 Juan mercilessly suppressed an uprising of Indians in his possessions. He was rich and happily married: his wife, the daughter of an innkeeper, brought him several children. A large stone house that belonged to Ponce de Leon is still preserved in Haiti.
It would seem that, having achieved a lot in life, he could put an end to travel and adventures. However, the measured course of life was not to Ponce de Leon’s liking. He was inspired for a new journey by the stories of the Indians about the wonderful island of Bimini, which lies somewhere north of Hispaniola and Cuba. It is there, on Bimini, according to the natives, that the magic spring beats: anyone who drinks from it receives eternal life. It is worth noting that at that time there was a rumor about the fate of the leader of the Arawak Indian tribe from Cuba named Sequen. People said that allegedly Sequen, having heard about Bimini and its source, gathered a group of adventurers and sailed with them to the north, never to return to their homeland. His former subjects wanted to believe that Sequen had found what he wanted – and now lives, enjoying the happiness of eternal youth.
Three centuries later, Heinrich Heine, with the help of poetry, retold the rumors among the Spaniards of the early 16th century about the miraculous spring on Bimini: old age
He sheds like a beetle
Caterpillars shell.
There are many gray heads there
Drunk to fair-haired curls
And they are ashamed to return
Yellow-mouthed chicks.
More than one old woman also,
That youth returned to herself,
He does not dare to go home
Young to be a girl –
And these people remained
Forever on Bimini;
Happiness and spring hold them
In the kingdom of eternal youth.
Translated by N. Gumilyov
The Governor of Puerto Rico is worried by such rumors. Just think, the greatest miracle in the history of mankind came into being by itself! Historians have different opinions about the year of birth of Juan Ponce de Leon – some call 1460, others 1474. Accordingly, by the time the search for the wonderful island began, he was either 52 or 38 years old – also quite a respectable age for the Middle Ages. The historian Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo wrote in 1535 in the History of the Indies that Ponce de León was afraid of aging, and that is why he was so carried away by the legend of the spring.
Juan hastily set off for Spain. There he asked King Ferdinand the Catholic for a patent to colonize Bimini. On February 23, 1512, the king, while in Burgos, signed an official charter. Handing it to Juan, the king said, alluding to Christopher Columbus, who received a similar document 20 years ago:
“It is one thing to give authority when there has not yet been a preliminary example of someone holding such a position, but we have since learned something. You appear when the beginning has already been made…”
Having received the official title of adelantado (pioneer) from the crowned Ponce de Leon, in 1513, with the greatest zeal, he began to search for a wonderful country. Three ships were equipped for the expedition: the caravels “Santa Maria de la Consolación”, “Santiago” and the brigantine “San Cristobal”.
According to some reports, the conquistador completed the crew of his ships, including the elderly and the crippled — they passionately longed to fall to the wonderful reservoir.
The news of Bimini caused a stir: everyone wanted to be among the lucky ones who could bathe in the healing water. And Ponce de Leon was not at all afraid to go to sea with such a dubious crew: after all, soon all travelers will be reincarnated as strong, full of strength young men! They say that never in the entire history of navigation have such old teams set foot on the decks …
Off the coast of Florida
A voyage that could change the lives of all mankind began on March 3, 1513. The squadron was led by a skilled navigator Anton Alaminos, also an associate of the great Columbus. The flotilla systematically explored the Bahamas – and everywhere the Spaniards, like crazy, searched for lakes and springs, bathed in all, filled flasks with water and delivered them to the captain. They believed that just two sips from the “correct” source were enough – and the transformation would begin. But in vain: gray hair did not start to darken, wrinkles did not smooth out, backs did not straighten .
..
Many islands have been visited by travelers: Los Cayos, Cat, Eleuthera, Great Abaco. The mood of the crew members fell, they began to look askance at Ponce de Leon: did the arrogant adelantado deceive? At the beginning of April 1513, travelers discovered a large land. Decades later, the chronicler Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas, who may have had access to the original logbooks of the expedition, said:
with lush and fresh forests along the banks, and also because it was opened on the day of blooming Easter; So Juan Ponce decided to give that land a name according to these two reasons.
