What is most striking about Puerto Rico is the apparent contradiction between its Latino - Caribbean culture and its cosmopolitan city centers, parallel to mainland U.S. cities. The influences of U.S., Spanish, African and TaÃno cultures have had a perplexing effect on all aspects of Puerto Rican life. Fast food chains and old Spanish colonial buildings stand side-by-side in San Juan; folk music descendant from Spanish folk music contrasts with the bomba, a dance carried over from Africa.
Since it is easy to reach from the United States, Puerto Rico has matured into a tourist hot-spot. But while San Juan continues to be the country's prime attraction, journeys into the countryside reward travellers with a clearer glimpse into the unique Puerto Rican culture.
