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Startups Making a Difference in Puerto Rico

Steeped in billions of dollars of debt and with a rapidly declining population of young professionals, Puerto Rico has set its sights on technology and entrepreneurship to reinvent its economy. Because while 22,000 STEM students graduate each year in Puerto Rico, around 70% of them leave the island in search of better opportunities elsewhere. As a way of stopping the brain drain, Start-Up Chile founder Sebastián Vidal partnered with Parallel18, a startup accelerator in San Juan backed by the trust and the government. The goal? To make an impact with the economy as fast as possible while keeping our young professionals on the island. Covering everything from e-commerce, health, tourism, technology, and social media, the growth and impact of the startups below prove the results are already being felt. Welcome to Part 1 of an ongoing series highlighting startups in PR. In this article, we’re looking at two e-commerce companies that make some of the island’s magic a bit more accessible to our mainland friends.Brands of Puerto RicoWhether you want to purchase a beautiful handmade trinket for your new apartment, give your nostalgic friends in the diaspora the gift of a strong cup of Café Lareño coffee, or show off the wonders of the island to your international friends, Brands of Puerto Rico has many of the island’s favorite local exports.Back in 2014, brothers Alan and Nestor Taveras created the now iconic e-commerce platform while living in the diaspora and missing the things that made home home. Traveras explains that Brands Of Puerto Rico primarily works with small to medium-sized businesses, with over 60% of them being female-founded. But what distinguishes them is what they provide for their customers: an emotional experience, a chance to go back home without leaving their rooms.By 2018, Brands of Puerto Rico became the first Puerto Rican startup to raise $1M. Since then, Brands Of has expanded throughout Latin America, from Mexico, Nicaragua, and Guatemala to the Dominican Republic. Libros787It’s no secret that millions of Puerto Ricans live outside the island. After Hurricane María, though, it was expected that number would rise even more. Amid the instability of post-hurricane infrastructure, Carlos A. Goyco Blechman, a young man from Ponce, teamed up with psychology student Gerardo Enríquez Rivera to launch a project that would change the diaspora’s access to Puerto Rican literature.The e-commerce book shop Libros787, aptly named after the island’s main area code, gathers a wide-ranging and diverse collection of Puerto Rican literature; everything from historical nonfiction, Puerto Rican prose and poetry, and children’s books.During the project’s inception they signed 6 publishing houses, most of which operated solely through physical bookstores on the island, opening them to a more expansive market. Since then, they have formed a partnership with Brands of Puerto Rico and have received support from Parallel18, Puerto Rico’s international startup program. Recently, Goyco revealed to The Weekly Journal that they are in negotiations to launch a publishing house called 787 Editores.Do you have a favorite local startup you’d like to see featured? Submit a start-up (or any local business or non-profit!) for editorial consideration, email info@puertoricoplus.com.

Free Things to do in PR, North Side

Most people know the north side of Puerto Rico as the city of San Juan or Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan). While the city can be more costly, there are still free activities and fun experiences to be had. Check out our list of free things to do on the north side of the island. ‍Specialty: ‍Take a free art class at UPR; Museo de Historia, Antropología y ArteCheck their FB page for upcoming workshops, classes and exhibits. Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PMhttps://www.facebook.com/museouprrpAv. Universidad, San Juan, 00931‍Pack a picnic and spend a few hours on the fields by Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Bring a kite and fly it or buy one inexpensively from nearby vendors. Finding free parking is tricky as many side streets are for residents only, but there are some spots available. There are also several parking garages close by which are fee based. The closest being Ballajá Parking Garage which is open 24 hours a day 7 days per week. 501 C. Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901‍Free yoga class at The Mall of San Juan. Saturdays at 9:00 AM on the third level terrace, bring your yoga mat. Reservation not needed. 1000 The Mall of San Juan Blvd, San Juan, 00924‍Free trolley in Viejo San Juan all day every day, departs from the main bus terminal area across from Pier 4. We recommend getting dropped off at the top of the hill by the fort and working your way down the hill towards the harbor. It will be easier to go down hill and stay in the shade of buildings! Get a map of trolley routes from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company information offices. La Princesa Building, 2 P.º de la Princesa, San Juan, 00902‍Museums:‍Museo de San Juan, displays Puerto Rican art and historic artifacts. Wednesday through Saturday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed for lunch 12:00 -1:00 PM150 C. Norzagaray 3er piso, San Juan, 00901‍Casa Museo Felisa Rincon de Gautier- home of San Juans first mayorWednesday through Friday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM51 Caleta de San Juan, San Juan, 00901‍Coffee Museum of Puerto Rico in CialesThursday and Friday 8:00 AM-3:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM42 Calle Palmer, Ciales, 00638‍Dr Jose Celso Barbosa House and Museum, Bayamon- historic house of physician and prominent politician in the 19th century. Tuesday through Saturday 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM16 Calle de Barbosa, Bayamón, 00961‍Beaches:‍Playa La Poza Del Obispo next to the Arecibo lighthouse. It’s a great spot with a protected swimming area. A good spot for snorkeling, tide pooling or just watching the waves crash onto the rocks. The beach is expansive and you could walk for miles. There are showers to wash off sand but no bathrooms or places to change clothing. Plenty of free parking. F8J3+M8J, Arecibo, 00612‍Playa Piñones head out of the city and drive east towards Isla Verde. Pass through Isla Verde and keep driving about 20 minutes outside of the city and you will find beaches with plenty of free parking. No amenities but the seclusion just a short distance from San Juan is worth it!PR-187, Loíza‍Walk/Run or Bike:‍VSJ Urban Trail stems from Castillo San Felipe del Morro to Laguna del Condado Jaime Benitez National Park. There's a bike path and/or sidewalks for your enjoyment. There can be free parking found on the side of the street, however, get there early in the day if you want to snag a spot. 1110 C. Vieques, San Juan, 00907‍Parque Lineal de Loíza- if you can find parking along PR-187 there’s a great path that goes for a long way from Carolina through Piñones. Great for jogging, walking or cycling. There are sections that may be closed but you can get back on if you have to make a detour. C2X3+GCG, C. Avenue Boca de Cangrejos, Carolina, 00983‍Built in 1853 Paseo de la Princesa is an urban promenade reminiscent of Europe. Walk amongst shade trees, take in water views, stop at a cafe and visit Raices fountain (opened in 1992 to commemorate the 500 year anniversary of the discovery of America). Go during golden hour and be transported back in time. 54 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901‍

Volunteer & Donate: Turtle Patrol

March through November, three main species of sea turtles nest on the shores of Puerto Rico, the leatherback or tinglar, hawksbill or carey, and green sea turtle/peje blanco. A leatherback typically lays 110 eggs in a nest and may have 2 to 8 nests in a season. Out of 1000 hatchlings, usually, only one will survive to adulthood. Numerous obstacles prevent the survival of the hatchlings. Hatchlings can become disoriented by light; they instinctively follow the light of the moon to head to the sea once they’ve popped up out of the sand. Artificial light from buildings, headlights from cars, street lights, and even campfires can cause them to become disoriented, so they head away from water and perish. Coastal development impacts their nesting habitats. Destruction of vegetation, installation of