With the 2010 Hurricane Season running from June 1 until November 30, the Colorado team predicts that there is a 69 percent chance of 1 major hurricane making landfall in the US and for those in the Gulf Coast they predict a 44 percent chance of landfall.

For Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, the hurricane forecasting team predicts a 58 percent chance of a major hurricane tracking into the Caribbean.

The past few years since I have been here we have had several hurricane and tropical storms pass by the north and south of the island dumping lots of rain, with the last landfall by a hurricane being 1998 when Hurricane Georges hit Puerto Rico.

Hopefully the 2010 hurricane season will pass by without any major disasters here in Puerto Rico, as well as the rest of the Caribbean and US mainland.

You can check out the full report by the Colorado State University hurricane forecasting team here and you can keep a check on storms on our Puerto Rico weather page.

Image Resource: NOAA

The 7 Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico (las 7 maravillas naturales de Puerto Rico) is local competition to recognize the natural beauty of Puerto Rico and is sponsored by Garnier, Walmart, Amigo Supermarkets and Sam’s Club and endorsed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources along with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. The competition uses a similar format to the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World competition that is currently running.

If you are not familiar with the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it is a worldwide competition to select 7 new natural wonders and Puerto Rico is represented by the inclusion of the magnificent El Yunque Rainforest. This is a great recognition for the island and if you have not cast your vote, then head over to the New 7 Wonders of Nature now.

OK; back to the 7 Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico. The organizing committee has chosen 19 of the islands best natural areas and you can vote for your favorite 7. At the end of the voting the top 7 choices will be crowned the 7 Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico.

The 19 nominations for the 7 Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico are:

El Yunque Rainforest
One of the most popular areas to visit here in Puerto Rico, El Yunque has been protected by federal law since 1903. It is one of the most diverse forest in the National Forest System with it’s abundance of flora and fauna. El Yunque is also home to 12 species of Puerto Rico’s native coqui frog as well as the endangered Puerto Rican parrot.
Map It

Cavernas del Río Camuy (Rio Camuy Cave)
Here you will find 9 bat species, a 15 mile cave system and the third longest underground river in the world. The main cave at the Rio Camuy Cave Park is Cueva Clara with its huge stalagmite formations.
Map It

Reserva Natural de la Parguera (Parguera Natural Reserve)
At the Parguera Natural Reserve you will find mangroves, coral reefs and the famous bioluminescent bay. La Parguera is home to around 66 species of bird, fish, molluscs, crustaceans, reptiles and mammals with the coral reef providing shelter and food for the various inhabitants of the reserve
Map It

Isla de Mona (Mona Island)
The small island located 73.6km from the west coast of Puerto Rico was named after a local tribal chief. The island is approximately 22 square miles and has been designated ecological reserve by the Puerto Rican government and is not permanently inhabited. Mona island has huge 100ft cliffs, extensive coral reefs and four types of forests. Day trips to Mona Island are available.
Map It

Las Salinas de Cabo Rojo (Cabo Rojo Salt flats)
Las Salinas de Cabo Rojo has been in operation since 1525 and comprises around 1.249 acres of lagoons, salt marshes, mangroves and dry forest. The area has been listed as a category 1 resource by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The area serves as the last stop in the northern hemisphere for thousands of birds, before reaching South America in their annual migration
Map It

Playa Flamenco (Flamenco Beach)
Located on Culebra Island Flamenco Beach ranks amongst the best beaches in the world for its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. The beach is hugely popular with locals and visitors and is also one of Puerto Rico’s Blue Flag Beaches.
Map It

Río Tanamá (Tanamá River)
The river rises in the central region of Puerto Rico in the Municipality of Adjuntas and flows northeast through the northern Carso before reaching the Rio Grande de Arecibo. It provides around 22% of the water consumed by the people of Puerto Rico

Cayos de Barca (Barca Keys)
Located in Jobos Bay near Salinas and Guayama, Cayos de Barca consists of seven keys that are protected from private development by the Puerto Rico Government. Here you will find manatee, hawksbill, the bearded crabs and dolphins enjoying themselves in and around the keys.
Map It

Reserva Natural Caño Tiburones (Caño Tiburones Natural Reserve)
This reserve is located close to Arecibo on the north coast of the island and is the largest wetland in Puerto Rico and the fresh water from the karst zone in the north and ocean salt water creates a unique habitat. The reserve plays home to around 206 species of birds, 40 species of fish and 50 species of flora. The

Río Guajataca (Guajataca River)
Beginning near the town of Lares at an elevation of around 1,600 feet, the Guajataca River runs for 25 miles before reaching the Arlantic Ocean on the northwest of the island. The river also runs through the Guajataca lake.

