Save the Date!
2019 Annual Conference
May 3-5
San Juan, Puerto Rico
About
A melting pot of cultures, Puerto Rico was once described by a national travel guide as a “paradise’s baby wrapped in an urban comforter, with a U.S. uncle and a Spanish mother.”
For more than five centuries the converging cultures of the Caribbean Indians, Spain, Africa, and North America have blended to create a uniquely Puerto Rican heritage evident in our food, music, language, architecture, religion, lifestyles, and arts and crafts.
San Juan
The
Old San Juan neighborhood was originally conceived as a military stronghold. The forts
San Felipe del Morro and
Castillo San Cristóbal were built to protect the Island from military attacks in the 16th century making Puerto Rico, today, the oldest place with european arquitecture in the United States.
In the present, both forts are a World Heritage and National Historic Site, administered by the U.S. National Park Service. The Fort San Felipe del Morro is known for being the largest fortification in the Caribbean.
A few of the details that distinguish the Old San Juan City are the 500-year-old cobblestone streets, the trademark tile roofs, ornate balconies and the heavy wooden doors guarding secret courtyards and gardens. These are all traits of the Spanish influence in the Puerto Rican architecture. If you only have a day in Old San Juan, tour one of the forts and then simply walk the colorful streets of Old San Juan. Get lost around the 7 colorful blocks full of historical gems, museums, relaxed cafes, great shops, exquisite restaurants and more!
The Island‘s architecture speaks of its cultural diversity. A tour of building facades and homes tells a tale of the evolving lifestyles over the past centuries. The buildings vary from historic and picturesque, to modern and efficient.
Fun Facts
FLY
There are hundreds of non-stop flights in and out of
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) every day. Chicago is less than five hours away. New York, under four. And Panama City, under three. Just hop on a plane, take a nap, and wake up in San Juan. Getting around once you’re in Puerto Rico is easy. Taxis are everywhere and your favorite rental car companies are all here.
PASSPORT
U.S. citizens don't need a passport to visit Puerto Rico, and there are no customs to deal with. In Puerto Rico, people drive on the right hand side of the road, use the same currency and enjoy every other travel convenience as the U.S. mainland.
EXPLORE
Puerto Rico boasts world-class golf, the
El Yunque National Rainforest, and the cobblestone streets, buildings and forts that make up
the World Heritage Site of Old San Juan. Take time to enjoy superb local and international cuisine, live music, nightlife and casinos that make Puerto Rico pulse.
CLIMATE
The
average year-round temperature is a balmy 82º F (28º C), with mild easterly trade winds. Most days are sunny and stunning, although there tends to be a bit more rain between August and October.
CUISINE
In Puerto Rico you willl find just about every type of ethnic cuisine here that satisfies every palate, including local “cocina criolla" which you must try as soon as you arrive. Puerto Rican cooking is often compared to Spanish, Cuban and Mexican cuisine, it is a unique tasty blend of Spanish, African, Taíno, and American influences.
CURRENCY
Puerto Rico is a U.S. Commonwealth so the U.S. dollar it is. No need to exchange currency. ATMs are generally easy to find. Most businesses accept major credit cards, as well as traveler’s checks.
TIME ZONE
AST (Atlantic Standard Time) = Eastern U.S. Daylight Savings Time (EDT)