barriers and structures, traffic from vehicles, horses, and ATVs on beaches, lighting, and predators affect their nesting sites and their ability to live in the wild. Turtle Patrol, starting in March and finishing at the end of September, aims to find nesting sites, mark them to keep them safe, and document the nests, sea turtles, locations, and health of the nest and turtles. Along the way, they remove barriers such as disruptions in the sand or debris that would prevent the babies from reaching the sea. They look for turtle tracks to indicate nesting sites and take measurements of tracks left from the momma’s breastplate, which shows her size. They also clean up debris and pick up trash and litter. There are 10 different corridors on the main island that are protected by volunteers, DNER rangers, and US Fish and Wildlife Services. There are also chapters in Vieques and Culebra. Refer to the list below to contact the department in your area and volunteer. Activities around sea turtles and nesting sites are only allowed by permit from PR DRNA as all leatherbacks and marine turtles are endangered species. As part of the volunteer crew, it is discouraged to share where nesting sites are located. Photos and videos must have the required disclaimer. When volunteering, you can expect to walk for long distances, 5 miles roundtrip on average. Walking is done slowly, so expect to take about 3 hours out of your morning on patrol. Depending on the day's needs, it can run shorter or longer, but the group is required to stay together as a unit. They start early, at 6 am, to beat the tropical sun and help the new hatchlings. They go out rain or shine, and you may be required to wade across rivers or water. They accept volunteers of all ages as long as you are fit enough to walk at least 5 miles in the sand and withstand the heat! It is recommended to wear quick-drying clothes for when you get wet either from a downpour or the ocean. In the tropical heat, you’ll want to protect yourself from sunburn with long sleeves, a hat, and sunscreen. Wear a swimsuit and shoes that can get wet or go barefoot if you choose, but bring flip-flops in case of sharp objects. Bring lots of drinking water, at least a liter, and a snack to keep your energy up. Sunscreen to reapply during the day and bug spray are also good to have on hand. Trash bags are great for beach clean-up, and don’t forget a waterproof bag to protect stuff you don’t want to get wet. Volunteer Emilie Parylak says, “It’s a great way to start your day by doing something good for the world.” To volunteer, contact an organization near you from the list below. Puerto Rico Sea Turtle group contacts by municipality or region: ● PRDNER (Sea turtle program coordinator) and Piñones: Carlos Diez 787-453-6484, cdiez@drna.gobierno.pr ● Yo Amo el Tinglar (Hatillo/Arecibo/Barceloneta/Manati,Vega Baja): Myrna Concepción 939-276-9901, myrnaconcepciontorres@gmail.com ● Chelonia (Proyecto Tinglar-Dorado; playa El Unico, Rd. 165): Raymond Flores 787-306-0916, raymond@cheloniapr.org ● TICATOVE (Vieques): Zuki Bermudez 787-438-4493, sukibermudez@yahoo.com, sukibermudez@gmail.com ● 7 Quillas Ocean Park (Condado and Ocean Park): Hilda Benitez 787-688-6763 7quillastecnico@gmail.com, hmbenitez88@gmail.com ● Tortugueros del Sur (Ponce, Santa Isabel, Guayama, Guánica): Guillermo Plaza 787- 341-8888 guilloswift@gmail.com ● Proyecto Tortugas Marinas de Culebra: Abbie White abbie143@hotmail.com Adiereen Villanueva 787-685-7820 ● PRDRNA and Coalition for the Northeast Ecological Corridor Nature Reserve (Fajardo/Luquillo): Rosaly Ramos 787- 635-4493 rosalytinglar@hotmail.com ● Vida Marina (Cabo Rojo, Mayagüez, Rincón, Añasco, Aguada, Aguadilla, Isabela): Robert Mayer 787-414-0776 rjmayerar@gmail.com Sheila Bonet 939-358-5141 sheila.bonet@upr.edu ● Arrecifes Pro-Ciudad (Isla Verde): Paco López 787-604-4959 pacolopez11a@gmail.com ● ATMAR (Maunabo/Yabucoa/Patillas/Humacao & Palmas del Mar): Luis Crespo 787-448-8627 Carmen Arias (Yabucoa Cocal/Guano beach) 787-342- 9057 ● Humacao Nature Reserve: Samerith Sanchez 787-594-6568 samerithster@gmail.com ● DNER Rangers (law enforcement, strandings, rescues): 787-724-5700 787-230-5550 787-771-1124 ● PR Stranding Network (strandings and rescues): Antonio Mignucci 787-399-1900