Bosque Seco de Guánica (Guanica Dry Forest)
The area was designated as a forest reserve in 1919 and is considered the best preserved, subtropical forest and the best example of dry forest in the Caribbean. It is home to around 700 species of plants, of which 48 are endangered. This is a dramatic landscape that is divided by the Bay of Guanica
Map It

El Cañón de San Cristóbal (San Cristobal Canyon)
San Cristobal Canyon is located between Aibonito and Barranquitas in the heart of the Cordillera Central of Puerto Rico. The canyon is approximately 9Km with cliffs reaching an elevation of 200 meters deep. Here you will find amazing scenery and waterfalls
Map It

Bahía Bioluminiscente de Vieques (Bioluminescent Bay Vieques)
Vieques Bio Bay or Mosquito Bay is the brightest of the three Bio Bays in Puerto Rico and it has been designated as a critical wildlife area by the Department of Natural Resources.
Map It

La Reserva de las Cabezas de San Juan
Located on the coast of Fajardo, you will find coral reefs, seagrass beds, a dry forest, a rocky coast, beaches and mangrove forests. The reserve is home to two thirds of the reptile and amphibians found in Puerto Rico, including three species of sea turtles. Here you will also find Puerto Rico’s third Bio bay Laguna Grande.
Map It

Isla de Caja de Muerto
Located 6 miles off the coast of Ponce on the south side of Puerto Rico, Caja de Muertos consists of , coral reefs, sandy beaches, rocky shores, caves, nesting areas and a xerophytic forest (cacti and thorn bushes).
Map It

Bosque de Maricao (Maricao Forest)
The forest is located in the western region of the Cordillera Central of Puerto Rico. Both the Guanajibo River and the Río Grande de Añasco flow through the forest and it has the highest plant diversity in the island, with some 1.141 plant species and
Map It

Isla de Gilligan (Gilligan’s Island)
Gilligan’s Island is part of the Cayos de Caña Gorda and is surrounded by the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. Popular with locals and visitors the island can be reached by local boats.
Map It

Playa la Playuela (Playuela Beach)
Located close to the Cabo Rojo lighthouse the beach is known locally as Playa Sucia and is part of the Boqueron State Forest. From the beach you have a great view of the cabo Rojo Lighthouse perched on the clift top
Map It

Cueva Ventana (Cave Window)
Cueva Ventana is located in the karst area of Arecibo and its elevation allows visitors a breathtaking view of the valley in Arecibo . It is visible from Highway 123 and can also be reached from Highway 10 as well as several side roads leading up to the entrance from Highway 123.
Map It

So there you have your 19 nominations. Which are your favorite 7 and why?

Head over to 7 Natural Wonders of Puerto Rico and cast your votes – Vote HERE

Article Resource: las 7 maravillas naturales de Puerto Rico (Spanish)

Photo Resources using Creative Commons: El Yunque (iamthethird), Camuy Caves (oscalito), Parguera (wiki), Mona Island (paddlepr), Cabo Rojo Salf Flats (oquendo), Flamenco Beach (aawhitaker), Guanica Dry Forest (oquendo), Caja de Merto (wiki), Maricao Forest (wiki), Playuela Beach (oscalito)

On March 7, 2010, Puerto Rican actress Roselyn Sanchez will be hosting the first ever Triathlon For Life in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This event will benefit two local organizations here in Puerto Rico; the San Jorge Children’s Foundation and La Casa Cuna San Juan.

San Jorge Children’s Foundation: provides medical / surgical services and treatments to low income children on the island, providing them with a better quality of life.