The splendor of the landscapes of Florida (“Blossoming”) – it was not for nothing that the discoverer dubbed it so! – again gave the seekers of an antidote to death a firm hope that just about … The head of the expedition solemnly descended onto land and, on behalf of the king, took possession of the newly discovered land. The Spaniards sailed slowly south along the east coast of Florida, continuing their search.
Soon the sailors noticed that, despite the fair wind, the ships move forward with great difficulty. A strong counter current interfered – it was the Gulf Stream, or, as the Spaniards originally called it, the Bahama Stream. It was Ponce de Leon who was one of the first to notice that this current would be convenient to use when sailing from America to Europe.
Day after day passed, and still the source of eternal youth could not be found. A few gold trinkets found among local residents did not become a consolation either – there were few of them, and the metal turned out to be of poor quality. Yes, and the local inhabitants themselves inspired alarm: on the way, more and more warlike Indians began to meet. The conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, who visited these lands a few years later, described the natives as follows:
“Tall, strong, dressed in animal skins, with huge bows, sharp arrows and spears in the manner of swords.”
At first, relations between the Spaniards and the Indians were quite friendly, but then the head of the expedition decided to establish a stronghold on the coast, which ended in failure.
The incident was preceded by one sad circumstance – at some point, the oncoming current became so strong that it swept the light brigantine “San Cristobal” far into the sea. The head of the expedition ordered to drop anchors – it was necessary to wait for the missing brigantine at the very point where the parting took place.
“Here Juan Ponce, heeding the calls of the Indians, landed on the shore, and they suddenly attacked him and tried to seize the boat, oars and weapons; but, not wanting to start killing, Juan Ponce held back his people until one of his sailors lost consciousness, having received a blow to the head with a club, and only then the Spaniards were forced to engage in battle with the Indians, who, with arrows and spears with points of fish bones and the thorns wounded two Castilians, while they themselves did not suffer much damage; only darkness separated the fighters, and Juan Ponce was able to gather his people with considerable difficulty, ”says de Herrera y Tordesillas.
On April 8, the expedition passed Cape Canaveral (Ponce de Leon named it Cabo de las Corrientes, Cape of the Currents). A week and a half later, they reached the southern tip of the peninsula, and then the Florida Keys. It was called Los Martires (Martyrs) – the outlines of individual islands were associated by the Spaniards with the figures of people suffering. By that time, the ships had left the Gulf Stream’s impact zone – and their speed had accelerated. Having circled the extreme southern point of Florida, the travelers ended up in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and moved along the coast of the peninsula to the northwest. On June 11, the adelantado ordered a stop – the bottoms of the ships required cleaning.
Suddenly the travelers spotted a canoe. The Indian who sailed up on it, as it turned out, knew a few words in Spanish. This was not surprising – even at that time, Florida became a refuge for fugitives from the Antilles, who left their homeland to escape the cruelty of the Spaniards.
Naturally, they did not harbor any kind feelings towards their oppressors.
Using words and gestures with difficulty, the native informed Ponce de Leon that he had been sent to him by a local cacique chief who wished to exchange his gold for Spanish goods. Soon there were many Indians who belonged to the local Calusa tribe (which translates as “fierce people”). Instead of trading, they tried to unexpectedly seize the ships, but their attack was not successful.
After that, the adelantado decided that there was no point in further searches in Florida territory, and on June 14 ordered Alaminos to move in the opposite direction. By the way, on the way back, the Spaniards discovered a “promising”, as it seemed to them at first, island, which they called Bimini (perhaps it was the northern tip of the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula), but they did not find immortality on it either. From pseudo-Bimini, the expedition turned east. Travelers circled Cuba from the north and, using the Gulf Stream, quickly reached the Bahamas.
There, Ponce de Leon ordered Alaminos to once again explore this archipelago on the “San Cristobal”. The remaining two ships anchored off Puerto Rico on 10 October. Four months later, Alaminos also arrived there, whose brigantine crashed on the way back – fortunately, there were no casualties. Thus, the travelers traveled a long way, but returned without salty slurping.
Last voyage
However, Ponce de Leon did not lose hope, and the idea of earthly immortality was firmly planted in his brain. Visiting Madrid again, the resilient adelantado presented King Ferdinand with 5,000 pesos of gold from Puerto Rican mines. He so fascinated the monarch with stories of his adventures that he knighted him and awarded him with a personal coat of arms – since then, Juan used the word “don” before his name. At the same time, the newly-made knight received the post of governor of Florida and all other lands that he happens to discover. This favor turned out to be very useful for Ponce, because, considering his failed expedition, he came to the conclusion that it was still necessary to look for a source in Florida.