Toursity Things Worth Doing in Puerto Rico - Pt 1

When exploring Puerto Rico, finding secluded spots and hidden gems is always a rewarding experience. However, some of the island’s most popular places and activities are equally enjoyable. We’ve compiled a selection of Puerto Rico’s tourist attractions worth the hype. From discovering the island’s fascinating biodiversity to its rich cultural history, these places and activities have to be on your Puerto Rico bucket list.El Yunque National ForestPuerto Rico is home to El Yunque which is the only rainforest in the national forest system. Covering approximately 29,000 acres of the island, El Yunque is filled with a plethora of endangered species such as the coquí frog and almost 100 species of birds. Entry into the forest is free and you can purchase parking reservations for $2. There is a range of activities you can participate in once inside such as different hiking trails. When in El Yunque, it is well worth visiting the waterfalls (such as La Coca Falls or Juan Diego Falls) where you can bathe, admire the sights or even jump in.The forest is open for visitors from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. Your free reservation and further information about driving directions can be found hereOld San JuanWhen in San Juan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site Is a must-see because it is the oldest settlement within the island. With a wander through the cobbled streets, you can learn about Puerto Rico’s intricate colonial history. The district’s vibrant architecture dates back to Spanish settlers in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Explore the outside of the city by an amble along the Paseo de La Princesa promenade which also becomes a hub of art and music on the weekends. Make sure you pack comfortable shoes because Old San Juan is an ideal place for walking as opposed to other forms of transport. If you want to learn more about the history behind the area, there are many tours such as a bilingual 2.5 walking tour.Whale watching at RincónWhilst this area is known as a classic spot for tourists, the opportunity for whale watching makes Rincón worth a cliche visit. The peak time for this activity starts in mid-January and runs through to March when the humpback whales migrate past this coastline from as far away as New England, Iceland and Newfoundland. Watching these majestic creatures as they come to the surface for air is a sight like no other. Whale watching can be done from spots on the shore such as the El Faro Lighthouse or you can even join a whale-watching boat tour for close-up views. Whilst there, you can also partake in surfing and swimming closer to the coast.Museo de Arte de Ponce (The Ponce Art Museum)Puerto Rico holds the largest art museum in the Caribbean. Due to its vast size, the galleries boast a wealth of iconic paintings and pieces. Luis A. Ferré, the museum’s founder, was recommended to purchase art works due to their quality alone which results in a varied and intriguing collection. The museum’s collection dates as far back as the fourteenth century with Italian Baroque and Spanish Golden Age paintings. Alongside European classics, there are multiple pieces of art from Puerto Rico such as works by Zilia Sánchez and José Campeche, so you can learn more about Puerto Rico’s culture.The museum is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with reduced hours on Sundays and closed on Tuesdays. General tickets cost $6 with discounted tickets for students, seniors and children. Find out more herePlaya Luquillo (Luquillo Beach)If you’re craving cyan waters and golden sand, then Luquillo Beach is the perfect choice for a tranquil getaway from the city. The area of Balneario La Monserrate is the best section of the beach if you want easy access to amenities such as parking, food stalls and restrooms. Situated near El Yunque National Forest, the beach is lined with palms which can offer shady spots for resting. The water is relatively calm so Luquillo is an ideal option for families. If you are a fan of keeping active, head to Playa Azul for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and more.Check out Part 2 of Cliche things worth doing in PR here.