La Casa Cuna San Juan: provides a transitional home for abandoned, mistreated and abused children from birth to 3 years of age, in order to guarantee their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing

Roselyn Sanchez was born and raised in Puerto Rico and has appeared in blockbuster Hollywood movies including: RUSH HOUR 2 along with Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, Disney’s The Game Plan alongside The Rock, as well as the hit CBS television series “Without A Trace where she played Elena Delgado. Roselyn was also nominated for ‘Best Music Video’ at the 2004 Latin Grammy Award for her single ‘Amor Amor’

The Triathlon For Life is will feature three separate triathlons each incorporating a swimming, cycling and running section:

Olympic Triathlon: 1.5km swim, 40km cycle ride, 10km run

Amateur Triathlon: 0.75km swim, 20km cycle ride, 5 km run

Relay for a Child: 0.75km swim, 20km cycle ride, 5 km run (The relay for a child allows teams to enter 3 individuals for each section of the triathlon)

The Triathlon will take place in and around San Juan with the swimming section taking place at the Laguna (National Park Jaime Benitez); cycling section along the Ventana al Mar (Window of the Sea), heading towards Old San Juan and finally the run from Condado towards Ocean Park

Registration begins at 6am on March 7 and you can find out more here

If taking part is not your thing, then I’m sure the participants could do with all the support you can give and you never know; you may even spot one or two Hollywood Celebrities. Because this is such a great cause for children here in Puerto Rico, Roselyn has the support of several well known personalities who will be here in Puerto Rico supporting and taking part in the event.

So be on the lookout for:
Adam Rodriguez ( Eric Delko on CSI: Miami).
Amaury Nolasco (Puerto Rican actor who has appeared in prison Break and CSI)
Andrew Lachey (from the group 98 Degrees,)
Columbus Short (choreographer, actor, and singer)
Cristian de la Fuente (Chilean actor, Dancing with the Stars Season 6)
Enrique Muriciano (Danny Taylor in Without a Trace)
Eric Close (agent Martin Fitzgerald in Without a Trace)
Marianne Jean Baptiste (agent Vivian Johnson in without a trace)
Nick Lachey (singer and TV personality)
Vanessa Minnilo (TV personality, host on MTV)
Poppy Montgomery (Samantha Spade in Without a Trace)
Eric Winter (Rex Brady on the daytime soap opera Days of our Live)

This should be a fun family event benefiting a lot of children in Puerto Rico and a great opportunity to snap some celebrity photos and maybe even a few autographs.

What: Roselyn Sanchez Triathlon For Life
Where: San Juan, Puerto Rico
When: March 7, registration starting at 6am
Website: here

Don’t Miss:
Ideas for the San Juan Metro Area
Exploring Old San Juan

So what about major earthquakes in Puerto Rico?

According to the U.S Geological Survey there have been FOUR strong earthquakes that have affected Puerto Rico since it was first colonized: 1670, 1787, 1867, and 1918.

October 11, 1918 – 7.5 magnitude (Richter Scale)

This is the most recent earthquake to hit the island of Puerto Rico. The 7.5 quake was located northwest of Aguadilla in the Mona Canyon (between Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic) creating a tsunami that produced waves up to 19.5 feet (6m) high. Reports indicate that the sea withdrew exposing never before seen reefs and ocean floor before the tsunami hit.

Areas around the western area were damaged and records show 116 people were killed. Two towns on the west coast Aguada and Anasco and were badly affected by this earthquake. In Aguada brick buildings were mostly destroyed (those that survived the initial quake were subsequently destroyed by the aftershock on October 24). The towns church built in 1876 was totally destroyed. It was a similar scenario in Aguada. In total the earthquake caused $4M worth of damage and the loss of 116 lives

See here for a more detailed account and view more images here

November 18, 1867 – 7.5 magnitude (Richter Scale)

This earthquake hit 20 days after the island was hit by Hurricane San Narciso (flooding from this hurricane left 211 people dead). The earthquakes epicenter was located on the east coast in the Anegada Passage (between Puerto Rico and St Croix). This quake also produced a tsunami that flooded low lying areas around the coast near Yabucoa. Reports indicated that just before the tsunami hit the sea withdrew up to 150 meters before the waves returned and flooding the surrounding areas. The eastern part of the island suffered the major damage from this earthquake with the church in Fajardo being completely destroyed and in Guayama the church was badly damaged.

