Top5 Amazing Facts About Puerto Rico That Will Shock You

In this article we will discover amazing facts about Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has many surprising facts and taboos. It is more than just sunshine and salsa; residents compete for citizenship status. Unique phenomena include frogs falling like rain and glowing underwater galaxies. So let’s begin.

5) Frog Rain

One of the amazing facts about Puerto Rico is that the world’s only “frog rain” occurs in Puerto Rico, specifically in El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US. This phenomenon features the coquí frog, Puerto Rico’s national animal, which is about 2.5 cm long and weighs less than a paperclip. These frogs are harmless but can produce sounds as loud as 100 dB, comparable to a lawn mower or motorcycle. At night, El Yunque becomes a loud amphitheater of frog songs.

On humid nights, coquí frogs climb trees to avoid rain but sometimes jump down, falling from heights of up to 15 meters. When one lands on you, it feels like a tiny, wet surprise. Remarkably, they don’t get hurt from the fall due to their light bodies and flexibility.

4) Earthquakes

One of the amazing facts about Puerto Rico is that Puerto Rico experiences earthquakes nearly every day, particularly in the southern region near Guanica and Pon. This is due to its location on the boundary of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, leading to 1,000 to 3,000 small tremors annually, with most being too minor to feel.

However, about 200 to 300 are more significant, above 3.5 on the Richter scale. Despite this, Puerto Rico remains a safe travel destination, as modern hotels meet earthquake standards and staff are trained for emergencies. Travelers are advised to wear sturdy shoes, know emergency exits, and avoid high floors if they are light sleepers.

3) Young Cow Festival

One of the amazing facts about Puerto Rico is that the Young Cow Festival takes place every third Sunday of January in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, attracting over 120,000 visitors. This unique festival, celebrated for nearly 50 years, features a young cow called Laovia, symbolizing fertility and prosperity, which is crowned and parades decorated with flowers and silks.

The festival includes traditional music, dance, and local floats, adding to the charm. Beyond the festivities, it serves a significant purpose as a scholarship fundraiser, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly. In 2023, it generated over $350,000 for the San Sebastian Scholarship Fund, benefiting nearly 200 local students.

2) Rum Capital

One of the amazing facts about Puerto Rico is that the rum consumed in the U. S. mainly comes from Puerto Rico, known as the rum capital of the world. Over 70% of U. S. rum is produced there. Kasa Bakardi in Catano is the largest premium rum distillery globally, attracting many visitors for tours and tastings.

Local rum must be aged for at least one year, as per the Rums of Puerto Rico program. The famous pina colada cocktail is believed to have been created at the Kuribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan in the 1950s. Puerto Rican rum holds cultural significance, with distilleries like Ron Delbarilito sharing local traditions and pride.

1) Bioluminescent Beaches

One of the amazing facts about Puerto Rico is that Puerto Rico is home to some of the most bioluminescent beaches in the world, where waters glow at night due to tiny microorganisms called bioluminescent dinoflagellates. In places like Mosquito Bay and La Parera, these creatures create stunning blue bursts of light when disturbed.

Mosquito Bay is the brightest bioluminescent bay globally, with over 700,000 dinoflagellates per gallon. Visitors often experience a magical feeling as their skin glows when they touch the water. Nighttime kayak tours are ideal for witnessing this beauty, but many such bays are fading due to pollution and overuse. Visitors should be respectful of this natural wonder.