Where to Stay When You Visit Puerto Rico

Whether you’re seeking luxury accommodation or a cheap and cheerful hostel, Puerto Rico has a range of places to stay. The former are perfect for traveling with a family or on business. Meanwhile, hostels provide a brilliant opportunity to meet fellow travelers. Here are some of the best options for areas across Puerto Rico. The price recommendations are adjusted based on whether the option is a hotel or hostel. Not all areas have hostels, so cheaper hotels are sometimes your best option if traveling on a budget.San JuanAs the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan is made up of multiple districts which each offer their own unique flavor. If you’re craving history and culture, then head to Old San Juan to stay in the city’s archaic colonial district. Alternatively, if you’re more into sun-bathing or water sports at the beach then Isla Verde is for you. Another intriguing region of San Juan is the Santurce district where you can delve into Puerto Rican culture and check out art at institutions such as the Puerto Rico Museum of Art and Museo de Arte Contemporàneo. HotelsHotel El Convento Price: $$Location: 100 C. del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto RicoFeatures:PoolFree WiFiFitness center and gymBar/loungeRooftop terracePrivate parking Rooms with air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, private balconies, room service and housekeeping Website: https://www.elconvento.com Hyatt Place San Juan Price: $$Location: 580 Av. Manuel Fernández Juncos, San Juan, 00907, Puerto RicoFeatures:Pools (including adult, infinity, heated and outdoor)Free WiFiFitness center and gym with classesSauna Children’s activitiesRooms with air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, room service and housekeeping Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/puerto-rico/hyatt-place-san-juan/sjuzs Condado Vanderbilt HotelPrice: $$$Location: 1055 Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00907, Puerto RicoFeatures:PoolFree WiFiFitness center and gym with classesSaunaBar/loungeBeachBicycle hireBreakfastSun terraceLaundry, dry cleaning and ironing serviceRooms with air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, balconies, blackout curtains, room service and housekeeping Website: https://www.condadovanderbilt.com HostelsSanturcia HostelPrice: $$Location: 353 Avenida José de Diego, San Juan, 00909, Puerto RicoFeatures:Rooftop terraceBarBohemian style decorMixed dorms with 6-16 bedsArtistic areaKeypad locksYoga sessionsNear Santurce’s Art District and the SJU airportIn walking distance of restaurants, supermarkets, museums, Dorms or a private roomWifiCommunal living roomDining roomTowel includedNon-smokingWebsite: https://santurciahostel.com Fortaleza Guest House Price: $$Location: 303 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto RicoFeatures:LoungeShared kitchenOutdoor terrace Easy access to Old San JuanCommon areasTwo shared bathroomsThree balconiesFree WiFiLaundry and ironing facilitiesTowels included Air conditioning Bicycle parking Website: https://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Fortaleza-Guest-House/San-Juan/39468 Surf Hostel Puerto RicoPrice: $Location: 2415 Calle Laurel, San Juan, 00913, Puerto RicoFeatures:Next to the beach in the Isla Verde areaBunk beds in mixed roomsFemale /male rooms with shared bathroomsKitchenLobbyBackyardFree WiFiFree parkingWebsite: https://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Hostel-Puerto-Rico/San-Juan/305218 Lazy HostelPrice: $$Location: 353 Avenida José de Diego, San Juan, 00909, Puerto RicoFeatures:Towels and linen includedFree WiFiFree breakfastAir conditioning Bar, restaurant and cafeBicycle parkingOutdoor terrace Common roomWebsite: https://www.lazyhostel.com Outside of San JuanAs well as the immense amount of culture, beauty and entertainment in the capital, Puerto Rico is home to many other intriguing areas. From the natural wonders around Río Grande to the surf-friendly beaches in Aguadilla, the island has it all. We’ve suggested accommodation in some of the best places to stay outside of San Juan.PonceOn the opposite side of the island to San Juan lies Ponce. As it is a coastal city, you can explore the beaches and captivating biological sights at the Reserva Natural Las Cucharas. Like San Juan, Ponce possesses its own important cultural sites such as the Museo de Arte de Ponce which holds the largest collection of European art in the Caribbean. Head to La Cruz del Vigía to climb the cross sculpture and absorb the breathtaking views.HotelsMeliá Century HotelPrice: $$$Location: 75 C. Cristina, Ponce, 00730, Puerto RicoFeatures:PoolFree for kidsRestaurantParkingSun terraceLaundry serviceWiFiRooms with air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, room