Dorado: The Gem of Puerto Rico's North Coast

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh es-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-en. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh en-tee-en-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah vair ayl may-noo, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [es-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [es-toy en-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh es-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh es moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ayl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [es lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs d'yehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
  [dohn-deh es-tah ayl/lah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl es lah dee-rek-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (en el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh es ayl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Dorado, Puerto Rico, was officially founded in 1842 by Jacinto López Martínez. The town's establishment was a result of the growing agricultural community in the region, particularly focusing on sugarcane cultivation. The foundation of the town was a significant moment in the local history as it marked the formal beginning of its development and expansion.

In the 19th century, Dorado's economy was heavily based on agriculture, with sugarcane being the primary crop. The region's fertile lands and favorable climate contributed to the prosperity of sugar plantations. The sugarcane industry not only shaped the economic landscape but also influenced the social and cultural fabric of Dorado.

In the early 20th century, the American Sugar Refining Company established operations in Dorado, bringing in significant investment and modernizing the local sugar industry. This period saw the introduction of new agricultural techniques and machinery, which increased productivity and brought more economic opportunities to the town.

In 1928, Hurricane San Felipe, one of the most destructive hurricanes in Puerto Rican history, hit Dorado. The hurricane caused widespread devastation, destroying homes, crops, and infrastructure. The community's resilience was tested, but it also led to a stronger sense of unity and the gradual rebuilding of the town.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Dorado began to transform into a tourist destination. The opening of luxury resorts such as the Dorado Beach Resort in the 1950s attracted visitors from around the world. The town's beautiful beaches, golf courses, and upscale amenities have since made it a popular spot for both local and international tourists.

Dorado is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, including the Fiestas Patronales in honor of its patron saint, Anthony of Padua. These annual celebrations feature parades, music, dance, and traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the town and its residents.

Dorado, Puerto Rico, is located approximately 15 miles west of San Juan. The nearest airport is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service to get to Dorado. The drive typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Once in Dorado, transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services. While public buses are available, they may not be the most convenient option for tourists. Many of Dorado’s attractions are spread out, so renting a car can be the most efficient way to explore the area at your own pace.

The official currency in Puerto Rico is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, tips, and places that do not accept cards. ATMs are plentiful in Dorado, so withdrawing cash is convenient.

Dorado is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some neighborhoods in Dorado might have higher crime rates, so it's best to consult locals or hotel staff for advice on areas to avoid.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Dorado has local police and medical facilities available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and act respectfully. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to drivers and other passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or a handshake. Puerto Ricans are generally warm and welcoming. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Dorado like a local, visit the local markets and small eateries where you can taste authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which offers beautiful scenery and luxurious amenities. For a unique experience, explore the historic Ojo del Buey Park, which offers stunning views and a glimpse into Dorado's natural beauty.