May 2, 1787 – 8.0 magnitude (Richter Scale)

Records on this earthquake appear to be limited, with the epicenter reported to be to the north in the Puerto Rico Trench. The whole island felt this earthquake that resulted in damage around the island, including El Morro and San Cristobel forts. Other buildings destroyed or damaged included: Arecibo church, El Rosario and La Concepcion monasteries and churches in Bayamon, Toa Baja and Mayaguez.

1670 – Magnitude Unknown

Information on this earthquake is extremely limited but it did cause significant damage around the San German area in the west coast of Puerto Rico.

As I sit writing this, my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Haiti that has been affected by the Jan 12, 2010 earthquake.

Resources: United States Geological Survey, Puerto Rico Seismic Network (main image), wiki (1918 quake image)

First of all let me say that if you are a USA resident, then the ‘Big Thrill Small Bill’ vacation deal being offered by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company is pretty awesome (4th night FREE, $200 instant discount, $100 credit card for use in Puerto Rico and a book of discount tickets).

UNFORTUNATELY this offer is NOT available for any one currently living in Puerto Rico.

OK, no big deal you may think as it is meant to be a tourism offer after all; a way to attract people to the island. Well if that is the case then:

1. Why is it only available to USA residents. Surely the island needs to attract visitors from other countries (especially Europe).

2. Does the Puerto Rico Tourism Company think that local residents do not take vacations.

In the current economic situation that the island is facing, many Puerto Rican families and residents are probably contemplating vacationing on the island more now, than ever before. But give me one good reason why a local family should plan to stay at a local hotel, when they will be charged more than $400 more, than a family traveling from the USA.

This is how it roughly breaks down (obviously prices will vary depending on the hotel)

So lets say the room rate $150 per night

Total for 4 nights is $600

USA Residents:
Free 4th night ($150)
$200.00 credit given at booking time
$100 Gift card (can be used for anything here in Puerto Rico), given at check-in.

That’s $450 in savings.

Taking into account all of these discounts and offers the USA family will actually be paying $150 for a 4 night stay at a participating hotel in Puerto Rico (and there are plenty of hotels to choose from; Major Chain Hotels as well as the Small Inns & Hotels of Puerto Rico).

Puerto Rico Resident
No Credits or discounts
Cost is $600

This works out to be $450 more for the Puerto Rican family / resident.

Why should I have to pay $450 more for the same room, just because I already live on the island

Is that FAIR?

Please let me know what you think in the comments below.

Note: I did contact the PRTC about this offer, but as of the time of writing I had not received a reply

For those USA residents out there, the Big Thrill Small Bill offer can be purchased through the following sites Cheap Caribbean, Classic Vacations, Expedia, Libgo, Orbitz, Pleasant Holidays, Travel Impressions & Travelocity. If you prefer to stay in one of Puerto Rico’s smaller hotels, then you will need to book the offer directly with them. For more information on the Big Thrill Small Bill offer, as well as a list of the Small Inns & Hotels that are participating see here.

Update May 27, 2009
I received this reply from the PRTC
‘Thank you for taking the time to express your concern in regards to the Big Thrill, Small Bill offer.

It is customary of all travel destinations to offer exclusive vacation packages customized to each market’s needs and tastes so as to stimulate the demand for travel to the destination. This is a standard practice within the hospitality industry and not an exclusive practice of either PRTC or the Puerto Rico hospitality industry.

Many local hotels promote and advertise a variety of offers and packages for local residents which aim to promote tourism within the island. These offers are marketed by each property individually and valid only for Puerto Rico residents. Many of these packages are published in local Sunday’s newspapers within the travel section and many include meal plan or stay-an- x amount-of-nights-get-one-free-offers. There are also various Paradores offers which are geared towards the local market exclusively.