service and housekeeping Website: https://meliacenturyhotel.com Hotel BélgicaPrice: $$Location: 122 Calle Villa, Ponce, 00730, Puerto RicoFeatures:Coffee shopNearby parkingSun terraceLaundry Bowling offsiteNightclub WiFiRooms with air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, private balconies and housekeeping Website: https://boutiquehotelbelgica.com-hotel.com ViequesJust off the coast of the main island are the smaller islands of Culebra and Vieques. Despite its size, you’ll never be left without activities to do in Vieques; explore the historical Fortín Conde de Mirasol, play water sports or take a midnight trip to marvel at the bioluminescent waters. HotelsSeagate HotelPrice: $$Location: PR-989, Vieques, 00765, Puerto RicoFeatures:Free parkingPoolFree WiFiFree parkingPet friendlyLaundry service Opportunities for horseback riding and snorkelingRooms with air conditioning, kitchenettes and private balconies Website: https://www.seagatehotel.com CulebraIf you’re seeking a tranquil escape, head to the secluded island of Culebra. Home to entrancing wildlife such as sea turtles and coral reefs, you’ll never run out of marvels to see here. Head to the Flamenco beach for quintessential white sands. There aren’t many hostels so a hotel is your best bet here.HotelsOceania VillasPrice: $$$Location: 13 Punta Aloe 251, 00775 Culebra, Puerto RicoFeatures:WiFiBalconies Flat-screen TVMicrowave Air conditioning Garden Website: https://oceaniavillas.com El Navegante de CulebraPrice: $$Location: Pedro Marquez Street 254, 00775 Culebra, Puerto RicoFeatures:WiFiFlat-screen TVAir conditioning Private balcony Parking Restaurant Bar Website: https://naveguest.com MayagüezMayagüez is filled with stunning colonial architecture such as Plaza Colón or the pink Gomez Residence. Head to the Teatro Yagüez if you’re a fan of performing arts and want to support Puerto Rico’s bustling artistic community. Alternatively, take a boat ride out and you can scuba dive in the crystal clear waters.HotelsHoliday Inn Mayagüez & Tropical CasinoPrice: $$Location: 2701 Hwy. 2, Mayaguez 00680 Puerto RicoFeatures:PoolBar/loungeKids stay freeFree WiFiFitness center with gymRestaurantChildren’s activitiesLaundry service24-hour front deskRooms with blackout curtains, air conditioning, flatscreen TV, room service and housekeepingWebsite: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/mayaguez/mazpr/hoteldetail Posada Hotel ColonialPrice: $Location: Iglesia, 14 South, 00680, Puerto RicoFeatures:Free parkingWiFi24-hour front deskIroning service Kids stay freeRooms with air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, private bathrooms and housekeeping Website: https://posadahotelcolonial.comRincónAlso along the coast is Rincón which is another spot for an idyllic beach getaway. Head to beaches, such as Domes or Sandy Beach, for surfing lessons or just to soak in the sun. Additionally, the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve is a wonderful spot where you can discover dolphins, turtles and all kinds of tropical fish. Spend Thursday evenings at the Rincón Art Walk where the streets are decked with food and craft stalls as local people play live music. HotelsQué ChéverePrice: $$Location: 17 Cll Muñoz Rivera, Rincon, Rincón 00677, Puerto RicoFeatures:Rooftop terraceFree WiFiChildren’s activitiesLaundry service Sun deckTennis court offsiteRooms with air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, private balconies, kitchenettes and housekeeping Website: http://www.quecheverepr.com Coconut Palms InnPrice: $Location: 2734 Calle 8 Com. Stella, Rincon 00677-2476 Puerto RicoFeatures:Parking Pool Free WiFiBeach accessPets allowedBBQ facilitiesLaundry service Fishing and canoeing facilities Rooms with air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, private balconies, kitchenettes and housekeeping Website: https://www.coconutpalmsrincon.com LuquilloLuquillo is a delightful coastal area with plenty of quintessentially Caribbean beaches for you to enjoy. Throughout the town there are kiosks, cafes and restaurants which offer tasty Puerto Rican food. If you’re a thrill-seeker, head to Carabalí Rainforest Park for ATV tours and mountain biking.HotelsHotel YunqueMar Price: $$Location: 6 Cll 1, Playa Fortuna, Luquillo 00773, Puerto RicoFeatures:Parking Free WiFiBeach accessPool Children’s activities Sun terrace Rooms with air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, private balconies and housekeeping Website: http://yunque-mar-beach-hotel.caribbeanislandsbesthotels.com/en/ HostelsLuquillo Beach HostelPrice: $$Location: 5 Calle Esperanza, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto RicoFeatures:Free parkingFree WiFiBeach accessFree breakfastAir conditioningRooftop lounge Nautical themedWebsite: https://www.luquillobeachhostel.com