Photos: Puerto Rico — Broke but mostly beautiful
February 18, 2014
The San Felipe del Morro castle, UN World Heritage since 1983, in San Juan, on August 1, 2010.The San Felipe del Morro Fort is a fortification built in XVI century the north end of San Juan Puerto Rico. International economists released a critical report on Puerto Rico's economy Monday, June 29, 2015, on the heels of the governor's warning that the island can't pay its $72 billion public debt. (LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images) ( Mvd1299717 )
A man drinks a beer in a local bar as he watches Puerto Rico’s governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla on television delivering an address on the state of the island's finances, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, June 29, 2015. The governor said that he will form a financial team to negotiate with bondholders on delaying debt payments and then restructuring $72 billion in public debt that he says the island can't repay. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Economy )
People listen as Puerto Rican Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla addresses the island's residents in a televised broadcast regarding the governments $73 billion debt on June 29, 2015 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The governor said that the people on the island will have to sacrifice and share in the responsibilities for pulling the island out of debt. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 86018929 )
The Governors mansion is seen a day after Puerto Rican Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla gave a speech regarding the government's $72 billion debt on June 30, 2015 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Governor said in his speech that the people will have to sacrifice and share in the responsibilities for pulling the island out of debt. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 86023986 )
Rosa Arias listens as Puerto Rican Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla addresses the island's residents in a televised broadcast regarding the governments $73 billion debt on June 29, 2015 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The governor said that the people on the island will have to sacrifice and share in the responsibilities for pulling the island out of debt. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 86018910 )
The U.S. and Puerto Rico flags wave in front of the governor’s mansion in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, June 29, 2015. International economists released a critical report on Puerto Rico's economy Monday on the heels of the governor's warning that the island can't pay its $72 billion public debt. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Economy )
A woman walks in front of a closed down bank in the neighborhood of Rio Piedras in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, June 29, 2015. The bills on the closed bank doors read in Spanish "No to the value added tax. Let the rich pay for the crisis." International economists released a critical report on Puerto Rico's economy Monday on the heels of the governor's warning that the island can't pay its $72 billion public debt. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Economy )
A man stands in front of a jewelry store in the neighborhood of Rio Piedras in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, June 29, 2015. The jewelry itself is surrounded by closed down businesses. International economists released a critical report on Puerto Rico's economy Monday on the heels of the governor's warning that the island can't pay its $72 billion public debt. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Economy )
People walk on the street in front of the governor’s mansion on the background in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, June 29, 2015. International economists released a critical report on Puerto Rico's economy Monday on the heels of the governor's warning that the island can't pay its $72 billion public debt.(AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Economy )
The U.S. and Puerto Rico flags wave in front of the governor’s mansion in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, June 29, 2015. International economists released a critical report on Puerto Rico's economy Monday on the heels of the governor's warning that the island can't pay its $72 billion public debt. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Economy )
The sun rises near a guard tower at Fort San Felipe del Morro a day after Puerto Rican Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla gave a speech regarding the government's $72 billion debt on June 30, 2015 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Governor said in his speech that the people will have to sacrifice and share in the responsibilities for pulling the island out of debt. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 86024013 )
A man plays his guitar while he begs for money in front of a closed down business in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, June 29, 2015. International economists released a critical report on Puerto Rico's economy Monday on the heels of the governor's warning that the island can't pay its $72 billion public debt. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Economy )
A man in a local bar watches Puerto Rico’s governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla on television delivering an address on the state of the island's finances, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday, June 29, 2015. The governor said that he will form a financial team to negotiate with bondholders on delaying debt payments and then restructuring $72 billion in public debt that he says the island can't repay. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Economy )