PRTC also promotes Puerto Rico in Europe and Latin America and the travel offers and specials which the Company utilizes as marketing tools are used exclusively for these international markets. The specifications of the promotional packages vary between these two markets and many times from country to country as to appeal to each particular segment of the population.

Once again I thank you for your time and for allowing PRTC to answer your concerns’

Sincerely,

Marta S. Albanese Bras
Public Relations
Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Photo Resource: xctmx

Related Articles:
Weather in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Food
Driving Around Puerto Rico

1. Fly Puerto Rico to the USA, then USA to United Kingdom (several major airlines offer this)
2. Fly Puerto Rico to Madrid, then Madrid to United Kingdom (Iberia offer this route)

From Nov 2009 (at least for the winter season) that will not be the case; there is going to be a third option. Virgin Atlantic will start weekly flights from London Gatwick (airport code LGW) to San Juan, Puerto Rico (airport code SJU). The flights will operate via Antigua, so they are not direct in the true sense of the word, but if the price is competitive, then it will be a great option for UK travelers or Puerto Rico travelers wanting to visit the UK.

Currently flights are scheduled to start around November 7 and will operate every Saturday during the winter season. Flights will leave London Gatwick around 9:25am, with the return flight from San Juan departing around 6:35pm. Flights will be with one of Virgin Atlantics Boeing 747’s that are configured for: 14 Upper Class, 58 Premium Economy and 379 Economy seats

As of writing this, the new schedule to Puerto Rico has not been added to the online site.

Related Articles:
Puerto Rico, The Local Food
Touring Puerto Rico
Seven Seas Beach, Fajardo

The team from the Colorado State University base there findings on ‘a weak El Nino maritime temperature fluctuation, along with an unusual cooling of tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures it observed in recent months’

Additionally the team are predicting a 31 percent chance that the US Gulf Coast, between Florida and Texas by a major hurricane with an average major hurricane landfall risk in the Caribbean.

The 2009 Hurricane Season runs from 1 June to 30 November and you will be able to track any hurricanes in the Caribbean on our weather page.

For more detailed information, check out the Tropical Meteorology Project at the Colorado State Univesity

Photo Resource: NASA

Related Article:
Ideas for the east coast of Puerto Rico
Ideas for the west coast of Puerto Rico
Ideas for the south coast of Puerto Rico

Learning some of these (if not all) will help you enjoy your trip here, even more.

The above list is just a sample of what you can eat and drink here in Puerto Rico. If you think that one of the translations may not be correct, please add to the comments section below. Also, if there is anything that I have missed off that you think should be there, again, please add to the comments below.

Photo resource: booleansplit, cocola88, nikonvscanon, bigberto, nataliemaynor, heydrienne, sophiea and rajuvaidyazuiq

Related Articles:
Lechon in Guavate
Mofongo
Restaurants around Puerto Rico

Mofongo is a mixture of fried green plantains or fried yuca, mashed together with garlic, olive oil and usually pork cracklings. It can be served as a side dish or as a main dish, where it can be filled with chicken, beef, or seafood. It will either be served directly on the plate (as in the picture) or depending on the restaurant it may be served in it’s own wooden bowl.

Mofongo is just one of the many Puerto Rican foods that you need to try, the next time you are here. So if you see mofongo on the menu whether as an entrée or side dish, make sure to give it a try

photo resource: wiki

Related Articles:
Metropol
Puerto Rican foods
Guavate

Piragua’s are usually sold by roadside vendors from colorful carts and can be found throughout the island. If you wander around Old San Juan, then a piragua might just be the treat to try, to quench that thirst. Typical flavors include:

Anis (Anise)
Cereza (Cherry)
China (Orange)
Coco (Coconut)
Fresa (Strawberry)
Limon (Lemon)
Melao (syrup from the Sugar Cane)
Melon (Watermelon)
Piña (Pineapple)
Uva (Grape)

And many others.

So next time you are here, stop by one of the piragua carts and give one a try.

Photo resource: daquellamanera wikipedia

More articles:
Lechon (roast pork)
Lighthouses of Puerto Rico
Check out Ponce