However, due to circumstances, the new expedition started only seven years after the end of the first one. By that time, new Spanish expeditions under the command of Pedro de Salazar, Diego de Miruelo, Francisco Hernandez de Cordova (by the way, Ponce de Leon’s former comrade-in-arms Anton Alaminos), Alonso Alvarez de Pineda, had already visited Florida. Their goals, however, were much more mundane – the capture of slaves for the Antillean plantations, the robbery of the Indians, attempts to conquer Florida. Receiving news of these expeditions, Juan gnashed his teeth with indignation, because the king granted these lands to him.
In addition, at the beginning of 1516, Ferdinand died – and something had to be done to confirm his right to his gift. Ponce de Leon crossed the Atlantic again and arrived at the court of the new Spanish monarch, Charles I. He informed Juan that all the privileges he had received from the deceased king remained in force. Then, for some time, Ponce de Leon was forced to put his estates in Hispaniola and Puerto Rico in order.
Only at the beginning of 1521, the adelantado with a detachment of two hundred people on two ships sailed to Florida. This time, Ponce refused to take the elderly and disabled with him, staffing the teams with strong and healthy guys. However, fate judged so that this trip turned out to be even more unsuccessful than the previous one. There are few details about the course of this expedition, but it is known that the Spaniards again entered the war with the Indians of the Calusa tribe. Historians suggest that this happened in the area now called Charlotte Harbor. In the ensuing battle, Juan was seriously wounded – a poisoned arrow hit his leg, and the poison slowly brought the conqueror to the grave. He still managed to give the order to sail from Florida and suffered for several weeks, feeling how the Indian poison destroys the internal organs …
The unfortunate conqueror was taken aboard his ship. He was so ill that his companions did not believe that he would go ashore.
But Juan managed to hold out until his arrival in Cuba and died in Havana.
The exact date of his death has not been preserved, we only know that it happened in July 1521. The famous priest Bartolome de las Casas, “the apostle of the Indians”, finds such a deplorable end of the conquistador quite natural – considering how much evil Ponce de Leon caused people.
“Juan Ponce amassed great wealth from the sweat, blood and anguish of countless people and tribes who were his slaves both on this island, in the province of Higei, and on the aforementioned island of San Juan; and so he started a business and a journey, in which he lost in vain everything that he had accumulated and collected over a long time, and in the end died an evil death, and such an end was not accidental, for thereby the Lord showed how just and lawful the deeds were, created or helped to create by Juan Ponce de Leon,” notes de las Casas.
The conquistador was buried in San Juan in Puerto Rico.
One of the squares of this city is now adorned with a majestic monument: on a pedestal stands a bearded man dressed in a shell, gloves, high boots and short puffy medieval trousers, a sword hangs on his side. With one hand, the warrior rested on his side, and raised the other above his head. The sculptor masterfully depicted an expression of calmness and determination on the face of the statue.
Echoes of a myth
Characteristically, however, there were others who wanted to find the famous source. The chronicles of that time preserved a story about a royal judge named Lucas Vazquez de Aillon, who in 1520 organized an expedition in the footsteps of Ponce de Leon. De Aillon reached the coast of the current state of South Carolina, where he captured several Indians. One of them later, in the Hispaniola judicial college, claimed under oath that his aged father had reached the source of eternal youth, drank from it, and then regained bodily strength and vigor. Returning home, this man entered into a new marriage, in which children were born.
This story was confirmed by other Indians captured by de Aillon. Excited by this news, the royal judge undertook two more expeditions to Carolina – during the second of them he died. A few decades later, the legends of the magical spring reached the French, who also tried to establish their settlements in Florida and the Carolinas. In particular, the French officer Jean Ribot showed interest in his search. An associate of Ribot, René de Laudonnière, claimed that he personally spoke with people over 250 years old. However, the Spaniards, who believed that Ponce de Leon forever secured the right to these lands for Madrid, came there with a large squadron and threw out the French.
Even centuries later, when Florida was already well developed and populated by Europeans, tales that someone had found the famous spring, no, no, yes, and appeared. Some even tried to cash in on it.