Jose Vasquez reads a newspaper with a Spanish headline that reads, "more sacrifices," a day after the speech Puerto Rican Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla gave regarding the government's $72 billion debt on June 30, 2015 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Governor said in his speech that the people will have to sacrifice and share in the responsibilities for pulling the island out of debt. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 86023944 )
People exercise near the Fort San Felipe del Morro a day after Puerto Rican Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla gave a speech regarding the government's $72 billion debt on June 30, 2015 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Governor said in his speech that the people will have to sacrifice and share in the responsibilities for pulling the island out of debt. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 86024006 )
People exercise near the Fort San Felipe del Morro a day after Puerto Rican Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla gave a speech regarding the government's $72 billion debt on June 30, 2015 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Governor said in his speech that the people will have to sacrifice and share in the responsibilities for pulling the island out of debt. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ( 86024024 )
Vacant buildings dot the coast in the upscale Condado neighborhood on November 12, 2013 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The island territory of the United States, Puerto Rico, is on the brink of a debt crisis as lending has skyrocketed in the last decade as the government has been issuing municipal bonds. Market analysts have rated those bonds as junk and suspect it's 70 billion dollar debt might be unserviceable in the near future. With no industry other than tourism and the recent collapse of the real estate market, the way out is unclear. (Photo by Christopher Gregory/Getty Images) ( 187982249CG001_ )
The La Perla shanty town sits just a few steps from the upscale neighborhoods of Condado and Old San Juan on November 12, 2013 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The island territory of the United States, Puerto Rico, is on the brink of a debt crisis as lending has skyrocketed in the last decade as the government has been issuing municipal bonds. Market analysts have rated those bonds as junk and suspect it's 70 billion dollar debt might be unserviceable in the near future. With no industry other than tourism and the recent collapse of the real estate market, the way out is unclear. (Photo by Christopher Gregory/Getty Images) ( 187982249CG001_ )
Children play on a beach in San Juan, Thursday, June 12, 2008. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) ( Caribbean Tourism Woes )
The central mountain town of Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, where agriculture is still the main economy is seen July 19, 2002. In its 50 years as a U.S. commonwealth, Puerto Rico has been transformed from an island driven mainly by agriculture to an industrialized society of supermarkets, highways and high-rises, though some areas like Barranquitas have still remained largely unchanged. (AP Photo/Ricardo Figueroa) ( PUERTO RICO'S CHANGES )
The sun sets over San Juan, Puerto Rico as storm clouds from Tropical Storm Omar approach the area Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) ( Tropical Weather Omar )
In this photo taken on Jan. 25, 2012, a welcome sign stands at the entrance of the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. The U.S. Navy is looking for a buyer for the former naval station, once the hub of U.S. military operations in the Caribbean that closed in 2004 after the Navy stopped using nearby Vieques as a bombing range. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Navy Auction )
Vacant buildings dot the coast in the upscale Condado neighborhood on November 12, 2013 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The island territory of the United States, Puerto Rico, is on the brink of a debt crisis as lending has skyrocketed in the last decade as the government has been issuing municipal bonds. Market analysts have rated those bonds as junk and suspect it's 70 billion dollar debt might be unserviceable in the near future. With no industry other than tourism and the recent collapse of the real estate market, the way out is unclear. (Photo by Christopher Gregory/Getty Images) ( 187982249CG001_ )
Cruise ships dock in Old San Juan, the center for Puerto Rican tourism, on November 12, 2013 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The island territory of the United States, Puerto Rico, is on the brink of a debt crisis as lending has skyrocketed in the last decade as the government has been issuing municipal bonds. Market analysts have rated those bonds as junk and suspect it's 70 billion dollar debt might be unserviceable in the near future. With no industry other than tourism and the recent collapse of the real estate market, the way out is unclear. (Photo by Christopher Gregory/Getty Images) ( 187982249CG001_ )
FILE - In this Oct. 25, 2010 file photo, the Atlantic Ocean laps the shoreline of San Juan, Puerto Rico, seen from a high-rise. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File) ( Puerto Rico Climate Change )
A general view of the sixth hole with the El Yunque National Rain Forest beyond during the first round of the Puerto Rico Open presented by seepuertorico.com held at Trump International Golf Club on March 8, 2012 in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Michael Cohen/Getty Images) ( 135976278MC056_PUERTO_RICO_ )
A branch of Swiss bank UBS, which manages close to half of Puerto Rico's wealth, on November 12, 2013 in the Condado neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The island territory of the United States, Puerto Rico, is on the brink of a debt crisis as lending has skyrocketed in the last decade as the government has been issuing municipal bonds. Market analysts have rated those bonds as junk and suspect it's 70 billion dollar debt might be unserviceable in the near future. With no industry other than tourism and the recent collapse of the real estate market, the way out is unclear. (Photo by Christopher Gregory/Getty Images) ( 187982249CG001_ )
