RST A destination Management Company

Puerto Rico...The Heart of the Caribbean

Puerto Rico "the Heart of the Caribbean", is an island nestled some 1,000 miles southeast of Florida. From coast to coast, you will be wondered by our beaches, mountains and beautiful landscapes. Our weather is warm and sunny, perfect for tourism all year around.

With a population of 3.8 million, Puerto Rico’s culture mainly reflects a four-century link to Spain and its fusion with African culture and our Taíno heritage. This mix of cultures make our people charming, expressive and most of all friendly. Puerto Rico does it better!!!

Brief History

Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Puerto Rico on his second voyage to the Antilles in 1493. The Spanish newcomers named the island San Juan Bautista in honor of St. John the Baptist, and found it populated by Taíno Indians.

Spanish conqueror Juan Ponce de León was our first governor when Puerto Rico became Spain’s most important military outpost in the Caribbean and the target of numerous attacks threats from English and Dutch enemies; Spain began constructing massive defenses around the city of San Juan.

In 1809, Puerto Rico was recognized as an overseas province of Spain with the right to send representatives to the Spanish Court. Puerto Rico was granted its first constitution, allowing it to embark on free commerce and giving the island its own identity in aspects such as culture, music and arts. In 1898, after Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States under the Treaty of Paris.

The 20^th century began with a new political and social relationship under the military regime of the United States. In 1917, the US Congress granted Puerto Ricans US citizenship. About the middle of the century, many significant changes occurred, as Jesús T. Piñero became the first Puerto Rican governor designated by the US government. Later, Luis Muñoz Marín became the first governor elected by the Puerto Ricans themselves.

Puerto Rico adopted its own constitution in 1952 by congressional decree, under a Commonwealth formula, which was edited by constituent assembly and ratified by a majority vote. The Constitution of Puerto Rico Commonwealth is based on a presidential system similar to the federal government, with three main government branches: executive, legislative and judicial.

Our island has a governor who is elected every four years, a resident commissioner in Washington — who represents the island’s interest but does not have a vote in Congress — a Chamber of Representatives and a Senate. They are all elected by the majority vote of the municipalities, as well as the island’s 78 mayors. The governor appoints the judicial branch members with the Senate’s consent.

Basic Facts

Area Code — the Island’s area codes are 787 and 939. You need to dial 1-787 or 1-939 before placing a call to any number outside metro area, and 787 or 939 within the metro area.

Climate — Tropical. Temperature average 82° F (28° C) with constant mild, easterly trade winds. The US Weather Bureau has never recorded temperatures in San Juan below 68° F of higher 97° F

Currency — U.S. Dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in most establishments.

Driving — Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. A valid driver’s license can be used for up to 30 days.

Electricity — 110-220 volts, 60Hz.

Languages Spoken — Two official languages, Spanish and English.

Liquor Laws — In Puerto Rico, the legal drinking ages is 18. Alcohol consumption is forbidden in the streets of Old San Juan.

Location — 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) southeast of Miami; 3 _ hours by plane from Atlanta and New York, 4 hours from Boston, 2 _ hours from Miami, 4 _ hours from Chicago, Houston and Dallas, and 8 hours from Los Angeles.

Mail — U.S. Postal Service rates and services are the same as on the U.S. mainland. All major courier / express delivery companies serve Puerto Rico.

Passport Information — Passports are not necessary for American citizens entering Puerto Rico. Foreign nationals should have valid passports and visas as required.

Population — 3.8 million

Size — Approximately 100 by 35 miles (160 by 56 kilometers).

Taxes — There is no sales tax in Puerto Rico. Jewelry tax is 5%.

Time of Day — Puerto Rico is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) all year around, which is one hour later than US Eastern Standard Time (EST) from October to April and the same as Eastern Daylight Saving Time from April to October.

Tipping — 15% to 20% suggested.

Telephone: (787) 722-2080 / Fax (787) 722-0009