In 1901, a woman bought a piece of land in the vicinity of St. Augustine, a city founded on the site of one of the landings of Ponce de Leon.
She immediately began to tell that one of the streams located on her land is the same one, magical. And what is characteristic, there were simple-hearted people who believed her!
The fountain of youth has also entered modern mass culture. The theme park in St. Augustine is dedicated to him. The characters of the fantasy “Pirates of the Caribbean” and the heroes of the cult cartoon from our childhood “DuckTales” are looking for him. The former members of Ponce de Leon’s crew are confronted in the fifth season of The X-Files by Agents Mulder and Scully. If we talk about serious art, then the deepest understanding of the legend of the fountain of youth is contained in The Fountain, a film directed by Darren Aronofsky. The protagonist Tom Creo (Hugh Jackman plays him so earnestly that he makes you forget about Wolverine and other comics bullshit) is an oncologist, he is in a desperate hurry to develop a cure for his wife Izzy, who has a brain tumor progressing. After her death, Izzy asks Tom to finish the book she is working on, The Fountainhead.
In the book, Izzy’s illness is symbolically personified in the person of the Inquisitor, who enslaved conditionally medieval Spain. The Queen of Spain sends her faithful Conquistador to Mexico in search of the Tree of Life, which grants immortality.
At the same time, Tom Creo has visions in which he is in a certain world between the roots of the Great Tree and begs him to prolong Izzy’s life. But Tom does not have time to create the right medicine, and the Tree dries up (Izzy dies). The hero in the form of a Conquistador climbs the pyramid, overcomes the last obstacle in the person of the Mayan priest and makes his way to the longed-for source of immortality. It is here that he will have to go through catharsis and endure the last radical transformation that will bring him closer to understanding the foundations of the universe… The film is meditative, oversaturated with complex symbolism, and therefore requires repeated revision. Here, the enraged Tom-Conquistador stands in front of the priest who blocked his path – and next to him is his incarnation of a detached being who has known the true Path.
The priest recognizes Tom in the second, and not in the first image and clears the way for him. A few minutes later, the passionate Conquistador, having drunk the juice of immortality, sprouts with flowers and crumbles into dust – and his twin, wise in knowledge, takes the wedding ring … Waking up, Tom goes to Izzy’s grave and buries the tree seed in it. He finished her book. So the old legend sprouted again with the flowers of archetypes and symbols…
San Juan has several city beaches. To the east of the Old Town is the Condado area, where the popular beach of the same name is located. Another beach is located in the new microdistrict “Isla Verde” and bears the corresponding name. It encircles the shore of a cozy bay. The coastal strip and the bottom are of very good quality. There is also “Playa Escambron” – a public beach near the Old Town. An artificial breakwater protects the shore from the waves. At some distance you can see the fortress of El Morro. There are always a lot of locals here.
But the best beach in the city is Ocean Park. It is good because there are no high-rise buildings here, and the coast and the bottom are covered with a layer of fine sand.
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Hotel “Conquistador”
The Spanish or Portuguese conquerors of the New World during the colonization of America were called conquistadors. And “Conquistador” is the name of one of the most luxurious Puerto Rican hotels. When you drive (!) through its territory, you involuntarily recall the old Soviet cartoon Puss in Boots. Remember? “Whose fields are these?” “Marquis, Marquis, Marquis of Carabas”. “Whose vineyards?” “Marquise, Marquise…” So it is here – first endless golf courses stretch, then buildings and villas cascading down to the sea, and on the water surface at a small distance from the coast an island flaunts – the property of the hotel!
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Garden at the Gallery-Podvorye Hotel
One of Conan Doyle’s most famous science fiction novels is The Lost World, the first book in the series dedicated to Professor Challenger.
The novel tells of a British expedition to South America. The heroes of the book encountered a world that looked more like another planet. You experience approximately the same feelings at the Gallery-Podvorye Hotel, located in a picturesque corner of old San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. If you are a connoisseur of the exotic, you should definitely stop here. Such hotels are called ethno-hotels among travel industry professionals.
It is difficult to move around the hotel. No, everything is in order with the sidewalks and lighting here, you just have to stop at every step, looking at the next curiosity. The name speaks for itself – this is really an art gallery with numerous paintings, sculptures, antiques. The difference from the classical gallery lies in the fact that the exhibits do not hang boringly on the walls and do not rise on pedestals, but are hidden in the thickets of grass, bushes and lush crowns of tropical trees. Looking for another masterpiece, you involuntarily feel like Professor Challenger.