Tourists line up to watch the sun set in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico on Monday, April 7, 2003. (AP Photo/ Tomas van Houtryve) ( PUERTO RICO TOURISM )
The central mountain village of Barranquitas, Puerto Rico is seen in this December 1941 photo. (AP Photo/Library of Congress, Jack Delano) ( PUERTO RICO'S CHANGES )
Old San Juan, the center for Puerto Rican tourism, is viewed on November 12, 2013 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The island territory of the United States, Puerto Rico, is on the brink of a debt crisis as lending has skyrocketed in the last decade as the government has been issuing municipal bonds. Market analysts have rated those bonds as junk and suspect it's 70 billion dollar debt might be unserviceable in the near future. With no industry other than tourism and the recent collapse of the real estate market, the way out is unclear. (Photo by Christopher Gregory/Getty Images) ( 187982249CG001_ )
A couple of foreign tourists walk at Isla Verde Beach in San Juan, in this June 11, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton) ( Travel Trip Caribbean Tourism Slump )
A family is seen outside of their wooden home in the slum area known as "El Fanguito" or "The Mud" in San Juan, Puerto Rico in this January 1942 photo. (AP Photo/Library of Congress, Jack Delano) ( PUERTO RICO'S CHANGES )
A surfer walks along the beach at sunrise in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Friday, June 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) ( Travel Trip Puerto Rico Caribbean Tourism Woes )
In this June 28, 2008 photo bikers cross a river in the Northeast Ecological Corridor reserve in the municipality of Luquillo, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico's Gov. Luis Fortuno revoked on Oct. 30, 2009 this reserve of mountain forests and beaches as part of a drive to bring jobs and investment for the US territory's struggling economy, as activists see a broader pattern of looser protection for the island's environment. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Environment )
In this June 28, 2008 photo, cyclists stand on a beach in the Northeast Ecological Corridor Reserve in the municipality of Luquillo in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico's Gov. Luis Fortuno revoked on Oct. 30, 2009 this reserve of mountain forests and beaches as part of a drive to bring jobs and investment for the US territory's struggling economy, as activists see a broader pattern of looser protection for the island's environment. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Environment )
President Eisenhower, center, and Gov. Luis Munoz Marin, left, inspect a unit of the Puerto Rico National Guard at the San Juan airport, Feb. 22, 1960 just after the president's arrival. This was the first stop on the President's flight to South America. (AP Photo) ( President Dwight Eisenhower and Gov. Luis Munoz Marin )
In this photograph taken by AP Images for Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Puerto Rico's new ad campaign, "Puerto Rico Does It Better!," is displayed in New York's Times Square, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010. (Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Puerto Rico Tourism Company) ( Puerto Rico Tourism Company )
A MD-83 aircraft donated by American Airlines is transported to its new home via the Baldorioty de Castro Expressway from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Sunday May 22, 2011. The plane will become part of a permanent exhibit at the Children's Museum of Carolina Puerto. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Plane Donated )
Two tourists sit in the sand on a beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday Nov. 23, 2011. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Caribbean Tourism )
File - President Barack Obama arrives at an airport hanger at Muniz Air National Guard Base, Tuesday, June 14, 2011, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) ( Obama )
Tourists look out from the pier near the cruise ship terminal in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday Nov. 23, 2011. . (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Caribbean Tourism )
In this Oct. 2, 2012 photo, U.S. And Puerto Rico's flags fly as tourists walk along the dock where a cruise ship anchors in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Cruise Ship Cash )
Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla speaks during a state of the commonwealth address at the Capitol building in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Thursday, April 25, 2013. Garcia Padilla unveiled a $9.8 billion operating budget Thursday night in which he pledged to reduce crime, create jobs, boost school attendance and expand the U.S. territory's tourism sector. Padilla said he plans to reduce the island government's $2.2 billion deficit to $775 million in one year, in part by taxing those who earn $200,000 or more a year or who buy homes valued at $1 million or more. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Economic Crisis )
People enjoy a sunny day at the Isla Verde Beach, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Jan. 24, 2013. A good tip for all Puerto Rican beaches is to go early in the morning when the water is calm and there are no crowds. Otherwise, go to Vieques, which has spectacular beaches and that are secluded even in the high season. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Travel-Trip-5 Free Things-Puerto Rico )
Apartment buildings and hotels stand on the Isla Verde beach coastline in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Wednesday July 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) ( Puerto Rico Coastal Protection )
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