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Old Harbor Brewery
Probably many will be surprised to learn that Puerto Rico is a country of wonderful beer. You can easily see this by choosing a tour of Old San Juan, ending with a tasting in one of the most famous old San Juan brewery restaurants, which is called “Old Harbor”. As it turned out, here you can not only drink freshly brewed beer, but also have delicious food. The peculiarity of the brewery is that it appeared 20 years ago and immediately became a pioneer in the production of beer according to its own recipes.
The main decoration of the hall are two huge copper tanks, in which beer was once brewed, and now they serve as an original interior. The current beer production is located on the second floor. Since it is combined with a restaurant, visitors can see the brewing process with their own eyes and be sure that the beer is really fresh. The glass wall of the kitchen gives a special touch. Thanks to this, you can watch how the chefs prepare local dishes and even peep some “delicious” recipe.
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Coca frog
One of the main attractions of Puerto Rico is the El Yunque National Reserve, located on the mountain of the same name, densely overgrown with tropical rainforest. If you doubt the name of the forest – “rain”, then in vain. When the hot sun shines over the territory of the whole country, having climbed the mountain, you will most likely fall under a downpour, which may follow you all the way. The forest received the status of a reserve back in 1876 under King Alfonso XII. Thus, it is the oldest national park in America. It is only 50 km from the capital.
A giant cloud always hangs over the mountain, as if clinging to the top. About 200 million liters of precipitation falls here annually. In a hot tropical climate, this is not a problem at all, but rather a pleasure. However, be sure to bring a waterproof cape before heading to El Yunque, although you can safely walk in a bathing suit here, since flying bloodsucking vampires are not a class.
In addition, the park has many waterfalls – small and quite large. You can swim in some, so a bathing suit will come in handy in any case.
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The films “Life of Pi” and “Avatar” became one of the brightest Hollywood works of the beginning of the new century. Most of all, the enchanting pictures of the worlds created by the hands of artists and computer animators are striking. In the first film, the picture of a phosphorescent island at night is amazing, on which the main character Pi decided to stay for the night. In the second, the spirit is breathtaking from the view of the night landscapes of the planet Pandora. It seems that such worlds can only exist in the imagination. This is not so, and in Puerto Rico you can see for yourself.
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Fortresses are like huge cruise ships
The Puerto Rican capital has an abundance of all kinds of monuments – you can quickly lose count, counting the masterpieces of urban sculpture.
Tourists are constantly interested in the bronze figures of US presidents who visited Puerto Rico at different times, installed behind the building of the local Capitol. “Parade” of presidents closes Barack Obama. During his last short visit, he even managed to have a bite to eat with the current governor in one of the cafes, making a splash among the visitors, and in 2008 he stayed at the ethno-hotel “The Gallery Inn”, as evidenced by the bronze busts – of him and his wife Michelle, installed in one of the courtyards of an exotic hotel.
The Pigeon Park is definitely worth a visit – not only are there many birds, but also a magnificent view of the city and the former municipal prison, romantically called La Princessa, which now houses the offices of the Ministry of Tourism. There are sights of another kind. Remember the Pompidou Center in Paris, where all utilities are located on the outer walls of the building? In Puerto Rico there are natural analogues of such a structure. For example, here you can see huge trees, the roots of which hang from a great height along the trunk and barely reach the ground.
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The fort offers a breathtaking view
The most grandiose sights of the capital of Puerto Rico is the old Spanish fortress, located on the coast. It is really huge and raises the question – how could such structures be built then without construction equipment? The fortress wall encircles the entire Old Town. It is so large that, like everything very large, it is difficult to see it. But two grandiose forts are clearly visible – San Cristobal, built in the 17th century, and San Felipe del Morro, built in the 16th century. When you climb the stone stairs to the walls and towers, you get the impression that you are climbing mountains.
The top floors of the watchtowers and gun platforms offer the best views of the ocean and the city. In front of Fort San Felipe del Morro, there was a gigantic clearing in size compatible with a good airfield. On it, local residents en masse compete in kite flying, since the wind from the sea makes this activity very exciting and spectacular.
Both children and adults take part in the game with the same
enthusiasm.
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San Juan on the ocean
There is no doubt that Russia’s St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its uniqueness lies in its architectural richness, ideal integration into the natural landscape and the integrity of the historical center, which has not been touched by the scourge of urbanization. San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, has many of these qualities.
The old city is a single whole and is more like an open-air museum, where you want to walk endlessly along the quiet streets with colorful houses. By inheritance from the Spaniards, he got a lot of outstanding historical and architectural sights. To feel the spirit of San Juan, it is enough to walk slowly through the streets and squares of the Old Town with numerous cafes from where the enchanting aromas of coffee come from.
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The best souvenir is a T-shirt with a flag and coffee in a canvas bag
In Puerto Rico, it’s absolutely real! The American system operates here, when the pharmacy is actually a supermarket, where traditional goods are presented – food, drinks, household appliances, clothes – but at the same time there is always a pharmaceutical department.
In an ordinary supermarket, everything is the same, but they do not sell medicines. In a Puerto Rican pharmacy, you can buy not only beer, but also wine, spirits, sandwiches and even hot snacks. So, if you are hungry, feel free to look for an institution with a sign “Pharmacy”.
By the way, eating in San Juan – the capital of Puerto Rico – is not difficult, the city is literally flooded with numerous eateries, cafes and restaurants. There are especially many of them in tourist areas. A typical American breakfast, including an omelette or fried eggs with ham, bacon, cheese, toast and coffee, will cost $4-5. Tips are not included in the bill, but the amount can be indicated below as a percentage of the order – 10, 15 and 20%. This is done so that you don’t have to worry about the amount of the tip. If you liked the service – you can leave 10%, if you liked it very much – 20%. However, this is voluntary. From experience I can say that the service in Puerto Rico is on the level!
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Commemoration of the Obamas’ visit to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a US dependency.
What does this mean? The island is under the control of the States, but is not considered part of them. As you know, the union includes 50 states, but Puerto Rico is not among them. The supreme power belongs to the US Congress, but at the same time there is a system of self-government, which is headed by an elected governor. Puerto Rico has its own constitution, but citizens have American passports and the currency is American dollars. The most interesting thing is that the locals habitually call dollars pesos. Social Security taxes are paid like in the US, but there is no federal income tax, for example, which is very beneficial for Puerto Ricans.
The country recently held a referendum on a possible change in political status. A little more than half of the country’s citizens voted for joining the United States as the 51st state, a little less than half for maintaining the existing status of an associated territory. And only less than 2% supported the full independence of the country.
The alignment of votes is quite understandable – the current position of the country as an associated territory is beneficial to the population. For Russians, this status makes it necessary to obtain a US visa to visit Puerto Rico. Today, this is not critical, since a visa is issued for 3 years, and the share of positive decisions on average in Russia exceeds 90%.
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Here it is – Puerto Rican happiness!
Over the years of wandering, I have found my favorite places on the planet. One of them is the Caribbean. I have been to these places five times and I want to come back again. Like a magnet, it attracts a sense of harmony, which invariably arises from the view of the bottomless blue sky, unrealistic turquoise water and amazing temperature balance, when it is not hot and not cold – just right. It is comfortable here day and night, winter and summer, all year round. There are 16 countries in my Caribbean piggy bank. It would seem that it is difficult to be surprised at something, but Puerto Rico has become a new discovery for me.
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Anastasia Kitsul, Honorary Consul of Russia in Puerto Rico, President of Rutrex Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a wonderful island in the Caribbean. The magic word “Caribbean” immediately conjures up a snow-white beach, palm trees on the shore and the turquoise expanse of the sea. In a word, paradise! Details about this exotic country are told by Anastasia Kitsul, Honorary Consul of Russia in Puerto Rico, President of the Rutrex Puerto Rico travel company. She came to the island 15 years ago.
– Anastasia, what is special about Puerto Rico?
-Discovered by the Spaniards, the island is administered by the United States and is a fusion of American, Spanish, African and Native American cultures. On the one hand, this ensures security and order, on the other hand, it gives Puerto Rico an indescribable flavor, so appreciated by tourists. Russians are treated very well here, since the inhabitants of the island, for objective reasons, remained aloof from the Cold War: they treat Russia kindly and with great curiosity.